Dr. Creepen's Dungeon - S3 Ep122: Episode 122: Extremely Weird Horror Stories

Episode Date: April 26, 2023

To get 20% off sitewide at www.exploreroam.com and use the code ‘Dungeon’ at check-out. Tonight’s first terrifying tale is ‘The Night Things’, a wonderful story Densu Kishaa, kindly shared with me via Dr. Crepen’s Vault and narrated here for you all with the author’s express permission: https://www.reddit.com/user/DensuKishaa/ Today’s next tale of terror is ‘The Heart Collector’, an original story by K.B. Hurst AKA Black Friday’s Witch, kindly shared with me and narrated here for you all with the author’s kind permission.  https://preternaturalclubgirl.blog/2020/02/13/heart-collector/  Today’s final tale of the macabre is ‘The Fear Test’, an original story by TBP420, kindly shared with me via the Dr. Creepen sub-reddit and narrated here for you all with the author’s kind permission. https://www.reddit.com/user/TBP420/

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We believe OCT scans are so important they're included with every standard eye exam. Book an eye exam at Spexsavers.cavers.ca.ca. Eye exams are provided by independent optometrists. Visit Spexsavers.com to learn more. Welcome to Dr. Creepin's Dungeon. Weirdness is a term used to describe something that's strange, unusual or unexpected. You can refer to behaviours, ideas, or things that are outside of the norm or conventional standards. What is considered weird can vary depending on cultural and societal norms, personal preferences, and individual perceptions.

I think you'll agree all three of tonight's stories are very weird indeed. Now, as always, before we begin, a word of caution. Tonight's stories may contain strong language or descriptions of violence and horrific imagery. That sounds like your kind of thing. Then let's begin. I was born in a barn alongside my siblings. I remember warm hay and my mother's soft fur. Mother said I was always the brave one.

I was first to venture from the safety of her side, first to try my skills on my siblings, first to make an attempt on the foolish mouse that showed himself on the flat dirt of our home. I was also the first to challenge the male tabby that came to mother some days. I hissed and growled at the stranger, and mother came immediately to my side. She swatted me and called me foolish for challenging such a large cat. Then she nuzzled me and said I had the heart of a lion. She called me Lionheart and took me home to my siblings. I was so proud that I strutted about,

and tried to pounce on my eldest brother he laughed at my squeaking attempts to roar and they all ganged up on me but i was brave and was the first that mother named one night the wind howled and banged at our door the rafters shuddered under the heavy rain as it drove down from the dark sky that night mother told us that one day our human would come he would bring with him new humans who would take us and give us new homes she said that the the new humans would be our family, that they would care for us and we in turn must protect them from the night things. When I remember her words, I feel the cold air as it bit into my small body. Her eyes shone as she warned us of the night things. They were colder than the air in the

barn as she spoke. It made me shiver with fear, but I was Lionheart, I was brave. As my siblings burrowed deep into Mother's side, only I sat before her and listened. She said that each night the night things would come. They were prowled through the dark and only we, the protectors of our homes, would be able to fend them off. At first when we were brought to our new homes, they would not come. Only when they'd satisfied themselves that we were truly there to stay. Only when our new home was truly ours would the night things come. I didn't question Mother then. Only later did I wonder. They're never too loud or deeply,

whether night things would only come when we claimed our homes. What were they? What did they do? And what did they want? I didn't find out that night, nor the next year, nor the year after that. It wasn't until many, many years later, but I finally had my answers.

Mother was right, of course. How a human did come. He came with a young man and a young woman. They brought two little girls with them and the little girls immediately ran to us. My siblings hid in the dark corners of the barn, but I was Lionheart and I was scared of nothing. Though my body quivered and my heart raced. I stood my ground, didn't hiss or bite as the bigger girl scooped me up into her arms. She squealed loudly and raced back to her parents to show me off.

The parents laughed and nodded and I knew then that I would never see my mother nor my sins. siblings again. I struggled to look back at them one last time. She sat tall and regal in the sunlit door of the bar, her glossy grey and white fur shimmering in the sunlight. Her green eyes shimmered too, full of love and pride and sadness. I was Lionart, I would not cry. A little human girl carted me away, but I knew I would have a better life. I knew this was the way it had to be. I knew because mother had told me this. I'd never forget the look in mother's eyes as she watched me go. Not ever.

The ride to my new home was horrible. My stomach ate as the car rocked and I felt sick. The little girl clutched me tight to her lap and whispered soft words as she stroked my friend. It helped a little. I'd never really been petted much at the barn. Occasionally the human man would come with extra fast food and hesitantly rub our hands. heads or backs, but I'd never felt much for him or his half-hearted pets. But the little girl shouted me in the dark folds of her dress and spoke to me the entire way

to my new home. I'd be okay. I was Lionard, and I like being petted by this little human girl. At first, the new sights and smells of the house overwhelmed me. The little girl set me on the floor and I rang for cover. There was so much new here, so much unknown. I cowered beneath the couch and shivered. Mother had warned us, but I couldn't have known how strange a new home would be. At first the little girl had tried to coax me from beneath my hiding spot, but after my stubborn refusal, the bigger humans scolded the girl, and I left me be. Well, I slept for a time, but then I grew curious.

I was in a whole new world, and I needed to find out what was in it. The smell of food also helped. It took some getting used to, but in the next couple of days I found my family. myself growing to really like my new home. I was settling in, but in the back of my mind, Mother's warnings never left me. At night I would creep through the house, looking for the mysterious night things. It was on the third night that I saw my first one. I was nosing around the kitchen, smelling the humans dinner from earlier that night, when I heard the faint sound of a step. Ears alert, I listened more intently.

It was too soft for a human. They were loud and clumsy. The soft step sounded again. Padded feet and claws on the hard wood of the living room. Cautiously I crept towards the sound. Another step. I storked into the room, peeking around the corner, trying to see what had invaded my new home.

It was there, just below the window, dark shadows swirling around a small four-legged creature. It was smooth-skinned with long dark claws and fangs. His tail swished and I wondered if it sensed me yet. It smelled of rain and wet leaves, of darkness and mould. I moved silently towards the thing, watching it as it lowered itself to the floor and snuck forward again. This was not like the play stalking of my siblings in the barn.

It wasn't like chasing the toy mouse the little human girl tossed for me. A serious business. I protect my home from this abomination. My heart beat like a drum in my tiny chest. But power filled my muscles, and I sped from my hiding spot behind a potted plant. The night thing turned to me as I leapt atop it. My claws unshifted, sank deeply into its soft flesh.

I bit at its neck and latched onto what I could only hope was its jugular. He struggled and writhed under my small body, trying to bring its own claws to bed. But I was a lionheart, and I would not let up. We struggled a moment longer before the coppery taste of its dark blood filled my mouth. Just a moment more, and it grew still. I held my grip until I was certain it had perished. Then I let go and stood back, reviewing my kill with pride. Mother would be proud too, I was sure.

Then the night thing began to dissolve. Whips of dark smoke rose from his body in tendrils that reached for the ceiling. In seconds it had faded away into nothingness. I was satisfied. The house would be safe to-night. Each night thereafter, the night things would come. It would slide through the screened windows, flit through the cracks in the doors,

and sometimes even rise through the floors. of the kitchen. Each night I would stalk and dispose of them. It was easy work and I was proud to give back to my family. I'd watch the corpse of the night thing turned vaporous and melt into the dark. Then I'd curl up next to my human girls and purr in their ears. They would sleepily stroke my grey coat and I drift away to pleasant dreams. I protected them and I loved them, though I never forgot my mother. I would think of her sometimes when I was alone and my family was off doing their own things.

I'd remember her warmth against my small body and the joy of chasing my siblings. But in the end I didn't regret my choices or my fate. My life in the house was pleasant for the most part. The humans doted on me with toys and delicious food. Sometimes they get angry and shout when I leapt onto the table stole a mouthful of food from their plates, but when I came to them with a purr in my chest and rubbed them for pets, they would sigh and succumb to my bribes of love.

Soon enough, the years began to pass. I found more often than not that my joints would ache and my bones throb as the winter set in. When the house grew warmer and my girls grew tall, I grew too tired to play the games that I used to. The years were good to me though, and I savoured every one of them. I'd sit and watch the family if they went about their lives. As we lived and loved one another, I was a silent observer of their joys and a comforter in their sorrows. And when the nights came and they were tucked away in their beds, I would hunt. And though when I was young and spry it was as simple as breathing, the years took their toll. I found it more and more difficult to patrol the nights. I was stiff and tired.

It was harder to catch my breath afterwards. I was grown too old for the hunt. Each night I would curl up to sleep with worry on my mind. I knew I couldn't protect the family forever. But what would happen when I inevitably failed? I didn't know. Whatever did happen, though, I would stand my ground and bear my teeth on those night things. I would defy them and stand on.

So I held my head high during the nights and pushed on. The years wore me down as age does. Through blurry eyes I hunted, through aching and protesting bones I prevailed. But the night things kept coming. It became a struggle to rouse my weary body every evening. But I would go as long as I could. I was lion-Arts, and I would not let my family down. I would give them every last breath of my life.

Finally, the night came when I could give no more. I heard a whisper of movement as it approached my resting spot upon a chair in the living room, soft paws padding on carpet. I opened my eyes to peer at my phone. It was a shadow amongst shadows. Once I might have seen it clearly, but now it was a dim shape. I sighed and tried to stand, but my legs failed me. So I was completely surprised when the night thing leapt up beside me.

I blinked at it, and then my heart quickened. Soft grey and white fur came into focus, and she rubbed her warm face against mine. Her purr was as salve to my aching body and soul. I closed my eyes as her weight settled against me. Her memory had faded with time, but I knew her scent as it filled my nose. I could never truly forget it. And so it was, with my mother beside me. me that I took my last breath.

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The Harclector. Ravenous rain tore up the dirt road that led to the house at the end of High Grove Street. The mud seemed to have ripples in it, and hidden beneath the water were puddles leading to east satiric holes that went straight to the depths of hell. The tires to my rundown Chevy found them often, and the rain had lasted days. It was the beginning of February, but felt like.

spring. I'd watch the house across from me on High Grove Street for months now, out of mere curiosity. I moved here in April of last year after a nasty divorce from my wife, Hitler, as I called her, because she was merciless. Oh, that woman took me for everything except my belly bunfice. My ex-wife, Sarah, who I met in college, was a superior sculpture and a bit of an artistic genius. I was a landscape architect, and I thought we were forever. until she met someone new. Sarah no longer had room for me in her heart, a heart that was now frozen to the core.

She grew hateful towards me, and I towards her. I had to face my own reality. I was never good enough for her. I was too skinny, too old, too boring. It needed to dye my hair from grey to brown. I'd look younger if I'd just shave off my long, bushy beard, and so during the divorce, I put up a good fight only,

to piss her off. I made it difficult for her because I wanted the house that was in my name, and I wanted the old collection of baseball cards her father had given me. My ex-wife wanted me to be without everything, and I was having none of it. Well, I may have gone too far on a couple of occasions. We were still sharing the house in shifts because I worked nights, and then one day when she was at work, I had all the locks changed. Yep, it was a dick move. But I wouldn't let her in the house until she gave me back some of my concert t-shirts that she claimed she'd tossed out by accident. Sarah took them on purpose and stored them in her new boyfriend's basement. She'd done it to get back at me for telling her she looked like she put on weights since she met her new boyfriend.

I asked if she was pregnant. I know it was pretty shitty in all, but I was angry. She got pissed off and the next thing I knew, half of my stuff was missing. well according to hitler i'd done things to her which were all made up i thought it was funny because the accusations were outlandish not once did she mention all of the things she'd done to me sarah put on an excellent performance for the judge that granted the restraining order sarah claimed i stalked her showing up in places that she was going to untrue and that i poisoned her cat charles i had done no such thing. Poor old Charlie was on his last legs long before she decided she wanted no part of me or my limp dick, as she put it so nicely. Oh, the so-called porn charges on her credit card in the thousands of dollars, also untrue. Besides, I had a soft spot for old Charles the cat. He had to

live with her. Well, he wasn't living any more, I guess now, was he? A blessing for old Charles. Well, everything could have been explained away, like the porn charges, I mean Hitler lost her wallet a month before on the subway. Someone probably stole her credit card, but, well, it had to be me, right? There were other random things, like a missing flower pot that she'd sculpted on her front porch, neighborhood kids playing pranks at Halloween, all the knives in the kitchen. Now, I will confess, I took the knives because, well, I paid for them. But her new boyfriend was a cop.

convenient, wasn't it? My curiosity about the old man across the street kept me from going completely insane and on a murderous rampage, especially when I saw the latest in her list of complaints. Recently, there came a notice from Hitler's lawyer asking me to return her family photos that I'd apparently stolen immediately.

If I had stolen them, what makes that bitch think I was going to give them back to her anyhow? I mean, I'd so much as caught her in bed with the cop. That was my fault too, I suppose. I couldn't give her children, so she claimed she fell out of love with me because I could no longer give her the life she'd always dreamt of. She was probably already knocked up by a cop boyfriend. Too bad she can't marry him. If she marries him, she stops getting that alimony.

One thing my lawyer wasn't completely shit about doing on my behalf. Most lawyers are shit, though. Greedy sons of bitches that would sacrifice their own mothers to hell if it meant winning a crucial. case, especially if money was involved. To say I was hateful was an understatement. I hated everyone that had ever lived, and I hated

everything that had ever existed. Well, except for the old man across the street. There was a fascinating fellow. He kept to himself and didn't gossip or interfere, unlike my previous neighbours who liked to call the cops if even they remotely thought I was raising my voice to Hitler.

So, to pass the time, I spent my free time watching him. He was a peculiar old fellow, and he led her left except on Thursdays. I worked from home, so I saw everything. He had deliveries made to his house and took things in by a little wheelbarrow. I wondered what an earth he could be building in there. The items he brought in were all the things you might find at a doctor's office. Empty jars, glasses, beakers, pieces of cloth, other things like a balance, a rundown mini-refriger

boxes and boxes of rubber gloves. It was always interesting seeing what he would bring in. I was watching out of my window when I realised I was running late for my doctor's appointment. I was now required to attend court-ordered therapy with a psychologist by the name of Dr. Burns. This would be our very first chat since the restraining order, which Hitler said she would have stopped if I had to see a professional, and of course my Dipschid attorney agreed with her attorney. And so I found myself sitting in the waiting room with another guy that looked like he was a potential serial killer.

I tried not to look at him, but he was staring at me wide-eyed, unwaveringly. I tried to take my mind off the fact I was here and the fact that the guy was so transfixed on me. So, that's when I got the bright idea that maybe I should call my ex-wife to set the record straight about her family photos. It had really been bothering me. I thought he'd be a good idea to let her know that I was at my court-ordered therapy. I was shocked when she answered. What on earth could you possibly want, David? You have a restraining order, yet that doesn't seem to stop you from bothering me.

Do I need to call the cops? I wanted to tell you I'm at the therapist's office. So? I thought you'd like to know I'm being agreeable with you, and to let you know I didn't take your family photos. Why on earth would I do that? anyhow, Sarah. I'm glad you're seeing a therapist. I also note that you're only there because of the restraining order, which, by the way, is for your own good. My own good? You're the one that

was fucking that cop behind my back. What? Did you expect me to be caught you? She sighed. I'm not allowed to talk to you, David. I have to go. No. Why do you think I did all those things? You know I'm not like that. I found myself raising my voice again. Well, out of this time. Why do you think anything... Why do you do anything that you've done in the last year? To torture me.

Let's be honest. You don't play with a full deck any mill because you're sick, David. You need to get some help and move on with your life. Pretty convenient. You have your life now, and I'm the one sitting here getting therapy. You're the crazy bitch that,

told all those lies about me. I'm hanging up now. Please never call me again. Sarah, you know I didn't do those things. Well, I know you have those photos. I saw you put the box in your car when you broke in and stole them. I have a security camera set up in the family room for this very reason. Watch yourself because I would hate to see you go to jail.

What would your life be like then? Oh, well, so that cop boyfriend's helping you. you. You didn't see shit, Sarah. You didn't see shit. I realized I was screaming into the phone when my doctor came into the hallway to see what the commotion was. She'd hung up in the middle of my tirade. David Simmons? I saw Dr. Burns standing there looking at me. She was an older woman with soft gray hair pulled back in a bun. I took a deep breath, looking around the room, feeling the eyes of everyone watching me. I lowered my head and nodded at her.

I'm sorry, I said sheepishly. Please come in. I followed her into her office so she could trick me into telling her all of my deep, dark secrets. But I was smarter than she was. I wouldn't be telling her anything. Do you want to start by discussing what that little outburst was in the waiting room? No, I said. Look, I'm really sorry about that.

I didn't mean to upset anyone. just having a bad day, I guess. Do you have a lot of bad days? No, not really. Deep breath, then. Dr. Burns smiled at me. I'd appreciate it in the future if you'd hold off on those types of outbursts when you're in my office. I have colleagues with other patients.

Dr. Burns' tone was tender and empathetic. I didn't dislike her, and I found myself talking to her even though I didn't want to. I guess it was nice to speak to. a woman that wasn't Hitler. Someone that didn't put me down and made me feel like shit, like I was some kind of loser. So, um, you like to garden? I asked her, looking at all the plants and plant-related books in her office. She smiled warmly at me. It's a hobby of mine. Do you have any hobbies? No, not really. Well, what sort of things do you like to do? I, um, watch people. She took a deep breath and looked at me, puzzled.

How do you mean? Oh, I'm not weird. I bet you get a shit ton of weirdos, like that guy in the waiting room. I bet he molests kids. Real freak that guy. He stared at me the whole time I was out there waiting on you. Oh, I'm not saying you're weird. Everyone can be weird sometimes.

Maybe the man in the waiting room was just staring at you because you were screaming. Eh, maybe. She made sense, I thought. So you like to watch people? How do you watch people? Well, not stalk. Not like Hitler. I mean, my wife, my ex-wife says I do.

I mean, I don't know, to learn from them. You know, there's this fellow that lives across the street from me. I found him really interesting. Why do you find him interesting? Well, he keeps to himself. He's always tinkering around his place. building shit. He's a little fellow, but he gets around if you know what I mean. Have you ever tried talking to him?

No, I don't think he'd really have much to say. Perhaps you could talk to him about what he's building, tell him you admire people like that. Start off with a compliment and go from that. Okay, it feels like I'm trying to ask him on a date. That doesn't mean you're asking him out on a date. anytime you meet someone new it's going to be a brief period of trying to get to know them it takes practice

Dr. Burns smiled at me I guess that makes sense well David our time's up for today but by our next appointment in two weeks I'd like you to reach out to him to say hello or ask him over for a beer rebuilding positive human interactions is crucial to healing

you've been through a lot You mean the divorce and the restraining order? All change causes grief. Just start small. Say hello and see where that takes you. The hour went by so quickly, and I left feeling better than I had in a long time. Dr. Bernshaw had a funny way to make you feel like she wasn't a therapist at all.

She was more like a friend. Maybe that was the point of a therapist. It could be your imaginary friend, sir, that you had someone to talk to. I mean, you paid them to speak to you, or in my case the court page rigged. When I got home, I cracked open a beer and sat down in my recliner. I turned on my television and tried to zone out. I was halfway into a rerun of some old episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents when there was a loud bang. I thought I heard someone screaming.

Sitting up in my chair, I put my beer down. I looked out the window. There seemed to be a flashing light coming from the old man's house. I went outside and I heard it again. Someone was in distress. I walked over towards the old man's driveway, and I heard moaning. A flashlight was rolling around in a circle, and the old man appeared to have fallen. There was glass everywhere, and it was covered in a green liquid.

I stepped out over the glass and went to help the old man up. Did this count as an official meet-and-greet? Well, I laughed to myself, thinking about what Dr. Burns might say in her relaxing voice. A meeting is still a meeting, I imagined her saying to me. Hey, looks like you took a nasty fall. Let me help you up. The old man was still moaning. He seemed tired and out of breath. Once I helped him stand, he seemed all right enough to walk into his house. His door was still wide open, so I helped him to an old Victorian sofa.

He took an audible breath and pointed towards a small table. I looked up and saw a cup grabbed it and handed it to him He smacked his lips together Thank you Oh he was nothing It's a good thing I was here Looks like you took a smack to your head

I'll be okay I'm more concerned with the mess in the driveway I can get that for you It's no problem at all Oh no no I'll tend to it later Really I have a broom in a bucket No

He was stern and his words word was final. For a small man he had a presence about him. He required respect, to which I provided willingly. Okay, do you need anything else? I'm Dave, by the way. Thank you Dave. I'm Boris. I grin wide, thinking how Dr. Burns would be so proud of me when I told her exactly what I'd done. Maybe I get the restraining order to stop sooner than later. Possibly someday I'd be able to repair the relationship with Sarah, tried to make it right. Real pleasure, Boris, I said, sitting down across him in an old chair. It didn't occur to me that might be bad manners.

I looked around the room and there were strange collections of things. On his mantle was a giant fish skeleton. He'd made a lamp of finger bones and on the coffee table was a bowl filled with a coiled snake skeleton. There were insects in frames all over his walls and taxidermist's material. scattered throughout. It wasn't cluttered or messy, and everything had its place inside of his home. The stuffed crows that were lined up his tall wall created a murder frozen in mid-flight. Their eyes seemed to be alive as they watched me from their black metallic gaze. I forgot myself staring at this collection of odd things, and it wasn't until he coughed that I remembered my place.

Oh, my hobby is of oddities, Boris said in a raspy voice. "'How long have you been a collector of oddities?' I asked him. "'Unable to keep my eyes away from all of the little quirks. "'I've something oddly beautiful about them. "'There was a love in them that made it hard to be weirded out by these dead things. "'Well, as long as humans have existed.' "'I chuckled at his elder humour, and awkwardly could tell my time was up. "'It wasn't anything that was said, but I got a strange feeling my presence was no longer welcome.

So I stood and bid goodbye to Boris, with plans to check on his well-being the next day. I entered my home after my visit with the elderly gentleman, whose name I knew now was Boris. I felt strangely tired, for the first time in a long time, but peace. I slept for the first time in ages, and I even had pleasant dreams. I was living with Sarah again. We were so happy, and we had a newborn baby. I was pushing the baby in a stroller. And I'd leaned in to see our child when I woke at the sound of birds

before I could see my child's face in my dream. I showered, and when I looked at the old man in the mirror, I decided I didn't want to adopt the Grizzly Adams look anymore. It took me nearly 30 minutes, but I managed to find my electric razor. I trimmed my long beard to crop it against my face, and I shaved the hair off my head into a crew cut. I looked myself quite satisfied with my new improved look. I cut most of the grey hair off my face and underneath.

It was mostly the reddish-brown colour that defined me as a man of 39. I shouted and dressed like someone that could rejoice in polite society. I made a cup of coffee for myself. I made a second one. I had a splash of cream to both cups. I made my way over to the home of my new friend Boris. I knocked on the front door. It took the old man a few minutes, but he eventually answered.

He opened the door, saying nothing, and just waved me in. For me? he asked, grinning at the second cup of coffee. I wasn't sure if you like cream. If you want more, I have some at home. Oh, not necessary. Thank you. Suppose you're here to check up on me. Yeah, I laughed. You took a big hit to your head. How are you feeling? Oh, like new after a comfy night's sleep. He slurped the coffee I'd handed him, and he sat on. his couch. I stood awkwardly, trying to think of something intelligent to say, when he began to speak

again. Oh, I liked the new look, the shave and the haircut. I better suited to it. You look a bit younger, too. Thanks, I said, feeling comfortable enough now to sit across from him. You're curious as to why I have so many weird things. I can tell by the look on your face. I guess I mean, well, isn't every day you meet someone with such eclectic tastes? Everything in this world has his place. I'm one of those men that appreciates all of it. Life, death, tragedy, blossoming, and disgust. Even the dead eyes of a crow, I find soothing.

I've always been a collector of such finery. I never was much of a collector, but my dad liked it to collect baseball cards. Is that so? Boris laughed blindly. Well, I guess, but I never saw the point. There's a power in owning a piece of history or someone's memories. I nodded and continued looking around the room. Well, I had the collection of baseball cards, but my ex-wife took them.

Nasty divorce that never seems to end. You married for a long time? No, I said, feeling like I was under a microscope. It felt uncomfortable when it was the first. First time someone other than a court-appointed physician showed any interest in me. We were only married for five years. Why'd you divorce? My ex said I'd changed.

Sarah was the one that changed. She was suddenly some famous sculptor. Always had some sort of event. She stopped coming home as much. Got a new set of fancy friends and started sleeping with some cock. There was a bitterness in my tone, and I could feel my eyes glibly. growing black, thinking about her. Oh, I wished I could incinerate her and that cop. I see. By any chance is your ex-wife the one who sculpted that exhibit downtown of Pele?

Yeah, two years ago in April. I believe that's when things started changing. He smiled and nodded. You might help him with something? Boris asked, standing. No, not at all. I have some boxes that need to be moved from my trunk. I made it home last night, but as you know, I didn't go as planned. You look sturdy enough. I helped him carry the first box, although I wasn't sure why he needed my help.

There were only three smaller boxes and none of them weighed very much. I carried them inside and helped me follow him to the basement. The basement wasn't as tidy as the other parts of the house. It seemed cluttered with the utensils that looked scientific in nature.

I looked around the saw there was another room off to the side. There was a light illuminating out of it, beckoning to me. I stacked the boxes on a work table, Boris began to move some items from them. He wasn't paying any attention to me, as he seemed to be enjoying the contents he was pulling from the packages. Ah, I've waited for these for some time, he muttered to himself. I found myself walking towards the room, and then I opened the door, which didn't even make so much as a creek. What I saw nearly made me ill,

but there was something that gave me that feeling of utter amazement. On display shelves with track lighting were beautiful glass jars. Inside them all was a green liquid that seemed to make them glow. Inside each one of them was a glowing flame red heart. My mouth dropped open as I was looking around the room. there were hundreds of them. Below each was a name and what looked like a job title.

I was confused and then remembering myself I turned back to look at Boris. Ah, you found me out, Boris chuckled. Are these pig huts, I asked, showing my immediate stupidity.

Human. How? Why? Don't doctors need these for donations and how would you get them so many of them each one is actually quite special to me not illegal at least not where I come from why each one is a genius of different talent profession most never recognized by the world Boris walked me over to a wall with an enlarged heart pointing to the

description under it it's so big was he a giant I didn't believe what my eyes were showing me. Boris had to have been conned by some dark websites selling them on the black market. God, there were no way these were real. His name was Marco Giovanni. He lived in Sicily and died at age 19. By the registers, he was 10 feet tall. He weighed nearly 300 pounds.

His overgrown heart is actually what would have killed him if I hadn't found him and saved him from a fate worse than death. I stood unmoved in awe. Boris watched me as I looked around the room and my eyes settled on another name. That is Esmeralda Ankerman. She is a world-famous journalist. Next to her was Raymond Warworth. He invented an instrument that saved the entire world when there was no looking.

Next to him is a famous Olympian. I looked at the names and the years, because some of them there were from 152 BC. The name of that person's heart said, Leonidas of Rhodes. He was a famous sprinter that had more successful victories than anyone in modern times. He died and I ensured I procured his heart immediately upon his death. I laughed.

Oh, Boris was off his rocker. Oh, I'm serious. His eyes grew cold. Okay, okay, if you say so. I don't think you understand, young man. I've been collecting these since the beginning of time. I smiled and backed away from him, turning towards the door. It shut on me before I could exit.

I felt an eerie sensation, and I saw a glow of light appear before my eyes. In it, I began to see a movie playing out of the light. It was of a naked man sprinting past other men. The next scene was of a man dreaming. of the world exploding from an asteroid in space. He woke and immediately began working on a secret weapon to keep asteroids from hitting the earth. The calendar on his wall said 1901. More images came through as if each heart spoke to me independently of one another. There was another image, the last. It was of Boris, who was sitting across from a man at a table.

He looked as though he had too much to drink. and was crying. Boris smiled, holding out his hand. The man took Boris's hand. Are you sure? Boris was asking him. My life is over, the man was saying. Boris then reached out to the man as an orb of light erupted from his chest. It was alien in appearance as it left his chest and into Boris's greedy eyes. As he took the heart, he smelled it. There was an element of electricity that entered his nostrils and went down into his chest, settling inside of where his own heart would be. Boris stood up in my vision and straightened up. He looked a bit younger too, walking out of the bar, leaving the dead man there. And then the room went dark, and the living picture shows of Boris and the other people were now gone. My eyes were wet,

and I felt hot and sweaty. I felt a soft hand touched me gently on the shore. It is true, Borisite. Why do they do it? Each one had a life of tragedy. The combination is not ideal, but the source of their sorrow feeds me. I take away their pain. I do not ask if they'll give their lives to me. All of them do so willingly.

All of them. Every man and woman has at one time a death wish. It's my job to grant it. You said that were the hearts of geniuses. Are all geniuses predisposed to suicidal tendencies? There are times when it can be too much. Knowing so much, accomplishing so much, having so much responsibility. The better you are at something, the more is expected of you.

I thought about it, and it made sense. My new friend had gifts, and he now trusted me with a very very very very very very very. very dark secret. Boris was an angel of death. The door opened and the fresh air refresh me. You hungry? Boris asked me.

I nodded. I was starving, actually. There's a great place in town called Denny's. He laughed. I laughed too. It was funny that someone like Boris could enjoy a chain restaurant like Denny's. He sat in a booth waiting for our orders. I was so hungry. I would have ordered the entire menu if I could afford it.

So, tell me more about your relationship with your ex-y. He asked, sipping on his tea. She wanted children. We tried everything, and it never worked out. Just as well. Not everyone's meant to carry such a burden. It's the main reason she didn't want to be with me. Don't take this the wrong way, young man.

But I think she sounds like a rather selfish person. selfish person most geniuses are I idol Boris when he called Sarah a genius I called her Hitler cruelty knew no bounds when it came to me and it infuriated me every time I thought about it I just think she's an eel bitch that's the jury speaking you still love Sarah and you wish she still loved you Boris chuckled again Love? What I feel right now isn't love. There's an old saying that there's a thin line between love and hate. Maybe you're confusing your emotions.

I'm not confused. I wouldn't forget I ever met her crazy ass. I looked around for our waitress who finally brought out food. I devoured it quickly and didn't speak or acknowledged Boris for another 15 minutes. Boris ate toast and eggs quietly and serene. When it's the last time you had sex with a woman that wasn't your wife? I nearly choked on my food. What's that, grandpa? I joked, red-faced.

Ah, the way you lusted after that food is a tell. You need to get your appetite satisfied, or you're going to get fat, and no woman would want a fat, miserable man still pining after his ex-wife. Again, the old man had a hearty laugh at my expense. I was embarrassed at his wife. suggestion honestly the thought had not crossed my mind maybe Boris was onto something as I eyed the waitress from across the room you like her why only you wipe the mayor off your face and go and get a phone number she'll give it

to you well I don't know why I did it but I did exactly that she had dark hair and a curvy body she was young but old enough I tapped from the shoulder to which she turned and smiled She wasn't beautiful, but there was something about her green eyes. I'm very sorry if this comes off offensive, but I was wondering if you might like to have dinner with me. I was in awe of my own confidence. She smiled. Ain't you going to introduce yourself first?

She quipped. Oh, I'm Dave, and you're Emily, I said, looking at her name tag. Okay, Dave, she laughed. give me your cell phone and I'll put my number in it I reached inside my pocket for my phone but it wasn't there I looked back at the table and at Boris who was holding my cell phone in his hand looking at it I heard it my finger to tell Emily to give me a second

I walked over to the table looking at Boris who had the I'm caught look on his face oh it's just as Mara on your phone I like the model is it the newer one I don't know, I said as he handed it to me. I looked down and saw he was looking at my contacts. I thought that was strange, but he was old, ancient to be exact. I didn't take him for a tech guy.

I went back to Emily, she added her name to my phone. I called her that night, we met a local bar. One thing led to another, and I ended up spending the next morning searching for a way not to go on a second date. While Emily was hot, there was little. substance to our encounter. I left a place shortly after 10 in the morning. She kissed me goodbye, but we didn't even pretend there was more to our encounter than just sex.

When I pulled into my driveway, I happened to look across the street and I was shocked to see my ex-wife's car in Boris's driveway. I was confused, like maybe I was seeing things for a moment. And then I saw her. Sarah was grinning from ear to ear as she got into a vehicle. while I hid behind my truck so she wouldn't see me as she drove past I had to know what this was all about I could wait no longer so I marched over to Boris's house

and I knocked loudly on the door it took him a while to answer and when he did he was all smiling can I ask you what the hell my wife Sarah was doing here ex, he said flatly what Sarah's your ex-wife yeah I know

but why was she here, Barnes? Come in. I pushed past him and went into his for him. I bought one of her sculptures. Why? Why not? You said she was a talented sculptor. Because of why you might want it.

Oh, you mean the hearts. Why do you think I'm asking? Why don't we have a drink? I have some gin in the kitchen. I don't want to drink. Boris smiled at me and then walked into the kitchen. He slowly opened his cupboard above the sink and pulled out a bottle of gin, pouring himself a glass. Boris drank it, sipping as he watched me.

He waved the bottle at me, and I shook my head, no. Screwing the cap back onto the bottle, he put it back and then carried his glass with him as he walked towards me. Let me show you something. With a wave of his hands, he created what looked like a whirlwind. hole in his kitchen. Purple lights swirled around in a circle until he seemed to appear in my old home magically. I was now standing in my kitchen and for a second I felt dizzy. I saw her then coming through the door. It was Sarah and she had groceries with her. Mike, are you back? Yeah, I'm here washing dishes. And then I saw him. Mike.

new bow, who was standing over the sink. Sarah was still in the living room while he was cleaning blood off his hands into the kitchen sink. He wiped the blood off the knife and then placed it back into the drawer. Why was Boris showing me this? The room melted all around us, and then I saw it. Mike was burying something in the woods. It was a bag. The bag had broken open and inside it were charred pieces of bone. Mike brushed the bones inside the large black bag and buried it deep inside a hole. Looking around, he quickly cleaned himself off and then walked away. From that point on, I saw more of his crimes. Mike was a serial killer who preyed on people. There was no discrimination, old, young, male, female. Mike killed them all,

but because of his job no one ever suspected. How long? I whispered to Boris, who turned off the vision as though he were pressing a button. Twenty years now, Mike is one of the best serial killers that ever lived. Quite a genius of what he does. Oh, his heart will be quite the specimen to add to my collection. So, you don't want Sarah?

Boris turned his head from me. Looking down as he slowly sipped on his gin. Both are prized specimens. Both, I question. Yes. But Mike is clearly the ones you should kill. I don't kill anyone. They have to want to die.

So, how would it happen? Time will tell. Boris sat his glass down and then smiled him. I have to run into town now. Feel free to stick around. Lock your door on the way out. I stood watching him as he slowly grabbed his jacket, walking out of his house. I couldn't understand the knowledge that my ex-wife was living with a serial killer. I had to do something. I just didn't know what I was going to do.

That night I began researching everything there was on my... He'd been a decorated officer for nearly 20 years. I think I spent the entire afternoon trying to find something on him that I could. could use to go to the police myself. There were so many positive articles written about him. I researched missing people in the area. I guess I didn't know what I'd find on Google. Soon, it was dark outside, and as I looked out the window,

I realized Boris was still not home. I began to panic. What if he'd gone to Sarah's house to collect her heart? I had to face up to the fact that maybe he was right, and perhaps I did still love Sarah. We spent several years together, only married for five and divorced for less. I decided to drive by my old house. I had to make sure Sarah was okay.

When I drove down my old street, I saw the narrow yellow house we'd promised to share the rest of our life together. Part of me still died whenever I looked at it. All the lights were all turned off. I realized it was nearly midnight. They were probably asleep. I slowed down in front of the house when I saw a shadow of a man in the bushes. I stopped and when I did he moved into the shadows making it more difficult for me to see him. I backed my truck up and peered out my driver's side window when I saw the porch light come on.

Sarah was standing on the sun porch, looking out the window. Well, I sped off before she could spot my vehicle. I drove around the corner and then parked halfway up the next street over. I got out of my truck and snuck through the car. yards of nearby houses to see if I could spot the would-be person stalking their home. The lights to Sarah's house were off again. I stood and watched the house for a while before I saw a cop car cruising by. He slowed down, pointing a flashlight in my direction.

Shit, get out of here, you morrow, I told myself, hiding from the glare of the flashlight. I managed to hide well enough not to get spotted, but it was a surefire sign that I needed to get the hell out of there fast. A restraining order will put you in perspective, as will jail time. I ran towards my truck, driving home. I nearly texted Sarah to see if she was okay, but I knew better than to do so. I fell asleep quickly, but I spent a restless night having one nightmare after another. I was walking with Sarah again in a dream, and we had our new baby.

When I went over to peer into the stroller to look at our child, it's only a skeleton of a baby wearing a pink set of a pigeon. pajamas. I woke in a sweat to my phone ringing. It was a voicemail from Dr. Burns. Hello, David. I wanted to reach out to you because you missed your appointment on Friday. I have not reported to the card that you missed it. I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, but we do need to reschedule. Please call me when you get this message. I grabbed my phone and called Dr. Burns right away. I barely knew what day it was. Was it Sunday? Was it still Saturday? Hello, David? Dr. Burns asked.

Yeah, I'm very sorry, Dr. Burns. I was unwell most of yesterday. Is it possible for us to reschedule for this week? Yes, I'm sorry you weren't feeling well. Next time, if you could, please contact my office so that it isn't an issue. Well, while I have you on the phone, may I ask how you've been? I've been good, except for this flu going around. I lamented.

Oh yes, there were a few patients that had to reschedule this week. There was always a reschedule due to the flu at any doctor's office. It was a good cover for now. I'm sorry to have inconvenienced you, Dr. Burns. I'm just glad I was able to talk to you. Like I said before, you need to reschedule, call my office. So I thanked Dr. Burns and hung up. Close call, you idiots, I taught myself.

I sat up in my bed and then went. to shower. And that's when I felt it. Something was off about my house. I could smell something in the air. What's that? Cigarette smoke? Well, I didn't smoke and no one I knew smoked. I strolled into my bathroom and then, I don't know what made me do it, but I looked into the bedroom closet from the corner of my eyes. There was a man dressed in a hooded sweatshirt hiding in my closet to think far. So I stopped for a second, managing not to panic when I grabbed a large book from the shelf by my bed and threw it at the man. From there I saw him race towards me. When he did, he dropped a needle.

I suspected he was going to inject me with it. I struggled as he jumped on me, but I had a head start and ran towards my front door. I suppose I could have stayed and fought, but what would be the use in that? When I had the chance to escape, why not take it? I saw his hoodie fall from his head, and I already knew who it would be before it fell from his face. Mike was behind me, but I was already gone. I ran towards my car, and just as he was about to grab me, I opened the door to my truck

and hit him with it. He fell to the ground clutching his forehead. You son of a bitch, Mike yelled. Well, I couldn't drive away because my keys were in the house, but he was on his feet before I could pull away anyway. And then I saw Mike drop to the ground. I turned behind me and saw that Boris was standing there. He was walking towards me as Mike lay on the ground with a small axe in his thigh.

Come on, let's get you out of here, Boris said. I opened the truck door, and we both stood over Mike. Now what? Oh, we wait. For what? See what he does? I looked at Boris and then back to Mike. Mike stood, but barely.

You two are under arrest. For why? Boris asked him. Attacking an officer. He staggered backward. Boris looked at me with a smudge. We see no badge. Why were you in my friend's house? You attacked him.

Mike said nothing else. Instead he toppled in my during. direction, pulling out a gun. I was lucky enough to see it and stopped him from shooting at me. I wasn't as big as Mike was, but he was injured, so I had that on my side. He struggled for a moment longer, when he fell and hit his head on the concrete, knocking himself out cold. I'd fallen next to him amidst the struggle, and now I got up to look at him.

He was still alive. Now what? I yelled at Boris. we can take him inside I struggled with Mike as Boris was relatively no help I managed to get Mike eventually inside my house

should we call someone he's not waking up he'll wake Boris said sitting on my sofa Mike laid on my living room floor and we both looked at him or erupted from his mouth and Boris let out a giddy chirp of

laughter What? I was annoyed at his giddiness. Oh, you'll see. Finally, after what fell like hours, Mike began to come to. He tried to sit up, but then screamed in pain as he did. Oh, I wouldn't do that if I were you, Boris exclaimed. Mike looks over at him, the confusion apparent. And then he looked at me.

How are you still walking this earth? I kicked him out of anger. Shut up swine. Sarah can't be happy because she's always worried about you and what you'll do next. What about you? I know what you do. Mike looked at me as he realized what I was saying. Who are you going to tell?

Boris looked over at me and then down at Mike. Tell me, what would you like more than anything? To kill both of them. of you. Boris was disappointed as he turned back towards me, shrugging his shoulders. Can't you do something? Oh, they have to want it. What are you two idiots talking about? I need a doctor. Mike was now exhibiting pain. Hmm, I have an idea, I said, grabbing my phone. Boris looked at me. I called Sarah and told her to come over to my place. As soon as Mike saw me say, hello Sarah, it's about Mike. He began to attempt at moving across the floor to get at me.

Without explaining too much, she could hear Mike yelling in the background from pain, which helped both Boris and myself. Sarah soon pulled into my driveway, and soon we heard her pounding on the door. I went to answer it, and when I did, she looked past me towards Mike on the floor. What did you do? She screamed at me. Nothing he didn't deserve, I spat back. Mike held Sarah's long, slender fingers in his hands. He's a murderer.

He tried to kill me. Is there no end to your lies? He belongs somewhere you can get help. I'm so sorry, honey. He attacked me outside our home last night and brought me here, Mike lied. So, the figure hiding in the bushes last night was my but why i figured i must have interrupted him when he was on his way to kill another innocent person i just thought i was doing them a favor oh you're a god damn liar i said turning to sarah

i woke up and he was already at my house i knew she wouldn't believe me so i turned to boris show her the room began to swirl and it was a vision that was a vision that both Sarah and I could see. Mike was slitting the throat of a young woman in a roadside motel. I could feel her heart breaking into pieces, and for once I hated myself for hurting her. Her grip on Mike's hand jerked back. Boris walked over to Mike and looked at him. Mike was now as pale as Sarah, and I knew he must have loved her amidst all of the killing and cravings. and that part shocked me Sarah didn't look at me

but I knew she was broken Boris held out his feeble aged hand to her My dear What is it that you desire I want to die She said as her chest heaved With overwhelming emotion

Sarah held Boris's hand And she cried so hard I felt her crumbling No I yelled Boris looked at me, smiling empathetically. It was asked. Take my heart, I said, not wanting Sarah to die at the hands of a death collector.

Mike was still unresponsive as he laid on the floor, still shaken at what he was seeing. I paid no attention to him even as he managed to slither out the front door to my home, leaving Sarah in Boris's hands. Oh my good chap, you are noble to offer yourself so sacrificial But I did not come here for you You have nothing I need or want You can't take her Take Mike's hearts

Boris looked at me and then back to Sarah But hers is so beautiful His eyes then changed to an amber color I saw the light in his hands Then I saw Sarah lift in his gaze There was a glow coming from her chest. It was something so beautiful about her, all the glow as though she were an angel. I memorized Sarah's face in my mind of what she looked like in the final moments of her life.

The golden orb encasing her heart seemed to move from her chest, as her heart gave itself to Boris willingly. Boris still held on to her, as she took one last heavy breath. As she did, she looked back at me and smiled. before she finally collapsed into Boris's arms. I watched in disbelief as she absorbed the scent of her precious heart, and then it disappeared as he placed the golden orb inside of his pocket. Boris seemed to stand taller than he had been a few moments before.

He collected the heart, and his reward was the beauty and talent inside it. Then the light in his eyes dimmed, and he seemed to remember me. I was so angry and so hurt. My eyes were wet as I grabbed Boris by the shirt collar. Stop, he said, holding out his hand. How dare you? I have a gift for you, please. I looked around the room and I saw it swirl again.

The room was now Boris's home. We stepped inside and I found myself inside the place where he collected those bright red hearts. In an empty jar was Sarah's name. He pulled out the orb and placed it inside the jar on the shelf. He pointed to the empty jar next to it. What? Is that for Mike? That greedy son of a bitch escaped.

You should have taken his. Oh, for a smart man, you can be daft as shit. The jar next to hers. Read the name, Boris said impatiently. I looked at the name next to it and realized it was mine. David Simmons, and under it was my genius talent. I was shocked by what it said. Sacrificed his life to save the most children in a burning building on April 25th, 2021.

I didn't understand. Oh, I don't normally tell, Lowe's, whose hearts I collect beforehand. While you're no use to me now, you will be because of what you suffer today. for today. You'll be a hero someday, son. But I must go now. And as Boris said that, the room swirled once again, and I found myself in my own home. Boris remained on the other side of the wormhole in my living room. Where are you going? I asked him, partly because I was sad he was leaving and also because I still felt like I needed the heart let his guidance. Oh, don't worry, you will see me again. At the end of your life, when you've grown tired, I'll be there. I get thinking about Mike,

and before I could ask him, he seemed to have read my thoughts. It wasn't his time today. But I knew by his words he'd be collecting Mike's heart very soon. And Boris disappeared in a swirl of purple light. I looked around the room and Sarah's body was also gone. There was no trace of what had been or what had occurred. I walked towards my front door, opening it to look out for any signs of Boris. The old house across the street was no longer there. In its place was an old tree and a weathered shack. My house remained the only one on this deserted street. I suppose I should take comfort in knowing that my life would no longer be worthless, but it didn't change that emptiness inside me.

I've tried to move on. It's been a few years since I met the heart collector. All I have to prove you ever existed at all is my own beating heart. I know in time that that will no longer belong to me. What is fear? A human instinct? An indicator of some danger? Well, there are hundreds of theories, all of which are correct in their own way.

Numerous studies have been done through the years, and all of them have the same unanswered question. What's the limit of fear a human can produce? And what happens when we successfully break it? Although the question itself may not seem important, it could alter human history, if done right. Recently, me and a group of highly known and respected scientists were brought together to find the answer.

We all had to sign NDAs, which had said if we were to violate the NDA and reveal this to the public, well, we will be executed. We'd be given a limitless supply of cash for whatever needs we have, no matter the result of this experiment. The reason we're attempting this is because it's believed that once the limit of fear a human can handle is found, broken and removed, any task can be done with ease. Each and every phobia and fear would be erased. Humanity wouldn't fear death if it was looking right at it. This first started because the military had.

issues with over 48% of enlisted soldiers having difficulties pulling the trigger, even if it meant life or death. Then, however, the CIA came along. They completely altered the course of where the experiment will go, although I'm not sure if it was for better or for worse. We started testing on human subjects, exposing their phobias and fears, and letting them come face to face with them, even letting them get killed just for the extra few results. We documented each experiment.

After months of endless testing, we finally got some decent results. This is the next phase of the experiment, letting others test it out themselves and seeing their unfiltered reactions. First question. You wake up in a cold, sweat, dazed and confused. You look around the room and see a figure in the corner. It knows you're looking at it, but chooses not to strike. It's toying with your emotions.

You know your chances of survival are low. Would you attempt to fight or run? Second question. You are tasked with retrieving venom from a deadly spider. It's your job, and some say it's the most dangerous one. You don't know much about the spire itself, so you carelessly try to catch it, but it jumps on you and bites you.

You jump back, get the antivenom, and clean the wound. After 39 days you notice little tiny eggs in your skin around where the spider had bitten you. They start hatching and tearing skin. Would you call for help or cut off your arm? Third question. The year is 2020, the 3rd of April. The COVID-19 virus is spreading. You notice you're out of milk and reluctantly go outside with no mask or any kind of protection

In front of your closest store is a large group of people. You can't go to a different store. That would be too much work. You squeeze through, but it only gets harder. A large group is growing as they all want to go to the store and buy everything they can. Would you push through and have to go out again in the same way? Or go back and risk it taking even longer? Fourth question.

You fall into a cave. Not too deep, but nonetheless your leg is. is broken. You know you won't be able to climb out, so you get out your phone and call 911. They know your location and are on their way. While examining the room, you notice something moving in the darkness, then a slight hiss. Soon enough, you know it's a snake. Not just one, though. With a flashlight on your phone, you see what looks to be over 40 of them coming right for you. You recognize the type of snake. It fears light but can sense movement, and its hearing is much better than that of any human.

If you stay still, they won't attack. Three hours pass, and eight of them are on you. You can hear the ambulance in the distance. If you say a word, it could mean death. Do you scream out and hope they can find you in time? Or do you carefully use the phone's flashlight and attempt to slowly get them all far enough to where you can escape? Fifth question. You go camping with some friends

During the night they all slowly vanish into the forest It's a practical joke you think Three hours past and no sign of them Maybe they just ditched you You grab a flashlight and walk around But still staying close to the tents So you don't get lost You hear twigsnapping

What sounds like chewing and breathing nearby You don't know what it is Or if it knows you're that Do you start sprinting in a random direction or start screaming to try and scare it away? Sixth question. You're on board a cruise, no family, no friends. You did it because you needed some time off. You got a little too drunk and fell off the boat.

Nobody even heard it. You still hope to survive, although you have no idea where you are. 30 minutes pass, but it feels like it's been five hours. Using your waterproof phone's flashlight, you look around you every five minutes or so because you're paranoid. Every now and then you do see something that resembles a sharp, or so you think. It becomes more frequent, and you have nothing to defend yourself with. Do you start frantically panicking and splashing the water to try and scare it away, or do you start swimming in any direction?

Seventh question. Every night before bed you see a man standing outside. your house. You know it's been happening for over a year now. Slowly he gets closer and one night his face is pressed up against your window at night. The cops can't catch him and you feel defenseless when you know he's there and you don't know his intentions. One night you hear a knock on the door and it gets more frequent, then louder then stronger. You become paranoid and scared. You know it's him. Do you run or do you fight?

Eighth question. After reading this or any scary story, do you feel safe at home? And if so, what would you do if you suddenly started experiencing paranormal activities? Ninth question. Do you lock your doors at night? If so, how hard would it be to unlock them without the key? Tenth question. How safe do you feel after watching a horror movie?

11th question You hear screaming You know it's me You know I am after you And you know I can get inside You know no matter where you go I'll find you You know as you're reading this I'm at the window

18th question Do you fear death Fourth question How certain are you that the cops will find you First question. How would you like to be killed? First question. Would you be okay with me consuming your flesh afterwards?

First question. Don't look up. Second question. I'll find your family next. And so once again, we reach the end of tonight's podcast. My thanks as always to the authors of those wonderful stories. you for taking the time to listen. Now, I'd ask one small favor of you. Wherever you get your podcast wrong, please write a few nice words and leave a five-star review as it really helps the podcast.

That's it for this week, but I'll be back again, same time, same place, and I do so hope you'll join me once more. Until next time, sweet dreams and bye-bye.