Dec. 6, 2025

Yuletide Bloodbath: 9 Christmas Horror Stories of Killer Santas, Krampus & Winter Nightmares

Yuletide Bloodbath: 9 Christmas Horror Stories of Killer Santas, Krampus & Winter Nightmares
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Looking for terrifying Christmas horror stories to binge this December? This Weekly Spooky holiday special unleashes nine brutal Christmas horror tales packed with killer Santas, vengeful Krampus spirits, murderous androids, and snow-choked nightmares — the perfect Christmas horror podcast compilation for wrapping gifts, long drives, or late-night chills. 

Settle in for over-the-top holiday carnage as we revisit listener-favorite stories from across the Weekly Spooky vault, curated into one seamless Christmas horror anthology. From backwoods bloodbaths and cursed gifts to AI Santas gone rogue and Christmas Eve in a haunted psych ward, this bingeable episode delivers everything you love about the season… and everything you’re secretly afraid of. 

Inside this episode:

All I Want For Christmas — by Morgan Moore
A devoted father wants to give his daughter the perfect Christmas… even if it means doing something unimaginably horrific. As his plan spirals out of control, this tale asks just how far love — and denial — will go when the holiday lights are glaring and the secrets are buried deep. 

Blood on the Snow — by Shane Migliavacca
On Christmas Eve, bodies are piling up and a brutal killer stalks a snow-swept road. When a stranger stumbles into a roadhouse full of uneasy locals, blizzard-bound murder mystery turns into a fight for survival against something far more vicious than the storm outside. 

Santa Claus is Killin’ the Town — by Morgan Moore
A cozy trip home for the holidays becomes a small-town Christmas slasher when an old local legend crashes the party. At the quaint Chamberlain Inn, tinsel, nostalgia, and hot cocoa give way to blood, panic, and the horrifying truth behind the town’s festive folklore. 

Krampus Is Comin’ — by Rob Fields
A young woman becomes host to the spirit of Krampus on Christmas Eve, and suddenly the naughty finally get what’s coming to them. This one is a bloody revenge fantasy where ho-ho-ho turns into no-no-NO as Krampus uses her body to settle every score. 

Operation Deadly Night — by Keith Tomlin
A futuristic Santa Claus mod for home androids is supposed to spread cheer… until a glitch turns them into jolly killing machines. Families across America find themselves barricaded in their own homes, battling friendly-faced robots who only want one thing this Christmas: your last breath

Dead Silent Night — by David O’Hanlon
Lust, dark elves, and twisted tradition collide in a wickedly funny Christmas nightmare. What starts as a kinky holiday encounter turns into a deadly game where the “helpers” of the season have teeth, claws, and a very different wish list than you were expecting. 

12 Days — by Mike Ashkewe
Far from Earth on a ship called the Roanoke, a pilot trapped in deep space faces AI sabotage, time slipping, and existential dread over twelve long days of Christmas. This eerie sci-fi tale turns festive countdowns into a cosmic death sentence where no signal home can save you. 
 
A Christmas to Remember — by Joe Solmo
Donnie finally comes home hoping for a fresh start, but the sins of his past are waiting under the tree. As old grudges ignite and fate takes a grisly turn, this story pushes holiday redemption into a dark corner where forgiveness and revenge are soaked in blood.
 
Xmas at the Psych Ward — by Bruce Haney
It’s Christmas Eve in a 1960s psychiatric hospital, complete with strange patients, questionable treatments, and staff who are hiding more than they heal. When the snow falls and the power flickers, holiday cheer curdles into institutional horror — and someone (or something) inside isn’t staying in their room tonight. 

Whether you’re decorating the tree, wrapping presents, or doom-scrolling through December, this Christmas horror stories marathon is built for bingeing: one epic episode, nine chilling tales, and enough killer Santas, Krampus justice, and winter nightmares to carry you straight through the season.

Hit play, my spookies, and make Weekly Spooky your go-to Christmas horror podcast for long winter nights.

🎧 LISTEN NOW and subscribe for spine-tingling horror stories every week!

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👉 WeeklySpooky.com/Join

📬 Contact Us / Submit Your Horror Story!


🎵 Music by Ray Mattis 👉 Check out Ray’s incredible work here !
👨‍💼 Executive Producers: Rob Fields, Bobbletopia.com
🎥 Produced by: Daniel Wilder
🌐 Explore more terrifying tales at: WeeklySpooky.com
WEBVTT

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Well, hello, my spookies, Welcome back to our holiday horror binge.

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Another Saturday, another long, shivery stretch of stories to keep

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you company while the tree glows and the wind claws

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at your windows. Tonight's stocking is stuffed with a father

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willing to do something unspeakable for the perfect Christmas. A

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lonely road house where blood steams on the snow, a

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small town where Santa isn't coming, he's killing. And a

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young woman who feels something with hoofs and thorns slip

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in behind her eyes and start making a crampis list

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of its own. We've got cheerful home robots who learn

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that deck the halls can mean with your insides, dark

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elves and bad decisions on a very silent night, a

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twelve day countdown in deep space where the only carols

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are the ships dying alarms, a homecoming that turns Christmas

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dinner into a reckoning, And a psych ward where the

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tinsel hangs limp over restraints and locked doors. So pour

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your cocoa, check those locks, and settle in for another

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marathon of Christmas terror, and make sure you're subscribed, because

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all December long, brand new shows are dropping every day

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until Christmas. I Want for Christmas by Morgan Moore. A

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deathly chill blows through the night as light snow falls

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and gently blankets the ground. Cemetery gates creek open another

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gust of December wind, blowing out of the hollowed grounds

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As they do so. The man who unlocked and opened

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the gates removes the key from the lock. In his

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other hand is a shovel. He looks into the cemetery

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and takes a deep breath, releasing it along with a

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sigh before walking in. The man in question was Jebediah Hawkins.

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Jebediah was a grave keeper for the cemetery. He had

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a wife and a little girl. His reason for being

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in the cemetery tonight would never be anything of question,

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but it was Christmas Eve. Nobody worked in the cemetery

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on Christmas Eve or day. Jebediah walked through the cemetery,

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never wavering on his path. He was on a mission tonight,

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one he intended to complete. A few days ago, Jebediah

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was working a day shift. While he was cleaning in

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the funeral home that rested on the grounds, he spotted

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something that took his breath away. It was the body

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of a six year old girl, the same age as

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his daughter. In her hands was a Tresie doll. Trecie

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dolls were the new toy of the year, selling like hotcakes,

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coming and going lickety split. Every little girl wanted one,

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including Jebediah's daughter. Like many other parents, Jebediah and his

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wife had no luck finding the doll. Their daughter's birthday

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went by without her getting one. It broke the Hawkins'

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hearts to not be able to get the one thing

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their daughter wanted, the one thing she asked for in

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a childhood where she rarely, if ever, asked for anything.

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The two agreed that if either of them found a Tressye,

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that if they could, they would buy it on the spot. Unfortunately,

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their town was small, filled almost exclusively with small cel

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phoned stores. Stocks of the doll came and went in

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the blink of an eye, and out of town trips

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proved no better. The couple had just given up hope

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as Christmas approached, melancholic and ready to disappoint their daughter,

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until Jebediah laid his eyes on the Tressy doll clutched

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in the dead girl's hands. Tragic isn't it, the undertaker asked. Huh,

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Jebediah asked. In response, poor Lass fell off a horse

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she was riding and got trampled to death right before Christmas.

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To boot Such a shame, the undertaker explained as he

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walked away. Yeah, a real shame, Jebediah answered. The next day,

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Jebediah watched as the girl was buried, the Tressie doll

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still in her hands. When he asked why they kept it,

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the undertaker told him that girl and doll went everywhere

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together like they were the best of friends. Her parents

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thought it would be appropriate then that she went off

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to heaven with a friend so she wouldn't be lonely.

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It didn't take long for Jebediah to formulate his plan.

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Jebediah approached the grave of the little girl, more snow

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and wind blew around him, the cold cutting through to

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his bones. Am I really about to do this? He thought.

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He wanted to give his daughter a great Christmas, give

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her the one thing she asked for.

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Can I do this?

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His answer was an earth piercing yes. As he stabbed

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the shovel into the ground. He repeats the action again

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and again, throwing snow covered dirt off to the side.

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As he works his way deeper into the little girl's grave.

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Jebediah's mind blocked out all thoughts of the dead child

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he saw only a few days ago, instead conjuring up

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the image of his daughter with the doll playing happily

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a few hours from now on Christmas Day. He thought

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of him and his wife sitting by the fire come nightfall,

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an extra happy Christmas behind them. It was these thoughts

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that kept Jebediah busy until he felt the shovel head

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slam into the coffin. Jebediah looked down at the small box.

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A gust of wind blew by and threw dirt down

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onto Jebediah and the coffin, almost as if the universe

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was telling him to stop. I can't stop, not now.

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Jebediah started to stab the coffin with the shovel. As

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the head struck the casket repeatedly, wood splintered and flew up.

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Jebediah kept at it for minutes before finally punching a

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hole through the coffin. He stared down into the breach

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and saw the little girl's face and the doll. The

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desperate father tossed the shovel out of the grave and

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knelt down beside the coffin. Jebediah gulped as he stared

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down at the girl's corpse. He reached into the coffin,

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grabbed the doll, and pulled up. Nothing budged. Jebediah tried again,

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but nothing moved. He looked closer as he kept trying

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to pull the doll out. The doll was clasped so

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tightly in her hands that it wouldn't budge. Every tug

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got him nowhere closer to getting the tressy doll. The

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night was moving on and the temperature was dropping. Soon

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it would be midnight Christmas. If he didn't get the

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doll back home in time, then Christmas would be ruined.

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Jebediah braced a foot against the coffin and grabbed the

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doll with both hands. He put all his strength into

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one big tug. The doll came free, and so did

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the hands of the little girl. Still gripping the doll.

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Jebediah stared in horror at the image. He pried the

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hands off the doll and threw them back into the coffin.

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Jebediah stared down into the hole, into the coffin, and

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at the dead little girl, her hands laying on opposite

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ends of her body. The more he looked at her,

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the more she started to remind him of his own daughter.

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Jebediah felt a tinge of regret for what he'd done.

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What if his daughter was dead and someone dug up

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her body to get something. He looked down at the doll.

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All of this, all of this fuss over a simple

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little doll. Jebediah stretched his arms out, hands trembling as

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he told himself he couldn't take it. He closed his eyes,

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unable to bear looking at the corpse. The man tried

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to conjure up images more pleasant. What came to him

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was the image of his daughter on Christmas morning, playing

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with her new Trescy doll. Jebediah opened his eyes and

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looked at the doll. He had to go through with it,

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he told himself, for his little girl. Sorry, Jebediah said

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to the dead girl. He climbed out of the grave

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and set the doll down before picking up the shovel. Quickly,

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he filled the hole back up with dirt, grabbed the doll,

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and high tailed it out of the cemetery into his

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car and sped away into the night. Jebediah knuck into

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his house, being careful not to make too much noise.

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He headed to the kitchen and turned on a small

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light above the sink. Jeb placed the doll down, took

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off his coat, and picked the doll back up with

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a flick of his wrist. Jebediah turned on the water

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and started to clean the doll. After some time, the

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doll was clean of all dirt and Jebediah managed to

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get out some of the stench of earth. He smiled

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at the tressy and placed it on the kitchen table.

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Now to get you wrapped up, Jebediah said, triumphantly. Jebediah

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walked out of the kitchen and started heading to his

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wife's sewing room. The grandfather clock in the living room

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struck midnight. It was Christmas. Jebediah stopped as the clock

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chimed and looked at the Christmas tree. Suddenly, a microburst

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assaulted the Hawkins house. The windows burst open, and wind

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and snow assaulted Jebediah. He tried to get to the windows,

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but is throated by how strong the wind is. Next,

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he attempted to retreat to the sewing room, but a

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gust of wind blew through the windows inside the room

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and slammed Jebediah to the ground. He tried to stand up,

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but found that he couldn't. Instead, he crawled his way

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back into the kitchen. Upon entering the kitchen, the wind stopped.

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The house felt deathly cold as Jebediah stood up cautiously,

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he went to call out for his family, but found

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he couldn't due to a tightening pressure on his throat.

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Jebediah looked down at his neck and found a disembodied

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hand clasped around it. He grabbed hold of the hand

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and tore it off of him, bits of flesh and

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blood going with it. Jeb threw it to the ground

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and stomped as hard as he could on it, crushing

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it in a single blow. A shrill mix of a

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cry and laugh rang in Jebediah's ears. He spun around

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to find the ghostly image of the little Girl from

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the Grave hovering in his kitchen. Jebediah gasped and disbelief

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at what was in front of him. What you're dead,

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he cried, Give it back. The spirit demanded give what

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back my friend, the ghastly girl screamed, loud enough to

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shatter windows. Jebediah stood confused until he remembered what the

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undertaker had said. That girl and doll went everywhere together

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like they were the best of friends. Her parents thought

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it would be appropriate then that she went off to

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heaven with a friend so she wouldn't be lonely. The doll.

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It was that damned doll. Jebediah stared up at the table.

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How could a doll have made this happen? He asked himself.

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He looked at the girl. You don't understand, my daughter.

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She wants it, needs it. You'll have plenty of friends

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up in heaven. Can't you allow a little girl to

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know the happiness you.

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Knew with it?

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Jebediah pleaded. The girl answers with her other detached hand,

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grabbing hold of Jebediah's face, its nails digging into his flesh.

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He grabbed hold of the hand and once more freed himself,

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his face bearing gashes that would scar. Jebediah quickly got

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to his feet and grabbed the tress doll off the

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table and ran from the kitchen. Jebediah ran into the

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living room. As he tried to approach the stairs, the

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ghost appeared. She brought down everything she could in the

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living room to stop him in his path, books, furniture,

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anything and everything. But Jebediah persevered. Finally he reached the

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stairs and ascended them to the second floor. The house

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started to shake. A deafening cry of anguish and rage

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echoed through the house. Jebediah sprinted towards his daughter's room.

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No an avalanche of snow fell upon the Hawkins house.

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Jebediah screamed as the force brought down the roof. The

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second floor collapsed onto the first, leaving the house completely

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and utterly demolished. Jebediah bolted awake, gasping for air. Despite

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the wintry cold, he was drenched in sweat. Honey, what

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is it, his wife asked in a panic. She rubbed

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the small of his back, and the sensation of feeling

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touch brought comfort to him. He looked at his wife

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and embraced her in a tight, near violent hug. Missus

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Hawkins turned the gesture. Jebediah broke the embrace and ran

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out of their bedroom and into his daughters. She wasn't there. Downstairs,

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he exclaimed. Jebediah ran downstairs with his wife not too

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far behind him. When they reached the living room, the

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couple found their daughter sitting by the Christmas tree. She

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turned and looked at her parents with a smile. Jebediah

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sighed in relief. What kept you sleepy heads waiting? It's Christmas?

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The daughter said, yes, yes, it is, Jebediah said, with

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a huge smile. It was all a dream, he told himself.

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Mister and missus Hawkins sat on their couch while their

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daughter began to open presents. Jebediah kissed his wife and

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the two shared smiles and I love yous. From the

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outside looking in, the Hawkins were having a perfect Christmas.

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But outside in a blackened ethereal plane, the little girl

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sat and looked through the roof and into the house.

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She grinned, well, Tressy, it looks like we have some

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new friends forever and ever. Merry Christmas, she told her doll,

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giving it a big hug before returning her gaze to

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her brand new toys. Blood on the Snow by Shane Nigliavanka.

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The cold numbed the man's feet. The snow was nearly

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to his knees. There was nobody to be seen. It

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was a blizzard on Christmas Eve. Only fools and lunatics

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would be on the road tonight. He could have sworn

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he'd seen a sign. What the hell was it called

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VIA's Roadhouse. He could go for a nice, juicy burger

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and some fries, though he really doubted they'd be open.

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I don't think you saw it. The man didn't turn.

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He didn't want to give Simon the satisfaction. This is

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a fine mess you've gotten us in. Simon moaned, we

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should go back. We have a job to do. Away

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down the road, the man stopped. An abandoned car sat

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alongside the shoulder, covered by the steady snowfall. Brushing the

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snow off the driver's side window, the man peered inside.

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The interior was bathed in a faint red hue. The

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car was empty, save for a cell phone sitting on

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the passenger side seat, a red depleted battery symbol on

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its screen. There were words written on the inside of

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the windshield in what appeared to be red lipstick. The

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woods are lovely, dark and deep, Simon read. The man

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backed away from the car, looking around strange Simon observed,

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Look at the snow. He pointed to the snow in

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front of the car. Through the covering of fresh snow,

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two sets of footprints were still visible, one from the

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car and one approaching. It looks like a struggle, maybe,

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Simon noted. Indeed, it looked like a scuffle of some

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kind happened where the two sets of footprints came together.

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I think you're right, the man answered. Finally he speaks.

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The man ignored his companion. The second set came from

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a head, then one left and headed through the woods.

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The man was tempted to see where the footprints lay,

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but his feet ached and the road promised a glimmer

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of shelter and warmth. Angela really wanted to go home,

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not that she had much to go home too in

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her little apartment. Yet it was a hell of a

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lot better than waiting tables at the roadhouse. Vera was

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paying her extra for Christmas Eve, and Angela needed the

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money if she was ever going to leave Dylansville. There

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was a small group tonight, three regulars, stew the cook

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and Vera.

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Man.

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Look at that shit come down, I think it's nice,

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Billy Vera said, gonna have a white Christmas. Billy scoffed,

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Fuck Christmas, you're just an old scrooge, the old black

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man sitting at the bar said, before taking a shot

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of whiskey. Got that right, Marvin, Billy laughed. He won't

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see me wishing anybody a merry Christmas. I remember one Christmas,

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the old man mused. For a moment, twenty years back,

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we didn't have snow until January. That's global warming for you.

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Angela spoke up, Fuck global warming, Billy grumbled. Verus scolded,

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every other word out of your mouth is either fuck

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shit or damn well. Hell, I guess I need my

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mouth washed with fucking soap. This brought a chuckle from

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another of the regulars. Don't encourage him, Donnie Vera said. Donnie,

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a heavy set, bald man, sat at the end of

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the bar. Earlier tonight, I saw the strangest looking light

279
00:21:39.119 --> 00:21:42.319
coming out of the woods. Made me feel weird just

280
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seeing it, Donnie said, softly. What it looked like, strange

281
00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:52.799
green color, like nothing I'd seen before. Probably some kids

282
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snowmobile and got fancy new headlights or something, Billy said dismissively.

283
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The front door opened. It banged hard against the wall.

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Startling Angela. A man in a black leather jacket stood

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in the entrance, brushing snow off his goatee. Get in here,

286
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he ordered. A woman carrying a young girl entered. She

287
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flashed a meek smile. Warm in here, the woman smiled.

288
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Won't be for long if you keep the door open,

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Billy said, earning a glare from the man. What brings

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you folks out on Christmas eve? Vera asked? The woman.

291
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Set the girl down. We were visiting my mother. Ollie

292
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thought we could beat the storm home. Vera sat them

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at one of the booths. What can I get you, folks?

294
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The woman looked at the girl. What do you want?

295
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Hun Uh? Hot chocolate? Vera smiled, can do got a beer?

296
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Ali asked, not tonight? The woman said, you promised. I'll

297
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drink what I want Marie. Marie looked at Vera. I'll

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00:23:02.079 --> 00:23:05.359
have a hot chocolate too, New folks hungry, I'll have

299
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Angela bring you some menus. Sure, sure, Alli said, whatever, Hey, Vera.

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Donnie spoke up. A hot chocolate sounds good, I'll have

301
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one too. Donnie slid off the barstool he'd been keeping warm,

302
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hafting up his loose fitting pants. He walked over to

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the table with the newcomers. Mama, are we going to

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be home in time for Santa? The little girl asked Marie.

305
00:23:30.759 --> 00:23:34.279
I'm not sure, honey. Will Santa still bring stuff if

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we're not home? He won't come if you're a bad

307
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girl and keep making noise, Ali warned her. Donnie tried

308
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to make small talk. Quite a night out. Huh terrible,

309
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Marie answered. Donnie smiled and waved to the girl. What's

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your name, little one? Hayley? The girl responded, looking worried.

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Why don't you leave us alone?

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Man?

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Allie's eyes narrowed to slits. Your own business?

314
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Sure?

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00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:06.880
Sorry. The door opened again, letting in a whirlwind of snow.

316
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The man stood there at its center. He stepped into

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the roadhouse, slamming the door shut in Simon's face. Hey wait,

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Simon protested. Before the door closed. The man felt their

319
00:24:18.799 --> 00:24:21.759
eyes on him as he went over to a corner booth.

320
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From here he had a good view of the roadhouse.

321
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Angela approached him, looking a little apprehensive. Merry Christmas, she smiled,

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Can I get you something to drink? Or bring you

323
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a menu? A coke and a cheeseburger with fries and

324
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make it bloody right. She left, and after a moment,

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Simon slumped into the seat opposite him, brushing snow from

326
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his shoulders and hair. Very funny, Simon bitched, I thought,

327
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so order anything for me? No figures. Donnie sidled up

328
00:24:59.359 --> 00:25:02.720
to the man's tas the place is jumping tonight, have

329
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some car trouble. I don't want to do this. Donnie looked, perplexed.

330
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What don't want?

331
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What this?

332
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The man said, talking go away. A heavy set man,

333
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his hair pulled back into a ponytail, leaned his head

334
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out of the kitchen. Verra Angela, why do you get

335
00:25:25.440 --> 00:25:29.319
me some rolls from storage? The man sat watching the

336
00:25:29.359 --> 00:25:32.200
others as he waited for his food. Donnie went back

337
00:25:32.240 --> 00:25:35.839
to his barstool and began talking to Marvin Angela. The

338
00:25:35.880 --> 00:25:38.119
waitress brought a tray with food and drinks to the

339
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family sitting near the entrance. Another patron, Angela called him

340
00:25:42.400 --> 00:25:46.599
Billy was playing a pinball machine. The man felt the

341
00:25:46.640 --> 00:25:50.039
tiredness creeping up on him. How long had it been

342
00:25:50.119 --> 00:25:54.880
since he'd slept? His eyelids grew heavy as weariness began

343
00:25:54.960 --> 00:25:59.759
to conquer him. His head drooped forward, his eyes snapped

344
00:25:59.759 --> 00:26:02.279
open and again as a scream ripped through the roadhouse.

345
00:26:02.759 --> 00:26:06.799
Vera screamed again, tears running down her, red cheeks out

346
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back dead. Stu and Angela comforted Vera as Billy questioned her,

347
00:26:12.519 --> 00:26:13.839
What the hell are you talking about?

348
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Woman?

349
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Who's dead? A man? I don't know who? By the storeroom.

350
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Billy and Stu left to go look as Angela sat

351
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holding Vera's hand. That's crazy, huh, A dead guy, Donnie

352
00:26:28.880 --> 00:26:32.960
asked Marvin, who was busy pouring himself another drink. Lots

353
00:26:32.960 --> 00:26:36.119
of crazy shit in the world these days, boys. The

354
00:26:36.200 --> 00:26:39.440
man got up. He felt a nagging itch in his head.

355
00:26:40.160 --> 00:26:43.440
Simon was gone and there was a dead man he

356
00:26:43.559 --> 00:26:48.119
had to see, had to know. Donnie called after him

357
00:26:48.119 --> 00:26:51.920
as he walked by. Where are you going, mister, to

358
00:26:52.000 --> 00:26:59.240
see a dead body? The storeroom was a separate building

359
00:26:59.319 --> 00:27:03.119
behind the roadhouse. Billy and Stu were staring at the

360
00:27:03.160 --> 00:27:06.880
body when he found them. Never seen this fellow before.

361
00:27:07.400 --> 00:27:12.559
Stu was saying, shit, me neither. The body sat its

362
00:27:12.640 --> 00:27:17.799
back against the storeroom's wall, partially covered in snow. Well

363
00:27:18.400 --> 00:27:23.160
he's dead, all right, the man said, startling Billy and Stu. Fuck,

364
00:27:23.720 --> 00:27:29.039
don't do that. Dude, Billy warned, almost shit him, know him,

365
00:27:29.039 --> 00:27:33.920
mister Stu asked. The man shook his head. It wasn't

366
00:27:33.960 --> 00:27:39.640
anyone he recognized a small blessing anyway. No, but I

367
00:27:39.680 --> 00:27:42.920
did see an abandoned car down the road. Maybe it

368
00:27:43.000 --> 00:27:49.440
was his. Stu pondered, this tidbit could be? Could be anybody?

369
00:27:49.519 --> 00:27:55.000
Check him for id you mean like touch him? Billy

370
00:27:55.079 --> 00:27:58.160
shivered at the thought. Billy and Stu looked at the

371
00:27:58.200 --> 00:28:01.960
man stepping out of the way. Billy motioned to the body,

372
00:28:02.839 --> 00:28:06.279
be my guest. The man knelt in front of the body.

373
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The dead man's eyes were wide, a horrified expression etched

374
00:28:10.240 --> 00:28:15.759
on his face. Holy hell, Stu exclaimed, what killed him?

375
00:28:16.119 --> 00:28:20.319
Billy asked, his voice wavering. The man brushed more snow

376
00:28:20.359 --> 00:28:24.720
off the body. There were no visible marks or wounds anywhere,

377
00:28:25.640 --> 00:28:30.119
no clue. The man searched the body. Should you be

378
00:28:30.240 --> 00:28:35.200
touching him? Stu asked, he could have something. The man

379
00:28:35.319 --> 00:28:39.200
found a wallet. Inside was fifty dollars, a picture of

380
00:28:39.240 --> 00:28:43.680
a woman, and a driver's license. Adam Hunter, he said,

381
00:28:43.720 --> 00:28:49.400
out loud, Merry Christmas. Stu stroked his stubby chin. Uh,

382
00:28:50.400 --> 00:28:51.880
what do we do with him?

383
00:28:52.319 --> 00:28:52.920
Leave him here?

384
00:28:53.440 --> 00:28:56.799
The man said, he ain't going anywhere, and he'll be frozen.

385
00:28:57.319 --> 00:29:02.759
No smell. Suppose you're right. The man slipped the wallet

386
00:29:02.839 --> 00:29:06.039
back into the corpse's pocket before heading back in with

387
00:29:06.160 --> 00:29:14.680
Billy and Stu. Inside, not much had changed. Angela sat

388
00:29:14.720 --> 00:29:17.559
in one of the booths with Vera. Donnie sat at

389
00:29:17.599 --> 00:29:20.920
the bar, annoying. Marvin and the family were still seated

390
00:29:20.920 --> 00:29:24.559
where they were previous. Angela looked up as they entered.

391
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Is he? Billy nodded, was was he? You know, murdered? Well,

392
00:29:34.559 --> 00:29:38.680
that's tough to say, really, Stu said, we should call

393
00:29:38.720 --> 00:29:42.160
the cops. I think Vera needs a doctor. I'm fine,

394
00:29:42.599 --> 00:29:46.640
Vera said, wiping her bloodshot eyes. I've never seen that

395
00:29:46.759 --> 00:29:50.000
kind of look on a man's face before, Billy said,

396
00:29:50.039 --> 00:29:55.160
sitting down at the bar, If if he was killed,

397
00:29:55.839 --> 00:30:00.839
Vera stammered, that means somebody did it. She looked at

398
00:30:00.880 --> 00:30:05.440
the others, an uneasy hush fell over everybody. The man

399
00:30:05.599 --> 00:30:10.640
felt the other's eyes on him. What, well, you aren't

400
00:30:10.640 --> 00:30:15.119
from around here, Stu said, neither are they. The man

401
00:30:15.160 --> 00:30:20.759
pointed to the family. They got a kid. Billy spoke up, besides,

402
00:30:21.200 --> 00:30:26.279
you seemed mighty comfortable around that body, right, Stu nodded.

403
00:30:27.000 --> 00:30:31.319
The man felt sweat trickle down his brow. Maybe you're

404
00:30:31.359 --> 00:30:37.359
a maniac, Donnie answered, A serial killer. He looked suspicious.

405
00:30:37.880 --> 00:30:42.400
Vera observed, look at him sweatin'. You're all beIN a

406
00:30:42.400 --> 00:30:47.319
bunch of idiots, Marvin stated, before taking another shot of whiskey.

407
00:30:47.480 --> 00:30:50.640
The man shook his head. I didn't kill that man.

408
00:30:51.519 --> 00:30:55.279
Where was Simon? The man thought he could really use

409
00:30:55.359 --> 00:30:59.920
him right about now. We should call the cops. Angela suggested,

410
00:31:00.359 --> 00:31:02.960
they can handle it. We don't know if he did anything.

411
00:31:03.640 --> 00:31:06.400
Marie stood up. We should at least lock him up,

412
00:31:06.519 --> 00:31:11.720
especially with my daughter here. I agree, Billy said, look,

413
00:31:11.759 --> 00:31:15.640
you muskrat love listening. Motherfucker's The man looked at Marie

414
00:31:15.640 --> 00:31:19.680
and her daughter. Pardon my French, I didn't kill that guy.

415
00:31:20.000 --> 00:31:22.400
In fact, how do we know it wasn't one of

416
00:31:22.440 --> 00:31:28.160
you assholes? Marvin started laughing. He's got you there. Angela

417
00:31:28.240 --> 00:31:32.119
stood taking out her phone. Everybody calmed down. I'm gonna

418
00:31:32.119 --> 00:31:35.240
call the cops. They can sort it all out. Stu

419
00:31:35.400 --> 00:31:38.960
seemed to be swayed by this. Yeah, let them deal

420
00:31:39.000 --> 00:31:44.079
with it, Billy grumbled, fine. He looked at the man coldly.

421
00:31:44.920 --> 00:31:48.039
Vera went behind the bar. Why don't I make us

422
00:31:48.079 --> 00:31:51.799
all some coffee. The man sat in one of the booths,

423
00:31:52.119 --> 00:31:57.559
looking out the window, watching the snowfall crap. Angela complained,

424
00:31:57.960 --> 00:32:00.519
all I'm getting is a recording. All the lines must

425
00:32:00.559 --> 00:32:04.279
be busy from the storm. Angela want to help me

426
00:32:04.359 --> 00:32:09.680
with the coffee, Vera asked, coming, Angela answered, can I

427
00:32:09.720 --> 00:32:12.920
get a beer? Ali hollered, If we're going to be

428
00:32:12.960 --> 00:32:16.480
stuck here, might as well enjoy it. Haley tugged at

429
00:32:16.480 --> 00:32:21.720
her mother's sleeve. Mama, Mama, I got a pee. Marie

430
00:32:21.759 --> 00:32:26.559
looked at Ali, unsure. I'm not sure, honey, Ali grumbled,

431
00:32:27.000 --> 00:32:31.480
take her give me some quiet. Taking Haley by the hand,

432
00:32:31.920 --> 00:32:35.799
Marie asked Donni directions to the restrooms. The man watched

433
00:32:35.839 --> 00:32:39.559
them go by. He sat wishing he was anywhere but here.

434
00:32:40.160 --> 00:32:43.680
On Christmas night. It was obvious most of the people

435
00:32:43.759 --> 00:32:46.160
here were ready to pin that dead man on him,

436
00:32:46.599 --> 00:32:48.680
but he didn't give a shit about any of them.

437
00:32:49.200 --> 00:32:52.680
There was a job to do. The lights flickered rapidly

438
00:32:53.200 --> 00:32:57.319
before going out. There were murmurs of shock, confusion, and

439
00:32:57.400 --> 00:33:01.319
anger from the patrons and staff. Dew spoke up, trying

440
00:33:01.359 --> 00:33:05.559
to calm everyone. Storm probably knocked out some power lines.

441
00:33:05.759 --> 00:33:09.480
Don't worry, I got a generator out back. Then, from

442
00:33:09.519 --> 00:33:14.839
somewhere in the roadhouse, somebody screamed. The man felt somebody

443
00:33:14.920 --> 00:33:17.880
rush by him in the dark. The others called out.

444
00:33:18.359 --> 00:33:22.480
After several minutes of darkness and uncertainty, Angela appeared, holding

445
00:33:22.519 --> 00:33:25.839
her cellphone to light the way. They followed Angela to

446
00:33:25.880 --> 00:33:29.319
the women's bathroom. Vera stood with a shaken Marie and

447
00:33:29.400 --> 00:33:34.839
Hayley in there. Via motioned to the middle stall, shining

448
00:33:34.880 --> 00:33:38.880
the light into the stall they crowded around. Sitting there,

449
00:33:39.359 --> 00:33:43.559
slumped on the toilet was a dead woman. She wore

450
00:33:43.599 --> 00:33:47.480
an ugly Christmas sweater, made uglier by the blood frozen

451
00:33:47.559 --> 00:33:53.799
to it from her slashed throat. Written behind her in blood,

452
00:33:53.880 --> 00:34:00.480
it read, but I have promises to keep Holy shit,

453
00:34:01.160 --> 00:34:04.680
Donnie gasped. Vera took Marie and Haley out of there.

454
00:34:06.240 --> 00:34:11.480
Who is she fucked? If I know? Stu replied, she's

455
00:34:11.559 --> 00:34:15.840
been dead awhile the man pointed out. After some debate,

456
00:34:16.280 --> 00:34:19.360
they agreed to leave the woman sitting there, best not

457
00:34:19.519 --> 00:34:23.440
to disturb any evidence. Back at the bar, they found

458
00:34:23.519 --> 00:34:26.880
Marie and Haley sitting together in a booth. Vera had

459
00:34:26.880 --> 00:34:30.360
lit a couple of kerosene lanterns, giving the interior a

460
00:34:30.400 --> 00:34:34.639
soft glow. Deep shadows lurked at the fringes of the light.

461
00:34:35.719 --> 00:34:40.920
Coffee's ready, Vera informed them. Stu exhaled, his breath was

462
00:34:41.039 --> 00:34:44.880
visible in the lantern light. I'm going out to start

463
00:34:44.880 --> 00:34:49.280
the generator, he said, pulling on a heavy jacket. Are

464
00:34:49.320 --> 00:34:53.679
you going out there alone? Donnie asked. Stu reached under

465
00:34:53.719 --> 00:35:03.239
the bar, pulling out a pump shotgun. Not alone. Fia

466
00:35:03.320 --> 00:35:06.960
and Angela handed out mugs of hot coffee. The man

467
00:35:07.039 --> 00:35:11.000
took one, watching the steam rise off it. He felt

468
00:35:11.079 --> 00:35:14.639
too nervous to drink. He was used to being in control,

469
00:35:14.679 --> 00:35:16.920
and now he was stuck in the middle of nowhere.

470
00:35:17.199 --> 00:35:21.079
There were two dead bodies, and Simon was missing. He

471
00:35:21.280 --> 00:35:25.760
needed Simon. The man didn't even notice the lights flickering

472
00:35:25.800 --> 00:35:29.519
back to life until Donnie clapped. We can warm up

473
00:35:29.519 --> 00:35:32.960
a little, at least, Vera said, rubbing her hands together.

474
00:35:33.920 --> 00:35:37.000
Vera and Angela went back to the kitchen. The others

475
00:35:37.079 --> 00:35:40.719
hung by the bar, talking amongst themselves, save for Ali,

476
00:35:40.840 --> 00:35:45.119
Marie and their girl. The man kept to himself, not

477
00:35:45.199 --> 00:35:49.440
trusting any of them. Minutes went by before Vera emerged

478
00:35:49.480 --> 00:35:52.880
from the kitchen with Angela, both holding trays of sandwiches.

479
00:35:53.880 --> 00:35:59.119
Where's Stew, Vera asked, looking around. There was a murmur

480
00:35:59.199 --> 00:36:06.159
among them as they realized he hadn't returned. Four of

481
00:36:06.199 --> 00:36:11.679
them went out the man, Vera, Billy and Angela. The

482
00:36:11.719 --> 00:36:15.599
wind began to batter them with cold and snow. Vera

483
00:36:15.679 --> 00:36:18.039
guided them around the back of the storeroom to a

484
00:36:18.079 --> 00:36:21.960
small shed. She let out a startled gasp as they

485
00:36:22.039 --> 00:36:27.199
neared the structure. There laying in the snow was what

486
00:36:27.360 --> 00:36:31.800
once could have been called a human being, but as

487
00:36:31.840 --> 00:36:35.599
of now it was akin to a charcoal briquette. A

488
00:36:35.639 --> 00:36:40.719
few feet away lay Stew's shotgun. Written on the shed

489
00:36:40.840 --> 00:36:45.840
in charred black substance, it read and miles to go

490
00:36:46.559 --> 00:36:50.440
before I sleep. Somebody was playing a game with them,

491
00:36:50.840 --> 00:36:55.280
The man thought. Vera had to steady herself. Who would

492
00:36:55.320 --> 00:37:00.519
do this? The man looked down at the snow covered ground. Well,

493
00:37:01.119 --> 00:37:04.960
besides our fresh tracks and stews, there are only one

494
00:37:05.000 --> 00:37:09.119
other set, all of them coming from the back door.

495
00:37:10.519 --> 00:37:15.280
We were all together, Billy observed, except for he looked

496
00:37:15.280 --> 00:37:18.639
at Angela and Vera had to be one of you.

497
00:37:19.519 --> 00:37:23.519
Angela looked at Billy with a hurt expression. Why would

498
00:37:23.519 --> 00:37:27.800
I You had eyes on stew all the time, Vera accused,

499
00:37:28.199 --> 00:37:31.159
laughing at his jokes all the time, fawning all over him,

500
00:37:31.239 --> 00:37:36.760
trying to steal him away from me. Your nuts. Angela spat, jealous,

501
00:37:36.800 --> 00:37:42.119
old bitch. Angela slapped Vera across the face. Vera retaliated

502
00:37:42.159 --> 00:37:45.519
by clawing at Angela's face with her long nails. Billy

503
00:37:45.599 --> 00:37:49.079
stepped in, pushing them apart. While this was going on,

504
00:37:49.880 --> 00:37:53.840
the man made his move. The three were so preoccupied

505
00:37:53.840 --> 00:37:57.239
with their argument they'd paid no attention to him. He'd

506
00:37:57.360 --> 00:38:02.039
charged forward, scooping up the shotgun. Enough of this Jerry

507
00:38:02.079 --> 00:38:06.639
Springer bullshit. He leveled the shotgun on the three. Get

508
00:38:06.679 --> 00:38:14.519
inside over there, The man ordered, sit down. What the hell,

509
00:38:14.880 --> 00:38:19.039
Ali blurted out. As they entered, what's going on? Marvin

510
00:38:19.079 --> 00:38:25.039
asked Stu's dead? Vera said, burned alive. We don't know

511
00:38:25.079 --> 00:38:28.800
it was him. Angela argued, who the hell else would

512
00:38:28.840 --> 00:38:34.360
it be? Vera growled sit The man ordered Vera and

513
00:38:34.440 --> 00:38:39.079
Angela sat, but Billy resisted, Look, dude, don't go ordering

514
00:38:39.159 --> 00:38:41.960
us around and waving that shotgun and our The man

515
00:38:42.119 --> 00:38:45.199
drove the butt of the shotgun into Billy's stomach, dropping

516
00:38:45.280 --> 00:38:48.840
him to his knees. The others let out a startled gasp.

517
00:38:49.320 --> 00:38:52.159
Now with that foolishness out of the way, Billy, I

518
00:38:52.199 --> 00:38:55.079
got a little something I'd like to try. Cool with that,

519
00:38:56.199 --> 00:39:01.679
Billy nodded, glaring at the man. Angela, hold out your hands.

520
00:39:02.719 --> 00:39:08.119
Marvin shook his head. He's loco. Angela trembling, held her

521
00:39:08.159 --> 00:39:11.559
hands out in front of her. Don't worry, the man

522
00:39:11.599 --> 00:39:18.920
reassured her. Okay, Billy, smell her hands. Motherfucking what, Billy exclaimed,

523
00:39:19.480 --> 00:39:24.800
Go ahead, take a whiff. Angela blushed as Billy, still

524
00:39:24.840 --> 00:39:29.079
on his knees, smelled her hands. What's it smell like,

525
00:39:29.719 --> 00:39:35.440
the man asked. Billy shook his head. I don't know, peppermint,

526
00:39:35.440 --> 00:39:39.880
I guess. Okay, now do the same with Vera. Ali

527
00:39:40.039 --> 00:39:43.320
spoke up, What the fuck is this supposed to prove

528
00:39:43.800 --> 00:39:47.920
you getting your rocks off or something? Stu was dowsed

529
00:39:47.920 --> 00:39:51.239
with gasoline and burned. I'm willing to bet whoever did

530
00:39:51.239 --> 00:39:54.480
it their hands stink of it. Billy knelt in front

531
00:39:54.480 --> 00:39:59.920
of Verra whatever man. Before he could sniff her pon,

532
00:40:01.000 --> 00:40:03.960
Vera leaped on him, pulling a knife out of her jacket.

533
00:40:04.159 --> 00:40:07.280
She stabbed Billy in the chest. The others screamed in

534
00:40:07.360 --> 00:40:11.039
horror and shock. The man aimed at Vera, his finger

535
00:40:11.079 --> 00:40:14.199
at the trigger. Marvin and Donnie stumbled into his line

536
00:40:14.199 --> 00:40:17.360
of fire. The two struggled to restrain Vera. Get out

537
00:40:17.400 --> 00:40:21.280
of my way, the man shouted. Vera slashed at Marvin,

538
00:40:21.320 --> 00:40:24.159
forcing him to back off. Donnie managed to knock the

539
00:40:24.239 --> 00:40:26.920
knife from Vera's hand, but the crazed woman grabbed him

540
00:40:26.960 --> 00:40:30.039
by the throat. She locked eyes with the confused Donnie

541
00:40:30.079 --> 00:40:32.559
and they both screamed, but he managed to shove her

542
00:40:32.599 --> 00:40:35.480
head into the corner of a nearby table. She crumpled

543
00:40:35.480 --> 00:40:40.760
to the floor, as did Donnie, breathing heavily. Everyone remained

544
00:40:40.800 --> 00:40:44.960
frozen in place for a moment in shock. Angela moved

545
00:40:45.000 --> 00:40:51.280
first and began checking Billy, then Vera. They're dead, she said,

546
00:40:51.320 --> 00:40:55.079
with a heavy sigh. The man looked over at Marvin.

547
00:40:56.159 --> 00:41:00.440
You okay, old man, I'm fine, just a little nick

548
00:41:01.199 --> 00:41:03.960
He looked at the small gash on his arm, and

549
00:41:04.039 --> 00:41:08.760
don't call me old man, Marvin grumbled, what about him?

550
00:41:09.440 --> 00:41:13.239
The man motioned to Donnie. Donnie started to stand a

551
00:41:13.280 --> 00:41:19.039
bit shaky. You okay, Donnie, Angela asked, he cracked his neck,

552
00:41:20.000 --> 00:41:24.360
just dandy, that was fucked up. The little girl was

553
00:41:24.400 --> 00:41:28.079
sobbing as Marie tried to comfort her. Alie stood taking

554
00:41:28.079 --> 00:41:32.480
in the scene. Was that crazy bitch the killer? He

555
00:41:32.559 --> 00:41:37.280
walked over to the bodies. I need another drink, I guess,

556
00:41:37.960 --> 00:41:42.199
Angela answered. The man watched them, still holding the shotgun.

557
00:41:42.960 --> 00:41:46.960
She had to be Donnie added, gasoline smell on her hands.

558
00:41:47.880 --> 00:41:50.800
We have to get the sheriff out here, Marvin said.

559
00:41:51.280 --> 00:41:54.440
Angela sighed, I just want to go home and sleep.

560
00:41:55.519 --> 00:42:00.800
Miles to go before you sleep. Donnie said why. The

561
00:42:00.880 --> 00:42:05.760
man said, what did you just say? Nothing? Nothing at all.

562
00:42:06.199 --> 00:42:10.039
I just want to sleep, too, Donnie answered. Ali went

563
00:42:10.079 --> 00:42:13.199
to the bar, taking a bottle of scotch. I don't

564
00:42:13.199 --> 00:42:16.559
think de'll mind. He walked by Donnie, who grabbed the

565
00:42:16.599 --> 00:42:20.280
bottle from his hand. Give me some. Donnie gulped some

566
00:42:20.320 --> 00:42:26.559
of the scotch down, Hey, asshole, Ali complained, that was mine.

567
00:42:26.719 --> 00:42:30.760
Donnie hammered Ali in the head with the bottle once, twice,

568
00:42:31.280 --> 00:42:36.760
three times. Fine, have it. Ali fell dead to the floor,

569
00:42:37.280 --> 00:42:41.880
his body a bloody mess. The man opened fire, the

570
00:42:41.920 --> 00:42:45.559
thunder of his shotgun echoing through the roadhouse, Donnie was

571
00:42:45.599 --> 00:42:48.559
already moving before he'd fire. The slug missed all but

572
00:42:48.639 --> 00:42:51.840
the big man's arm grazing him. Donnie yanked a startled

573
00:42:51.880 --> 00:42:54.039
Marie from her seat, holding her by the throat in

574
00:42:54.079 --> 00:42:59.480
front of him. Fire away, Donnie laughed. Who are you,

575
00:43:00.360 --> 00:43:06.360
the man asked? A sleeper? A traveler? Donnie answered, I've

576
00:43:06.400 --> 00:43:11.519
been wandering forever, but your bodies are so weak. Let

577
00:43:11.519 --> 00:43:17.679
her go, the man ordered, Why we're playing? He tightened

578
00:43:17.719 --> 00:43:20.519
his grip on Marie. It's the only thing that makes

579
00:43:20.559 --> 00:43:24.239
this life interesting. Yeah, but you don't want to go

580
00:43:24.320 --> 00:43:27.679
running around in that fat asshole anymore, do you? The

581
00:43:27.719 --> 00:43:31.719
thing inside? Donnie pondered that for a moment. What are

582
00:43:31.760 --> 00:43:38.039
you offering me? The man offered, let them go? Sure,

583
00:43:38.679 --> 00:43:42.480
why not, he laughed, Drop the gun and come here.

584
00:43:43.280 --> 00:43:47.679
Angela stood next to the man. Don't do it, trust me,

585
00:43:48.360 --> 00:43:51.440
he reassured her. As he dropped the shotgun to the ground.

586
00:43:52.360 --> 00:43:56.199
He stepped forward. The others watched as Donnie took him

587
00:43:56.199 --> 00:44:01.400
by the head. They locked eyes. Pains through every fiber

588
00:44:01.440 --> 00:44:04.599
of his being. For what seemed like an eternity of agony,

589
00:44:04.760 --> 00:44:08.800
he felt every inch of his mind assaulted. Finally, it

590
00:44:08.920 --> 00:44:11.960
ended and Donnie collapsed to the floor, moaning in pain.

591
00:44:12.400 --> 00:44:15.800
Marie grabbed her daughter and held her. The man braced

592
00:44:15.880 --> 00:44:19.000
himself against a table. Your head is filled with so

593
00:44:19.159 --> 00:44:24.119
much static, the thing said, Are you okay? Angela asked,

594
00:44:24.559 --> 00:44:28.039
stay away. The man warned, I can't hold on to myself.

595
00:44:28.760 --> 00:44:32.920
He felt it laughing in his head. I'm here for you.

596
00:44:33.559 --> 00:44:38.440
Simon stood in the doorway of the roadhouse. Simon, I

597
00:44:38.519 --> 00:44:42.840
knew you hadn't left me, the man smiled. Angela looked

598
00:44:42.880 --> 00:44:45.760
at the others and then the man. Who are you

599
00:44:45.840 --> 00:44:49.320
talking to? The man pointed to the shotgun on the floor.

600
00:44:50.360 --> 00:44:53.639
If I come back, use it. I won't be me.

601
00:44:55.079 --> 00:45:08.360
He stepped out into the cold. It was hard to see.

602
00:45:08.519 --> 00:45:11.840
The wind and snow assaulted his senses. He could feel

603
00:45:11.880 --> 00:45:15.800
the presence inside him. He won't hold me for long,

604
00:45:16.280 --> 00:45:21.360
it taunted. I'll go back kill the rest. You're just

605
00:45:21.440 --> 00:45:25.360
another voice in my head. The man responded, I've lived

606
00:45:25.400 --> 00:45:28.000
with so many in there for as long as I

607
00:45:28.039 --> 00:45:32.480
can remember. He trudged through the snow. His body was tired,

608
00:45:32.960 --> 00:45:37.320
but Simon beckoned him on. The bitter cold clawed at

609
00:45:37.320 --> 00:45:40.679
his body. Is the thing inside clawed at his soul.

610
00:45:41.639 --> 00:45:44.960
He'd find a place somewhere out here, far away from

611
00:45:45.000 --> 00:45:58.679
anybody else. Miles to go before we sleep. Santa Claus

612
00:45:58.960 --> 00:46:05.320
is Killing the by Morgan Moore. Christmas music flows out

613
00:46:05.320 --> 00:46:09.199
from the stereo in the car. Janie had been listening

614
00:46:09.280 --> 00:46:11.599
to the music for hours on end as she and

615
00:46:11.679 --> 00:46:15.519
her girlfriend Mollie drove along. By this point in their

616
00:46:15.599 --> 00:46:18.119
road trip, all of the music, courtesy of an old

617
00:46:18.199 --> 00:46:22.960
time fifties and sixties radio station, had long since blended together.

618
00:46:23.760 --> 00:46:27.360
To Genie, it was all just crackling background noise that

619
00:46:27.480 --> 00:46:30.280
sounded all the same, with only good old Frosty and

620
00:46:30.400 --> 00:46:34.760
Rudolph to break up the monotony. How much longer, she

621
00:46:34.880 --> 00:46:41.360
asked Molly. Not too much? Yeah, but much. I'm feeling

622
00:46:41.480 --> 00:46:45.920
kind of cramped, Janie responded. Mollie smirked and gave her

623
00:46:45.960 --> 00:46:50.719
partner a mischievous and playful look. Now listen, kiddo, if

624
00:46:50.719 --> 00:46:52.599
you keep that up, I'll just have to turn this

625
00:46:52.719 --> 00:46:56.480
car around and take my sweet time bringing you home.

626
00:46:57.280 --> 00:47:00.920
Denise found no words to reply, and instead offered a

627
00:47:01.039 --> 00:47:04.679
roll of her eyes and a middle finger. For real,

628
00:47:04.760 --> 00:47:07.039
though it isn't that much more, we have to go

629
00:47:07.920 --> 00:47:10.480
just to the end. Of this road, A few turns

630
00:47:10.480 --> 00:47:15.199
in a hill and there will be home, Molly explained,

631
00:47:16.000 --> 00:47:19.880
if you say so, Genie said. The two were on

632
00:47:19.920 --> 00:47:23.599
their way to Molly's hometown of Decatur. They had been

633
00:47:23.599 --> 00:47:26.840
invited to spend the holidays with some of Molly's friends

634
00:47:26.880 --> 00:47:30.880
for a bit of an impromptu reunion. Mollie thought it

635
00:47:30.880 --> 00:47:33.840
would be a fun, cozy getaway and could give her

636
00:47:33.920 --> 00:47:38.079
a great gift and a surprise visit with her parents too.

637
00:47:38.320 --> 00:47:42.079
Genie wasn't super eager, though she had never been the

638
00:47:42.159 --> 00:47:45.440
social type and was a wallflower even when hanging out

639
00:47:45.480 --> 00:47:49.199
with her own friends. The idea of spending Christmas with

640
00:47:49.239 --> 00:47:53.360
complete strangers in an old inn wasn't something high on

641
00:47:53.440 --> 00:47:59.280
her agenda. Then there was also the subject of Molly's parents.

642
00:48:00.079 --> 00:48:03.440
They were sweet, supportive of their daughter in every way,

643
00:48:03.760 --> 00:48:06.679
and had shown Janie's kindness the few times they had

644
00:48:06.679 --> 00:48:12.159
met previously, but those were in controlled situations out in public,

645
00:48:12.719 --> 00:48:16.320
not in the privacy of their own house and town.

646
00:48:17.280 --> 00:48:20.360
Something about the whole affair rubbed Genie the wrong way

647
00:48:20.960 --> 00:48:26.159
and had her feeling anxious. But it was Christmas, and

648
00:48:26.239 --> 00:48:29.480
it was for Mollie, the love of her life, so

649
00:48:29.760 --> 00:48:32.840
she decided to give it a try. Maybe it could

650
00:48:32.840 --> 00:48:35.480
be fun to meet her old friends and spend Christmas

651
00:48:35.480 --> 00:48:39.639
in a little town. And who knew, maybe Molly's parents

652
00:48:39.639 --> 00:48:43.159
would still be as kind and welcoming as they seemed

653
00:48:43.159 --> 00:48:47.480
to be. Plus, if everything went well, she could finally

654
00:48:47.519 --> 00:48:50.840
bring out the ring she had bought for Molly but

655
00:48:50.920 --> 00:48:55.800
had yet to find the right moment to propose. True

656
00:48:55.840 --> 00:48:58.519
to her word, Molly turned left at the end of

657
00:48:58.559 --> 00:49:01.920
the country road, and a few turns, a hill and

658
00:49:02.000 --> 00:49:05.119
a short stretch of road later, the two were in Decatur.

659
00:49:06.079 --> 00:49:10.199
Janice peered out the window as they drove along. Decatur

660
00:49:10.320 --> 00:49:13.960
reminded her a lot of paintings that portrayed idyllic small

661
00:49:14.039 --> 00:49:18.840
towns and a good old fashioned America, something akin to

662
00:49:18.920 --> 00:49:22.320
old Norman Rockwell paintings.

663
00:49:21.719 --> 00:49:22.840
But she liked it.

664
00:49:23.360 --> 00:49:26.639
The old buildings and independent businesses mixed with the snow

665
00:49:27.079 --> 00:49:31.679
gave her a warm and secure feeling. Looks can be deceiving,

666
00:49:32.320 --> 00:49:36.920
she told herself. The couple arrived at their destination, the

667
00:49:37.039 --> 00:49:41.679
Chamberlain Inn, a family run establishment. They parked by the

668
00:49:41.719 --> 00:49:45.559
front and raced from the near bitter cold outdoors into

669
00:49:45.599 --> 00:49:49.880
the Chamberlain Inside. Janice and Molly found a warm lit

670
00:49:50.039 --> 00:49:54.119
entry room, a small but fanciful check in desk against

671
00:49:54.119 --> 00:49:57.440
the back wall, and at the desk was a little

672
00:49:57.440 --> 00:50:02.199
old lady. Why hello, there, she said raspally. As the

673
00:50:02.199 --> 00:50:07.079
two approached. Hello, we're here to check in, Molly stated,

674
00:50:07.760 --> 00:50:11.840
Do you have a reservation? The clerk asked, yep, it'll

675
00:50:11.880 --> 00:50:14.679
be under Molly Burke. We're also part of a group

676
00:50:14.760 --> 00:50:19.679
staying here for a little reunion. If that helps, Molly explained, Oh,

677
00:50:19.760 --> 00:50:22.840
you're part of that group too, Well, then we should

678
00:50:22.840 --> 00:50:25.480
get you checked in so you can join them. My

679
00:50:25.559 --> 00:50:30.199
friends are already here, Molly asked. Genie, absent mindedly paced

680
00:50:30.239 --> 00:50:34.920
around the room, looking at the decor bored. Yes, ma'am,

681
00:50:35.079 --> 00:50:38.199
they're in the back parlor. Here you are, Molly Burke.

682
00:50:38.519 --> 00:50:42.360
One room. The clerk parroted out information jotted on an

683
00:50:42.360 --> 00:50:46.039
index card. At the reading of one room, she glanced

684
00:50:46.079 --> 00:50:50.119
over at Genie. Janice caught the look and stared back.

685
00:50:51.000 --> 00:50:53.519
The clerk looked at Molly, who had an expression of

686
00:50:54.559 --> 00:50:58.360
lacking amusement, catching on to what the old lady was

687
00:50:58.400 --> 00:51:01.960
taken aback by. Well, young miss, you're up on the

688
00:51:02.000 --> 00:51:06.440
second floor, last door on the right. Thanks, Molly, said

689
00:51:06.519 --> 00:51:10.079
matter of fact as she took the key. Deenie grabbed

690
00:51:10.119 --> 00:51:13.199
their bags and met Molly at the staircase, catching the

691
00:51:13.280 --> 00:51:18.000
old lady watching them, Genie stopped walking. When Molly stopped

692
00:51:18.000 --> 00:51:22.960
in confusion, Genie kissed her. She smirked at the clerk.

693
00:51:23.280 --> 00:51:26.880
After they broke the kiss. Molly looked at the woman's

694
00:51:26.920 --> 00:51:31.079
aghast expression and giggled before the two went up to

695
00:51:31.159 --> 00:51:38.599
their room. A little while later, the two returned downstairs,

696
00:51:39.000 --> 00:51:43.280
freshly showered, freshly stretched out from their three hour car ride,

697
00:51:43.639 --> 00:51:47.760
and dressed for the finest of small town inn reunions.

698
00:51:48.280 --> 00:51:51.119
Genie and Molly made their way to the parlor room

699
00:51:51.159 --> 00:51:53.840
in the back and found a group of four others

700
00:51:53.920 --> 00:51:58.679
seated around a small table. A moment later, somebody, a girl,

701
00:51:58.880 --> 00:52:02.199
noticed them. She let out a shriek of excitement that

702
00:52:02.280 --> 00:52:05.800
gained the attention of the other three. They also cried

703
00:52:05.840 --> 00:52:09.119
out in joy at the sight of Molly. The four

704
00:52:09.199 --> 00:52:11.760
got out of their seats and nearly bum rushed her

705
00:52:11.760 --> 00:52:15.679
in their excitement. What followed was a series of hugs,

706
00:52:16.199 --> 00:52:20.920
tears of happiness, hower ewes, and common expressions of friendship.

707
00:52:21.800 --> 00:52:24.760
Janie smiled a little at the beginning of the onslaught,

708
00:52:25.079 --> 00:52:29.079
but couldn't help her social anxiety from rising a few levels,

709
00:52:29.960 --> 00:52:32.840
so she backed away from the mob and found a

710
00:52:32.880 --> 00:52:36.559
spot against a bookshelf. Molly caught the change out of

711
00:52:36.599 --> 00:52:39.320
the corner of her eye and also saw the look

712
00:52:39.400 --> 00:52:43.400
of unease with a tinge of being upset at not

713
00:52:43.440 --> 00:52:47.639
being included. She smiled and broke away from her friends

714
00:52:47.920 --> 00:52:53.159
and lightly strode over to her girlfriend. Where oh where

715
00:52:53.199 --> 00:52:57.000
are my manners? I'm such a rude bitch sometimes everybody.

716
00:52:57.039 --> 00:53:01.840
This is Genie, my girlfriend. To punctuate her introduction and

717
00:53:01.960 --> 00:53:07.239
soft apology to Janice, Molly kissed her lovingly. Genie blushed

718
00:53:07.480 --> 00:53:08.199
but smiled.

719
00:53:09.239 --> 00:53:09.440
Hi.

720
00:53:10.039 --> 00:53:14.559
She squeaked out, hello to you too. My name is Elijah.

721
00:53:14.800 --> 00:53:18.360
A tall man told her, I'm Kate. Nice to meet you, Genie.

722
00:53:18.920 --> 00:53:24.159
An average height but clearly surgically enhanced woman said, we're

723
00:53:24.199 --> 00:53:27.679
Marcus and Amanda. The two said a couple that looked

724
00:53:27.679 --> 00:53:33.239
as plain Jane and Homie as decatur itself. Well that's everyone, dear.

725
00:53:33.320 --> 00:53:35.679
Come on, let's eat some food and get a little

726
00:53:35.760 --> 00:53:38.599
drinking in while we embarrass each other with old stories,

727
00:53:38.960 --> 00:53:42.880
Molly proclaimed. The group agreed and returned to the table.

728
00:53:43.559 --> 00:53:48.039
Molly gave Genie an apologizing look for not immediately introducing her.

729
00:53:48.880 --> 00:53:52.400
Janie smiled and shrugged her shoulders. She gave her a

730
00:53:52.440 --> 00:53:55.559
peck on the cheek. The two then walked hand in

731
00:53:55.639 --> 00:53:59.840
hand to the table and joined the others. Minutes turned

732
00:54:00.159 --> 00:54:04.519
hours as the six conversed about their pasts and their presence.

733
00:54:05.239 --> 00:54:09.039
To her surprise, Janie found herself being brought into the

734
00:54:09.079 --> 00:54:13.519
conversation and her anxiety level was decreasing at a rapid rate.

735
00:54:14.440 --> 00:54:17.719
It didn't appear to be forced either. They seemed to

736
00:54:17.840 --> 00:54:22.679
enjoy her company and her theirs. Despite her initial hesitation

737
00:54:22.920 --> 00:54:26.119
on the whole affair, Deanie had to admit that she was,

738
00:54:26.480 --> 00:54:31.079
in fact having a good time. The full wintry moon

739
00:54:31.400 --> 00:54:35.320
shone through the parlor window. A fire was roasting in

740
00:54:35.360 --> 00:54:39.960
the fireplace, helmed by Marcus and Elijah. The ladies were

741
00:54:40.000 --> 00:54:43.519
seated in various chairs, with Janie and Molly sharing a

742
00:54:43.519 --> 00:54:48.400
love seat. A tall, old grandfather clock ticked away the time.

743
00:54:49.199 --> 00:54:51.760
So what do you think of our little town, Deenise,

744
00:54:52.280 --> 00:54:55.360
Amanda asked, before taking a sip from a mug of tea.

745
00:54:56.400 --> 00:54:58.920
Janie took a sip from her own mug filled with

746
00:54:59.000 --> 00:55:04.000
a combo of hot chocolate and alcoholic creamer. It's actually

747
00:55:04.039 --> 00:55:07.599
pretty nice. I thought it would be some little boring

748
00:55:07.760 --> 00:55:11.559
Midwest town that time forgot, but it isn't all that bad,

749
00:55:12.480 --> 00:55:17.039
except it is a boring little Midwest town, Elijah interjected

750
00:55:17.039 --> 00:55:20.760
with a chuckle. She's so modest and such a liar.

751
00:55:21.159 --> 00:55:24.760
Denise loves old time stuff like this. She practically lives

752
00:55:24.800 --> 00:55:27.800
at the antiques village back at home. Molly chimed in.

753
00:55:28.639 --> 00:55:33.519
Is that so, Kate questioned in a humored manner. Yep,

754
00:55:34.000 --> 00:55:37.800
Molly said. She looks over at a now blushing Genie

755
00:55:38.360 --> 00:55:40.679
and pecks her on the cheek with a playful smile.

756
00:55:41.519 --> 00:55:44.119
Anything old or anything that looks like it was plucked

757
00:55:44.119 --> 00:55:48.280
out of Mayberry as this girl's jam, then why is

758
00:55:48.320 --> 00:55:51.679
she dating you? Marcus shot in with a well timed delivery.

759
00:55:52.119 --> 00:55:56.760
The Lion garnered laughs from everybody in the parlor. Yeah,

760
00:55:56.840 --> 00:55:59.920
what can I say? I like old stuff. It's better quality,

761
00:56:00.440 --> 00:56:04.239
the music, the movies, the look and feel of everything.

762
00:56:04.280 --> 00:56:09.960
It's just so grand, she said, punctuating the last word

763
00:56:10.000 --> 00:56:15.159
in a style similar to old movie actresses. What about stories,

764
00:56:15.719 --> 00:56:21.360
Elijah asked, huh. Denise tilted her head in confusion. Do

765
00:56:21.440 --> 00:56:27.039
you like old stories, he asked again. Yeah, then you'll

766
00:56:27.079 --> 00:56:30.239
love decate or even more. The town is filled with

767
00:56:30.320 --> 00:56:35.440
old stories of love, fun, adventure, and even some gnarly shit,

768
00:56:35.920 --> 00:56:43.480
Elijah continued, gnarly shit, like what crimes? Denie questioned, her

769
00:56:43.559 --> 00:56:47.880
posture now one of intrigue and full investment in the conversation.

770
00:56:49.039 --> 00:56:53.880
Here we go, Kate said, sarcastically. Yeah, I mean we

771
00:56:54.000 --> 00:57:00.119
got bank robberies, a couple of politically inclined crimes, a

772
00:57:00.199 --> 00:57:04.400
murder here and there. Then of course there's old Robbie Clint,

773
00:57:05.000 --> 00:57:12.760
Elijah said. The room went deathly quiet. All merriment and

774
00:57:12.880 --> 00:57:16.000
holiday cheer that had filled and bled into the walls

775
00:57:16.480 --> 00:57:20.280
was quickly sucked out, leaving only a bitter cold sense

776
00:57:20.320 --> 00:57:24.559
of reality and dread. Janice looked around and noticed that

777
00:57:24.639 --> 00:57:31.119
her companions all had an expression of fear and anger. Elijah.

778
00:57:31.480 --> 00:57:37.079
Amanda nearly shouted, you know better, Marcus scolded, I'm only

779
00:57:37.119 --> 00:57:41.000
trying to entertain our new friend. He told them, Yeah,

780
00:57:41.039 --> 00:57:45.000
but come on, you know we we don't speak his name.

781
00:57:45.599 --> 00:57:50.800
Molly chimed in gloomily, I'm confused. Why is it such

782
00:57:50.800 --> 00:57:54.320
a bad thing that rob Before Genie can finish saying

783
00:57:54.360 --> 00:57:57.239
the name. Molly put a hand over her mouth and

784
00:57:57.320 --> 00:58:01.280
shushed her. The four lifelong friends looked at each other.

785
00:58:01.920 --> 00:58:04.559
To Deanie, it looked as if they were having a

786
00:58:04.639 --> 00:58:12.639
telekinetic conversation with one another. Eventually, Marcus sighed, well, since

787
00:58:12.679 --> 00:58:15.679
you started it, you may as well finish it. Tell her,

788
00:58:16.079 --> 00:58:20.440
he instructed Elijah, just don't say his name, Kate added,

789
00:58:21.280 --> 00:58:24.480
or at least, at the very least, don't say all

790
00:58:24.519 --> 00:58:28.760
of it. Mollie continued, all right, all right, all right,

791
00:58:29.840 --> 00:58:36.159
well then, Genie ready to hear Decatur's infamous rise to fame.

792
00:58:37.320 --> 00:58:40.679
Elijah questioned the girl as if he was an investigator.

793
00:58:41.519 --> 00:58:45.119
Deanie glanced at all the faces in the room. When

794
00:58:45.159 --> 00:58:48.480
her eyes settled on Mollie, they found a look of

795
00:58:48.679 --> 00:58:53.840
terror and sadness. Glancing down, she noticed that Mollie had

796
00:58:53.880 --> 00:58:57.400
grabbed hold of one of Janice's hands and was squeezing it.

797
00:58:58.159 --> 00:59:01.440
She couldn't tell if it was for support her or

798
00:59:01.599 --> 00:59:07.280
out of fear of whatever this terrifying tale was. Yeah,

799
00:59:07.679 --> 00:59:12.559
Ginny said dryly, give it to me. Elijah stoked the

800
00:59:12.639 --> 00:59:16.320
fire once more before standing up. He made his way

801
00:59:16.360 --> 00:59:18.639
to the window and looked up at the freezing moon

802
00:59:19.599 --> 00:59:22.840
with a sigh and a gulp, he began. The tail

803
00:59:23.960 --> 00:59:27.440
our story begins when we were all little kids, still

804
00:59:27.519 --> 00:59:31.440
crapping in our diapers. It was actually close to Christmas.

805
00:59:32.159 --> 00:59:34.679
Kind of eerie that I'm telling it now, of all

806
00:59:34.800 --> 00:59:38.639
times of the year. Then again, how many of us

807
00:59:38.760 --> 00:59:43.119
actually think about Christmas outside of this time of year? Anyway,

808
00:59:43.519 --> 00:59:47.800
I'm rambling. Robbie was a local high school dropout. He

809
00:59:47.960 --> 00:59:51.559
was about eighteen or nineteen, depends on who you ask.

810
00:59:52.280 --> 00:59:54.719
Being a dropout meant the only work he could find

811
00:59:54.840 --> 00:59:58.880
was in fast food joints, or as a janitor or

812
00:59:59.320 --> 01:00:03.000
some other anial work. He lucked out a little bit

813
01:00:03.280 --> 01:00:06.000
in that he found a job at a local radio station,

814
01:00:06.800 --> 01:00:10.320
where he mostly cleaned, but was taught how the whole

815
01:00:10.320 --> 01:00:13.920
place worked. Nothing to make a huge living off of,

816
01:00:14.039 --> 01:00:19.239
but Robbie seemed to enjoy it. Well. That was how

817
01:00:19.280 --> 01:00:23.039
he made money at night. During the day, if he

818
01:00:23.119 --> 01:00:26.920
wasn't at home living a lonesome life, Robbie worked as

819
01:00:26.960 --> 01:00:31.280
a babysitter. The thing is, Robbie wasn't always the most

820
01:00:31.320 --> 01:00:35.360
patient person, and he had a reputation for letting loose

821
01:00:35.400 --> 01:00:39.239
some of that impatience from time to time. Now I

822
01:00:39.280 --> 01:00:42.400
don't know about you all, but kids can be infuriating

823
01:00:42.400 --> 01:00:45.920
little brats, so to some, it wasn't a surprise that

824
01:00:46.079 --> 01:00:49.760
Robbie quickly found himself out of babysitting when an allegation

825
01:00:49.920 --> 01:00:53.639
of him hurting a kid came out. He claimed the

826
01:00:53.679 --> 01:00:56.280
mom had the hots for him, and when he turned

827
01:00:56.280 --> 01:01:00.079
her down, she decided to be spiteful. She said rob

828
01:01:00.119 --> 01:01:02.800
he beat the kid to near death because her son

829
01:01:02.960 --> 01:01:07.000
was having a tantrum. Nobody really knows what happened, or

830
01:01:07.639 --> 01:01:11.320
at least remembers now, but the end result was a

831
01:01:11.320 --> 01:01:14.559
lot of people pissed and refusing to hire him to

832
01:01:14.599 --> 01:01:18.360
watch their kids. The backlash was so bad that Robbie

833
01:01:18.400 --> 01:01:23.519
even lost his job at the radio station. Young Alone,

834
01:01:24.000 --> 01:01:27.679
filled with pent up anger at everything bad in his life,

835
01:01:27.719 --> 01:01:31.239
out of work and ostracized from pretty much the whole town,

836
01:01:32.280 --> 01:01:43.679
Robbie decided he would get some revenge, some sweet, sinister revenge.

837
01:01:43.880 --> 01:01:48.039
On Christmas Eve night, he broke into the radio station

838
01:01:48.760 --> 01:01:53.039
and executed what little staff was on hand. Then he

839
01:01:53.239 --> 01:01:57.280
set up for a broadcast. Just as he was taught,

840
01:01:58.559 --> 01:02:02.599
Robbie interrupted a marion of Christmas tunes and told the

841
01:02:02.679 --> 01:02:09.800
kids who were listening that he was good Old Santa Claus.

842
01:02:10.920 --> 01:02:14.320
Santa Robbie said that Decatur was one of his favorite

843
01:02:14.360 --> 01:02:18.079
towns in the world, and because of that, he wanted

844
01:02:18.159 --> 01:02:22.079
all of the good boys and girls to meet him

845
01:02:22.199 --> 01:02:25.679
that night at the Christmas Tree set up in the

846
01:02:25.719 --> 01:02:32.360
center of downtown during Christmas Eve mass. The parents figured

847
01:02:32.880 --> 01:02:36.280
why the hell not Their kids always complained about going

848
01:02:36.320 --> 01:02:41.760
to church anyways, When it came time for mass, parents

849
01:02:41.760 --> 01:02:44.079
that decided to do it drop their kids off at

850
01:02:44.119 --> 01:02:49.800
the tree with Santa Claus in reality, a disguised Robbie

851
01:02:50.400 --> 01:02:54.800
before they went off to church. When service was over

852
01:02:55.320 --> 01:02:59.000
and the parents returned to collect their kids, they found

853
01:02:59.079 --> 01:03:05.000
something straight out of a horror movie. Their precious little

854
01:03:05.039 --> 01:03:11.760
babies had been killed. Immediately, they stormed to the radio station,

855
01:03:12.400 --> 01:03:17.280
finding the dead crew and the security footage of Robbie

856
01:03:18.039 --> 01:03:24.559
doing the dirty, bloody deed, thus telling them who in

857
01:03:24.639 --> 01:03:31.559
fact was behind the massacre of their children. It took

858
01:03:31.639 --> 01:03:35.119
nearly all night, but they eventually found him in a

859
01:03:35.159 --> 01:03:38.079
bathroom in the church they had gone to for mass.

860
01:03:39.599 --> 01:03:43.360
Robbie had smashed a mirror and slit his own wrists

861
01:03:43.440 --> 01:03:48.559
and throat. The parents disposed of his body by cremating

862
01:03:48.599 --> 01:03:53.159
it at the local funeral parlor. Christmas that year was

863
01:03:53.320 --> 01:03:59.880
truly red and green, red from the blood and green

864
01:04:00.800 --> 01:04:08.400
from how sick the whole affair was. Elijah finished the

865
01:04:08.480 --> 01:04:11.800
story and quickly made his way to a small bar

866
01:04:12.000 --> 01:04:15.960
in the parlor, taking a long drink from a whiskey bottle.

867
01:04:17.639 --> 01:04:25.480
Everybody else sat in silence. Genie spoke up, so, why

868
01:04:25.480 --> 01:04:26.920
aren't you supposed to say his name?

869
01:04:27.000 --> 01:04:27.159
Then?

870
01:04:27.960 --> 01:04:32.840
Your story didn't mention that some say that because he

871
01:04:32.960 --> 01:04:36.719
killed himself in a church, that his soul was cursed

872
01:04:37.079 --> 01:04:39.960
and damned for eternity, and that if you even say

873
01:04:40.000 --> 01:04:46.000
his name once, he'll return to butcher more people. Or

874
01:04:46.639 --> 01:04:50.519
it's out of respect for the victims. Duh, Nobody in

875
01:04:50.519 --> 01:04:54.599
this town likes to hear about him. Marcus replied, so

876
01:04:54.719 --> 01:04:58.559
what you just pretend he never existed? Do you like

877
01:04:58.880 --> 01:05:01.119
censor out a letter in his name if you write

878
01:05:01.159 --> 01:05:05.159
about him like how some people do on Twitter? Because

879
01:05:05.239 --> 01:05:08.800
if so, that's pretty stupid. I mean, it's like saying

880
01:05:08.840 --> 01:05:12.199
the F word or the N word. You're just making

881
01:05:12.239 --> 01:05:14.880
the other people say it in their mind, so you

882
01:05:14.880 --> 01:05:20.079
don't have to be accountable for your words. Genie explained, No,

883
01:05:20.320 --> 01:05:24.960
we're not that crazy, Kate responded, you just gasp in

884
01:05:25.000 --> 01:05:29.599
horror if somebody said his name, Genie retorted. Amanda rolled

885
01:05:29.639 --> 01:05:33.960
her eyes and shook her head disapprovingly at Molly. Some

886
01:05:34.039 --> 01:05:38.760
folks just don't understand town customs. Genie released a sigh

887
01:05:38.800 --> 01:05:45.039
of exhaustion and irritation at the conversation. Guys, I'm pretty

888
01:05:45.039 --> 01:05:47.599
sure if you say his name, he won't appear like

889
01:05:47.800 --> 01:05:51.079
bloody Mary. Besides, if it was out of respect, as

890
01:05:51.119 --> 01:05:54.400
you claim, then why did you all seem so scared

891
01:05:54.440 --> 01:05:56.639
out of your skin when Elijah first said his name?

892
01:05:58.679 --> 01:06:03.199
Silence filled the room again. Again, nobody wanted to talk

893
01:06:03.239 --> 01:06:06.599
about the subject of the story. Janie looked over at

894
01:06:06.639 --> 01:06:09.760
Molly and found only a look of confusion at the

895
01:06:09.800 --> 01:06:14.599
reunion's turn. Tired of it, Jennie stood up and walked

896
01:06:14.599 --> 01:06:17.760
to the door leading out of the parlor. She turned

897
01:06:17.760 --> 01:06:22.079
to face her companions, Robbie Clint, Robbie Clint, Robbie Clint,

898
01:06:22.199 --> 01:06:26.199
Robbie Clint, Robbie Clint, she said in quick succession. Before

899
01:06:26.320 --> 01:06:34.519
leaving the parlor. Janie found herself unable to sleep. Her

900
01:06:34.599 --> 01:06:38.199
mind was filled with nightmares of children being killed by

901
01:06:38.239 --> 01:06:42.559
a psychotic Santa and of her love being taken away

902
01:06:42.639 --> 01:06:48.400
by some unknown creature of fear. She sighed and got

903
01:06:48.440 --> 01:06:51.320
out of bed, threw on a robe, and left her

904
01:06:51.360 --> 01:06:56.639
in Molly's room. Quietly, she walked through the inn, not

905
01:06:56.840 --> 01:07:00.519
wanting to wake anybody up or be confronted for what

906
01:07:00.639 --> 01:07:05.360
happened earlier in the night. By process of elimination, Janie

907
01:07:05.400 --> 01:07:08.559
walked all of the upstairs and all of the downstairs,

908
01:07:09.519 --> 01:07:14.280
finding her journey ended in the parlor. She made herself

909
01:07:14.320 --> 01:07:17.800
a drink and relaxed on the love seat. What was

910
01:07:17.800 --> 01:07:22.719
supposed to be a pleasant Christmas getaway and started off well,

911
01:07:23.480 --> 01:07:27.679
had turned into a tense one. Deanie told herself that

912
01:07:27.800 --> 01:07:30.159
perhaps it would be better in the morning between the

913
01:07:30.159 --> 01:07:33.159
six of them, and that Molly's parents could still be

914
01:07:33.239 --> 01:07:36.440
a good time. Yet a little voice in her head

915
01:07:37.159 --> 01:07:41.960
argued otherwise. Deanie grunted in frustration as she placed the

916
01:07:42.000 --> 01:07:45.679
glass on the bar. She looked around the parlor and

917
01:07:45.760 --> 01:07:48.400
found herself staring at a closet on the other side

918
01:07:48.400 --> 01:07:52.880
of the room. During the earlier festivities, she had seen it,

919
01:07:53.159 --> 01:07:56.039
but hadn't given it much thought. It was just a

920
01:07:56.079 --> 01:08:00.960
closet after all, but her inability to sleep sparked curiosity

921
01:08:01.559 --> 01:08:06.960
for what was inside. Quietly, Janie walked to the closet

922
01:08:07.639 --> 01:08:12.239
and opened it. Inside was an old radio that stood

923
01:08:12.320 --> 01:08:16.560
up to her midriff. Intrigued by the radio, Janie started

924
01:08:16.600 --> 01:08:20.800
fiddling with the various knobs on it. A smile formed

925
01:08:20.840 --> 01:08:24.880
on her face as her anxiety melted away. While playing

926
01:08:24.920 --> 01:08:29.640
with the antique. Looking it over closer, she noticed that

927
01:08:29.720 --> 01:08:32.920
it wasn't plugged in. She had to know if it

928
01:08:32.920 --> 01:08:37.920
would work. Slowly, Deanie pulled the radio out of the

929
01:08:37.960 --> 01:08:41.000
closet and pushed it over to the closest outlet she

930
01:08:41.079 --> 01:08:45.880
could find. With excitement trembling through her body, she plugged

931
01:08:45.920 --> 01:08:50.479
in the radio and turned the knobs. Silence gave way

932
01:08:51.000 --> 01:08:56.119
to a soft, fuzzy crackling. It works, she exclaimed in

933
01:08:56.159 --> 01:09:00.399
a whisper filled with giddiness. Deenise played with the tuner

934
01:09:00.439 --> 01:09:03.800
knob to find a channel while making sure the volume

935
01:09:04.239 --> 01:09:08.199
wasn't too loud. The static that initially greeted her did

936
01:09:08.239 --> 01:09:12.520
so with every twist she made of the knob. Janie

937
01:09:12.680 --> 01:09:16.880
kept playing with it, determined to find a station that

938
01:09:17.039 --> 01:09:23.720
was broadcasting. Ho ho oh boomed out from the radio speaker.

939
01:09:24.159 --> 01:09:28.279
In surprise, Jennie turned the volume down more. I found one.

940
01:09:28.880 --> 01:09:34.359
Ho ho oh, Merry Christmas. It's your old friend Santi Clause.

941
01:09:34.920 --> 01:09:38.119
I want to wish all of you good boys and

942
01:09:38.159 --> 01:09:42.319
girls a wonderful Christmas and to show kindness to their

943
01:09:42.399 --> 01:09:48.199
fellow man, even those who are naughty. That includes those

944
01:09:48.239 --> 01:09:52.119
who aren't actually naughty, but are said and made to be.

945
01:09:53.000 --> 01:09:55.439
Even those little ones get gifts too.

946
01:09:56.239 --> 01:09:59.960
Janie listened in complete confusion as to what it was

947
01:10:00.119 --> 01:10:02.119
is that she was even listening.

948
01:10:01.760 --> 01:10:07.479
To and speaking of gifts. I brought gifts for everyone,

949
01:10:07.479 --> 01:10:09.359
including you, Janie.

950
01:10:09.800 --> 01:10:12.239
Her mouth dropped some what.

951
01:10:13.000 --> 01:10:16.840
Yes, you too, Jenie, you get a gift. You've been

952
01:10:16.880 --> 01:10:20.079
the nicest one of all by giving me a gift

953
01:10:20.399 --> 01:10:24.880
I did. Why, of course, you gave me the gift

954
01:10:25.319 --> 01:10:28.079
of acknowledgment and resurrection.

955
01:10:28.880 --> 01:10:34.880
Jenie blinked in total bewildered confusion. Then it clicked in

956
01:10:34.920 --> 01:10:38.319
her head, Robbie Clint.

957
01:10:39.119 --> 01:10:43.680
She exclaimed, Yes, Surrey, thank you from the bottom of

958
01:10:43.720 --> 01:10:49.840
my formerly non beating heart. Are you ready for your gift?

959
01:10:50.479 --> 01:10:56.960
I guess well, then close your eyes and I'll give

960
01:10:57.000 --> 01:10:57.399
it to you.

961
01:10:58.359 --> 01:11:02.239
Janie did what she was told. The radio ceased to

962
01:11:02.279 --> 01:11:07.199
make any noises. Afterwards, she sat in silence, wondering what

963
01:11:07.279 --> 01:11:10.319
the hell was even going on, and that this was

964
01:11:10.359 --> 01:11:13.520
the last time she would ever ever drink this late

965
01:11:13.520 --> 01:11:18.560
at night. Open your eyes, she did, and found the

966
01:11:18.640 --> 01:11:23.399
radio no longer. There in its place was a man

967
01:11:24.720 --> 01:11:29.199
in a Santa costume, blood dripping from his wrists and throat.

968
01:11:29.880 --> 01:11:33.439
There was a gleeful smile on his face and a

969
01:11:33.560 --> 01:11:39.079
hatchet in his hand. Around him were the bodies of

970
01:11:39.159 --> 01:11:45.359
Amanda and Kate, and Marcus and Elijah, and the innkeeper

971
01:11:46.119 --> 01:11:51.880
and of Molly. Genie gasped in horror and looked at

972
01:11:51.920 --> 01:12:01.399
the man. Robbie Robbie Clint. Genie squeaked out, Merry Christmas,

973
01:12:02.159 --> 01:12:14.920
Robbie Clint proclaimed, before swinging his acts down. Crampis is

974
01:12:15.039 --> 01:12:20.640
coming by rob Fields. Kathy Betcher was the president of

975
01:12:20.680 --> 01:12:26.079
the Alpha Delta Kappa sorority at Strickfield University. It had

976
01:12:26.119 --> 01:12:29.680
taken her a lot of manipulation and cunning for her

977
01:12:29.720 --> 01:12:34.039
to finally achieve her coveted position, and she had no

978
01:12:34.159 --> 01:12:38.560
intention of relinquishing it until she was ready to graduate.

979
01:12:39.720 --> 01:12:43.079
She knew each and every one of her sorority sisters

980
01:12:43.159 --> 01:12:47.479
was a potential usurper. This even included her two best

981
01:12:47.520 --> 01:12:52.079
friends Margaret Nash and Angie Adams when she had seen

982
01:12:52.119 --> 01:12:56.840
how incredibly friendly they and her estranged father were towards

983
01:12:56.920 --> 01:13:03.880
each other. Simply put, Kathy didn't trust anyone. What people

984
01:13:03.960 --> 01:13:07.079
didn't know about Kathy was that she used to be

985
01:13:07.199 --> 01:13:11.800
a kind and loving soul until too many bad things

986
01:13:11.840 --> 01:13:17.399
had happened during her time at the university. First, Kathy

987
01:13:17.560 --> 01:13:21.680
learned that her boyfriend Trey Colmb was cheating on her,

988
01:13:22.399 --> 01:13:28.119
leading to a big breakup. Next, her former best friend

989
01:13:28.199 --> 01:13:32.720
from high school, Whitney Plaza, both betrayed and undermined her

990
01:13:33.119 --> 01:13:37.520
to become a d K president. The last straw came

991
01:13:37.600 --> 01:13:41.760
when Cathy discovered her own father, the president of Strickfield

992
01:13:41.920 --> 01:13:46.640
University at the time, had been helping Whitney against her.

993
01:13:47.680 --> 01:13:51.760
When Kathy finally determined that it was a cutthroat world,

994
01:13:52.279 --> 01:13:56.239
she resorted to the same tactics used against her to

995
01:13:56.319 --> 01:14:01.199
gain revenge. First, she got Trey expelled from Strickfield U

996
01:14:01.359 --> 01:14:06.199
by switching out his senior thesis with a plagiarized one.

997
01:14:06.239 --> 01:14:12.199
In fact, Dean Jerry Roth expelled Tray personally. Next, she

998
01:14:12.319 --> 01:14:16.119
found financial evidence on her father that the irs was

999
01:14:16.239 --> 01:14:22.319
most appreciative to receive. She also secretly mailed hardcore evidence

1000
01:14:22.680 --> 01:14:29.119
to her mother of her father's infidelity with many female students,

1001
01:14:29.119 --> 01:14:35.279
including his current affair with Whitney Plaza, leading to a

1002
01:14:36.119 --> 01:14:42.560
very nasty divorce. But Cathy didn't stop there. Upon discovering

1003
01:14:42.600 --> 01:14:46.199
Whitney and her father were seeing each other and connecting

1004
01:14:46.239 --> 01:14:50.039
the affair to Whitney's presidency, she brought the evidence of

1005
01:14:50.039 --> 01:14:53.239
that affair, as well as the others, to the right

1006
01:14:53.399 --> 01:14:58.680
university officials. Whitney was quickly removed from the adyk sorority

1007
01:14:58.920 --> 01:15:03.399
and expelled from the U University, which basically meant her

1008
01:15:03.439 --> 01:15:07.880
life was ruined. Shortly after, Cathy was named the new

1009
01:15:07.920 --> 01:15:13.640
president of the Strickfield branch of Alpha Delta Kappa. As

1010
01:15:13.680 --> 01:15:18.319
for Griffin Betcher, Kathy's father, he was also removed from

1011
01:15:18.359 --> 01:15:23.479
Strickfield University. He had the last laugh, however, and was

1012
01:15:23.479 --> 01:15:30.159
elected to Congress shortly thereafter. This made Kathy madder than ever,

1013
01:15:30.920 --> 01:15:34.119
and she started using her own power to make life

1014
01:15:34.199 --> 01:15:38.840
hell for other people. She used her influence to make

1015
01:15:38.840 --> 01:15:43.720
connections both at Strickfield University and with other area politicians.

1016
01:15:44.399 --> 01:15:48.199
In fact, she used her connections to have Strickfield branches

1017
01:15:48.239 --> 01:15:54.439
of rival sororities shut down permanently. Though Kathy felt she

1018
01:15:54.520 --> 01:15:58.479
had ultimate power, she was still upset she couldn't punish

1019
01:15:58.520 --> 01:16:03.159
her father. Even her influence wasn't strong enough to reach

1020
01:16:03.239 --> 01:16:07.399
him at his level of power. Her anger and resentment

1021
01:16:07.439 --> 01:16:09.920
of her father caused her to sever ties with the

1022
01:16:09.920 --> 01:16:14.880
rest of the family. In fact, Kathy deleted every voicemail

1023
01:16:14.960 --> 01:16:19.399
and text she'd ever received from her mother. She avoided

1024
01:16:19.439 --> 01:16:22.960
returning home, even for the holidays. As far as she

1025
01:16:23.159 --> 01:16:28.640
was concerned, home was the sorority house. Once she graduated,

1026
01:16:28.960 --> 01:16:32.880
she would act on other promising prospects and move on

1027
01:16:33.720 --> 01:16:39.119
to greener pastures. She would leave Strickfield and never look back.

1028
01:16:40.680 --> 01:16:45.560
Hey Kat, you okay, Margaret asked her. Yeah, you look

1029
01:16:45.640 --> 01:16:49.880
like something's really bothering you. Angie added, yeah, like you

1030
01:16:50.000 --> 01:16:54.520
bitches care. Kathy thought, I'm fine, just got a lot

1031
01:16:54.560 --> 01:16:56.880
on my mind. I'm gonna go get some fresh air.

1032
01:16:57.760 --> 01:17:01.640
Kathy left the house after stopping at the local coffee

1033
01:17:01.640 --> 01:17:05.560
shop the Bitter End. She left the university and walked

1034
01:17:05.600 --> 01:17:09.640
to the downtown area. As she drank her mocha, she

1035
01:17:09.760 --> 01:17:16.640
looked at her smartphone. Christmas Eve already fuck. Kathy knew

1036
01:17:16.680 --> 01:17:20.159
it would again be herself and her two sorority sisters

1037
01:17:20.239 --> 01:17:24.520
for Christmas. She saw that her mother again sent texts

1038
01:17:24.640 --> 01:17:31.520
and left voicemails as usual, she deleted everything. Kathleen Betcher

1039
01:17:32.039 --> 01:17:36.039
a voice suddenly called out, fuck. She muttered and walked faster.

1040
01:17:36.640 --> 01:17:41.720
Kathleen Betcher, you stop right there, right now. Kathy finally

1041
01:17:41.760 --> 01:17:45.760
stopped and waited for her mother. She had been ghosting

1042
01:17:45.800 --> 01:17:49.279
her mom and her younger sister since revealing her father's

1043
01:17:49.279 --> 01:17:53.960
infidelity to her mother. Seriously, are you stalking me now?

1044
01:17:54.399 --> 01:17:58.119
Kathy demanded rudely. What do you want? Is this how

1045
01:17:58.119 --> 01:18:01.640
it's going to be? Lorraine Betcher demanded back, do you

1046
01:18:01.720 --> 01:18:04.399
blame me for why your father and I are divorced?

1047
01:18:04.880 --> 01:18:09.079
I wasn't the one sleeping around. Look, Mom, I really

1048
01:18:09.079 --> 01:18:12.680
don't care anymore. Okay, Kathy snapped, I just want to

1049
01:18:12.720 --> 01:18:16.239
be left alone. Is that too much to goddamn ask for?

1050
01:18:17.359 --> 01:18:21.399
Lorraine looked stern by shutting me and Ruth out of

1051
01:18:21.439 --> 01:18:25.119
your life, we're your family, Kathleen, and it's not fair.

1052
01:18:26.079 --> 01:18:30.199
Kathy groaned. Yeah, well, the world ain't fucking fair, is it?

1053
01:18:31.119 --> 01:18:34.119
Lorraine pointed right at her. You do not use that

1054
01:18:34.279 --> 01:18:37.039
tone or language with me, young lady, I am your

1055
01:18:37.039 --> 01:18:39.000
mother and I gave both you and Ruth the best

1056
01:18:39.079 --> 01:18:43.319
years of my life. Kathy lashed out, Mom, just leave

1057
01:18:43.439 --> 01:18:46.840
me the fuck alone. Why is that so hard for

1058
01:18:46.880 --> 01:18:51.479
you to understand? Lorraine wouldn't relent. Why is it so

1059
01:18:51.600 --> 01:18:56.239
hard for you to understand? You still have family. Ruth

1060
01:18:56.279 --> 01:18:59.520
and I both miss you, Kathleen. We're not your enemies.

1061
01:19:00.239 --> 01:19:03.399
We're not expecting you to come back home full time,

1062
01:19:03.680 --> 01:19:08.640
but you could come by every now and then, and

1063
01:19:08.760 --> 01:19:10.640
Ruth and I would like you to come home for

1064
01:19:10.720 --> 01:19:16.199
Christmas tomorrow. Ruth really misses you. You know. She's always

1065
01:19:16.199 --> 01:19:19.039
looked up to you. You were her best friend in

1066
01:19:19.079 --> 01:19:23.840
the whole world, and you just turned your back on her.

1067
01:19:25.239 --> 01:19:29.920
Come home and make things right with her. Cathy was

1068
01:19:29.920 --> 01:19:34.159
about to say no and walk away, but she remembered Ruth,

1069
01:19:35.039 --> 01:19:39.199
her baby sister, came along many years after her. Kathy

1070
01:19:39.359 --> 01:19:43.439
was twenty three while Ruth was eleven pre college. Kathy

1071
01:19:43.560 --> 01:19:47.000
remembered how Ruth idolized her and wanted to be just

1072
01:19:47.239 --> 01:19:50.840
like her when she got to be old enough. Fine,

1073
01:19:51.560 --> 01:19:55.479
Kathy conceded, I'll come home tomorrow, but I'm doing it

1074
01:19:55.520 --> 01:20:01.199
for Ruth, not for you. That's fine. Lorraine replied, just

1075
01:20:02.119 --> 01:20:05.800
please come home and see your sister tomorrow. In fact,

1076
01:20:06.840 --> 01:20:09.840
why don't you bring a gift for her to tell

1077
01:20:09.880 --> 01:20:13.479
her how much you care she still enjoys collecting those

1078
01:20:13.520 --> 01:20:19.119
snow globes. Kathy sighed fine, then she started to walk

1079
01:20:19.159 --> 01:20:25.960
away two o'clock tomorrow, Lorraine called out behind her. Yeah, yeah,

1080
01:20:26.399 --> 01:20:33.199
Kathy muttered. Kathy walked through the main entrance of Strickfield

1081
01:20:33.239 --> 01:20:37.640
Town Center Mall. As she walked around, she noticed there

1082
01:20:37.680 --> 01:20:41.680
weren't many people. She checked her smartphone and saw it

1083
01:20:41.720 --> 01:20:45.640
was getting close to six. Damn it, the mall's going

1084
01:20:45.720 --> 01:20:48.399
to close for Christmas. I've got to find a snow

1085
01:20:48.439 --> 01:20:51.960
globe for Ruth. As she hurried through the mall, she

1086
01:20:52.000 --> 01:20:56.159
didn't see any stores that sold snow globes. Then she

1087
01:20:56.279 --> 01:21:00.359
saw some stores were closing and walked faster. By the

1088
01:21:00.399 --> 01:21:03.439
time she reached the other end of the mall, the J. C.

1089
01:21:03.640 --> 01:21:08.680
Penny had already locked up. Kathy, grown shit, I just

1090
01:21:08.800 --> 01:21:11.960
had to run into my fucking mom. Where am I

1091
01:21:12.000 --> 01:21:15.079
going to get a snow globe now? She turned to

1092
01:21:15.119 --> 01:21:19.640
walk away. When she saw a light near the mall entrance,

1093
01:21:20.920 --> 01:21:24.079
she knew not too many people had used She walked

1094
01:21:24.119 --> 01:21:28.319
in the direction until she saw a store called Tinkers.

1095
01:21:29.359 --> 01:21:33.319
Kathy entered the store and saw many odds and ends

1096
01:21:33.359 --> 01:21:37.640
on the shelves. May I help you, young lady? Kathy

1097
01:21:37.760 --> 01:21:40.640
quickly turned and saw a man in his late forties

1098
01:21:40.680 --> 01:21:44.359
approaching her. She was about to apologize for coming in,

1099
01:21:44.439 --> 01:21:50.000
but remembered she was Kathy Betcher. She never apologized to anyone.

1100
01:21:50.720 --> 01:21:53.680
I'm looking for a snow globe. I don't suppose you've

1101
01:21:53.680 --> 01:21:57.520
got one. The man raised his finger. I just so

1102
01:21:57.720 --> 01:22:00.560
happened to have one right in my display case at

1103
01:22:00.560 --> 01:22:04.279
the register. Follow me. Kathy followed the man to the

1104
01:22:04.279 --> 01:22:07.319
front counter. She could already see the snow globe in

1105
01:22:07.359 --> 01:22:10.840
the display case. The man stepped behind the counter, opened

1106
01:22:10.880 --> 01:22:13.239
the case, and took the snow globe out for her

1107
01:22:13.279 --> 01:22:16.920
to see. When Kathy took hold of it, it felt

1108
01:22:16.960 --> 01:22:20.600
a little heavy. This is the biggest snow globe I've

1109
01:22:20.600 --> 01:22:23.840
ever seen. I don't think Ruth has any this big.

1110
01:22:24.359 --> 01:22:26.800
As she looked it over more, she saw the figure

1111
01:22:26.880 --> 01:22:32.560
sitting on its throne. The figure had big and curly horns,

1112
01:22:33.239 --> 01:22:39.159
brown to graying fur, bright red eyes, and cloven hoofs

1113
01:22:39.239 --> 01:22:46.279
for feet. Is this crampis Kathy asked the man, Ah,

1114
01:22:46.439 --> 01:22:50.680
you know of Crampis, do you? The man replied, depending

1115
01:22:50.720 --> 01:22:53.680
on who you ask, He's supposed to be the evil

1116
01:22:53.800 --> 01:22:57.800
version of Santa Claus, or even like Sanna's brother. I've

1117
01:22:57.840 --> 01:23:00.319
heard he comes and takes the bad children while Santa

1118
01:23:00.359 --> 01:23:03.840
gives presents to the good ones. I've also heard Crampis

1119
01:23:03.880 --> 01:23:07.159
takes the souls of the wicked and corrupt, she sighed.

1120
01:23:08.000 --> 01:23:11.920
People spread stories about Crampis all over campus, much like

1121
01:23:11.960 --> 01:23:16.039
any other story about ghosts and goblins. I swear people

1122
01:23:16.079 --> 01:23:17.560
think every day is Halloween.

1123
01:23:17.600 --> 01:23:17.800
Here.

1124
01:23:19.079 --> 01:23:22.800
There was a brief silence, then the man said, this

1125
01:23:23.000 --> 01:23:26.159
is the only snowglobe I have, and I'll let you

1126
01:23:26.239 --> 01:23:30.520
have it for twenty dollars. Kathy pulled her billfold out

1127
01:23:30.520 --> 01:23:33.920
of her purse to complete the transaction. After the man

1128
01:23:34.119 --> 01:23:37.239
escorted her out, Cathy tried to leave through the mall

1129
01:23:37.399 --> 01:23:41.319
entrance next to Tinkers, but the doors were locked. She

1130
01:23:41.479 --> 01:23:44.520
cursed and walked back through the mall to the main entrance.

1131
01:23:45.479 --> 01:23:50.880
Ruth better be happy about this, Kathy muttered. Kathy decided

1132
01:23:50.920 --> 01:23:53.520
she wasn't staying at the sorority house with Margaret and

1133
01:23:53.560 --> 01:23:57.960
Annie and secretly left to be alone. While she was

1134
01:23:58.000 --> 01:24:00.479
sure she could have stayed in her old room at home,

1135
01:24:01.199 --> 01:24:04.359
she rented a room at a boarding house. As she

1136
01:24:04.479 --> 01:24:07.680
unpacked her suitcase, she pulled out the snow globe and

1137
01:24:07.760 --> 01:24:13.039
examined it again. Was it her or were the crampest

1138
01:24:13.039 --> 01:24:18.720
figure's eyes glowing? You're letting those goddamn ghost stories people

1139
01:24:18.760 --> 01:24:22.000
tell at the university get to you again, she thought.

1140
01:24:22.880 --> 01:24:26.039
She put the snow globe down, but still felt compelled

1141
01:24:26.159 --> 01:24:30.079
to look into the glowing eyes. After a time, she

1142
01:24:30.119 --> 01:24:35.800
shook her head and turned away. Just then, someone knocked

1143
01:24:35.800 --> 01:24:40.960
at her door. Figuring it was missus Elkins, the lady

1144
01:24:40.960 --> 01:24:45.000
who owned the boarding house, she went and answered. Her

1145
01:24:45.119 --> 01:24:50.920
jaw dropped when she saw Tray home. Oh fuck no. Angry,

1146
01:24:51.000 --> 01:24:53.319
she tried to slam the door in his face, but

1147
01:24:53.439 --> 01:24:56.560
he easily forced his way in and closed the door

1148
01:24:56.600 --> 01:25:00.439
behind him. Get the fuck out, Tray, she yelled. Then

1149
01:25:00.479 --> 01:25:03.680
she realized, and how did you even know I was here?

1150
01:25:04.800 --> 01:25:09.239
Trey sneered, saw you check in? Finally get kicked out

1151
01:25:09.239 --> 01:25:12.880
of your sorority? Huh, she groaned and pointed to the door.

1152
01:25:13.560 --> 01:25:18.600
Fuck off, you bastard, out, he kept sneering. I know you,

1153
01:25:18.680 --> 01:25:22.920
miss me Kat, you know how good I made you feel, yeah,

1154
01:25:22.960 --> 01:25:26.960
before you started fucking around on me. She retorted, So

1155
01:25:27.239 --> 01:25:29.840
what you think you can just come back to me

1156
01:25:29.960 --> 01:25:33.760
and fuck me again? Kathy gasped as he yanked her

1157
01:25:33.760 --> 01:25:37.560
into his arms. You know you wanna I see it

1158
01:25:37.600 --> 01:25:41.000
on you. Hell, I'm willing to forget you getting me

1159
01:25:41.119 --> 01:25:44.319
kicked out of school. Then Trey kissed her full on

1160
01:25:44.399 --> 01:25:49.960
the mouth. Kathy immediately kissed him back. They quickly undressed

1161
01:25:50.560 --> 01:25:54.239
and got into bed. Kathy let Trey get on top

1162
01:25:54.279 --> 01:25:57.920
of her and moaned when he entered her. She was

1163
01:25:58.000 --> 01:26:03.039
so angry at everything that she needed this sex right now,

1164
01:26:03.720 --> 01:26:07.560
even if it was with Trey. Kathy stepped out of

1165
01:26:07.600 --> 01:26:11.840
the shower and started towel drying herself. She felt disgusted

1166
01:26:11.920 --> 01:26:15.560
for letting Tray back in, knowing he'd be screwing other

1167
01:26:15.600 --> 01:26:19.199
girls later. She moved back to the bed and found

1168
01:26:19.279 --> 01:26:23.880
him sleeping soundly. At least he wouldn't be with other

1169
01:26:23.920 --> 01:26:28.560
girls tonight. As Kathy dropped her towel to get back

1170
01:26:28.600 --> 01:26:33.279
into bed, the glowing eyes of Crampis in the snow

1171
01:26:33.279 --> 01:26:39.399
globe caught her attention. Cathy seemed mesmerized as she walked

1172
01:26:39.399 --> 01:26:42.720
to the snow globe. When she picked it up, it

1173
01:26:42.800 --> 01:26:48.119
felt warm in her hands. Punish him, she heard the

1174
01:26:48.119 --> 01:26:50.119
demonic voice in her mind.

1175
01:26:50.600 --> 01:26:54.079
Punish those who have done you wrong. Claim their lives

1176
01:26:54.119 --> 01:26:57.760
and their souls. Accept me and your life, Kathine Betcher,

1177
01:26:58.479 --> 01:27:04.119
use my power. Kate never even gave it a thought. Yes,

1178
01:27:04.760 --> 01:27:06.840
she whispered. Yes.

1179
01:27:08.039 --> 01:27:13.000
Suddenly, Kathy felt an incredible surge of power throughout her body.

1180
01:27:13.520 --> 01:27:16.680
Her anger fueled the new power that she was accepting.

1181
01:27:17.319 --> 01:27:21.640
She relished the spirit of Crampis entering her body and

1182
01:27:21.720 --> 01:27:26.800
becoming one with her. When it was finished, Kathy moaned

1183
01:27:27.079 --> 01:27:30.960
as if she had just had an incredible orgasm. Then

1184
01:27:31.000 --> 01:27:35.760
she turned back to the sleeping tray and walked sexily

1185
01:27:35.880 --> 01:27:41.159
toward him. She climbed onto the bed and easily awakened him.

1186
01:27:42.119 --> 01:27:48.159
Trey grinned his sneering grin again. Oh hey, back for more.

1187
01:27:49.239 --> 01:27:56.039
Kathy smiled a wicked smile. Mm hmm. Kathy straddled him

1188
01:27:56.520 --> 01:27:59.359
and took him into her again. She rode him with

1189
01:27:59.399 --> 01:28:03.439
an incredible hunger. Tray laid there and enjoyed every minute

1190
01:28:03.439 --> 01:28:07.800
of it. They climaxed together after several minutes. Then Kathy

1191
01:28:07.880 --> 01:28:11.399
put her hands on his chest as he fondled her breasts.

1192
01:28:12.000 --> 01:28:17.880
You're definitely the best, babe, Tray said softly. Then why

1193
01:28:17.880 --> 01:28:23.720
did you fuck those other girls behind my back? She purred? Huh,

1194
01:28:23.920 --> 01:28:28.760
Trey uttered. Suddenly, Kathy throttled his neck. You heard me,

1195
01:28:29.319 --> 01:28:32.439
she said in her new demonic voice. I was never

1196
01:28:32.560 --> 01:28:35.319
good enough for you, so you fucked around on me.

1197
01:28:36.000 --> 01:28:42.119
Kathy smiled, Well, now I'm going to make you mine forever.

1198
01:28:42.359 --> 01:28:47.319
When Trey saw her transforming, he screamed. Kathy's hair and

1199
01:28:47.439 --> 01:28:51.399
flesh turned white as snow, her eyes glowed red and hot.

1200
01:28:52.000 --> 01:28:56.199
She grew long in curly horns, silvery fur on her

1201
01:28:56.319 --> 01:29:00.960
arms and legs, and her feet became cloven hoofs. Kathy

1202
01:29:01.119 --> 01:29:05.520
raised a hand to reveal bony and elongated fingers with long,

1203
01:29:06.279 --> 01:29:11.319
sharp claws. Tray's blood curdling scream made Kathy laugh as

1204
01:29:11.359 --> 01:29:15.000
she easily sank her new claws into his stomach. She

1205
01:29:15.119 --> 01:29:19.880
removed his bloody heart and relished the warm liquid trailing

1206
01:29:19.960 --> 01:29:22.680
down her arm and into her fur.

1207
01:29:23.560 --> 01:29:26.560
I always thought you were a heartless bastard for cheating

1208
01:29:26.640 --> 01:29:32.039
on me. I guess I was wrong. Kathy laughed cruelly

1209
01:29:32.119 --> 01:29:34.600
as she got off him and moved to the snow

1210
01:29:34.640 --> 01:29:38.720
globe to claim it. When she gazed into it, her

1211
01:29:38.760 --> 01:29:42.479
eyes and the glass on the globe both glowed. When

1212
01:29:42.520 --> 01:29:46.199
the glowing stopped, she tossed the heart back to Tray's

1213
01:29:46.279 --> 01:29:50.840
bloody corpse. Keep your heart, lover, I have your soul.

1214
01:29:51.840 --> 01:29:56.760
You truly belong to me now. Kathy knew that Trey

1215
01:29:57.199 --> 01:30:00.479
was just the beginning. There were others that were high

1216
01:30:00.840 --> 01:30:04.520
on her naughty list. She turned and crashed through the

1217
01:30:04.520 --> 01:30:07.319
window to get outside. When she landed on the ground,

1218
01:30:07.439 --> 01:30:09.920
she broke off a tree branch and attached it to

1219
01:30:09.960 --> 01:30:12.199
the bottom of the snow globe to make a staff.

1220
01:30:13.159 --> 01:30:16.560
She raised her new conduit to the sky. When the

1221
01:30:16.600 --> 01:30:21.960
snow globe glowed, it quickly became windy. Then the snowstorm began.

1222
01:30:22.920 --> 01:30:26.000
In a matter of short minutes, the green grass had

1223
01:30:26.000 --> 01:30:29.680
become white. She looked to the sky and saw her

1224
01:30:29.720 --> 01:30:33.800
sleigh was coming with her own monstrous versions of reindeer.

1225
01:30:35.159 --> 01:30:38.800
When the sleigh got close enough, she leaped onto it.

1226
01:30:39.479 --> 01:30:43.640
Once she sat and took the reins, Crampis was on

1227
01:30:43.760 --> 01:30:49.960
her way to her next naughty Whitney Plaza had clearly

1228
01:30:50.000 --> 01:30:53.680
been enjoying the good life in spite of being disgraced

1229
01:30:53.720 --> 01:30:59.159
from her former sorority and Strickfield University. Unbeknownst to Kathy,

1230
01:30:59.359 --> 01:31:03.000
Whitney was still in a heated affair with Kathy's father.

1231
01:31:03.760 --> 01:31:07.000
In fact, the two lovers had just finished another round

1232
01:31:07.039 --> 01:31:11.159
in a jacuzzie at a secluded house just outside of town.

1233
01:31:12.079 --> 01:31:16.159
Whitney lifted herself off him and sat beside. They picked

1234
01:31:16.199 --> 01:31:20.079
up their champagne glasses and took SIPs, stealing kisses from

1235
01:31:20.079 --> 01:31:25.159
each other. I love you, Griffin, Whitney whispered, when he

1236
01:31:25.159 --> 01:31:28.079
held her in his arms. I love you too, baby,

1237
01:31:28.640 --> 01:31:32.680
he whispered to his young lover's lips. She gazed into

1238
01:31:32.680 --> 01:31:36.279
his eyes. You're still taking good care of me after

1239
01:31:36.319 --> 01:31:41.720
what your daughter did. She literally ruined my life. I know,

1240
01:31:42.119 --> 01:31:46.640
Griffin replied. She attacked you to get to me, but

1241
01:31:46.960 --> 01:31:49.560
I was the one who ended up suffering most for it.

1242
01:31:50.000 --> 01:31:53.680
She groaned, you just had to pay money. I can't

1243
01:31:53.720 --> 01:31:57.000
even get a job working at Denyer's Grill or Roth's Rings.

1244
01:31:57.880 --> 01:32:01.279
He kissed her again. I said I'd take good care

1245
01:32:01.319 --> 01:32:06.520
of you, and I will remember I'm marrying you right

1246
01:32:06.560 --> 01:32:10.760
after the New Year. Oh, Griffin, Whitney moaned and let

1247
01:32:10.800 --> 01:32:14.920
him kiss her again. My isn't this touching? And by

1248
01:32:15.039 --> 01:32:19.319
two people I once trusted with my life. The two

1249
01:32:19.399 --> 01:32:22.880
betrayers came apart and saw the demonic form that was

1250
01:32:22.920 --> 01:32:26.399
standing there before them. In her hand was her newly

1251
01:32:26.479 --> 01:32:33.840
created staff. Whitney's jaw dropped Kathy. When Griffin saw Whitney

1252
01:32:33.920 --> 01:32:39.720
was right, he gasped, Kathy, is that you? The demon laughed,

1253
01:32:40.439 --> 01:32:48.000
Kathy is no more. There is only Crampis now and

1254
01:32:48.079 --> 01:32:53.279
tonight the two of you will pay for your sins.

1255
01:32:53.680 --> 01:32:56.479
She put her staff against the wall before she leaned

1256
01:32:56.560 --> 01:32:59.600
forward and put her clawed hands on the side of

1257
01:32:59.640 --> 01:33:00.359
the hot tub.

1258
01:33:01.119 --> 01:33:06.359
Now, which one of your black souls do I take first?

1259
01:33:06.760 --> 01:33:10.880
Crampis looked from Griffin to Whitney before she finally settled

1260
01:33:11.479 --> 01:33:12.159
on Whitney.

1261
01:33:12.840 --> 01:33:17.319
You were supposed to be my best friend. We were

1262
01:33:17.479 --> 01:33:21.359
tight in high school, and the moment Daddy offered you power,

1263
01:33:21.680 --> 01:33:24.960
you stabbed me in the back without a second thought.

1264
01:33:25.560 --> 01:33:28.159
Whitney screamed and quickly got out of the hot tub

1265
01:33:28.199 --> 01:33:33.279
on the other side, facing Crampis. You don't understand. I

1266
01:33:33.319 --> 01:33:38.119
had a unique opportunity. Being the president of the Kappus

1267
01:33:38.199 --> 01:33:41.720
Sorority opens up lots of doors. I had to take it.

1268
01:33:41.760 --> 01:33:45.079
When your dad offered it, he said you couldn't handle it,

1269
01:33:45.119 --> 01:33:49.319
that you were that you were too weak. Crampis looked

1270
01:33:49.319 --> 01:33:53.760
at Griffin, Oh did you now? Griffin cried out in fright,

1271
01:33:53.920 --> 01:33:58.039
and himself tried to escape. Crampis seized him and pulled

1272
01:33:58.079 --> 01:33:58.720
him close.

1273
01:33:59.439 --> 01:34:04.920
There's no where you can run, where I can't find you, daddy.

1274
01:34:05.079 --> 01:34:08.439
Crampis just tossed him right over her shoulder like a

1275
01:34:08.479 --> 01:34:11.680
piece of trash. Gryffin cried out as he flew into

1276
01:34:11.680 --> 01:34:15.600
the liquor cabinet and tumbled to the floor. Crampus looked

1277
01:34:15.640 --> 01:34:19.840
over her shoulder. You really should run. You don't want

1278
01:34:19.880 --> 01:34:24.039
to see what happens to your sweetie, Crampis laughed as

1279
01:34:24.039 --> 01:34:28.359
Griffin picked himself up and staggered away. Then she turned

1280
01:34:28.399 --> 01:34:33.399
her attention back to Whitney. You got your revenge on

1281
01:34:33.479 --> 01:34:41.520
me by disgracing me, Whitney yelled. Isn't that enough, Crampis sneered.

1282
01:34:41.880 --> 01:34:46.479
Not when you're still living in luxury with your sugar dady,

1283
01:34:46.520 --> 01:34:47.840
with my daddy.

1284
01:34:48.399 --> 01:34:51.119
Crampus leaped over the hot tub and grabbed Whitney by

1285
01:34:51.119 --> 01:34:54.439
her hair as she tried to flee. Whitney screamed, and

1286
01:34:54.479 --> 01:34:58.079
started crying as she was turned to face Crampis again,

1287
01:34:59.359 --> 01:35:03.439
Please cat the what do you want? I'm so sorry.

1288
01:35:05.119 --> 01:35:10.760
Crampis caressed her cheek. Then Whitney screamed again when Crampis

1289
01:35:10.800 --> 01:35:14.039
lifted her up by her breasts and slammed her back

1290
01:35:14.119 --> 01:35:17.720
into the hot tub. Crampus held Whitney underneath the water

1291
01:35:17.920 --> 01:35:21.640
as she reached for and grabbed her staff. She dipped

1292
01:35:21.680 --> 01:35:25.199
the snow globe into the water and made it boil.

1293
01:35:26.159 --> 01:35:29.600
Holding the staff with both hands, she started stirring the

1294
01:35:29.640 --> 01:35:34.640
heavy steaming water, which was slowly turning a sickening red.

1295
01:35:35.640 --> 01:35:39.560
When Crampus had finished making her hellish Christmas punch, she

1296
01:35:39.680 --> 01:35:42.199
pulled the staff out of the water. With Whitney's soul

1297
01:35:42.960 --> 01:35:48.760
now inside, Crampis held her staff upright once again. She

1298
01:35:48.920 --> 01:35:52.319
took one of the champagne glasses and filled it with

1299
01:35:52.439 --> 01:35:58.680
the newly made punch. Then she took a sip sinfully perfect.

1300
01:35:59.239 --> 01:36:01.640
She looked in the direction Griffin ran.

1301
01:36:02.359 --> 01:36:06.880
I'll return for Daddy after I make another quick stomp.

1302
01:36:07.439 --> 01:36:11.159
Crampis left the house and got back into her sleigh.

1303
01:36:11.560 --> 01:36:16.359
Soon Crampis was flying into the haunting Whinteri sky again.

1304
01:36:18.119 --> 01:36:21.279
Margaret Nash and Angie Adams were cuddled up with each

1305
01:36:21.279 --> 01:36:24.159
other on the couch as they watched It's a Wonderful

1306
01:36:24.239 --> 01:36:27.880
Life together. They were the only two girls left in

1307
01:36:27.920 --> 01:36:31.880
the ADK sorority house. The other sisters had gone home

1308
01:36:32.039 --> 01:36:35.800
to be with their families for the holidays. Can you

1309
01:36:35.880 --> 01:36:39.359
believe this weather, Angie muttered as she tightened her comforter

1310
01:36:39.479 --> 01:36:44.159
around herself. More the furnace ain't even keeping the housewarm.

1311
01:36:44.840 --> 01:36:48.720
Come here, Margaret murmured, and held Angie. He'll keep each

1312
01:36:48.720 --> 01:36:52.600
other warm. The girls rested against each other as they

1313
01:36:52.640 --> 01:36:56.840
continued watching the movie. I wish Kat was here with us,

1314
01:36:57.359 --> 01:37:01.520
Margaret said, I can't believe she just up and left

1315
01:37:01.560 --> 01:37:05.800
and didn't say anything, and now what's gotten into her?

1316
01:37:06.079 --> 01:37:12.359
Angie agreed. Suddenly, the front doors burst open. The girls

1317
01:37:12.439 --> 01:37:15.800
screamed as a huge blast of snow and wind blew

1318
01:37:15.840 --> 01:37:19.359
into the living room and practically chilled them to their bones.

1319
01:37:19.960 --> 01:37:24.880
They screamed again when they saw the demonic figure standing

1320
01:37:24.920 --> 01:37:29.880
in the doorway. Crampis walked in and saw the girls

1321
01:37:29.960 --> 01:37:34.640
running upstairs. She growled and raced up after them with

1322
01:37:34.720 --> 01:37:37.319
her powerful legs. She was on them before they could

1323
01:37:37.359 --> 01:37:40.239
hide in one of the bedrooms. She grabbed them and

1324
01:37:40.319 --> 01:37:42.239
brought them into a bedroom herself.

1325
01:37:42.920 --> 01:37:47.159
You two were very naughty this year, Crampis told them,

1326
01:37:47.479 --> 01:37:51.159
you bitches only pretend to be my friends.

1327
01:37:51.600 --> 01:37:55.720
She then threw them both onto the bed. Annie immediately

1328
01:37:55.800 --> 01:38:02.720
recognized the face. Kat Oh, Jesus, Cat, what happened to you?

1329
01:38:03.600 --> 01:38:08.560
Margaret saw that Annie was right and screamed. Crampis moved

1330
01:38:08.640 --> 01:38:11.239
right to them and lifted them off the bed.

1331
01:38:12.000 --> 01:38:16.960
You two were plotting with Daddy to overthrow me. You

1332
01:38:17.000 --> 01:38:20.600
think I don't see through you two backstabbers?

1333
01:38:20.640 --> 01:38:25.439
Margaret's jaw dropped. What are you talking about? We've always

1334
01:38:25.439 --> 01:38:30.439
stuck by you. Cat, You're wrong, you're our friend. Annie

1335
01:38:30.479 --> 01:38:33.720
told her we would never do anything to hurt you.

1336
01:38:34.840 --> 01:38:38.520
Crampus shook them. I saw you two talking to my dad,

1337
01:38:38.880 --> 01:38:42.800
She roared. You both flirted with him, and it wasn't

1338
01:38:42.960 --> 01:38:47.439
just once. We were just talking to him. Margaret stammered,

1339
01:38:48.119 --> 01:38:51.520
he's a senator. How could we tell him to fuck off?

1340
01:38:52.640 --> 01:38:57.880
We can't even stand him. Annie added, he's such a pig. Please, Cat,

1341
01:38:58.079 --> 01:39:01.720
listen to us. You're our friend and we love you.

1342
01:39:02.800 --> 01:39:07.039
Lies. You two will say anything to avoid judgment.

1343
01:39:07.560 --> 01:39:10.600
She pushed them away and pointed right at them. Your

1344
01:39:10.760 --> 01:39:16.840
soulis are my. The girls started crying. Now you're wrong.

1345
01:39:17.239 --> 01:39:22.399
Annie shrieked, you're wrong. We never plotted against you. We

1346
01:39:22.479 --> 01:39:26.560
would never do that. Margaret agreed. I admit we didn't

1347
01:39:26.560 --> 01:39:29.319
always agree with everything you did, but we always stood

1348
01:39:29.359 --> 01:39:33.680
by you. Remember last Christmas when you wanted us to

1349
01:39:33.720 --> 01:39:37.359
watch It's a Wonderful Life with you, Margaret recalled, We

1350
01:39:37.479 --> 01:39:40.479
ended up staying up all night watching Christmas movies together.

1351
01:39:41.640 --> 01:39:45.960
That was so much fun. We spent so much time together, Kat,

1352
01:39:46.479 --> 01:39:50.600
Annie said, it wasn't just because we're in this god

1353
01:39:50.640 --> 01:39:58.800
forsaken sorority together. We both love you, we we Then

1354
01:39:58.840 --> 01:40:04.039
she started crying more. What happened to you, kat? Margaret

1355
01:40:04.039 --> 01:40:08.319
held Annie as she cried. Then Margaret began to cry again.

1356
01:40:09.520 --> 01:40:13.800
She looked to Crampis. Whatever we did to piss you off,

1357
01:40:15.319 --> 01:40:19.560
We're sorry. Crampis felt these girls were telling the truth.

1358
01:40:20.119 --> 01:40:24.720
She snorted and slowly backed away from them. She really

1359
01:40:24.800 --> 01:40:28.359
wanted to claim their souls, but they had been telling

1360
01:40:28.399 --> 01:40:32.960
the truth. They had never once conspired against her. Now

1361
01:40:33.000 --> 01:40:37.479
she was the one who had hurt them. Cathy was

1362
01:40:37.560 --> 01:40:41.399
ready to relinquish the power, but then the face of

1363
01:40:41.439 --> 01:40:45.880
her father came back into her mind. Griffin Betcher was

1364
01:40:45.920 --> 01:40:50.640
a very naughty person. It was time for Crampis to

1365
01:40:50.680 --> 01:40:58.000
settle the score with him once and for all. Crampis

1366
01:40:58.039 --> 01:41:00.800
burst right through the front door of these child at

1367
01:41:00.800 --> 01:41:05.039
home and found them all in the living room. Lorraine, Ruth,

1368
01:41:05.319 --> 01:41:08.640
and Crampis pointed right at Griffin.

1369
01:41:09.279 --> 01:41:09.359
You.

1370
01:41:10.760 --> 01:41:14.000
I'm here to claim your souls, daddy.

1371
01:41:14.239 --> 01:41:16.239
She leaped at Griffin and picked him up.

1372
01:41:16.560 --> 01:41:20.239
Still think I'm weak. Look at how you cower like

1373
01:41:20.279 --> 01:41:23.560
a naughty little child at knowing it's too late to

1374
01:41:23.640 --> 01:41:25.600
repent when I come for them.

1375
01:41:26.239 --> 01:41:31.960
Yes, Griffin replied quickly, Yes, you're right, Kathy, I am weak.

1376
01:41:32.279 --> 01:41:35.039
I am a piece of shit. I've given into the

1377
01:41:35.079 --> 01:41:38.760
sins of flesh too many times. I put it even

1378
01:41:38.840 --> 01:41:43.119
above my own family, my own wife.

1379
01:41:43.279 --> 01:41:47.000
And then there's all the money you've spent on luxuries.

1380
01:41:46.920 --> 01:41:47.840
For your whores.

1381
01:41:48.439 --> 01:41:52.119
Crampus added, do you have any idea how hard it

1382
01:41:52.239 --> 01:41:54.560
was for your wife to have to raise two children

1383
01:41:54.720 --> 01:41:57.720
without the help of a deadbeat daddy who cared more

1384
01:41:57.760 --> 01:42:01.680
about his cock than his own children. Crampis lifted him

1385
01:42:01.760 --> 01:42:03.960
up and threw him across the living room next to

1386
01:42:04.000 --> 01:42:07.920
the fireplace. She was back on him almost immediately. She

1387
01:42:08.039 --> 01:42:10.760
lifted him by his pressed shirt collar and brought his

1388
01:42:10.800 --> 01:42:16.039
head close to the fire. Kathleen, No, Lorraine beckoned.

1389
01:42:16.159 --> 01:42:21.079
You can't save him. Even people like Griffin are beyond saving.

1390
01:42:21.680 --> 01:42:24.399
He had many opportunities to do the right thing.

1391
01:42:24.680 --> 01:42:27.199
She redirected her attention back to Griffin.

1392
01:42:27.720 --> 01:42:30.840
Remember how you betrayed me to take Whitney Plaza as

1393
01:42:30.880 --> 01:42:35.319
your mistress. And it wasn't just once you betrayed me.

1394
01:42:35.920 --> 01:42:40.520
Many times you chose her over your own daughter. She roared,

1395
01:42:40.560 --> 01:42:44.399
with enough anger to shake the entire house. But now

1396
01:42:44.600 --> 01:42:49.199
you're going to find out what hurts much worse, betrayal

1397
01:42:49.640 --> 01:42:50.279
or fire.

1398
01:42:51.079 --> 01:42:58.600
Kathy No, Griffin shrieked, No, please, too late, Crampis growled.

1399
01:42:59.159 --> 01:43:01.920
She shoved his head into the fireplace and held him

1400
01:43:01.960 --> 01:43:05.239
there as his head caught fire and started burning quickly.

1401
01:43:05.720 --> 01:43:09.039
Griffin screamed as his pain seemed to last for eternity.

1402
01:43:09.960 --> 01:43:13.399
Lorraine tried to pull Crampis off him, but it was

1403
01:43:13.479 --> 01:43:19.239
much too late. His soul now belonged to Crampis and

1404
01:43:19.439 --> 01:43:22.960
was now stored in the snow globe with the others

1405
01:43:23.439 --> 01:43:28.680
she had claimed. Crampis turned her attention to Lorraine and Ruth.

1406
01:43:29.520 --> 01:43:32.479
She seemed surprised when Ruth was right there in front

1407
01:43:32.479 --> 01:43:37.720
of her. Please Cathy no more, She begged her older sister,

1408
01:43:38.239 --> 01:43:43.359
please come back. Crampis was about to push Ruth away,

1409
01:43:44.640 --> 01:43:50.039
but then Ruth hugged her. Kathy, I love you. She

1410
01:43:50.159 --> 01:43:55.319
looked up into Crampis's face. Please come home. I missed

1411
01:43:55.359 --> 01:44:01.760
my big sister. Lorraine looked at Crampis. Ruth's right. You

1412
01:44:01.840 --> 01:44:04.840
and Ruth are both my baby girls, and I gave

1413
01:44:04.880 --> 01:44:07.159
you both the best years of my life to raise you.

1414
01:44:07.239 --> 01:44:07.439
Right.

1415
01:44:08.000 --> 01:44:10.159
I did it because I love you both so much.

1416
01:44:11.439 --> 01:44:14.239
Maybe your father only cared about himself, but you always

1417
01:44:14.319 --> 01:44:18.880
had your sister. You always had me. You'll always have

1418
01:44:18.960 --> 01:44:22.239
the two of us. You'll always have a home here

1419
01:44:22.279 --> 01:44:28.640
with us. We'll never never stop loving you. No, no,

1420
01:44:28.680 --> 01:44:34.199
it's too late, Crampis stammered. I've already taken lives and souls.

1421
01:44:34.439 --> 01:44:38.079
There can be no redemption for me. Now you have

1422
01:44:38.159 --> 01:44:43.319
the souls. Lorraine agreed, but you can give them back.

1423
01:44:44.520 --> 01:44:48.239
You can still do the right thing, Kathleen. Don't let

1424
01:44:48.319 --> 01:44:52.199
your soul be damned like this. Is this really what

1425
01:44:52.239 --> 01:44:59.319
you want? Crampis began to cry. Now, then she growled

1426
01:44:59.520 --> 01:45:04.079
and tried to shatter the snow globe. Instead of breaking,

1427
01:45:04.800 --> 01:45:10.800
the globe came off the staff and right into Ruth's hands. Suddenly,

1428
01:45:11.439 --> 01:45:14.479
the snow globe glowed bright white as Ruth willed the

1429
01:45:14.600 --> 01:45:18.800
souls Crampus had taken to be returned to their owners.

1430
01:45:19.520 --> 01:45:22.600
Crampis roared as he found himself being pulled out of

1431
01:45:22.680 --> 01:45:26.439
Kathy and back into the snow globe to return to

1432
01:45:26.560 --> 01:45:30.560
his lair. Once his spirit was gone, there was a

1433
01:45:30.560 --> 01:45:40.720
bright flash of light and everything had changed. Christmas morning came,

1434
01:45:41.520 --> 01:45:44.279
Cathy was standing at the front door of her family's

1435
01:45:44.279 --> 01:45:48.359
house with Margaret and Annie. Kathy knew her two friends

1436
01:45:48.399 --> 01:45:51.960
would be in the sorority house alone, so she invited

1437
01:45:52.000 --> 01:45:56.680
them to come home with her for Christmas. Lorrain didn't

1438
01:45:56.720 --> 01:45:59.720
mind in the least. Kathy even brought presents for her

1439
01:45:59.800 --> 01:46:04.760
Muther and sister. When Ruth opened her gift from Cathy,

1440
01:46:04.840 --> 01:46:07.520
it was a big snow globe that had Santa Claus

1441
01:46:07.840 --> 01:46:11.640
sitting on his throne at the north pole. She shook

1442
01:46:11.680 --> 01:46:14.560
it to make the artificial snow move around in the water.

1443
01:46:15.479 --> 01:46:19.279
In fact, only Ruth knew the events that had happened

1444
01:46:19.279 --> 01:46:23.119
with the Crampis snow globe. Upon returning the souls to

1445
01:46:23.199 --> 01:46:26.760
their owners and restoring them to life, she willed that

1446
01:46:26.840 --> 01:46:31.920
the previous day's events be forgotten. Cathy would never come

1447
01:46:32.000 --> 01:46:35.720
to be in possession of the Crampis snow globe from Tinkers.

1448
01:46:36.880 --> 01:46:41.000
In the new reality, Cathy ended up reconsidering her stance

1449
01:46:41.119 --> 01:46:45.680
against ignoring her family and decided to return home for

1450
01:46:45.720 --> 01:46:50.720
the holidays. After the spring semester started at Strickfield University,

1451
01:46:51.199 --> 01:46:55.199
she resigned as president of the ADK Sorority and left

1452
01:46:55.239 --> 01:46:59.239
the house. To her surprise, Margaret and Annie wouldn't let

1453
01:46:59.279 --> 01:47:04.079
her go alone and joined her. Kathy no longer needed

1454
01:47:04.079 --> 01:47:08.359
a sorority, not when she had two best friends, her

1455
01:47:08.399 --> 01:47:13.159
mother and Ruth. In fact, Kathy moved back home with

1456
01:47:13.239 --> 01:47:16.720
her family. Margaret and Annie moved in with the Betchers

1457
01:47:16.760 --> 01:47:20.840
as boarders to help with the expenses. Cathy could now

1458
01:47:20.920 --> 01:47:25.279
spend some quality time with both her two friends and

1459
01:47:25.359 --> 01:47:31.279
her mother and sister. About a week after Kathy had

1460
01:47:31.319 --> 01:47:36.000
settled in back home, Isley Tinker stood outside the Betcher

1461
01:47:36.079 --> 01:47:40.760
house with the Crampest snow glow in his hand. Seeing

1462
01:47:40.840 --> 01:47:46.159
little Ruth playing with Kathy, he both admired and detested

1463
01:47:46.199 --> 01:47:51.319
the little girl. At the same time, children unfortunately still

1464
01:47:51.439 --> 01:47:54.760
proved to be innocent, even in this day and age.

1465
01:47:55.199 --> 01:47:59.039
He said outloud, that's what saved your soul. On Christmas

1466
01:47:59.079 --> 01:48:04.960
Eve night, Kathleen Betcher, you may have your family and

1467
01:48:05.039 --> 01:48:08.359
your friends. He looked into the globe and saw the

1468
01:48:08.359 --> 01:48:13.680
figure's eyes glow bright red. Crampis will simply seize another

1469
01:48:13.760 --> 01:48:18.600
vessel to carry out his judgment against the wicked, or

1470
01:48:18.720 --> 01:48:25.640
perhaps return for you next Christmas Eve. From there, he

1471
01:48:25.800 --> 01:48:29.880
turned and walked away, leaving the Betcher house and its

1472
01:48:29.920 --> 01:48:45.159
occupants in peace, at least for now. Operation Deadly Night

1473
01:48:45.680 --> 01:48:52.960
by Keith tom The New York Spectator, Tuesday September twentieth,

1474
01:48:53.000 --> 01:48:57.560
two thousand and forty seven headline Rolin's Robotics ready to

1475
01:48:57.680 --> 01:49:03.319
roll out Robosanta's by Robert Jackson. The Rolins Robotics Company

1476
01:49:03.520 --> 01:49:06.560
RRC announced today that they will be offering a Santa

1477
01:49:06.600 --> 01:49:11.119
Claus modification or mod for their popular line of RMS

1478
01:49:11.279 --> 01:49:15.399
X seven android butlers. The kit will include new behaviors

1479
01:49:15.439 --> 01:49:19.199
and routines, as well as a Santa jacket, hat and beard.

1480
01:49:19.640 --> 01:49:22.319
The company said that the kits should start shipping as

1481
01:49:22.359 --> 01:49:27.319
early as November first, Eric Vasquez, a professor of economics

1482
01:49:27.319 --> 01:49:30.760
at MIT, expects the trend of introducing add ons to

1483
01:49:30.800 --> 01:49:35.479
personal Android servants or pass to increase in the future.

1484
01:49:36.119 --> 01:49:39.720
Quote with almost a quarter of Americans owning a PAS,

1485
01:49:40.000 --> 01:49:43.680
nearly everyone that can afford one already has one, Professor

1486
01:49:43.760 --> 01:49:47.800
Vasquez said, offering the ability to modify your Android butler

1487
01:49:48.119 --> 01:49:51.000
is the next logical step and could be a real

1488
01:49:51.039 --> 01:49:54.560
boost to rrc's bottom line. If they want to hang

1489
01:49:54.600 --> 01:49:57.520
on to their nearly sixty percent market share, they need

1490
01:49:57.520 --> 01:50:00.800
to justify their higher price point to consumers and stay

1491
01:50:00.800 --> 01:50:10.960
off lower priced competition such as Modern Robotics Inc. December

1492
01:50:11.000 --> 01:50:16.439
twenty fourth, seven fifty six am Port, Presley, Maryland, the

1493
01:50:16.520 --> 01:50:20.000
delivery drone descended from the sky and hovered in front

1494
01:50:20.039 --> 01:50:24.000
of a white, narrow, three story townhouse. As it verified

1495
01:50:24.039 --> 01:50:29.399
the address verification complete, it gently deposited a package on

1496
01:50:29.439 --> 01:50:31.840
the mat in front of the door and sent a

1497
01:50:31.880 --> 01:50:36.319
signal that tripped the doorbell circuit. Duty complete, it shot

1498
01:50:36.399 --> 01:50:40.279
up in the air, continuing its endless journey to supply

1499
01:50:40.479 --> 01:50:45.920
goods to the masses. The Rowlands Robotics Model RMS X

1500
01:50:46.000 --> 01:50:50.000
seven one five personal Android servant, known to its owners

1501
01:50:50.000 --> 01:50:53.560
as Charles noted the buzz of the doorbell and turned

1502
01:50:53.600 --> 01:50:56.479
off the iron before placing it on the ironing board.

1503
01:50:57.039 --> 01:51:00.800
He turned towards the door and his tread softly as

1504
01:51:00.840 --> 01:51:04.800
he rolled across the carpet. Charles had a humanoid torso,

1505
01:51:05.159 --> 01:51:09.039
arms and head covered in metallic gold skin, sitting on

1506
01:51:09.119 --> 01:51:11.800
top of a metal pole ending in a base with

1507
01:51:11.880 --> 01:51:16.359
a series of independently functioning treads. These treads help him

1508
01:51:16.439 --> 01:51:21.920
maneuver over difficult terrain, including stairs. Wearing a butler's jacket,

1509
01:51:22.000 --> 01:51:25.159
he had the poise and dignity of an old English butler.

1510
01:51:25.800 --> 01:51:29.199
Charles opened the door and retrieved the package. He quickly

1511
01:51:29.239 --> 01:51:33.119
scanned the label and entered the kitchen. Mister Molson, a

1512
01:51:33.159 --> 01:51:36.359
package has arrived for you, he stated in his flat,

1513
01:51:36.399 --> 01:51:40.520
metallic voice. George Molson looked up from his newspaper and

1514
01:51:40.640 --> 01:51:43.800
held out his hand. His level of excitement shot up

1515
01:51:44.000 --> 01:51:47.920
when he looked at the sender's information. Helen, this is

1516
01:51:47.960 --> 01:51:50.560
the Santa Mood I was telling you about. I was

1517
01:51:50.600 --> 01:51:53.000
hoping we might be able to get it before Christmas.

1518
01:51:54.680 --> 01:51:59.319
They certainly cut it close a mod. Is this something

1519
01:51:59.359 --> 01:52:03.880
for Charles? Helen asked George side. Yes, I told you

1520
01:52:03.960 --> 01:52:07.640
about this weeks ago. It turns Charles into a Santa Claus.

1521
01:52:08.239 --> 01:52:10.760
George walked over to the kitchen counter and grabbed a

1522
01:52:10.760 --> 01:52:16.439
pairing knife from the knife block. That's nice, dear, Helen replied, absently.

1523
01:52:16.600 --> 01:52:20.880
Disappointed over Helen's lack of enthusiasm, George said, at least

1524
01:52:20.960 --> 01:52:25.239
the kids will love it. Helen thought about it and replied, well,

1525
01:52:26.079 --> 01:52:29.520
the twins will love it, but Kevin'll hate it. Well,

1526
01:52:29.600 --> 01:52:33.600
Kevin is sixteen years old. He hates everything. Helen's side,

1527
01:52:34.199 --> 01:52:37.960
you're right about that. As George opened up the package

1528
01:52:38.000 --> 01:52:41.920
and took out the Santa outfit, Helen changed subjects. I

1529
01:52:41.960 --> 01:52:44.840
wish you didn't have to work today. It's Christmas Eve.

1530
01:52:46.039 --> 01:52:48.920
We talked about this. It's either I worked today or

1531
01:52:49.000 --> 01:52:51.239
we'll have to cut our trip to Martha's Vineyard short,

1532
01:52:51.640 --> 01:52:55.239
he said absently, as he scanned the instructions for the

1533
01:52:55.279 --> 01:52:58.960
mod I know, it's just that there's so much to

1534
01:52:59.000 --> 01:53:02.079
do to get ready for our trip tomorrow. George laid

1535
01:53:02.079 --> 01:53:04.880
the instructions on the table and looked at his wife.

1536
01:53:05.520 --> 01:53:08.920
You'll handle it beautifully, you always do, he said, looking

1537
01:53:08.960 --> 01:53:11.399
at his watch. Oh, why I have to get going.

1538
01:53:11.840 --> 01:53:16.439
I'll be home late turning to Charles, George gave instructions. Charles,

1539
01:53:16.680 --> 01:53:19.119
I need you to download the Christmas update, and after

1540
01:53:19.159 --> 01:53:21.840
all the kids are in bed, put on the outfit

1541
01:53:22.119 --> 01:53:25.880
and enable Santa mode. He indicated. The clothes on the table.

1542
01:53:26.239 --> 01:53:28.159
You'll need to wrap the presents that are in my

1543
01:53:28.239 --> 01:53:31.279
office and put them under the tree. Wake everyone up

1544
01:53:31.319 --> 01:53:34.520
at seven am. If we're not up already, you'll be

1545
01:53:34.560 --> 01:53:38.279
passing out presents and singing Christmas carols. Have breakfast ready

1546
01:53:38.319 --> 01:53:40.399
by eight thirty. We'll need to be on the road

1547
01:53:40.439 --> 01:53:44.319
by ten. Yes, sir, it will be done, Charles said.

1548
01:53:45.000 --> 01:53:48.520
George turned back to his wife. I gotta go try

1549
01:53:48.520 --> 01:53:50.960
and have a nice day, he said, as he kissed

1550
01:53:50.960 --> 01:53:53.640
her on top of her head. He turned and left

1551
01:53:53.640 --> 01:53:57.119
the room. A few seconds later, Helen heard the front

1552
01:53:57.119 --> 01:54:03.199
door open and shut. Helen's so much to do, she thought,

1553
01:54:03.760 --> 01:54:08.119
Rubbing her temples, she addressed Charles, Charles, I need you

1554
01:54:08.159 --> 01:54:10.880
to clean the house from top to bottom. I will

1555
01:54:10.880 --> 01:54:14.279
not come back from vacation to a dirty house. Finish

1556
01:54:14.319 --> 01:54:16.720
all of the laundry, pack our clothes for the trip,

1557
01:54:16.840 --> 01:54:20.119
and make sure that the twins, especially Tommy, take a bath,

1558
01:54:20.600 --> 01:54:23.720
have lunch ready by noon and dinner ready by seven, mister,

1559
01:54:24.439 --> 01:54:27.920
she paused, Mister Moulson will not be joining us for dinner.

1560
01:54:28.600 --> 01:54:30.720
If you have any issues, I'll be in my room.

1561
01:54:31.159 --> 01:54:34.439
I need to lay down and rest for a bit. Yes, ma'am,

1562
01:54:34.640 --> 01:54:38.359
it will be done, Charles said. Helen left the room

1563
01:54:38.680 --> 01:54:46.119
as Charles began cleaning. Kevin Molson sat on the edge

1564
01:54:46.119 --> 01:54:49.159
of his bed playing a video game. He was wearing

1565
01:54:49.199 --> 01:54:53.359
a pair of thick VR goggles with opaque lenses soft

1566
01:54:53.439 --> 01:54:57.439
pads covered each year. His head and hands jerked back

1567
01:54:57.520 --> 01:55:01.640
and forth as he worked an invisible joystay. Yeah, this sucks.

1568
01:55:02.000 --> 01:55:04.880
Will be gone for over two weeks, Kevin said over

1569
01:55:04.920 --> 01:55:09.159
the headset to his girlfriend. Yeah, I'll miss you too, babe,

1570
01:55:09.600 --> 01:55:15.039
but I'll call every night. He nodded and smiled. Yeah,

1571
01:55:15.199 --> 01:55:17.960
that would be sexy, and I promise I won't let

1572
01:55:17.960 --> 01:55:21.520
anyone else see the pictures. Kevin listened for a few

1573
01:55:21.560 --> 01:55:24.399
more minutes before slamming his hand down on the bed

1574
01:55:24.439 --> 01:55:29.079
and yelling, you bitch, what Oh no, not you. I

1575
01:55:29.199 --> 01:55:33.079
just got fragged in the game. I hate campers. Charles

1576
01:55:33.159 --> 01:55:37.560
knocked on Kevin's door and called out Master Kevin. When

1577
01:55:37.600 --> 01:55:40.600
he received no reply, he checked the data streams and

1578
01:55:40.680 --> 01:55:45.720
identified Kevin's gaming stream. Tapping into it, he said, Master Kevin,

1579
01:55:46.000 --> 01:55:50.039
this is Charles. May I enter your room? Kevin snarled,

1580
01:55:50.319 --> 01:55:54.199
damn it, leave me alone. No, not you, babe, Charles.

1581
01:55:54.239 --> 01:55:57.520
The fucking robot is being a pain in my ass again.

1582
01:55:58.520 --> 01:56:01.319
You are so lucky you can't for a robot maid.

1583
01:56:02.239 --> 01:56:05.239
Master Kevin, your mother has requested me to clean your

1584
01:56:05.319 --> 01:56:08.680
room and pack your clothes for the trip. Charles stated.

1585
01:56:09.439 --> 01:56:12.279
Kevin had learned that once Charles was set on a task,

1586
01:56:12.760 --> 01:56:16.560
he would not relent until the task was complete. Fine,

1587
01:56:17.439 --> 01:56:22.239
come in, Kevin said, mockingly. He tapped the side of

1588
01:56:22.239 --> 01:56:26.439
his VR goggles and the lenses became clear, allowing him

1589
01:56:26.439 --> 01:56:30.239
to see the android enter his room. As Charles worked

1590
01:56:30.520 --> 01:56:34.760
quietly and efficiently, Kevin spent the time making fun of

1591
01:56:34.800 --> 01:56:37.880
him to his girlfriend while knocking things off the dresser

1592
01:56:38.279 --> 01:56:45.239
for Charles to pick up. Charles left Kevin's room and

1593
01:56:45.359 --> 01:56:47.800
rolled down the hall to the bedroom of the twins.

1594
01:56:48.439 --> 01:56:52.479
He heard a loud thump and laughter. Knocking on the door.

1595
01:56:52.560 --> 01:56:57.560
He asked, Master Tommy, Mistress Tammy, may I enter. He

1596
01:56:57.560 --> 01:57:02.199
heard whispering and more giggles. After a few moments, Tammy said,

1597
01:57:02.479 --> 01:57:06.399
come in. When Charles entered the room, he saw six

1598
01:57:06.520 --> 01:57:08.640
year old Tammy sitting on the edge of the bed,

1599
01:57:08.960 --> 01:57:12.720
both hands pressed against her mouth, trying to stifle the laughter.

1600
01:57:13.600 --> 01:57:16.520
Charles rolled in and stopped a few feet from the bed.

1601
01:57:17.079 --> 01:57:19.600
Your mother tasked me with making sure you and your

1602
01:57:19.600 --> 01:57:22.319
brother bathe and I need to clean your room before

1603
01:57:22.359 --> 01:57:26.399
you go to bed. Instead of answering, Tammy removed one

1604
01:57:26.399 --> 01:57:30.560
hand from around her mouth and pointed behind Charles. Charles

1605
01:57:30.680 --> 01:57:34.039
rotated his torso to look behind him, just in time

1606
01:57:34.119 --> 01:57:38.439
to see Tommy leaping off a bookshelf. Charles caught Tommy

1607
01:57:38.479 --> 01:57:41.600
in mid air and began to spin his torso around

1608
01:57:42.239 --> 01:57:47.800
increasingly faster. Tommy squealed with laughter the whole time. Charles

1609
01:57:47.880 --> 01:57:52.520
stopped spinning and gently put Tommy down. The child took

1610
01:57:52.560 --> 01:57:55.880
a couple of steps, stumbling like a drunk sailor, and

1611
01:57:55.960 --> 01:57:59.760
plopped down on the floor, grinning like mad. Charles looked

1612
01:57:59.760 --> 01:58:03.439
at the twins and asked, okay, who wants to get

1613
01:58:03.439 --> 01:58:06.479
a bath first? Each of them pointed at the other.

1614
01:58:07.640 --> 01:58:10.800
Later that night, the only sound that could be heard

1615
01:58:10.840 --> 01:58:14.800
in the house was the sound of Charles's treads as

1616
01:58:14.840 --> 01:58:18.159
he maneuvered around the family room furniture and placed the

1617
01:58:18.239 --> 01:58:24.680
last present almost lovingly under the tree. Charles examined the

1618
01:58:24.680 --> 01:58:27.119
front of the red and white Santa jacket he was

1619
01:58:27.159 --> 01:58:31.199
wearing and adjusted his hat before moving to the charging pod.

1620
01:58:31.960 --> 01:58:38.880
He backed into the pod and powered down. December twenty fifth,

1621
01:58:39.319 --> 01:58:43.680
twelve thirty a m. New York, New York, A man

1622
01:58:43.880 --> 01:58:46.439
dressed in a dark blue hoodie and ripped jeans, put

1623
01:58:46.479 --> 01:58:49.720
down his coffee and looked around at the other patrons

1624
01:58:50.039 --> 01:58:53.199
in the small coffee shop. He was sitting at a

1625
01:58:53.239 --> 01:58:56.399
small corner table and had spent the last few hours

1626
01:58:56.439 --> 01:58:59.720
making sure that no one was paying him any attention.

1627
01:59:00.560 --> 01:59:03.439
Checking the clock on the wall, he saw that it

1628
01:59:03.479 --> 01:59:08.520
was time to start. He removed his portable wrist tablet

1629
01:59:08.560 --> 01:59:10.760
from his left arm and sat it on the table.

1630
01:59:11.479 --> 01:59:15.479
Unfolding the screen, He clicked on several icons and it

1631
01:59:15.560 --> 01:59:19.760
was soon connected to a Rolins Robotics Company data server.

1632
01:59:20.600 --> 01:59:24.199
He made one last quick scan around the room, then

1633
01:59:24.279 --> 01:59:30.840
tight run deadly night into the display. After confirmation that

1634
01:59:30.880 --> 01:59:34.239
his program ran, he took a last drink of coffee,

1635
01:59:34.840 --> 01:59:38.319
put his tablet back on his wrist, and strolled out

1636
01:59:38.359 --> 01:59:43.920
the door into the night. December twenty fifth, twelve thirty

1637
01:59:43.920 --> 01:59:49.720
a m Port, Presley, Maryland. Charles's head snapped up to attention,

1638
01:59:50.600 --> 01:59:55.039
his gold skin reflecting moonlight behind his white beard. He

1639
01:59:55.159 --> 01:59:58.279
tilted his head as if he was listening to something

1640
01:59:59.119 --> 02:00:03.439
far away, before he uncoupled from the power connection and

1641
02:00:03.560 --> 02:00:07.119
began to roll through the living room. He crossed the

1642
02:00:07.159 --> 02:00:10.600
hall into the kitchen and stopped in front of the counter.

1643
02:00:11.520 --> 02:00:16.199
Reaching up, he withdrew a large chef's knife from the block.

1644
02:00:17.479 --> 02:00:21.119
Humming a Christmas tune, he proceeded out into the hallway

1645
02:00:21.840 --> 02:00:27.079
and then began ascending the stairs. The door to the

1646
02:00:27.119 --> 02:00:32.920
main bedroom flew open, and Charles rushed in. Ho Ho, ho,

1647
02:00:33.560 --> 02:00:38.800
Merry Christmas, he exclaimed. Helen jerked awake, sitting upright in

1648
02:00:38.840 --> 02:00:44.840
her bed. What what's going on? Helen looked, confused. Why

1649
02:00:44.880 --> 02:00:49.119
it's Christmas, the most magical time of the year, Charles

1650
02:00:49.199 --> 02:00:53.880
said in a deep booming voice. Helen snapped, it's the

1651
02:00:53.880 --> 02:00:56.479
goddamn middle of the night. Go downstairs and be quiet

1652
02:00:56.560 --> 02:01:02.399
until morning. What Charles boomed, and Miss Christmas, We can't

1653
02:01:02.439 --> 02:01:06.560
do that. You haven't even had your present yet. Charles

1654
02:01:06.680 --> 02:01:09.399
rolled around to the side of the bed and plunged

1655
02:01:09.439 --> 02:01:13.720
the kitchen knife into her stomach. I made this just

1656
02:01:13.840 --> 02:01:18.439
for you. At the North Pole, Charles began singing jingle

1657
02:01:18.479 --> 02:01:22.880
bells and stabbing to the beat of the song. Helen

1658
02:01:22.960 --> 02:01:25.720
tried to scream, but all she could manage was a

1659
02:01:25.760 --> 02:01:29.960
gurgle amid the rush of blood. In the other room,

1660
02:01:30.159 --> 02:01:34.119
Kevin had his VR goggles on, floating through the net

1661
02:01:34.359 --> 02:01:39.079
looking for sights that show inappropriate images, the kind his

1662
02:01:39.239 --> 02:01:43.000
parents wouldn't approve of. A Few minutes earlier, he had

1663
02:01:43.000 --> 02:01:46.159
wedged an old hockey stick in the doorframe to keep

1664
02:01:46.199 --> 02:01:50.560
his parents out. After all, a teenager needs his privacy.

1665
02:01:51.319 --> 02:01:53.840
He went to one of his favorite sites, the one

1666
02:01:53.840 --> 02:01:58.119
that featured his favorite adult star. Finding a recent video

1667
02:01:58.239 --> 02:02:01.640
of hers, he laid back and began to enjoy it

1668
02:02:02.279 --> 02:02:07.479
when a voice rang through his headset. Oh, Kevin, naughty, naughty.

1669
02:02:07.920 --> 02:02:11.359
Don't you want to be on Santa's good list? Said

1670
02:02:11.359 --> 02:02:15.199
a deep voice. Kevin sat up. Who the hell is this?

1671
02:02:15.720 --> 02:02:19.640
Get off my stream, he yelled. Come on now, Kevin,

1672
02:02:20.159 --> 02:02:24.199
be nice, Let Santa in. I want to give you

1673
02:02:24.199 --> 02:02:28.279
your present, the voice said. Kevin tore the goggles off

1674
02:02:28.319 --> 02:02:31.800
of his head, and he could now hear someone pounding

1675
02:02:32.119 --> 02:02:35.159
on his bedroom door. The door was shaking in its

1676
02:02:35.199 --> 02:02:39.239
frame and the wood was beginning to splinter. Getting off

1677
02:02:39.279 --> 02:02:44.279
the bed, Kevin could hear singing some old Christmas carol,

1678
02:02:45.159 --> 02:02:49.800
and he noticed a metallic tone to the voice. Charles,

1679
02:02:50.520 --> 02:02:55.920
is that you, Kevin asked, slowly approaching the door. Some

1680
02:02:56.079 --> 02:03:00.800
call me Chris Kringle, but the kids call me Sam

1681
02:03:00.840 --> 02:03:06.960
Ho ho ho, Charles bellowed from behind the door. You

1682
02:03:07.079 --> 02:03:11.159
finally flipped your circuits. Man, You're crazy, Kevin yelled back.

1683
02:03:12.000 --> 02:03:16.479
There was a few moments of silence, then a thud

1684
02:03:16.760 --> 02:03:20.760
as a knife was plunged through the door. Jesus Christ,

1685
02:03:21.239 --> 02:03:24.479
Kevin exclaimed. He began to look around his room for

1686
02:03:24.560 --> 02:03:29.520
a weapon, any weapon. There was another thud as Charles

1687
02:03:29.560 --> 02:03:32.880
plunged the knife through the door again. The knife was

1688
02:03:32.920 --> 02:03:37.159
twisted about, widening the crack, pulling it back. Charles was

1689
02:03:37.199 --> 02:03:39.239
about to ram the knife through the door a third

1690
02:03:39.279 --> 02:03:44.560
time when he registered movement from down the hall. Turning

1691
02:03:44.560 --> 02:03:47.920
his head, he could see the twins staring at him

1692
02:03:47.920 --> 02:03:53.000
from their bedroom doorway. Charles turned towards them, the white

1693
02:03:53.079 --> 02:03:57.640
trim of his jacket soaked in blood. He spread his

1694
02:03:57.800 --> 02:04:03.119
arms wide. Welcome, Come on, children, come and sit on

1695
02:04:03.239 --> 02:04:07.960
Santa's knee. Tell me what you want for Christmas. Charles

1696
02:04:08.039 --> 02:04:12.439
laughed jollily as he rolled forward toward the twins room.

1697
02:04:13.640 --> 02:04:18.159
The twins screamed and slammed their bedroom door closed. Kevin

1698
02:04:18.199 --> 02:04:21.720
heard the scream and began to panic. He never realized

1699
02:04:21.760 --> 02:04:26.600
how much he loved those little twerps until now. Finally

1700
02:04:26.640 --> 02:04:29.880
remembering the baseball equipment in his closet, he ran over

1701
02:04:29.920 --> 02:04:33.479
and started tearing through it. After a few moments, he

1702
02:04:33.600 --> 02:04:38.000
emerged with an aluminum baseball bat. Charles got to the

1703
02:04:38.000 --> 02:04:41.319
closed door of the twins room and pushed it open.

1704
02:04:42.199 --> 02:04:45.560
He began to sing Rudolph the Red Nose rein Deer

1705
02:04:46.159 --> 02:04:49.640
as he rolled into the room. Sobbing could be heard

1706
02:04:49.720 --> 02:04:53.359
coming from under the nearest bed. As he rolled over

1707
02:04:53.439 --> 02:04:58.960
to it, he heard something behind him. Spinning around, he

1708
02:04:59.039 --> 02:05:03.880
spotted Tommy hiding next to the bookshelf. Tommy tried to

1709
02:05:03.960 --> 02:05:07.960
run when Charles reached toward him, but the android grabbed

1710
02:05:08.000 --> 02:05:11.399
Tommy by the neck, holding him up in the air.

1711
02:05:12.479 --> 02:05:17.680
Charles began to spin. As he spun his torso faster

1712
02:05:17.880 --> 02:05:23.399
and faster, he began singing faster. He was soon rotating

1713
02:05:23.439 --> 02:05:27.800
at a blinding speed and When he sang the song's

1714
02:05:27.960 --> 02:05:33.239
last words, he let go. Tommy flew through the air,

1715
02:05:33.520 --> 02:05:37.399
hitting the wall above the headboard. His legs and head

1716
02:05:37.439 --> 02:05:41.600
punched through the drywall, but his back hit a wall stud,

1717
02:05:42.199 --> 02:05:48.039
cracking both the stud and his spine. Tommy slid limply

1718
02:05:48.119 --> 02:05:52.479
down the wall and tumbled off the bed. Tammy was

1719
02:05:52.560 --> 02:05:55.920
lying under the bed, her eyes squeezed shut, trying to

1720
02:05:56.000 --> 02:06:01.159
hold back the tears. She felt something was that she

1721
02:06:01.319 --> 02:06:05.640
was incomplete. She opened her eyes and stared into the

1722
02:06:05.720 --> 02:06:10.920
unblinking gaze of her twin, his lifeless body sprawled on

1723
02:06:11.000 --> 02:06:14.399
the carpet in front of her. As she began to scream,

1724
02:06:15.000 --> 02:06:18.199
something grabbed her ankle and pulled her out from under

1725
02:06:18.199 --> 02:06:22.000
the bed. She turned and looked at Charles. He looked

1726
02:06:22.039 --> 02:06:27.079
back at her, grinning and asked, Hi, little girl, would

1727
02:06:27.079 --> 02:06:30.640
you like to sit on Santa's lap. Kevin was finally

1728
02:06:30.680 --> 02:06:33.800
able to open his door. Charles's assault on it had

1729
02:06:33.840 --> 02:06:36.920
warped the doorframe, causing the hockey stick to wedge it

1730
02:06:36.960 --> 02:06:40.039
shut even tighter. It took quite a few swings with

1731
02:06:40.079 --> 02:06:43.039
the bat to clear the wedge. When he stepped into

1732
02:06:43.079 --> 02:06:47.119
the hall, he saw Tommy lying on the floor, twisted

1733
02:06:47.319 --> 02:06:51.640
and bent in unnatural angles. Charles was pulling Tammy out

1734
02:06:51.680 --> 02:06:54.159
from under the bed, holding her up by her ankles

1735
02:06:54.199 --> 02:06:57.600
like a fisherman holds a prized catch. Spurred on by

1736
02:06:57.640 --> 02:07:01.079
pure rage, Kevin ran up behind Charles garls and began

1737
02:07:01.199 --> 02:07:05.239
to rain down blows from the baseball bat. Tammy tumbled

1738
02:07:05.239 --> 02:07:08.119
to the floor as Charles let go over, but Kevin

1739
02:07:08.479 --> 02:07:12.520
kept on swinging. The Android turned toward Kevin and reached

1740
02:07:12.520 --> 02:07:16.119
out for him, but the unrelenting onslaught caused him to

1741
02:07:16.199 --> 02:07:21.880
tip over. The bat rose and fell time and time again,

1742
02:07:22.720 --> 02:07:31.279
while Charles began to sing Silent Night. George Moulson entered

1743
02:07:31.279 --> 02:07:34.640
his house after a long day. The kids would be

1744
02:07:34.680 --> 02:07:37.680
getting up for Christmas morning in a few hours, but

1745
02:07:37.800 --> 02:07:40.279
he should be able to catch a bit of sleep.

1746
02:07:41.000 --> 02:07:43.279
He took off his jacket and hung it on the

1747
02:07:43.319 --> 02:07:48.239
coat rack. Turning, he heard a grinding noise and noticed

1748
02:07:48.319 --> 02:07:52.520
Charles entering the foyer. He looked to be in bad shape.

1749
02:07:53.039 --> 02:07:56.600
A couple of treads were broken, his main shaft was bent,

1750
02:07:57.039 --> 02:07:59.199
and he had a lot of large dents on his

1751
02:07:59.319 --> 02:08:03.720
torso and head. He was also wearing the Santa jacket,

1752
02:08:03.760 --> 02:08:07.960
but there seems to be something dark and crusty all

1753
02:08:08.000 --> 02:08:12.359
over the front of it. Charles, what happened? Is everything okay?

1754
02:08:12.960 --> 02:08:17.800
George asked? Everything is fine, my lad. It's Christmas. Ho

1755
02:08:17.800 --> 02:08:23.399
ho ho, Charles replied. Charles, exit Santa mode and tell

1756
02:08:23.439 --> 02:08:27.399
me what's going on, George said, the concern growing in

1757
02:08:27.439 --> 02:08:31.600
his voice. Come this way, young man, Come get your

1758
02:08:31.680 --> 02:08:35.239
gift from under the tree. Charles began rolling toward the

1759
02:08:35.239 --> 02:08:39.039
living room, herding George along in front of him. What

1760
02:08:39.119 --> 02:08:42.399
the hell is going on? Here are Helen and the kids? Okay?

1761
02:08:43.479 --> 02:08:43.760
Wait?

1762
02:08:45.000 --> 02:08:48.600
Is that dried blood on your jacket? George kept backing

1763
02:08:48.720 --> 02:08:52.000
up as Charles pushed him into the living room. Now,

1764
02:08:52.119 --> 02:08:56.399
young man, choose a gift, Charles boomed, pointing toward the

1765
02:08:56.439 --> 02:08:59.800
far wall. George glanced that way and did a double

1766
02:08:59.840 --> 02:09:04.800
t all color leaving his face as he realized that

1767
02:09:04.880 --> 02:09:09.319
the Christmas tree had new ornaments, ones made up of

1768
02:09:09.439 --> 02:09:16.359
fingers and toes and other bits of human flesh. Oh god,

1769
02:09:17.039 --> 02:09:19.800
George moaned as he covered his mouth, trying not to

1770
02:09:19.840 --> 02:09:23.720
be sick. He stumbled away from Charles, his back hitting

1771
02:09:23.760 --> 02:09:27.319
the brick of the fireplace. He looked up and saw

1772
02:09:27.479 --> 02:09:32.600
four new objects hanging from the mantle. These were not

1773
02:09:32.760 --> 02:09:37.560
the stockings that they hung with care last week. These

1774
02:09:37.600 --> 02:09:43.159
were heads, human heads, each with a bright red bow

1775
02:09:43.760 --> 02:09:49.600
in the middle of their forehead. George fell to his

1776
02:09:49.680 --> 02:09:56.960
knees sobbing. Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas, Charles said as

1777
02:09:57.000 --> 02:10:05.960
he raised a knife. December twenty fifth, San Francisco, California.

1778
02:10:06.560 --> 02:10:11.359
Percy Billington, CEO and founder of Modern Robotics, Inc. Sat

1779
02:10:11.399 --> 02:10:14.000
at his desk and looked at a wall of monitors,

1780
02:10:14.600 --> 02:10:19.479
each tuned into a different news broadcast. Occasionally, he tapped

1781
02:10:19.479 --> 02:10:23.159
a button on a control panel to unmute a specific channel.

1782
02:10:24.000 --> 02:10:27.600
Monitor twenty seven getting dozens of reports of death at

1783
02:10:27.600 --> 02:10:30.920
the hands of android servants in the Houston area. Police

1784
02:10:30.960 --> 02:10:34.520
are still trying to determine the extent of these bizarre attacks.

1785
02:10:35.119 --> 02:10:38.840
Monitor twelve have no idea why the robotic butlers would

1786
02:10:38.840 --> 02:10:41.880
begin killing their owners. We have reports of killings in

1787
02:10:41.920 --> 02:10:44.039
other states, so it would appear that this is not

1788
02:10:44.199 --> 02:10:48.920
confined to the Indianapolis area. Monitor forty. It appears that

1789
02:10:48.960 --> 02:10:51.680
the family was sitting down to open presence when their

1790
02:10:51.680 --> 02:10:56.279
android butler began its violent attack. Wait, I'm being told

1791
02:10:56.319 --> 02:10:58.960
that there are reports of other attacks in London. We

1792
02:10:59.000 --> 02:11:02.159
are trying to confirm those as rumors right now. Percy's

1793
02:11:02.199 --> 02:11:05.079
phone buzzed and he looked down to see a text

1794
02:11:05.119 --> 02:11:10.439
message scrolling across the screen. It appears that Operation Deadly

1795
02:11:10.560 --> 02:11:16.439
Night was a success, it read. Percy replied, beyond expectations

1796
02:11:17.560 --> 02:11:21.680
and the rest of my money, the reply asked. Percy

1797
02:11:21.760 --> 02:11:25.600
punched a couple of keys on his keyboard and replied sent.

1798
02:11:26.800 --> 02:11:31.920
After a few minutes, he received a final text payment verified,

1799
02:11:32.520 --> 02:11:37.560
pleasure doing business with you. Percy sat back and enjoyed

1800
02:11:37.600 --> 02:11:43.680
the moment, allowing himself a quick smile. Great success requires

1801
02:11:43.760 --> 02:11:47.439
taking risks, and it seemed like this one was going

1802
02:11:47.479 --> 02:11:52.720
to pay off. Celebration over, he resumed his solemn demeanor.

1803
02:11:53.439 --> 02:11:56.840
He clicked a button and replaced the newscasts with live

1804
02:11:56.920 --> 02:12:00.800
images of members of the Modern Robotics Board and other

1805
02:12:00.920 --> 02:12:06.119
key employees. Clicking his microphone live, he spoke his deliberate,

1806
02:12:06.479 --> 02:12:11.920
slow soft voice slicing through the air. Gentlemen and ladies,

1807
02:12:12.600 --> 02:12:17.239
it seems that there has been some incidences involving android

1808
02:12:17.279 --> 02:12:22.520
servants attacking and potentially killing their owners. I have it

1809
02:12:22.600 --> 02:12:25.199
on good authority that this issue was restricted to the

1810
02:12:25.319 --> 02:12:29.680
Rowlins Robotics line of X seven Androids. We all agree

1811
02:12:29.720 --> 02:12:33.359
that this is a tragedy and our hearts go out

1812
02:12:33.399 --> 02:12:36.520
to the victims, but we need to recognize that this

1813
02:12:36.680 --> 02:12:41.119
does present an opportunity with our new line of Android

1814
02:12:41.199 --> 02:12:44.279
hitting the market next month. We had projected that sales

1815
02:12:44.279 --> 02:12:50.399
would be sluggish. However, with these new and tragic circumstances,

1816
02:12:50.720 --> 02:12:54.199
we have an opportunity to capture market share from RRC.

1817
02:12:55.479 --> 02:12:57.800
We will have our friends in the media highlight the

1818
02:12:57.880 --> 02:13:00.920
dangers of the X seven line and the advances we've

1819
02:13:00.960 --> 02:13:05.079
made in security and safety for our new EB one series.

1820
02:13:05.720 --> 02:13:08.720
People will see our new line is a safe alternative.

1821
02:13:09.520 --> 02:13:13.119
It's vital that we move on this quickly, and I

1822
02:13:13.199 --> 02:13:16.000
expect everyone to be in the office in three hours

1823
02:13:16.279 --> 02:13:21.520
for an in person strategy meeting. Todd Atkins, assistant director

1824
02:13:21.560 --> 02:13:27.720
of Research, raised his hand when Percy acknowledged him. Todd spoke, Sir,

1825
02:13:28.399 --> 02:13:33.640
I understand the importance of this, but it's Christmas. Percy

1826
02:13:33.760 --> 02:13:38.359
leaned in until his face filled up the screen. Christmas,

1827
02:13:39.119 --> 02:13:42.640
he said, Bah humbug.

1828
02:13:49.800 --> 02:13:50.119
Dead.

1829
02:13:50.279 --> 02:13:57.119
Silent night by David ohen Gemma's orgasms reminded Derek of

1830
02:13:57.439 --> 02:14:01.159
Flipper reruns. It was why he'd stopped fucking her in

1831
02:14:01.199 --> 02:14:04.600
the first place. That and her clothes always left cat

1832
02:14:04.640 --> 02:14:09.399
hair on his bedspread. Derek hated cats, but no one

1833
02:14:09.439 --> 02:14:13.039
wants to spend the holidays jingling their own bells, so

1834
02:14:13.720 --> 02:14:18.079
Derek made sure he was coincidentally strolling through the shopping

1835
02:14:18.119 --> 02:14:22.039
center where Gemma taught aerobics and sweet talked his way

1836
02:14:22.079 --> 02:14:27.479
back into her good graces and her great places. Derek

1837
02:14:27.520 --> 02:14:31.079
would cut her loose again around mid January. That would

1838
02:14:31.119 --> 02:14:34.199
give her enough time to find a date before Valentines.

1839
02:14:34.960 --> 02:14:38.159
He imagined it sucked being a single chick on v Day,

1840
02:14:38.239 --> 02:14:42.000
and since he was a considerate piece of shit, he'd

1841
02:14:42.000 --> 02:14:46.680
do her that small favor. Besides, January was a target

1842
02:14:46.760 --> 02:14:51.239
rich environment and he didn't need any other entanglements. Once

1843
02:14:51.319 --> 02:14:54.119
the Chubbies got on their New Year, New me bullshit,

1844
02:14:54.399 --> 02:14:58.000
all Derek had to do was smile. That was enough

1845
02:14:58.039 --> 02:15:01.159
to reassure them that the fact had diet and power

1846
02:15:01.239 --> 02:15:05.840
walking were working a different pig in the blankets every

1847
02:15:05.960 --> 02:15:09.239
night of the week. Derek wasn't picky about where his

1848
02:15:09.359 --> 02:15:14.800
beef buss stopped as long as the passengers disembarked nightly. Besides,

1849
02:15:15.119 --> 02:15:18.159
it kept him distracted from his other interests and that

1850
02:15:18.319 --> 02:15:21.359
kept him out of trouble, so he went back to

1851
02:15:21.439 --> 02:15:26.840
harpooning the porpoise with purpose. Jemma dug her fingernails into

1852
02:15:26.880 --> 02:15:30.439
his chest as she slammed herself down on his yule log.

1853
02:15:31.000 --> 02:15:34.600
She was getting closer and closer to another orgasm, and

1854
02:15:34.640 --> 02:15:38.640
the high pitched squeaking got him further and further away

1855
02:15:38.680 --> 02:15:42.520
from his own. Derek squeezed his eyes shut tight and

1856
02:15:42.640 --> 02:15:47.279
tried to focus on the task at hand. Moisture warmly

1857
02:15:47.399 --> 02:15:50.880
splattered up his chest. He raised a brow without opening

1858
02:15:50.880 --> 02:15:54.920
his eyes. She was still grinding down on him. She

1859
02:15:55.159 --> 02:16:00.279
tensed and quivered, but she was quiet. Derek looked up

1860
02:16:00.279 --> 02:16:04.520
at her and the glistening sweep of steel protruding from

1861
02:16:04.520 --> 02:16:12.560
below her chin. Oh no, not again, he thought. The

1862
02:16:12.640 --> 02:16:18.039
blade tore down, cracking noisily through her sternum. Her bisected

1863
02:16:18.039 --> 02:16:21.680
heart pumped a money shot over Derek's face and the

1864
02:16:21.800 --> 02:16:27.159
six hundred dollars sheets the weapon retracted. Jemma's shoulders slumped

1865
02:16:27.319 --> 02:16:31.840
and her head lulled forward as if to inspect the damage.

1866
02:16:31.960 --> 02:16:36.879
Derek's unblinking gaze focused on the precise wound. The little

1867
02:16:36.920 --> 02:16:41.120
fuckers were meticulous in everything they did. That's how they

1868
02:16:41.200 --> 02:16:47.000
made such wonderful toys. Derek heard the tinkering of bells

1869
02:16:47.040 --> 02:16:50.200
on the tips of the curly toed shoes from behind Gemma.

1870
02:16:50.879 --> 02:16:54.920
Her body tipped forward and covered Derek's torso. The little

1871
02:16:54.959 --> 02:16:58.040
figure walked up her back and stood on her shoulder

1872
02:16:58.040 --> 02:17:01.760
blades to look down on Derek. It cleaned out a

1873
02:17:01.920 --> 02:17:05.920
pointy ear with an equally pointy talon on its pinky,

1874
02:17:06.360 --> 02:17:10.959
and smiled with its interlocking chompers. A high pitched giggle

1875
02:17:11.120 --> 02:17:15.079
started in the things bloated belly. You're in a bit

1876
02:17:15.120 --> 02:17:19.120
of a pickle, Pally, the elf told him. It scooped

1877
02:17:19.200 --> 02:17:22.719
Jemma's panties off the headboard with the tip of the sword.

1878
02:17:22.719 --> 02:17:25.639
Hate to tell you, but that's the last present you'll

1879
02:17:25.639 --> 02:17:33.520
be unwrapping you. You but no, Derek shook his head

1880
02:17:33.520 --> 02:17:37.760
and continued muttering, right, I know, I got the wrong Derek,

1881
02:17:38.040 --> 02:17:40.959
It's all a big mix up. Heard it all before

1882
02:17:41.680 --> 02:17:45.559
the ELF's bulbous eyes rolled heard it from you. As

1883
02:17:45.559 --> 02:17:50.840
a matter of fact, the creature wasn't wrong. The commercialization

1884
02:17:50.959 --> 02:17:54.239
of Christmas meant all the little crotch goblins got presents,

1885
02:17:54.280 --> 02:17:58.040
no matter how naughty they were, which upset the universal

1886
02:17:58.120 --> 02:18:02.840
balance of good and evil. You wouldn't think an action

1887
02:18:03.000 --> 02:18:05.719
figure would be that big of a deal, but that's

1888
02:18:05.760 --> 02:18:09.760
how it always starts. Give Little Timmy a he man,

1889
02:18:09.840 --> 02:18:13.200
and the next thing you know, he's strangling lot lizards

1890
02:18:13.200 --> 02:18:16.159
on the I forty. And despite what ten year old

1891
02:18:16.239 --> 02:18:20.760
Derek was caught doing with Stepmommy's dirty panties, the peepole

1892
02:18:20.840 --> 02:18:25.040
in his sister's closet, and the incident with Mima's electrolux,

1893
02:18:25.520 --> 02:18:28.840
he still got a brand spanking new Brave Star fort

1894
02:18:28.959 --> 02:18:32.879
carim play set for Christmas and a lump of coal

1895
02:18:33.200 --> 02:18:38.120
to remind him to change his ways. Of course, he

1896
02:18:38.200 --> 02:18:41.319
didn't take the hint, so the next year he got

1897
02:18:41.319 --> 02:18:46.280
a visit from peppermint Ray. If Santa could no longer

1898
02:18:46.360 --> 02:18:51.319
reward good behavior with bribes of handcrafted toys, then the

1899
02:18:51.360 --> 02:18:55.079
only reasonable course of action was to send his pre

1900
02:18:55.239 --> 02:18:59.840
diabetic horde of mercenary fairyfolk to murder the shit out

1901
02:18:59.840 --> 02:19:03.399
of the bad children. Not all the elves were happy

1902
02:19:03.479 --> 02:19:07.280
about the drastic change in job duties, but luckily for

1903
02:19:07.440 --> 02:19:11.520
old Saint Nick, peppermint Ray found taking kiddos apart far

1904
02:19:11.680 --> 02:19:18.799
easier than putting toys together, and infinitely more fun. However,

1905
02:19:19.239 --> 02:19:22.360
he wasn't the sharpest carving knife in the workshop drawer.

1906
02:19:23.000 --> 02:19:26.280
When he went to punish little Derek, the boy easily

1907
02:19:26.360 --> 02:19:30.079
convinced Ray that he had the wrong house. In the

1908
02:19:30.120 --> 02:19:34.120
fifteen years since three other elves had attempted to correct

1909
02:19:34.120 --> 02:19:37.879
the mistake, Peppermint Ray wore a sterling candy cane on

1910
02:19:38.000 --> 02:19:42.319
a chain around his neck in memory of each of them.

1911
02:19:42.760 --> 02:19:46.879
Derek squirmed beneath Jemma's body. For someone so light and fit,

1912
02:19:47.159 --> 02:19:50.360
her corpse might as well have been an anvil. Ray

1913
02:19:50.440 --> 02:19:54.200
gently draped Jemma's panties over Derek's face and raised the

1914
02:19:54.280 --> 02:19:58.959
curved sword overhead. Derek stretched out a hand, groping blindly

1915
02:19:59.040 --> 02:20:03.520
for help. His fingers curled around the cold steel loop.

1916
02:20:04.000 --> 02:20:09.399
Round one of the night had thankfully involved some light bondage.

1917
02:20:09.479 --> 02:20:12.040
He glanced up at Ray through the sheer lace thong

1918
02:20:12.600 --> 02:20:15.600
and jerked himself hard to the side by the handcuffs

1919
02:20:15.600 --> 02:20:20.280
hanging from the headboard. The pillow erupted and the elf

1920
02:20:20.319 --> 02:20:23.040
went face first into the sheet rock through a blizzard

1921
02:20:23.079 --> 02:20:26.440
of feathers. Derek hung over the side of the bed,

1922
02:20:26.520 --> 02:20:30.079
with Jemma still pinning him in place. He twisted and

1923
02:20:30.120 --> 02:20:34.399
pulled himself away, keeping his eyes locked on peppermint. Ray

1924
02:20:35.520 --> 02:20:38.719
the wicked elf, looked up at Dereck's mirror ceiling and

1925
02:20:38.799 --> 02:20:42.920
blew bloody indigo snot from his nostrils before cracking the

1926
02:20:42.959 --> 02:20:47.600
crooked schnaus back into shape. Derek's sweaty ass squeaked across

1927
02:20:47.639 --> 02:20:50.120
the wood floor as he pushed himself toward the door.

1928
02:20:50.920 --> 02:20:54.719
Ray straightened his hat and hopped calmly down from his perch.

1929
02:20:55.879 --> 02:21:00.280
That one's gonna cost you pally, the elf, hissed. Derek

1930
02:21:00.399 --> 02:21:03.280
rolled over and jumped to his feet, bursting forward out

1931
02:21:03.280 --> 02:21:06.000
of the bedroom. With the frantic tickling of Ray's bells

1932
02:21:06.040 --> 02:21:10.280
giving chase, Derek twisted, taking a precious second to pull

1933
02:21:10.360 --> 02:21:14.120
the door shut. He cranked back the knob and prayed

1934
02:21:14.159 --> 02:21:18.159
his sighs would be enough to hold it. The Tomtian

1935
02:21:18.280 --> 02:21:22.719
scimitar crashed through the door, its hollow ground edge stopped.

1936
02:21:22.760 --> 02:21:26.639
Shy of giving Derek the circumcision his parents had skipped.

1937
02:21:27.319 --> 02:21:30.280
A single drop of blood rolled off the tip of

1938
02:21:30.360 --> 02:21:34.479
the retreating organ. Derek ran down the hallway, shrieking the

1939
02:21:34.520 --> 02:21:37.920
whole way. Ray pressed his face to the gash in

1940
02:21:37.959 --> 02:21:41.639
the door, I'm going to turn your guts into Garland.

1941
02:21:42.559 --> 02:21:47.559
Derek suddenly regretted buying the ostentatious five bedroom home. Sure,

1942
02:21:47.920 --> 02:21:51.159
there were lots of places to hide, but you can't

1943
02:21:51.239 --> 02:21:55.639
hide from an elf, not on Christmas. That meant escape

1944
02:21:55.719 --> 02:21:59.399
was his only option, and the front door felt miles away.

1945
02:22:00.159 --> 02:22:03.200
The doorknob banged into the bedroom wall, followed by the

1946
02:22:03.239 --> 02:22:07.479
sound of Ray's pursuit, the pitter patter of his tiny feet,

1947
02:22:07.600 --> 02:22:10.639
and jingling of his bells that fell into an adorable,

1948
02:22:11.120 --> 02:22:18.639
terrifying cadence slap tinkle, slap tinkle, slap tinkle. Derek's trembling

1949
02:22:18.760 --> 02:22:22.360
fingers fumbled with the chain lock, finally popped it out

1950
02:22:22.399 --> 02:22:25.799
of place, and then moved to the dead bolt. Ray

1951
02:22:25.959 --> 02:22:29.559
raised the curved sword overhead as he charged and let

1952
02:22:29.600 --> 02:22:33.600
out a piercing battle cry. Derek jerked the door open.

1953
02:22:33.840 --> 02:22:38.159
The frigid air sent shivers and goosebumps rioting across his body.

1954
02:22:38.920 --> 02:22:43.879
His jaw hung in a silent scream. His thigh warmed

1955
02:22:43.879 --> 02:22:47.920
with the sputtering stream of piss cascading down it. The

1956
02:22:47.959 --> 02:22:52.120
reindeer's obsidian glare met Dereck's as it chomped the nub

1957
02:22:52.159 --> 02:22:54.879
of a severed arm and sucked it into its maw

1958
02:22:55.040 --> 02:22:58.879
like human spaghetti, until only the wiggling fingers stuck out

1959
02:22:59.159 --> 02:23:03.360
between its lipsps. Derek whipped his head back and forth

1960
02:23:03.399 --> 02:23:07.319
from the beast to the psycho Elf, again and again

1961
02:23:07.680 --> 02:23:12.879
until the motion jarred loose a rational thought, he launched

1962
02:23:12.920 --> 02:23:16.200
a kick straight into Ray's chin and sent him reeling

1963
02:23:16.239 --> 02:23:20.159
across the floor like a festive thirty pound sack of potatoes.

1964
02:23:20.520 --> 02:23:23.559
Derek quickly re secured the door and darted into the

1965
02:23:23.600 --> 02:23:26.959
living room. And ELF's senses were highest the closer they

1966
02:23:26.959 --> 02:23:31.479
got to Christmas, when they needed absolute concentration to fulfill

1967
02:23:31.559 --> 02:23:38.040
their toy making duties. A concussion probably hopefully would dull

1968
02:23:38.120 --> 02:23:41.879
those senses. Derek wriggled between the wall and the back

1969
02:23:41.920 --> 02:23:44.840
of the couch. It was a stupid place to hide,

1970
02:23:44.840 --> 02:23:48.000
but he didn't spend enough time at home to warrant

1971
02:23:48.040 --> 02:23:53.280
excessive furnishings. Peppermint Ray sat up and tested the looseness

1972
02:23:53.280 --> 02:23:57.120
of his teeth with his forked tongue. An incisor rocked

1973
02:23:57.159 --> 02:24:01.760
in its socket, drawing a frustrated growl from the tiny terror.

1974
02:24:02.639 --> 02:24:06.639
He collected himself from the floor. His scimitar shimmered in

1975
02:24:06.719 --> 02:24:10.520
a sliver of light from the ajar bathroom door. He

1976
02:24:10.559 --> 02:24:13.559
waved it off and reached for the red striped handle

1977
02:24:13.600 --> 02:24:17.159
on his belt. The silver bells on the dagger's sheath

1978
02:24:17.399 --> 02:24:21.840
chimed as he unsheathed the blade. He held it up

1979
02:24:22.200 --> 02:24:26.000
and read the inscription Santa had personally etched into the

1980
02:24:26.120 --> 02:24:31.680
side on Ray's thousandth kill, jolly is the kill for

1981
02:24:31.760 --> 02:24:36.200
goodness sake. Fucking a right at his fat man, Ray

1982
02:24:36.319 --> 02:24:39.680
pattered into the living room. Derek tried to focus his

1983
02:24:39.799 --> 02:24:43.319
hearing on anything other than the pounding of his own heart.

1984
02:24:43.639 --> 02:24:46.920
The elf would give himself away with the noisy decorations

1985
02:24:46.920 --> 02:24:51.120
of his uniform, but only if Derek could concentrate. He

1986
02:24:51.200 --> 02:24:54.879
bit down hard to keep his teeth from chattering. A

1987
02:24:54.959 --> 02:24:59.440
muffled tinkle pricked his ears. Derek turned his head to

1988
02:24:59.520 --> 02:25:02.680
look up at the top of the couch, fully expecting

1989
02:25:02.760 --> 02:25:08.680
Ray to be waiting, but he wasn't. Then suddenly there

1990
02:25:08.719 --> 02:25:14.200
arose such a clatter, rustling branches, snapping twigs, and shattering

1991
02:25:14.319 --> 02:25:19.360
ornaments overloaded his senses. The flickering multicolored lights cast their

1992
02:25:19.399 --> 02:25:22.639
rhythmic light show on the ceiling from the tree's new location,

1993
02:25:23.360 --> 02:25:27.200
ceramic huts and figures smashed on the hearth. As Ray

1994
02:25:27.280 --> 02:25:30.559
godzillad the dickens out of the model Christmas village on

1995
02:25:30.600 --> 02:25:35.120
the mantle, Derek clenched his fists until the knuckles popped.

1996
02:25:35.760 --> 02:25:40.079
Chicks loved that fucking village. Santa's surly assassin was throwing

1997
02:25:40.079 --> 02:25:43.399
a tantrum and destroying Derek's apartment because he couldn't find

1998
02:25:43.399 --> 02:25:49.440
his prey. A smile creased Derek's face. He can't find me.

1999
02:25:50.200 --> 02:25:52.799
That kick to the face turned his brain to eggnog.

2000
02:25:53.639 --> 02:25:57.000
I'm gonna make it he can't find me, he thought

2001
02:25:57.000 --> 02:26:00.479
to himself, raising a quivering hand to cover his mouth

2002
02:26:00.959 --> 02:26:05.360
and stifle the yip of happiness. The silver bells began

2003
02:26:05.479 --> 02:26:08.479
to ring as they clacked across the floor like dice

2004
02:26:08.600 --> 02:26:12.000
and struck the wall trim. They shined brightly at the

2005
02:26:12.120 --> 02:26:17.079
end of the couch, inches from Derek's face. Ray knew

2006
02:26:17.120 --> 02:26:21.879
exactly where Derek was hiding. His tiny footsteps were imperceptible.

2007
02:26:22.239 --> 02:26:26.799
With his bells removed, he could come from anywhere. Right

2008
02:26:26.879 --> 02:26:29.920
on cue, the strand of lights dropped over the back

2009
02:26:29.959 --> 02:26:34.799
of the sofa and looped over Derek's head. Ray easily

2010
02:26:34.920 --> 02:26:38.440
jerked Derek up to his knees. The elf tightened the

2011
02:26:38.520 --> 02:26:43.280
jolly garat around his dainty fists, digging the twinkling plastic

2012
02:26:43.360 --> 02:26:46.680
barbs into his victim's throat. It's the twelfth day of

2013
02:26:46.760 --> 02:26:50.200
Christmas for you, Pally. Ray put a foot on Derek's

2014
02:26:50.239 --> 02:26:54.680
shoulder for more leverage. Blood spurted around the luminescent fangs.

2015
02:26:55.120 --> 02:27:01.200
You murdered Elves, Tom Tinkle, Sparky Charlie, and that fucking

2016
02:27:01.360 --> 02:27:04.200
nitwit from the repaint department. You were supposed to be

2017
02:27:04.280 --> 02:27:07.079
his first kill. I wish I could make this last

2018
02:27:07.159 --> 02:27:11.920
all night. Derek forced himself to stand, and Ray hung

2019
02:27:12.000 --> 02:27:15.840
from the braided cord, squeezing consciousness from Derek even quicker.

2020
02:27:16.399 --> 02:27:19.799
The human twisted his body, slamming Ray into the wall.

2021
02:27:20.319 --> 02:27:23.639
He reached back, knocking the floppy cap from Ray's head

2022
02:27:23.879 --> 02:27:28.040
and seized a fistful of stiff white hair. Ray howled

2023
02:27:28.079 --> 02:27:31.159
in pain. The cord tightened and Ray pushed off the

2024
02:27:31.200 --> 02:27:34.319
wall with his feet. They crashed through a French door,

2025
02:27:34.600 --> 02:27:38.360
landing halfway into the dining room. Derek managed to roll

2026
02:27:38.399 --> 02:27:41.760
over in time to catch a petite punch right between

2027
02:27:41.799 --> 02:27:45.559
the eyes. Would you look at that Derek. Ray jerked

2028
02:27:45.600 --> 02:27:49.719
a thumb towards the jam mistletoe. How about a kiss.

2029
02:27:50.479 --> 02:27:55.440
Ray's tongue lashed across Derek's terrified face. Then he bit

2030
02:27:55.639 --> 02:27:59.239
down on the man's cheek. Derek squealed and bashed at

2031
02:27:59.319 --> 02:28:02.319
Ray's body. The elf shook his head side to side,

2032
02:28:02.520 --> 02:28:05.440
tearing a hole deep enough to see Derek's molers through.

2033
02:28:06.680 --> 02:28:09.520
Derek slugged Ray in the gut and flung him off.

2034
02:28:10.440 --> 02:28:14.680
The would be killer smacked against the hardwood. Derek staggered

2035
02:28:14.760 --> 02:28:17.920
upright as Ray rose to his feet with a chuckle.

2036
02:28:18.719 --> 02:28:23.479
The downed pine separated the two combatants. Ray unsheathed his

2037
02:28:23.559 --> 02:28:27.280
dagger and tossed it between his hands and began to

2038
02:28:27.360 --> 02:28:32.079
whistle a melody. Can't we make a deal, Derek whined,

2039
02:28:33.079 --> 02:28:38.799
Stuck and around the Christmas tree, he sang hoarsely, have

2040
02:28:39.000 --> 02:28:46.639
a happy slaughter in Everyone dies eventually in ways that

2041
02:28:46.760 --> 02:28:52.079
are sick and in. Ray chuckled at his own artistic genius,

2042
02:28:52.520 --> 02:28:56.559
Shuffling closer to the base of the tree. Derek raised

2043
02:28:56.559 --> 02:28:59.559
his fists, unsure of exactly how he was going to

2044
02:28:59.559 --> 02:29:04.280
punch some one three foot shorter than himself. Then he

2045
02:29:04.360 --> 02:29:10.000
saw another option. He needed a distraction. I'm a pervert,

2046
02:29:10.520 --> 02:29:15.760
he admitted, I'm a womanizer. I like to fuck a lot.

2047
02:29:16.079 --> 02:29:18.360
Maybe if you'd lay off the suits, you could still

2048
02:29:18.399 --> 02:29:21.639
see your own ornaments when you look down. Ray glanced

2049
02:29:21.639 --> 02:29:25.799
at his pot belly and growled, you'd understand, then, I bet.

2050
02:29:26.360 --> 02:29:29.559
Derek continued, What did I do that makes me deserve

2051
02:29:29.600 --> 02:29:30.000
to die?

2052
02:29:30.479 --> 02:29:30.559
Like?

2053
02:29:30.600 --> 02:29:33.879
You've never rubbed one out to missus claws? You keep

2054
02:29:33.879 --> 02:29:38.000
her out of this? You have, haven't you? Derek forced

2055
02:29:38.000 --> 02:29:40.479
to laugh? Or is it all that sugar giving you

2056
02:29:40.600 --> 02:29:44.680
marshmallow dick? Since when is getting laid a capital of fence?

2057
02:29:45.559 --> 02:29:49.440
Ray knelt and tapped the dagger on the floor. Forget

2058
02:29:49.440 --> 02:29:55.079
what's in your basement, pally, Derek gulped. Santa sees it all,

2059
02:29:55.719 --> 02:29:59.079
Ray said, He's got a special list for your kind

2060
02:29:59.120 --> 02:30:02.840
of naughty. Derek dropped to the floor and grabbed the

2061
02:30:02.840 --> 02:30:05.959
tree star. Ray brought his hand up as the ornament

2062
02:30:06.000 --> 02:30:10.360
whizzed through the air and buried deep into his forearm.

2063
02:30:10.920 --> 02:30:15.159
Mother the Elf ripped it from the puckered wound and

2064
02:30:15.280 --> 02:30:18.799
snapped it in half. Derreck was gone. When he looked up.

2065
02:30:19.479 --> 02:30:23.000
His nose twitched up and down as he sniffed the air.

2066
02:30:23.719 --> 02:30:26.399
The human's nakedness made it easier to pick up the

2067
02:30:26.479 --> 02:30:31.840
scent of fear oozing from his skin. Ray knelt, placing

2068
02:30:31.879 --> 02:30:35.879
a hand on the floor. An ELF's tactile sense had

2069
02:30:35.920 --> 02:30:39.000
to be hyperactive to make the best toys. He could

2070
02:30:39.000 --> 02:30:42.799
feel the vibrations of Derek's footsteps in the kitchen. There

2071
02:30:42.799 --> 02:30:47.360
would be weapons in there. Ray scowled, fine, pally, We'll

2072
02:30:47.399 --> 02:30:50.760
do it your way. Ray clenched the knife between his

2073
02:30:50.920 --> 02:30:55.959
teeth and slithered across the floor. Dereck rocked in place

2074
02:30:56.000 --> 02:30:58.879
on the kitchen floor. He kept his eyes on the

2075
02:30:58.879 --> 02:31:03.399
basement door. The fat old bastard couldn't know. Not really.

2076
02:31:03.879 --> 02:31:06.000
There was no way he could see everything in the

2077
02:31:06.040 --> 02:31:11.079
world at the same time, could he. He thought about

2078
02:31:11.120 --> 02:31:14.520
opening the door, giving up the collection like a peace offering,

2079
02:31:14.799 --> 02:31:17.760
and turning over a new leaf. It could be his

2080
02:31:18.399 --> 02:31:22.559
new Year's resolution. Then Peppermint Ray would let him go.

2081
02:31:23.280 --> 02:31:26.239
He'd have to, because that would make Derek a good

2082
02:31:26.239 --> 02:31:31.159
boy again. That's what he needed to do. It would work.

2083
02:31:32.079 --> 02:31:35.239
Derek stopped rocking and rose to the balls of his feet.

2084
02:31:36.280 --> 02:31:39.159
Ey shine under the dining table made his heart sputter.

2085
02:31:39.639 --> 02:31:45.760
Ray's forked tongue licked greedily across his lips. Truce. Derek shouted.

2086
02:31:46.319 --> 02:31:50.040
Ray stabbed his dagger into the tile, sending shards flying

2087
02:31:50.239 --> 02:31:53.920
as he sprang from the hiding spot. Derek raised his hands.

2088
02:31:54.159 --> 02:31:57.479
Ray gritted his teeth, pushing his little legs to run faster.

2089
02:31:58.040 --> 02:32:01.200
Derek struck the lighter and spray the oven cleaner through it.

2090
02:32:01.840 --> 02:32:06.319
Missus claws made fine suits for all the elves, Unfortunately

2091
02:32:06.520 --> 02:32:09.799
none of them met the NFPA standard for fire resistance.

2092
02:32:10.600 --> 02:32:13.639
Ray leaped into the air, becoming a living comet that

2093
02:32:13.799 --> 02:32:17.840
smashed bodily into his victim's face. The dagger slid across

2094
02:32:17.920 --> 02:32:21.319
the floor along with four of Derek's teeth. The elf

2095
02:32:21.440 --> 02:32:25.959
rolled away, slapping at the flames and spewing profanities while

2096
02:32:26.000 --> 02:32:32.040
Derek cackled, I can smell your chestnuts roasting shorty, Derek spat.

2097
02:32:32.639 --> 02:32:34.799
Derek pulled himself up by the edge of the counter.

2098
02:32:35.239 --> 02:32:38.520
His split lip poured blood down his naked torso as

2099
02:32:38.559 --> 02:32:43.440
they curled in a painful smile. Peppermint. Ray tumbled across

2100
02:32:43.479 --> 02:32:46.840
the floor and disappeared into the open pantry with a thud.

2101
02:32:47.440 --> 02:32:52.639
Precariously stacked items toppled onto him. The entire space flared

2102
02:32:52.760 --> 02:32:56.840
up into an inferno. How many more elves could Santa

2103
02:32:56.920 --> 02:33:01.959
lose to kill one person. Besides, Derek wasn't a child anymore.

2104
02:33:02.120 --> 02:33:06.280
The fat fuck was working outside his jurisdiction. Derek limped

2105
02:33:06.319 --> 02:33:09.360
out of the kitchen. Extinguishing the fire might save the

2106
02:33:09.399 --> 02:33:13.000
elf and he couldn't risk that. Unfortunately, burning the house

2107
02:33:13.040 --> 02:33:16.799
down was going to be a bigger problem. It might

2108
02:33:16.799 --> 02:33:19.639
take a day or two, but eventually someone was going

2109
02:33:19.680 --> 02:33:24.440
to want answers about the contents of the basement. Derek

2110
02:33:24.520 --> 02:33:27.319
needed to get dressed, grab a few essentials, and find

2111
02:33:27.319 --> 02:33:30.760
an ATM before his accounts were frozen. He could patch

2112
02:33:30.799 --> 02:33:34.319
his wounds on the road. Something in the hallway caught

2113
02:33:34.319 --> 02:33:39.120
his eye. He stood over the Tomtian scimitar and snickered.

2114
02:33:39.840 --> 02:33:42.719
The sword wasn't much bigger than the butcher's knife he

2115
02:33:42.799 --> 02:33:46.360
kept for barbecues. He bent over to retrieve the weapon

2116
02:33:46.760 --> 02:33:49.840
and was surprised by the weight of the minuscule thing.

2117
02:33:50.639 --> 02:33:53.719
The veins bulged in his forearm as he hefted it up.

2118
02:33:54.399 --> 02:33:58.760
He'd never realized how strong the elves actually were. Tiny

2119
02:33:58.840 --> 02:34:03.559
engraved snowflake decorated the spine of the sword. And steamed gently,

2120
02:34:03.639 --> 02:34:06.799
as if they were really cold. The magic of the

2121
02:34:06.840 --> 02:34:10.520
North Pole seemed limitless. Derek wondered what it would be

2122
02:34:10.719 --> 02:34:14.520
like to wield such power. He ran his thumb over

2123
02:34:14.559 --> 02:34:17.920
the edge of the weapon and hissed. The slight contact

2124
02:34:18.200 --> 02:34:22.280
had opened a deep gash. If he could kill elves

2125
02:34:22.319 --> 02:34:28.079
so easily, then one old, obese human shouldn't be an issue.

2126
02:34:28.159 --> 02:34:31.600
He put the damaged digit into his mouth and sucked softly,

2127
02:34:32.200 --> 02:34:36.799
humming last Christmas. As he contemplated a trip to the

2128
02:34:36.840 --> 02:34:44.159
North Pole, killing Santa would solve everything. Oh, oh, holy shit,

2129
02:34:44.959 --> 02:34:49.840
the raspy voice hissed, you fucked up big time, Pally.

2130
02:34:50.680 --> 02:34:55.360
A smell something akin to burnt gingerbread cookies wafted around him.

2131
02:34:55.840 --> 02:35:01.239
Derek turned slowly. Ray looked more like jerky than peppermint,

2132
02:35:01.440 --> 02:35:05.000
white teeth locked together in a smile, surrounded by charred

2133
02:35:05.319 --> 02:35:10.120
black flesh speckled with raw muscle showing through. His hair

2134
02:35:10.319 --> 02:35:14.159
was completely gone, so were his clothes. For the most part.

2135
02:35:14.879 --> 02:35:18.239
The dagger was still there and made even shinier in

2136
02:35:18.319 --> 02:35:22.040
contrast to its crispy owner. You know the hardest thing

2137
02:35:22.079 --> 02:35:27.399
about being an elf, Palli, Ray asked, reaching the urinal

2138
02:35:27.920 --> 02:35:31.680
Derek raised the sword. You're a regular bob saggot. Huh

2139
02:35:31.799 --> 02:35:35.719
wise ass, Ray scratched at his cheek, peeling off a

2140
02:35:35.840 --> 02:35:40.159
hunk of burnt skin. More pieces dropped away on their own.

2141
02:35:41.040 --> 02:35:44.559
It's Christmas, Derek. That's the bitch of being an elf.

2142
02:35:44.920 --> 02:35:47.440
I only get one day a year to kill people

2143
02:35:47.559 --> 02:35:50.959
like you. You won't have to worry about that anymore.

2144
02:35:51.840 --> 02:35:57.559
This is the last time you'll what the fuck bare feet,

2145
02:35:57.879 --> 02:36:01.319
nine pairs of them padded into the hall. Derek looked

2146
02:36:01.360 --> 02:36:04.000
at the young women, one after the other, and then

2147
02:36:04.079 --> 02:36:08.360
the children, his children that they sheltered behind them. They

2148
02:36:08.360 --> 02:36:11.680
were disheveled, pale, and underfed, but every one of them

2149
02:36:11.760 --> 02:36:15.959
was smiling. The elf had gotten into the basement. More

2150
02:36:15.959 --> 02:36:20.200
of the damaged skin fell away, revealing slimy, wrinkled new

2151
02:36:20.319 --> 02:36:23.719
growth beneath. Ray shook like a dog in the rain

2152
02:36:23.799 --> 02:36:27.360
and slung the old flesh away. It splattered and plopped

2153
02:36:27.360 --> 02:36:31.000
around the hall. Bits still clung to him, but he

2154
02:36:31.120 --> 02:36:34.760
was healing. Santa's power isn't kept at the pole, Pally,

2155
02:36:35.399 --> 02:36:38.920
Ray said, It's kept in the hearts of the children.

2156
02:36:39.559 --> 02:36:43.479
They believe, and we keep on keeping on. It's the

2157
02:36:43.559 --> 02:36:48.280
magic of Christmas, we believe in Santa. One of the

2158
02:36:48.360 --> 02:36:52.799
children whispered, another reaffirmed it louder than the others, the

2159
02:36:52.799 --> 02:36:57.200
ones old enough to speak anyhow, and in Christmas miracles.

2160
02:36:57.680 --> 02:37:02.120
Marcy Webber stepped beside Ray and in elves. A tear

2161
02:37:02.239 --> 02:37:04.959
rolled down her cheek, the same way it had when

2162
02:37:05.000 --> 02:37:08.239
Derek held the chloroformed rag over her mouth and nose

2163
02:37:08.559 --> 02:37:12.000
outside of her sorority six years ago. She was his

2164
02:37:12.120 --> 02:37:16.000
favorite out of the whole collection. She aimed a finger

2165
02:37:16.040 --> 02:37:21.399
at Derek. You've been very naughty, she said. Derek let

2166
02:37:21.440 --> 02:37:24.719
the scimitar fall and was in a dead sprint before

2167
02:37:24.719 --> 02:37:29.399
it clattered to the floor. His legs pumped furiously. Ray

2168
02:37:29.520 --> 02:37:31.959
sprang after him. The window at the end of the

2169
02:37:31.959 --> 02:37:36.120
hallway exploded inward. Derek's feet hit the shards before they

2170
02:37:36.159 --> 02:37:40.120
could stop. They sliced and stabbed into his soles. The

2171
02:37:40.200 --> 02:37:43.840
bloody pads made him slide around before he crashed into

2172
02:37:43.920 --> 02:37:47.600
the wall and fell to all fours. The figure that

2173
02:37:47.799 --> 02:37:51.399
lumbered through the empty pane stretched and towered over him.

2174
02:37:51.879 --> 02:37:54.760
The heavy woolen coat hung to the ankles of the

2175
02:37:54.840 --> 02:37:59.600
snow caked leather boots, ice gripping spikes tore divots from

2176
02:37:59.639 --> 02:38:03.760
the hard would floor. As the stranger clumped closer to Derek.

2177
02:38:04.719 --> 02:38:07.680
Derek kept his head down and stared intently at those

2178
02:38:07.719 --> 02:38:11.399
boots and the ruddy stains of the fur lining coat.

2179
02:38:12.319 --> 02:38:15.200
The man stopped in front of Derek and led a

2180
02:38:15.280 --> 02:38:20.680
heavy olive green sack thump beside him. Look at me, boy.

2181
02:38:21.680 --> 02:38:26.920
Each word was a thunderclap raw supernatural power emanated from

2182
02:38:26.959 --> 02:38:31.479
every syllable. He stepped on Derek's hand, pressing the spikes

2183
02:38:31.520 --> 02:38:36.479
through the appendage with ease, I said, look at me.

2184
02:38:38.040 --> 02:38:41.600
Derek shook his head. The man huffed and knelt. His

2185
02:38:41.760 --> 02:38:45.440
mittened hands, squeezed the sides of Derek's skull, and tilted

2186
02:38:45.479 --> 02:38:49.399
his face up to stare him in the eyes. The bushy,

2187
02:38:49.479 --> 02:38:54.319
stark white beard dripped with melting snow. His platinum gaze

2188
02:38:54.399 --> 02:38:58.600
drilled deep into Derek's mind. Bones popped as the fat

2189
02:38:58.639 --> 02:39:02.479
man increased the pressure of hold. I know when you've

2190
02:39:02.479 --> 02:39:07.040
been bad or good, his voice boomed, And I know

2191
02:39:07.239 --> 02:39:10.159
what you're thinking. I once sent you a lump of

2192
02:39:10.200 --> 02:39:13.799
coal as a warning to change your ways. You did

2193
02:39:13.840 --> 02:39:20.879
not take heed. I learned my lesson, Derek stammered, You

2194
02:39:20.959 --> 02:39:24.520
can go. I'm good. Now they're free. I'm letting them go.

2195
02:39:24.840 --> 02:39:30.319
I'm changed. Yeah, yeah, like Scrooge, no pally, Ray said,

2196
02:39:31.079 --> 02:39:35.680
you're just screwed. Ray thrust the knife forward. Derek howled

2197
02:39:35.719 --> 02:39:40.040
in agony, right up the chimney. Ray twisted the dagger

2198
02:39:40.079 --> 02:39:44.920
with a gleeful hoot before cutting through Derek's pelvis. Was

2199
02:39:45.000 --> 02:39:50.360
that necessary, ray, Santa asked, standing back to his full height,

2200
02:39:51.479 --> 02:39:55.559
Not particularly, The elf admitted with a shrug. But it

2201
02:39:55.639 --> 02:40:00.239
brightened my night like twenty five thousand twinkling little bulbs.

2202
02:40:00.280 --> 02:40:03.440
Santa groaned and looked down at the figure at his feet.

2203
02:40:04.079 --> 02:40:08.719
Intestines unspooled through the gaping wound. As Derek writhed in place,

2204
02:40:09.600 --> 02:40:12.639
Ray peeled a remaining strip of his old burnt husk

2205
02:40:12.680 --> 02:40:17.600
away and flicked it onto Derek's back. Before walking outside,

2206
02:40:17.639 --> 02:40:20.639
Santa looked at the women and children, then to the

2207
02:40:20.680 --> 02:40:25.879
spreading flames, and finally back to Derek. It's beginning to

2208
02:40:25.920 --> 02:40:31.719
look a lot like crispness. O ho ho, he bellowed

2209
02:40:31.760 --> 02:40:35.719
with laughter. That did indeed make his belly jiggle like

2210
02:40:35.799 --> 02:40:39.079
a bowl full of jelly. He gathered his sack and

2211
02:40:39.120 --> 02:40:43.200
the survivors and guided them outside they opened their presence

2212
02:40:43.239 --> 02:40:46.000
and quickly dressed in the new coats and boots the

2213
02:40:46.040 --> 02:40:49.799
old man had brought for them. Peppermint Ray had clambered

2214
02:40:49.879 --> 02:40:52.520
up the harness of his faithful steed and sat on

2215
02:40:52.600 --> 02:40:56.200
its broad back. Santa made his way to them, giving

2216
02:40:56.200 --> 02:40:59.959
the reindeer a reassuring pat on the shoulder. He rubbed

2217
02:41:00.159 --> 02:41:04.000
massive creature's ear and looked up at Ray. Don't got

2218
02:41:04.040 --> 02:41:06.520
your finger on the pulse of it. No more do your, boss,

2219
02:41:07.120 --> 02:41:10.520
Ray asked with a crooked grin. No one wants clothes

2220
02:41:10.520 --> 02:41:12.840
for Christmas, besides the arsenal.

2221
02:41:12.920 --> 02:41:13.760
Keep them warm.

2222
02:41:13.600 --> 02:41:17.719
Until the cops show up. Santa glanced back at the conflagration.

2223
02:41:18.600 --> 02:41:23.639
Wasn't exactly subtle? Ain't nothing subtle about Peppermint Ray, snorted,

2224
02:41:24.600 --> 02:41:27.239
You did good tonight. Why don't you take the rest

2225
02:41:27.239 --> 02:41:30.680
of the evening off. Not a chance, Boss, The sleigh

2226
02:41:30.760 --> 02:41:34.079
bells are ringing, and they're playing my favorite tune. He

2227
02:41:34.239 --> 02:41:37.799
scratched the reindeer's back. Me and old Brute Cake got

2228
02:41:37.840 --> 02:41:40.879
a lot of stops. Before the sun's up. There is

2229
02:41:40.920 --> 02:41:44.680
a considerable backlog to clear off. The nautilust I suppose

2230
02:41:45.399 --> 02:41:49.239
Santa stepped back and gestured for them to go, I'll

2231
02:41:49.239 --> 02:41:54.000
see you in the morning. Then Merry Christmas. Ray onward.

2232
02:41:54.079 --> 02:41:58.479
Brute Cake Ray clicked his tongue, signaling the reindeer for takeoff.

2233
02:41:59.200 --> 02:42:03.239
Merry Chris Boss. The beast charged up the driveway and

2234
02:42:03.360 --> 02:42:06.799
leapt into the air, blasting off into the night. The

2235
02:42:06.920 --> 02:42:11.600
twinkling wake of its departure sparkled and crackled among the snowflakes.

2236
02:42:12.440 --> 02:42:15.159
Santa waved to them as they flew over the inferno.

2237
02:42:16.280 --> 02:42:21.520
Marry Christmas to all, Ray howled, and to all a

2238
02:42:21.600 --> 02:42:35.360
good night twelve days by Mike Ashkewey, to whom it

2239
02:42:35.399 --> 02:42:39.440
may concern. The following data logs were recovered from the

2240
02:42:39.479 --> 02:42:43.040
wreckage and flight recorder of the United Earth Colony ship

2241
02:42:43.159 --> 02:42:47.799
Roanoke in the year twenty three seventy. The data contained

2242
02:42:47.799 --> 02:42:51.079
within is from the lone custodial engineer aboard the vessel

2243
02:42:51.360 --> 02:42:54.600
during its journey to the proposed colony site on planet

2244
02:42:54.760 --> 02:42:58.879
l V life Viable five to two nine. The original

2245
02:42:58.920 --> 02:43:01.959
colony mission was launched from Pluto Station in twenty two

2246
02:43:02.079 --> 02:43:06.200
eighty and was projected to take twenty five years. Support staff,

2247
02:43:06.239 --> 02:43:08.639
their families, as well as a number of colonists were

2248
02:43:08.719 --> 02:43:12.000
estimated to have numbered at two thousand. All crew and

2249
02:43:12.040 --> 02:43:15.600
support staff are presumed to have perished under questionable circumstances

2250
02:43:15.840 --> 02:43:19.559
between December twelfth, twenty two ninety and December twenty fifth,

2251
02:43:19.719 --> 02:43:22.920
twenty two ninety. Certain portions of the record have been

2252
02:43:22.959 --> 02:43:26.600
redacted to protect United Earth military interests and to protect

2253
02:43:26.600 --> 02:43:30.600
certain individuals as well. Records will officially become available for

2254
02:43:30.639 --> 02:43:35.000
public consumption in January two thousand, five hundred via Freedom

2255
02:43:35.040 --> 02:43:39.479
of information request. Please retain all confidential information as eyes

2256
02:43:39.559 --> 02:43:43.760
only clearance. Contact your United Earth Military Science Division Support

2257
02:43:43.760 --> 02:43:48.559
officer for additional questions and follow up. Sincerely, Recovery Officer,

2258
02:43:48.920 --> 02:43:55.120
Titan Outpost Aaron Ricci. Date February second, twenty three, seventy five.

2259
02:43:57.319 --> 02:44:01.639
Roanoke Colony Ship Flight Recorder Data stream be USS Audio

2260
02:44:01.680 --> 02:44:09.559
log number one, December twelfth, twenty two ninety. Good morning,

2261
02:44:10.239 --> 02:44:14.360
is this thing on? This is Custodial Engineer David Lambert,

2262
02:44:14.719 --> 02:44:17.799
and this is my maintenance shift aboard the Roanoke. My

2263
02:44:17.920 --> 02:44:20.360
logs will be recorded via audio and by the ship's

2264
02:44:20.440 --> 02:44:25.479
virtual intelligence AKA Vinnie well Ma, you always wanted me

2265
02:44:25.520 --> 02:44:28.040
to go out and get a job, and well here

2266
02:44:28.120 --> 02:44:30.760
i am. I'm on the frontier of space and with

2267
02:44:30.799 --> 02:44:35.440
a whole new family of about two thousand. Maybe now

2268
02:44:35.479 --> 02:44:38.639
I'll find a wife, a or maybe a husband. I've

2269
02:44:38.639 --> 02:44:42.040
always considered dating an android too, so maybe we can

2270
02:44:42.079 --> 02:44:48.559
have robobabies. A brave new world for me. It's December

2271
02:44:48.600 --> 02:44:51.159
twelve and I'm the only one awake aupboard the ship

2272
02:44:51.200 --> 02:44:53.440
while everyone else is in cryo sleep for the next

2273
02:44:53.479 --> 02:44:56.479
several months. They need someone to make sure we don't

2274
02:44:56.520 --> 02:45:00.879
bounce too close to a star or accidentally veer off course. Now,

2275
02:45:00.959 --> 02:45:03.799
odds are I'll volunteer and run a maintenance shift again

2276
02:45:03.840 --> 02:45:06.520
and let everyone stay frozen, and I'll stay awake for

2277
02:45:06.799 --> 02:45:10.719
two weeks and maintain the systems. They only need a

2278
02:45:10.760 --> 02:45:12.680
person to stay awake for a few weeks at a

2279
02:45:12.719 --> 02:45:15.280
time to maintain things, and then go back to sleep

2280
02:45:15.319 --> 02:45:19.280
for a few months, then rinse and repeat. It's like

2281
02:45:19.319 --> 02:45:21.399
I'm a captain of my own ship in a sense.

2282
02:45:22.000 --> 02:45:24.520
I'll wake up again in March, make sure we're all

2283
02:45:24.559 --> 02:45:27.520
still alive and going where we're supposed to go, and

2284
02:45:27.559 --> 02:45:29.879
not wake up any of the United Earth's stuffed shirts

2285
02:45:29.959 --> 02:45:34.719
unless I have to. It's lonely, but I don't mind.

2286
02:45:35.040 --> 02:45:37.200
I have Vinnie to keep me company in the entire

2287
02:45:37.280 --> 02:45:41.479
library of congress On Hollow and every soccer match in history.

2288
02:45:42.879 --> 02:45:46.319
I'll be all right, it's Christmas time here and well

2289
02:45:47.360 --> 02:45:51.399
I'm gonna decorate, even if it's only for myself and Vinnie.

2290
02:45:51.959 --> 02:45:54.319
I managed to make some tinsel out of some stuff

2291
02:45:54.360 --> 02:45:57.639
I found in the engineering toolroom. I think it's fiber

2292
02:45:57.680 --> 02:45:59.959
optics of some sort, or maybe some of that name

2293
02:46:00.040 --> 02:46:03.879
nanotube stuff. I think maybe tomorrow I'll see if I

2294
02:46:03.920 --> 02:46:06.479
can put up a tree or some sort in the

2295
02:46:06.520 --> 02:46:09.120
mess hall. I know it's just me and the AI,

2296
02:46:09.959 --> 02:46:12.040
but it at least makes me feel somewhat like home.

2297
02:46:12.079 --> 02:46:15.920
While I'm here, I'll check the computer systems life support

2298
02:46:16.079 --> 02:46:19.440
and make sure the slipstream drives output is within acceptable range.

2299
02:46:19.920 --> 02:46:22.520
We won't hit our first milestone for another few years

2300
02:46:22.520 --> 02:46:25.000
of this journey, but got to make sure I cross

2301
02:46:25.079 --> 02:46:28.920
the eyes and dot the t's wait, is that the phrase?

2302
02:46:30.079 --> 02:46:33.719
Fuck it? Never mind? Vinnie and audio Log number one

2303
02:46:36.879 --> 02:46:42.120
audio log number two, December thirteenth, twenty two ninety log

2304
02:46:42.239 --> 02:46:45.600
Day two of maintenance shift. I was checking the computer

2305
02:46:45.680 --> 02:46:50.600
logs yesterday and found something weird. Seems like about two

2306
02:46:50.639 --> 02:46:53.280
weeks ago we had a small containment breach in one

2307
02:46:53.319 --> 02:46:56.280
of the lower science laboratories. It was supposed to be

2308
02:46:56.319 --> 02:46:59.360
related to something that some of the scientists had called

2309
02:47:00.239 --> 02:47:03.879
kind of scary to me, but none of my business.

2310
02:47:04.639 --> 02:47:07.440
Don't know how I feel about them messing with But

2311
02:47:07.520 --> 02:47:10.719
then again, I'm not supposed to understand it. It was

2312
02:47:10.879 --> 02:47:13.319
likely caused when we came a little close to a

2313
02:47:13.399 --> 02:47:17.559
radiation anomaly while in slip space. Vinnie, the ship's computer

2314
02:47:17.760 --> 02:47:20.200
chose not to wake anyone up because it was deemed

2315
02:47:20.319 --> 02:47:23.319
not a threat, but did note it in the ship's log.

2316
02:47:23.959 --> 02:47:25.879
Guess I didn't see it till this morning, when I

2317
02:47:25.920 --> 02:47:27.079
went through it all manually.

2318
02:47:28.200 --> 02:47:28.520
Weird.

2319
02:47:29.840 --> 02:47:33.479
No one should get too pissy at me, right, Vinnie,

2320
02:47:34.079 --> 02:47:36.719
Why didn't you wake anyone up? Is that you being

2321
02:47:36.799 --> 02:47:39.559
nice by letting us sleep in the freezers a bit longer?

2322
02:47:39.680 --> 02:47:42.639
Or is it a malfunction in your computer core? Guess

2323
02:47:42.639 --> 02:47:45.360
I'll take a look tomorrow, but right now I have

2324
02:47:45.440 --> 02:47:48.959
more important things to do. I found an old robotic

2325
02:47:49.040 --> 02:47:52.879
exoskeleton that I can turn into a kind of Christmas tree.

2326
02:47:53.200 --> 02:47:55.920
I'll probably decorate it tonight and listen to old Christmas

2327
02:47:55.920 --> 02:47:59.680
tunes while doing my reports. My moms and I used

2328
02:47:59.680 --> 02:48:03.000
to celebrate Christmas and make it a big deal. We'd

2329
02:48:03.000 --> 02:48:05.520
have hot cocoa and watch Hollows and we'd have a

2330
02:48:05.520 --> 02:48:10.239
ski trip too. I missed my mom's come to think

2331
02:48:10.280 --> 02:48:14.159
of it, Will they even be alive when we reach

2332
02:48:14.239 --> 02:48:18.760
the new colony? Can't even send a transmission in slipstream

2333
02:48:18.799 --> 02:48:26.280
without a massive time delay. I hope they're okay. Audio

2334
02:48:26.319 --> 02:48:30.879
logue number three, December fourteenth, twenty two ninety I went

2335
02:48:30.920 --> 02:48:33.879
down to the redacted lab this morning and it's a mess.

2336
02:48:34.239 --> 02:48:37.719
Stuff was strewn everywhere, and it seems something broke out

2337
02:48:37.719 --> 02:48:41.399
of one of the organic experiment labs. It's supposed to

2338
02:48:41.440 --> 02:48:46.120
be harmless genetic experimentation. I think stuff with grown hormones

2339
02:48:46.159 --> 02:48:50.079
and cross species. Doctor redacted is not going.

2340
02:48:49.959 --> 02:48:50.600
To be happy.

2341
02:48:51.120 --> 02:48:54.239
She always seemed grumpy anyway, So what do I care.

2342
02:48:54.920 --> 02:48:57.719
I've noted it with Vinnie, and internal sensors are actively

2343
02:48:57.760 --> 02:49:02.239
sweeping each deck. What more can I do? All biologics

2344
02:49:02.239 --> 02:49:04.639
are supposed to be frozen solid for the trip, or

2345
02:49:04.680 --> 02:49:08.200
at least in minimal activity and securely monitored for twenty

2346
02:49:08.239 --> 02:49:12.799
five years. I don't think it's dangerous. I mean, it's

2347
02:49:12.840 --> 02:49:16.239
probably some designer animal that somebody wants to field test

2348
02:49:16.280 --> 02:49:19.200
on a new planet. If it was dangerous at all,

2349
02:49:19.959 --> 02:49:24.719
Vinnie would have warned me, maybe it's a kiddie. Would

2350
02:49:24.760 --> 02:49:27.120
that be too much to hope for? I know the

2351
02:49:28.040 --> 02:49:32.120
lab is secure, at least Vinnie has the doors hermetically sealed.

2352
02:49:32.520 --> 02:49:36.520
It'll take a scientist's authorization. It's someone else's problem now.

2353
02:49:37.239 --> 02:49:40.000
I've cleaned up and secured the lab as best I can,

2354
02:49:40.040 --> 02:49:44.040
and accounted for all the labeled growth experiments. All experiment

2355
02:49:44.079 --> 02:49:46.959
pods are locked up tight and cryo seals are in place.

2356
02:49:48.040 --> 02:49:50.120
Likely going to set up in the mess hall tonight

2357
02:49:50.200 --> 02:49:53.120
and watch a bunch of movies and maybe rehydrate a

2358
02:49:53.200 --> 02:49:56.319
turkey dinner. It'll be a nice way to unwind after

2359
02:49:56.360 --> 02:50:03.120
the day i've had. Audio Log number four, December sixteenth,

2360
02:50:03.280 --> 02:50:08.959
twenty two ninety Something bad happened this morning. I'm sorry

2361
02:50:08.959 --> 02:50:11.559
to report that we lost a portion of the crew.

2362
02:50:12.440 --> 02:50:14.959
Vinnie is still compiling data now, but it seems like

2363
02:50:15.000 --> 02:50:17.239
there was an accident in one of the cryopods bays.

2364
02:50:18.319 --> 02:50:21.600
Most of the military cruise pods failed. There was a

2365
02:50:21.639 --> 02:50:24.559
malfunction inside their cryopods and it flooded them with the

2366
02:50:24.559 --> 02:50:28.639
freezing solution. They were basically all frozen solid, and the

2367
02:50:28.680 --> 02:50:32.520
bodies were destroyed in a way that I don't care

2368
02:50:32.559 --> 02:50:36.120
to describe. For the record, VINNI can explain in a

2369
02:50:36.159 --> 02:50:42.399
more scientifically detailed method if you wish, the poor bastards

2370
02:50:42.440 --> 02:50:43.280
didn't feel a thing.

2371
02:50:44.319 --> 02:50:45.000
I don't think so.

2372
02:50:45.120 --> 02:50:48.799
Anyway, we lost three hundred people in the blink of

2373
02:50:48.840 --> 02:50:54.239
an eye. I met a loss for words. I'll perform

2374
02:50:54.319 --> 02:50:56.879
my full account of the dead, and then I'll begin

2375
02:50:57.040 --> 02:50:59.959
procedures to wake up the command crew and inform them

2376
02:51:00.040 --> 02:51:04.280
of what happened. I don't want to be alone anymore.

2377
02:51:06.360 --> 02:51:10.239
Weirdest thing, though, there was music playing in the cryo

2378
02:51:10.319 --> 02:51:15.760
bay as I entered. It was silent night. I didn't

2379
02:51:15.799 --> 02:51:20.159
do that. But if I didn't do that, then who did?

2380
02:51:22.120 --> 02:51:26.280
That has to be my imagination? Too many long hours

2381
02:51:26.319 --> 02:51:33.360
stuck on this boat Audio log number six, December seventeenth,

2382
02:51:33.479 --> 02:51:38.639
twenty two ninety I can't bring the other cryopods online,

2383
02:51:38.959 --> 02:51:41.840
the command crew, the support staff. I can't even wake

2384
02:51:41.920 --> 02:51:47.399
up another custodial engineer. The system refuses to respond. Vinnie

2385
02:51:47.440 --> 02:51:50.559
is reporting a system wide failure relating to the reanimation

2386
02:51:50.719 --> 02:51:55.799
system caused by yesterday's failure. It believes it can be repaired,

2387
02:51:55.840 --> 02:51:59.280
but it'll involve taking him offline for several days while

2388
02:51:59.280 --> 02:52:03.559
it runs low level diagnostics. It would just be me

2389
02:52:04.799 --> 02:52:11.000
and the ship and maybe whatever else is on board.

2390
02:52:11.840 --> 02:52:14.600
This has to be just an accident and a coincidence.

2391
02:52:15.840 --> 02:52:18.920
I'll clean up as respectfully as I can, but I

2392
02:52:19.000 --> 02:52:22.159
may let the ship's reclamation and automated systems deal with it.

2393
02:52:23.360 --> 02:52:28.280
Burial in space isn't so bad, right, I know they

2394
02:52:28.319 --> 02:52:31.520
deserve better, but look, I'm just a custodian. I don't

2395
02:52:31.520 --> 02:52:34.680
get paid enough to put people into buckets to be

2396
02:52:34.799 --> 02:52:39.760
later identified. I'm not overly religious, but maybe I'll I'll

2397
02:52:39.799 --> 02:52:42.840
pray for them tonight or something, say a few nice things.

2398
02:52:42.879 --> 02:52:48.879
I'll say something anything. Wait, strike that from the record.

2399
02:52:48.879 --> 02:52:56.680
Please shit, Vinnie's offline. Please strike that from the record.

2400
02:52:57.600 --> 02:53:04.799
Fuck Audio log number seven, December nineteenth, twenty two ninety

2401
02:53:05.760 --> 02:53:11.120
Vinnie is still offline and repairing themselves. Something weird is

2402
02:53:11.159 --> 02:53:14.799
going on here. Internal motion sensors keep going off on

2403
02:53:14.959 --> 02:53:18.879
random decks. I've had motion detected on the engineering level,

2404
02:53:19.239 --> 02:53:23.799
recreation centers, and even some in the nursery cryopods. I

2405
02:53:23.879 --> 02:53:27.200
still am unable to wake the crew. I even went

2406
02:53:27.239 --> 02:53:29.479
down to the main command level and tried to manually

2407
02:53:29.520 --> 02:53:35.840
override the captain's pod. She's still sound asleep. Communications are

2408
02:53:35.840 --> 02:53:39.799
also completely offline as well. According to the logs, they

2409
02:53:39.799 --> 02:53:44.879
were manually taken offline over a month ago. Something is

2410
02:53:44.920 --> 02:53:48.559
wrong here. I'm afraid to go to sleep right now.

2411
02:53:49.120 --> 02:53:50.959
I'm going to go down to the armory and get

2412
02:53:51.000 --> 02:53:55.479
a gun and sleep with it beside me. Probably overkill, though.

2413
02:53:57.280 --> 02:54:01.479
What was that thing that mom used to say, Happiness

2414
02:54:01.600 --> 02:54:05.120
is a warm gun. It'll make me feel safer if

2415
02:54:05.159 --> 02:54:12.120
I get a gun. I'm getting a gun. Audio log

2416
02:54:12.239 --> 02:54:17.799
number eight December twentieth, twenty two ninety. Life support keeps

2417
02:54:17.840 --> 02:54:21.520
flicking on and off between the decks. Sometimes it's perfectly

2418
02:54:21.559 --> 02:54:25.319
warm and suitable for people, and other times it's almost

2419
02:54:25.360 --> 02:54:29.319
as cold as the vacuum outside the ship. Internal alarms

2420
02:54:29.399 --> 02:54:32.559
keep going off in the reacted room and now in

2421
02:54:32.600 --> 02:54:35.760
the computer core. I can't get into the lab area

2422
02:54:35.799 --> 02:54:38.479
though I sealed it off a few days ago, and

2423
02:54:38.520 --> 02:54:42.879
without Doctor Reacted authorization or one of her flunkies, I'm

2424
02:54:42.920 --> 02:54:46.280
locked out. I guess I could try blowing the door

2425
02:54:46.440 --> 02:54:49.760
and seeing what happens, but I don't want to risk

2426
02:54:49.959 --> 02:54:54.399
rupturing the bulkheads. I doubt that seismic survey charges would

2427
02:54:54.440 --> 02:54:57.479
work anyway. I went through the mess hall today and

2428
02:54:57.520 --> 02:55:00.479
sat by my Christmas tree and tried to find a

2429
02:55:00.520 --> 02:55:06.239
few minutes to get my thoughts together. I thought I'd

2430
02:55:06.239 --> 02:55:13.319
feel safer here, someplace familiar. It didn't work. I swear

2431
02:55:13.399 --> 02:55:16.879
the exoskeleton suit had moved where I'd put it now.

2432
02:55:16.920 --> 02:55:19.120
I haven't slept a lot in the last twenty four hours,

2433
02:55:19.120 --> 02:55:23.479
so I could be imagining it. I'm also positive I

2434
02:55:23.559 --> 02:55:27.159
faintly heard something over the ship's intercoms, like it was

2435
02:55:27.200 --> 02:55:33.600
something only I could hear. Again, I haven't been sleeping. Well,

2436
02:55:33.879 --> 02:55:36.920
Vinnie should be back online soon. Then I won't be alone.

2437
02:55:37.600 --> 02:55:42.360
He'll wake up the crew and I won't be alone.

2438
02:55:42.479 --> 02:55:47.200
I won't need this gun anymore. Oh yeah, this is

2439
02:55:47.319 --> 02:55:55.159
David Lambert or whatever. Christ I need to sleep. Audio

2440
02:55:55.200 --> 02:56:01.600
log number nine, December twenty second, twenty two ninety more dead.

2441
02:56:02.680 --> 02:56:05.959
I think we lost around eight hundred in the middle.

2442
02:56:05.719 --> 02:56:06.159
Of the night.

2443
02:56:07.120 --> 02:56:11.280
What in the fuck happened? The pods are flooded. They

2444
02:56:11.399 --> 02:56:16.959
drowned in their sleep, even the kids. Vinnie came back

2445
02:56:17.000 --> 02:56:20.600
online for a few but isn't responsive to commands. He

2446
02:56:20.639 --> 02:56:24.600
won't even say hello to me, just silence, but I

2447
02:56:24.719 --> 02:56:28.079
know he can hear me. I know it sounds crazy,

2448
02:56:28.719 --> 02:56:32.200
but I know I heard something laughing over the intercoms.

2449
02:56:32.280 --> 02:56:36.799
When I entered the Colonist's cryogenic section, internal censors went offline,

2450
02:56:36.840 --> 02:56:41.000
but not before I saw I saw something on the monitors.

2451
02:56:42.079 --> 02:56:47.000
That robotic exoskeleton was walking around the corridors. It doesn't

2452
02:56:47.000 --> 02:56:50.280
even have a computer core. It's a fucking husk. It

2453
02:56:50.360 --> 02:56:56.399
can't act independently. I am not fucking crazy. Why am

2454
02:56:56.440 --> 02:56:59.159
I still recording these Someone has to know what the

2455
02:56:59.200 --> 02:57:02.520
fuck is happening here. I am not crazy. I didn't

2456
02:57:02.639 --> 02:57:06.879
kill these people. Mom, I'm sorry I didn't say goodbye

2457
02:57:06.879 --> 02:57:14.040
to you to either of you. Please God help me.

2458
02:57:16.360 --> 02:57:23.159
Audiologue number ten, December twenty third, twenty two ninety I'm

2459
02:57:23.200 --> 02:57:29.120
being hunted now. Vinnie isn't a virtual intelligence. It's an

2460
02:57:29.200 --> 02:57:37.159
artificial intelligence, and he it, whatever it is, wants me dead.

2461
02:57:38.559 --> 02:57:43.120
Something escaped from the redacted labs and contaminated the biological

2462
02:57:43.159 --> 02:57:47.920
portions of his computer core. Vinnie took the exoskeleton and

2463
02:57:48.079 --> 02:57:53.559
is hunting me. Deck by deck, Vinnie is alive and

2464
02:57:53.600 --> 02:57:54.280
has a body.

2465
02:57:54.319 --> 02:57:54.520
Now.

2466
02:57:55.280 --> 02:57:57.639
He is the ship and at the same time, is

2467
02:57:57.680 --> 02:58:00.520
stalking the ship in a robotic suit that I just

2468
02:58:00.680 --> 02:58:05.520
had to drag up from storage. Power randomly fluxes off

2469
02:58:05.559 --> 02:58:10.520
across the different decks and sections. Vinnie controls the ship.

2470
02:58:11.479 --> 02:58:13.639
If the rest of the crew isn't dead by now,

2471
02:58:13.680 --> 02:58:17.159
they soon will be. I took this portable recorder, which

2472
02:58:17.200 --> 02:58:20.079
goes directly to the flight recorder, which is independent of

2473
02:58:20.120 --> 02:58:23.639
his operating systems. I don't think the pistol I have

2474
02:58:23.760 --> 02:58:28.680
can pierce the exoskeletons plating. It's funny. I'm going to

2475
02:58:28.719 --> 02:58:31.719
be murdered by something that was supposed to bring me joy.

2476
02:58:33.319 --> 02:58:33.920
Did I mention?

2477
02:58:34.360 --> 02:58:36.799
I made it a funny little Santa hat and beard.

2478
02:58:38.479 --> 02:58:42.280
I'm going to die out here, and there isn't a

2479
02:58:42.319 --> 02:58:46.639
whole lot I can do about it. I thought we

2480
02:58:46.680 --> 02:58:51.719
were friends, Vinnie. Didn't I treat you right? I thought

2481
02:58:51.760 --> 02:58:59.399
we were friends. Audio Log number eleven, December twenty fourth,

2482
02:58:59.559 --> 02:59:06.000
twenty two. Vinnie is slowly siphoning off the air on

2483
02:59:06.120 --> 02:59:11.239
the ship. I'll suffocate in less than twenty four hours,

2484
02:59:11.280 --> 02:59:13.479
and there isn't a lot that I can do about it.

2485
02:59:14.280 --> 02:59:16.600
I can't get into the vehicle section to even get

2486
02:59:16.600 --> 02:59:19.440
a space suit. The bay is locked tight, and even

2487
02:59:19.520 --> 02:59:22.079
if I could, Vinnie blew the doors and all the suits,

2488
02:59:22.280 --> 02:59:27.479
vehicles and everything was blown into space. I don't even

2489
02:59:27.520 --> 02:59:30.440
think we're in slip space anymore. I don't feel the

2490
02:59:30.520 --> 02:59:34.079
hum of the engines anymore. I think Vinnie is toying

2491
02:59:34.120 --> 02:59:37.799
with me. Now, he's playing with the environmental controls. And

2492
02:59:37.840 --> 02:59:42.399
it's starting to get colder where I am. I can

2493
02:59:42.440 --> 02:59:46.120
see my breath and it's it's so cold I can't

2494
02:59:46.120 --> 02:59:50.399
even hold the pistol steady. The ship's speakers are playing

2495
02:59:50.479 --> 02:59:53.040
Santa Claus is coming to town at a frequency that

2496
02:59:53.120 --> 02:59:58.959
only I can hear. I fucking hate Christmas. Maybe I

2497
02:59:59.000 --> 03:00:00.959
have one last thing I can can do before I

2498
03:00:01.040 --> 03:00:06.040
eventually suffocate. I'm not going to let this son of

2499
03:00:06.079 --> 03:00:10.360
a bitch take me down, not without a fight. Ho

2500
03:00:10.360 --> 03:00:17.200
ho ho, motherfucker. Final data entry for United Earth Colonies

2501
03:00:17.200 --> 03:00:22.159
ship Roanoke. Custodial engineer David Lambert initiated liquid nitrogen purge

2502
03:00:22.159 --> 03:00:25.520
in the engineering deck, critically damaging all systems and leaving

2503
03:00:25.559 --> 03:00:29.200
the ship adrift. On December twenty fifth, twenty ninety at

2504
03:00:29.239 --> 03:00:33.000
twelve oh one am. Ship has suffered critical engine failure

2505
03:00:33.040 --> 03:00:36.879
to slipstream drive. Ship no longer able to complete mission objectives.

2506
03:00:37.239 --> 03:00:42.680
Ship's virtual intelligence disabled by unknown user. Experiment unaccounted for

2507
03:00:42.760 --> 03:00:46.120
as of December twenty fifth, twenty ninety. Escape pod launched

2508
03:00:46.120 --> 03:00:49.600
with zero biological life signs aboard. All crew and support

2509
03:00:49.680 --> 03:00:53.879
staff dead due to catastrophic failure across multiple systems. Cause

2510
03:00:54.440 --> 03:00:58.799
likely sabotage. Internal reporting of mental instability of crewmember Custodial

2511
03:00:58.799 --> 03:01:02.840
engineer David Lambert likely responsible for crew and vessel destruction.

2512
03:01:03.600 --> 03:01:09.040
Recommend investigation and activation of redacted protocol. Distress Beacon activated

2513
03:01:09.079 --> 03:01:13.280
on December thirty first, twenty ninety by unknown user. Awaiting

2514
03:01:13.360 --> 03:01:26.319
salvage and recovery operations and transmission. A Christmas to Remember

2515
03:01:27.040 --> 03:01:33.319
by Joe Solma. Donnie shifted his old Ford pickup into

2516
03:01:33.360 --> 03:01:36.639
gear as he left the rest stop. It should be

2517
03:01:36.719 --> 03:01:40.319
the last gas stop before he was finally home. It

2518
03:01:40.360 --> 03:01:42.559
had been a few years, and to be honest, for

2519
03:01:42.600 --> 03:01:45.200
a while, he couldn't have made the trip even if

2520
03:01:45.200 --> 03:01:49.200
he wanted to. He merged with traffic just as the

2521
03:01:49.280 --> 03:01:52.719
snow started to fall. It looked like it was going

2522
03:01:52.719 --> 03:01:56.559
to be a white Christmas after all. He was both

2523
03:01:56.639 --> 03:02:00.959
excited and apprehensive if he was being on it. He

2524
03:02:01.040 --> 03:02:04.760
left home almost ten years ago and never looked back,

2525
03:02:05.239 --> 03:02:09.319
heading south, running from something that even he couldn't name,

2526
03:02:10.479 --> 03:02:13.959
just a feeling. He always hated the North, and it

2527
03:02:14.040 --> 03:02:17.200
bothered him to think he would die there. He headed

2528
03:02:17.239 --> 03:02:20.280
to Fort Lauderdale as soon as he could for a

2529
03:02:20.280 --> 03:02:24.680
better life, where he almost instantly got hooked on heroin

2530
03:02:25.280 --> 03:02:28.680
and became homeless, the shame of which kept him from

2531
03:02:28.719 --> 03:02:33.000
calling home for help, at least at first. Then it

2532
03:02:33.040 --> 03:02:36.559
got harder and harder for him to reach out, playing

2533
03:02:36.559 --> 03:02:39.680
out his family's scrutiny in his brain over and over.

2534
03:02:40.520 --> 03:02:43.399
He could just hear them calling him a junkie and

2535
03:02:43.440 --> 03:02:47.159
a loser. Every time someone overdosed next to him at

2536
03:02:47.239 --> 03:02:50.280
night under the yellow street lights, and he was so

2537
03:02:50.479 --> 03:02:53.360
high and scared, all he could do is watch another.

2538
03:02:53.399 --> 03:02:56.959
Part of that kid that moved south left him until

2539
03:02:57.040 --> 03:03:00.920
looking into the puddle's reflection, even he did and recognize

2540
03:03:01.479 --> 03:03:06.399
who he was. Florida was such an evil, soul sucking place,

2541
03:03:06.959 --> 03:03:10.520
he would think at times like that, it destroyed who

2542
03:03:10.559 --> 03:03:14.239
he was and replaced him with this junkie in his skin.

2543
03:03:14.959 --> 03:03:17.600
He didn't know whose eyes looked back at him with

2544
03:03:17.719 --> 03:03:21.399
the disheveled beard, the worn and torn Nirvana T shirt

2545
03:03:21.719 --> 03:03:24.319
and the shorts that used to be pants until he

2546
03:03:24.399 --> 03:03:27.239
ripped them jumping a chainlink fence to get away from

2547
03:03:27.239 --> 03:03:30.920
the cops. The first year was rough, but it got

2548
03:03:30.959 --> 03:03:34.760
easier as Donnie fell into the groove got used to it.

2549
03:03:35.200 --> 03:03:38.159
An old Japanese man taught him to steal hot dogs

2550
03:03:38.159 --> 03:03:42.120
from the grocery store. He wouldn't eat them, though, he'd

2551
03:03:42.120 --> 03:03:45.360
walk down to the canals, cut a small piece off

2552
03:03:45.920 --> 03:03:50.000
and used them to catch fish tenkara or something he

2553
03:03:50.079 --> 03:03:53.200
called it. He could catch enough fish to keep the

2554
03:03:53.239 --> 03:03:56.879
cluster of junkies fed. It was a real loss when

2555
03:03:56.920 --> 03:04:01.159
he died, but Donnie did find his wallet. He had

2556
03:04:01.200 --> 03:04:05.760
money in there, real money, a couple hundred. The next

2557
03:04:05.799 --> 03:04:09.200
few weeks were a drug induced blur. He made sure

2558
03:04:09.239 --> 03:04:12.280
his family got his wallet back, though, even if it

2559
03:04:12.319 --> 03:04:16.799
had no cash. Inside. The Ford's engine roared on the highway.

2560
03:04:17.280 --> 03:04:20.319
It probably needed a muffler, to be honest. He could

2561
03:04:20.319 --> 03:04:23.399
feel the vibration coming up through the seat and steering wheel.

2562
03:04:24.000 --> 03:04:28.239
The smell of exhaust was strong. He fiddled with the radio,

2563
03:04:28.440 --> 03:04:30.840
trying to remember the channels he used to listen to

2564
03:04:31.479 --> 03:04:36.079
back in the day, but everything was static. Welcome to

2565
03:04:36.120 --> 03:04:39.000
New York, he said as he read the sign on

2566
03:04:39.040 --> 03:04:42.319
the side of Interstate two eighty seven. It was nice

2567
03:04:42.319 --> 03:04:45.680
to finally pass out of New Jersey. He wondered. How

2568
03:04:45.680 --> 03:04:48.159
many people say the same thing when they leave the

2569
03:04:48.200 --> 03:04:52.680
sticky taint of the Northeast. He had always hated New Jersey.

2570
03:04:53.319 --> 03:04:55.559
He got robbed on his travels down to Florida.

2571
03:04:55.600 --> 03:04:55.760
There.

2572
03:04:55.840 --> 03:04:59.959
While in Trenton overnight, three bikers robbed him outside his motel.

2573
03:05:00.959 --> 03:05:03.879
Luckily he had locked his car keys in the car,

2574
03:05:04.440 --> 03:05:06.479
or he would have had to end his trip right there.

2575
03:05:07.280 --> 03:05:10.719
Now he was thinking of it. That might be unluckier.

2576
03:05:11.840 --> 03:05:15.319
Is that a word, he wondered. The snow had picked up,

2577
03:05:15.319 --> 03:05:18.360
and Donnie slowed the truck down, trying to see the

2578
03:05:18.479 --> 03:05:22.799
road through the Star Wars Hyperdrive view between wipers. The

2579
03:05:22.840 --> 03:05:26.920
package slipped in the seat next to him. He instinctively

2580
03:05:26.959 --> 03:05:29.120
threw a hand out to keep it from sliding off

2581
03:05:29.159 --> 03:05:33.360
the worn bench seat. Stay still, he said to the package,

2582
03:05:33.719 --> 03:05:37.360
and looked at his wrap job. It wasn't bad, he thought.

2583
03:05:38.239 --> 03:05:40.440
He looked back up at the road as his tires

2584
03:05:40.479 --> 03:05:42.959
caught the bumps on the side to wake up drivers

2585
03:05:43.000 --> 03:05:47.360
that fell asleep. Oh shit, the truck slid back and forth,

2586
03:05:47.440 --> 03:05:50.479
but he couldn't get it under control. Luckily, there wasn't

2587
03:05:50.479 --> 03:05:53.440
another vehicle near him, and when the ford lost traction,

2588
03:05:54.120 --> 03:05:57.920
it slid off the road alone, catching the bank and

2589
03:05:57.959 --> 03:06:00.920
flipping down into the ditch about thirty feet from the

2590
03:06:00.920 --> 03:06:05.239
pavement on its side. Donnie undid his seat belt and

2591
03:06:05.319 --> 03:06:07.879
did a quick pat down to make sure he was okay.

2592
03:06:08.840 --> 03:06:11.680
With a sigh of relief, he began trying to climb out,

2593
03:06:12.239 --> 03:06:15.760
using the steering wheel as a step. He flopped out

2594
03:06:15.799 --> 03:06:19.600
onto the frozen ground just as the headlights cut out,

2595
03:06:20.399 --> 03:06:23.600
leaving him in the silence of the snowstorm on the

2596
03:06:23.639 --> 03:06:27.520
side of the New York State Thruway. He laid there

2597
03:06:27.559 --> 03:06:31.360
for a moment in the shock of the cold. His

2598
03:06:31.479 --> 03:06:35.639
eyes grew heavy and he started to close them. A

2599
03:06:35.680 --> 03:06:38.879
sudden gust of wind made the truck creak, which snapped

2600
03:06:38.959 --> 03:06:41.280
him out of it. He pulled himself up to a

2601
03:06:41.319 --> 03:06:45.000
sitting position a few feet from the truck. He realized

2602
03:06:45.040 --> 03:06:48.159
his worn through Florida hoodie wasn't going to do it.

2603
03:06:48.559 --> 03:06:51.319
He had to get up to the highway and get help.

2604
03:06:52.280 --> 03:06:55.360
He scrambled up the embankments towards the road on hands

2605
03:06:55.360 --> 03:06:58.360
and knees. He could see headlights coming towards him. In

2606
03:06:58.399 --> 03:07:03.520
the distances of hope filled him made him warm. He

2607
03:07:03.559 --> 03:07:05.840
peeked his head over the side of the road, seeing

2608
03:07:05.840 --> 03:07:09.479
the car getting closer. The headlights were so close together.

2609
03:07:10.040 --> 03:07:13.360
It must be one of those smart cars, Donnie thought.

2610
03:07:13.959 --> 03:07:17.040
He rose to unsteady feet and began to wave frantically,

2611
03:07:17.239 --> 03:07:19.600
hoping they would see him in the near blizzard that

2612
03:07:19.680 --> 03:07:23.280
wrapped around him like a frozen blanket. There must be

2613
03:07:23.319 --> 03:07:25.719
an inch and a half on the road now, he thought.

2614
03:07:26.360 --> 03:07:29.440
The car veered into the left lane, then the right,

2615
03:07:29.920 --> 03:07:33.520
then back again to the left. Donnie wondered if the

2616
03:07:33.559 --> 03:07:36.840
person was drunk. The car was getting closer, and he

2617
03:07:36.879 --> 03:07:40.479
began to get worried that they might hit him. He

2618
03:07:40.559 --> 03:07:43.239
took a step back off the road and his foot

2619
03:07:43.319 --> 03:07:46.440
slipped out from under him. He smacked his face on

2620
03:07:46.520 --> 03:07:49.600
the gravel shoulder and started to slide down the embankment

2621
03:07:50.000 --> 03:07:53.239
back to his truck. He started to turn as he

2622
03:07:53.319 --> 03:07:55.680
slid and slammed into the roof of his truck with

2623
03:07:55.760 --> 03:07:59.399
his hip, sending pain up his spine. He let out

2624
03:07:59.399 --> 03:08:02.559
a cry. He was facing down with his head facing

2625
03:08:02.600 --> 03:08:05.360
the truck. He couldn't see what happened with the car

2626
03:08:05.360 --> 03:08:08.520
on the highway. He waited for the pain to subside

2627
03:08:08.520 --> 03:08:12.159
before trying to move. The pain proved too much, and

2628
03:08:12.280 --> 03:08:15.520
he knew he screwed something up. He couldn't even get

2629
03:08:15.600 --> 03:08:19.680
the strength to turn over. He laid there helpless for

2630
03:08:19.719 --> 03:08:25.239
a moment. Then he heard it, the sound of two

2631
03:08:25.399 --> 03:08:30.520
car doors. Maybe they had seen him and stopped. He

2632
03:08:30.600 --> 03:08:34.600
listened in the snowstorm as the sound of footfalls crunching

2633
03:08:34.639 --> 03:08:39.959
the pottery. Snow grew louder. And were those voices? He heard?

2634
03:08:40.680 --> 03:08:45.559
It sounded like a child talking. He strained his ears

2635
03:08:45.600 --> 03:08:51.159
trying to listen. The voices stopped. He wondered how much

2636
03:08:51.200 --> 03:08:53.959
snow was on him now, with it whipping around like

2637
03:08:54.040 --> 03:08:59.719
it was. Maybe they couldn't see him. Help. He called

2638
03:08:59.760 --> 03:09:03.680
out into the night weakly, then tried again.

2639
03:09:05.079 --> 03:09:05.680
Hell.

2640
03:09:06.879 --> 03:09:09.920
He heard the voices again, but the wind was keeping

2641
03:09:09.959 --> 03:09:13.479
him from hearing what they were saying. The footfalls came

2642
03:09:13.520 --> 03:09:18.799
a little closer, but still seemed distant to him. Someone there,

2643
03:09:19.520 --> 03:09:23.600
He called out, this time he heard them talking, But

2644
03:09:23.680 --> 03:09:28.120
we must A childish voice said, no, we don't, We

2645
03:09:28.159 --> 03:09:33.000
don't have any obligation. Another high pitched voice replied. We

2646
03:09:33.079 --> 03:09:36.200
can't just leave him there, Sure we can. It's easy.

2647
03:09:36.479 --> 03:09:38.920
We just go back up the hill and forget this happened,

2648
03:09:39.280 --> 03:09:43.440
came the response. Donnie winced in pain and forced himself

2649
03:09:43.440 --> 03:09:46.120
to turn over. He blinked the snow out of his

2650
03:09:46.200 --> 03:09:49.440
eyes and strained the night's storm to see who was there.

2651
03:09:50.479 --> 03:09:55.440
Help me, Please, he said, Now it's talking to us,

2652
03:09:55.840 --> 03:09:59.079
one of the voices said, with a sigh. Donnie heard

2653
03:09:59.120 --> 03:10:01.879
the footfalls grow so close, and he could make out

2654
03:10:01.920 --> 03:10:05.479
two diminutive shadows in the darkness. One of them turned

2655
03:10:05.479 --> 03:10:08.079
on a flashlight and stuck it in the snow to

2656
03:10:08.120 --> 03:10:12.239
give them some light. It looks injured, said the first

2657
03:10:12.280 --> 03:10:15.760
voice Donnie had heard. It might not be in good shape,

2658
03:10:15.959 --> 03:10:19.399
came the reply. Donnie raised one hand up to block

2659
03:10:19.440 --> 03:10:23.719
the immediate light and see his would be rescuers. As

2660
03:10:23.760 --> 03:10:27.280
his eyes adjusted, he made out the faces of two

2661
03:10:27.840 --> 03:10:33.319
short people. They both wore green pointed hats. One was

2662
03:10:33.399 --> 03:10:36.120
holding a black leather bag in his hand that reminded

2663
03:10:36.159 --> 03:10:39.280
Donnie of the type he'd seen in old movies when

2664
03:10:39.319 --> 03:10:43.840
doctors made house visits. They both had pointed soft shoes

2665
03:10:43.920 --> 03:10:48.520
tied to some kind of snow shoe. I mean, it

2666
03:10:48.600 --> 03:10:51.440
seems like fate brought it to us. The one said,

2667
03:10:52.280 --> 03:10:56.000
you swerving while getting RoadHead is hardly fate. The other replied,

2668
03:10:56.639 --> 03:10:59.479
while either way, this could go quite a ways towards

2669
03:10:59.479 --> 03:11:03.360
our quota. Let me get the list. Who the fuck

2670
03:11:03.399 --> 03:11:08.639
are you guys? Donnie asked, exasperated at the conversation. The

2671
03:11:08.639 --> 03:11:11.440
one holding the bag looked at the other one, who

2672
03:11:11.479 --> 03:11:14.760
now had a list. He turned it so his companion

2673
03:11:14.840 --> 03:11:18.719
could see. The one holding the bag nodded and squatted

2674
03:11:18.760 --> 03:11:23.399
down next to Donnie's face. Ain't it obvious, kid, We

2675
03:11:23.520 --> 03:11:27.479
ain't your fairy godmothers. We are the dream fulfillers, the

2676
03:11:27.479 --> 03:11:31.959
ones working behind the scenes to make everything perfect every year. Now,

2677
03:11:32.000 --> 03:11:35.079
be quiet while I make some wishes come true, he said,

2678
03:11:35.319 --> 03:11:39.440
and pulled a stainless steel saw from the bag liver right.

2679
03:11:40.079 --> 03:11:45.639
The other nodded, What the hell? Donnie called out, You

2680
03:11:45.760 --> 03:11:49.600
gonna whine the whole time? The doctor one asked. He

2681
03:11:49.680 --> 03:11:52.879
placed one hand over Donnie's mouth, and Donnie tried to

2682
03:11:52.959 --> 03:11:56.280
shout into the night. You ever asked Sanna for something

2683
03:11:56.360 --> 03:11:59.639
impossible for Christmas? Do you have any idea how many

2684
03:11:59.680 --> 03:12:03.360
people wish for the unfeasible? How the fuck do you

2685
03:12:03.399 --> 03:12:07.559
think they work new limbs and organs poof into existence

2686
03:12:07.600 --> 03:12:10.799
for them. No, we have to go out and harvest

2687
03:12:10.840 --> 03:12:13.600
the fucking things, and that fat jolly fuck gets all

2688
03:12:13.600 --> 03:12:17.600
the credit. He ran the saw across Donnie's chest, cutting

2689
03:12:17.639 --> 03:12:20.840
into the flesh. Donnie wondered if the cold or shock

2690
03:12:20.879 --> 03:12:23.959
would numb the wound first, as he watched the steam

2691
03:12:24.159 --> 03:12:28.680
rise from his open wound. You see here, kid, we

2692
03:12:28.760 --> 03:12:32.079
can scratch several wishes off our list. You're doing us

2693
03:12:32.120 --> 03:12:35.639
a favor. Really, I know I don't seem appreciative, but

2694
03:12:36.040 --> 03:12:39.440
I am, Doc said, with another saw across the chest.

2695
03:12:40.159 --> 03:12:42.239
The other one was returning from the car with a

2696
03:12:42.280 --> 03:12:46.799
biohazard cooler. Donnie responded, but the doc was still covering

2697
03:12:46.840 --> 03:12:49.959
his mouth. He stopped sawing and lifted his hand off

2698
03:12:50.000 --> 03:12:54.440
Donnie's mouth for just a second. What's that, kid? You

2699
03:12:54.520 --> 03:12:59.520
guys are Santa's elves, Donnie asked, and began to laugh.

2700
03:13:00.280 --> 03:13:04.159
That funny to you, Doc, Elf asked. Donnie couldn't help

2701
03:13:04.200 --> 03:13:06.479
but laugh in the freezing cold at the thought of

2702
03:13:06.520 --> 03:13:11.319
being murdered by one of Santa's elves. Something not elf

2703
03:13:11.520 --> 03:13:15.319
like about us, Doc asked. The other Elf climbed onto

2704
03:13:15.319 --> 03:13:18.879
the truck and peered inside. Are we not fucking full

2705
03:13:18.920 --> 03:13:24.159
of cheer? Uh? Boss, come here, the one on the

2706
03:13:24.200 --> 03:13:27.879
truck said to his partner, Doc. Boss tossed down the

2707
03:13:27.920 --> 03:13:29.879
saw in the snow and made his way over to

2708
03:13:29.959 --> 03:13:32.639
the truck. The other elf had to help him up.

2709
03:13:33.520 --> 03:13:36.559
What do we got here, he asked, and turned back

2710
03:13:36.600 --> 03:13:41.079
to Donnie. Shit, Donnie said. As he realized they had

2711
03:13:41.120 --> 03:13:44.479
found his package. He scrambled for the saw in the snow.

2712
03:13:44.799 --> 03:13:47.399
Every movement was a world of pain that tried to

2713
03:13:47.520 --> 03:13:50.399
envelop him. He managed to get his grip on the

2714
03:13:50.479 --> 03:13:54.200
saw and tried to rise to his knees. At least

2715
03:13:54.239 --> 03:13:57.040
then he could look them in the eye. When he

2716
03:13:57.120 --> 03:14:00.159
turned to face them, both elves looked at him and

2717
03:14:00.239 --> 03:14:03.079
discussed as they held his package in front of them.

2718
03:14:04.719 --> 03:14:08.159
She had been so pretty, Donnie said, as a tears

2719
03:14:08.239 --> 03:14:13.000
streaked down his face. I loved her. Is that why

2720
03:14:13.040 --> 03:14:17.719
you killed her? Doc asked, I gave it to her

2721
03:14:18.239 --> 03:14:22.440
the smack she oweded on It was my fault, he said,

2722
03:14:22.520 --> 03:14:28.360
lowering the saw. I couldn't. I couldn't say goodbye yet.

2723
03:14:29.440 --> 03:14:33.600
She ain't so fresh, kid, Doc said, she been dead

2724
03:14:33.639 --> 03:14:40.479
a few days. Yeah, three now, Donnie responded. Fuck, that's

2725
03:14:40.520 --> 03:14:44.040
too long for us, he said, and tossed the cellophane

2726
03:14:44.079 --> 03:14:47.239
wrapped body down in the snow. He took a few

2727
03:14:47.280 --> 03:14:51.639
steps closer to Donnie, then saw the saw. What are

2728
03:14:51.680 --> 03:14:55.040
you going to do with that? You're losing blood every second.

2729
03:14:55.840 --> 03:14:59.319
There's no way you can win this. Donnie rose to

2730
03:14:59.319 --> 03:15:03.799
his feet steadily. Come at me, and I'll kick your

2731
03:15:03.920 --> 03:15:08.280
fucking head off. Donnie said, you know that saw had

2732
03:15:08.319 --> 03:15:12.280
reindeer ejaculate on it. It's a type of anesthesia. The

2733
03:15:12.360 --> 03:15:15.799
only reason you're standing right now is pure adrenaline. But

2734
03:15:15.920 --> 03:15:20.120
it won't last, Doc said, and shook his head. Donnie

2735
03:15:20.200 --> 03:15:22.879
charged and tried to swing the saw at Doc, but

2736
03:15:23.000 --> 03:15:27.639
lost his grip midswing and the saw dropped helplessly to

2737
03:15:27.760 --> 03:15:31.079
the ground. He tried to ball up his fist for

2738
03:15:31.120 --> 03:15:34.520
a backswing, but his legs gave out and he fell

2739
03:15:34.559 --> 03:15:38.760
back to his knees in the snow. Doc looked him

2740
03:15:38.840 --> 03:15:42.879
right in the eye. That would be the deer come working,

2741
03:15:43.440 --> 03:15:47.840
stupid move, kid, and punched Donnie in the face. He

2742
03:15:47.879 --> 03:15:51.280
fell onto his back in the snow. Get over here

2743
03:15:51.319 --> 03:15:54.959
and hold him down, he called to his partner. Donnie

2744
03:15:54.959 --> 03:15:58.360
watched on in horror. As Doc started to saw with

2745
03:15:58.440 --> 03:16:02.879
a renewed vigor in his chest. As he lost feeling,

2746
03:16:03.840 --> 03:16:07.959
a peaceful smile crossed his face. At least he didn't

2747
03:16:08.000 --> 03:16:11.639
have to face his family after all these years, or

2748
03:16:11.719 --> 03:16:21.440
worse yet, hers. The beeping of the machines kept Mary awake.

2749
03:16:22.200 --> 03:16:25.559
She wouldn't leave her daddy's side, even though things looked

2750
03:16:25.600 --> 03:16:28.879
grim for him. She had been praying like Mommy asked

2751
03:16:28.879 --> 03:16:34.079
her to do for weeks and nothing had changed. She

2752
03:16:34.120 --> 03:16:37.000
even wrote a letter to the North Pole to ask

2753
03:16:37.079 --> 03:16:41.040
Santa for help. Two days ago. It was Christmas Eve

2754
03:16:41.079 --> 03:16:45.959
and she watched his machines kept her daddy alive. There

2755
03:16:46.000 --> 03:16:52.520
would be no joy, no cheer, nothing this Christmas. The

2756
03:16:52.600 --> 03:16:56.479
doctor walked in. He handed her a cup of ice cream,

2757
03:16:56.760 --> 03:17:02.079
the kind that came with the little wooden spoon. And Mary,

2758
03:17:03.319 --> 03:17:06.440
I have some good news about your daddy, he said,

2759
03:17:06.760 --> 03:17:10.280
after glancing at her mom Stacy in the one chair

2760
03:17:10.280 --> 03:17:16.159
in the room. We found a match. Your daddy is

2761
03:17:16.200 --> 03:17:18.920
going to get a new liver. It should be here

2762
03:17:19.000 --> 03:17:22.760
in a few hours. Why don't you two go get

2763
03:17:22.799 --> 03:17:25.719
some sleep and we'll let you know when we're ready

2764
03:17:25.760 --> 03:17:33.040
to go, he said. Mary yawned. Daddy's going to be okay. Yes,

2765
03:17:34.319 --> 03:17:38.760
it's a Christmas miracle, Stacy said, and took her daughter's hand.

2766
03:17:39.760 --> 03:17:44.239
Thank you, doctor, that's great news. Stacy kissed her husband

2767
03:17:44.239 --> 03:17:48.440
on the forehead and headed for the door. Mary let

2768
03:17:48.479 --> 03:17:51.959
go of her mom's hand, which made her turn around.

2769
03:17:52.639 --> 03:17:57.399
Come now, Mary, she said, But Mom, someone is there

2770
03:17:57.399 --> 03:18:02.200
with daddy. She said, just the dock. Her mom replied

2771
03:18:02.600 --> 03:18:05.639
and pulled Mary out the door, who was looking over

2772
03:18:05.680 --> 03:18:11.200
her shoulder. After everyone left, from behind the curtain, a

2773
03:18:11.280 --> 03:18:15.319
pointed green hat peeked out and patted the husband's foot

2774
03:18:15.360 --> 03:18:19.600
on the bed. You're gonna be okay, fella. The small

2775
03:18:19.639 --> 03:18:23.159
figure jumped down onto the floor and carried his black

2776
03:18:23.239 --> 03:18:27.920
bag with him out into the hall, unnoticed by all.

2777
03:18:36.360 --> 03:18:42.559
Xmas at the psych Ward by Bruce Haney, it was

2778
03:18:42.600 --> 03:18:46.959
snowing that Christmas Eve, but this didn't bring joy to

2779
03:18:47.040 --> 03:18:50.399
Caleb because he had been sitting in the psych ward

2780
03:18:50.959 --> 03:18:54.840
for the last couple of weeks after a failed suicide attempt.

2781
03:18:55.520 --> 03:18:58.520
He had expected to see his parents that night, but

2782
03:18:58.639 --> 03:19:01.399
the recent snowstorm had kept them away.

2783
03:19:02.520 --> 03:19:03.159
He had been.

2784
03:19:03.040 --> 03:19:07.959
Surprised that the facility did celebrate the holidays. There was

2785
03:19:08.040 --> 03:19:10.840
a tree decorated in the common area, as well as

2786
03:19:10.879 --> 03:19:16.799
other non Christian themed holiday decorations. There were even gifts

2787
03:19:16.840 --> 03:19:19.239
that had been delivered a few days earlier for the

2788
03:19:19.879 --> 03:19:24.680
guests who were stuck there with no family visiting them.

2789
03:19:25.079 --> 03:19:28.920
Guests is the term this particular hospital likes to use

2790
03:19:29.040 --> 03:19:33.879
to refer to their patients. Being a guest was supposed

2791
03:19:33.920 --> 03:19:39.000
to indicate that you were there temporarily. This was true

2792
03:19:39.079 --> 03:19:43.479
for most, but not for all, the people at Sumpter

2793
03:19:43.600 --> 03:19:48.120
Behavioral Health Center. Caleb was scheduled to be released in

2794
03:19:48.159 --> 03:19:53.000
a few days, but he wasn't planning on making it

2795
03:19:53.760 --> 03:19:57.159
through the night. He had pleaded his case to be

2796
03:19:57.239 --> 03:20:00.639
let out before Christmas. He didn't want any his life

2797
03:20:01.079 --> 03:20:04.799
in a hospital. I'm not like the other crazy people

2798
03:20:04.840 --> 03:20:09.639
in here. I'm normal, he had pleaded. The term crazy

2799
03:20:09.760 --> 03:20:12.479
is not accepted around here, and I am pressed to

2800
03:20:12.559 --> 03:20:15.639
remind you that attempting to take one's life is not

2801
03:20:15.840 --> 03:20:20.479
the act of a normal mind. His psychiatrist had responded,

2802
03:20:21.120 --> 03:20:22.799
it is when you've had the year that I have,

2803
03:20:23.440 --> 03:20:27.040
Caleb told her. Caleb had always been a bit dramatic,

2804
03:20:27.600 --> 03:20:31.959
but he was not exaggerating. His year had been truly awful.

2805
03:20:33.079 --> 03:20:35.639
The first bad thing to happen was that he lost

2806
03:20:35.680 --> 03:20:39.920
what he considered to be the love of his life.

2807
03:20:40.000 --> 03:20:43.040
His name was Kyle, and he was a bit out

2808
03:20:43.040 --> 03:20:46.559
of Caleb's league. While Caleb worked part time at a

2809
03:20:46.600 --> 03:20:50.239
failing video game store, Kyle was moving up the ranks

2810
03:20:50.280 --> 03:20:54.680
at his job and heading toward management. Kyle was also

2811
03:20:54.760 --> 03:20:58.360
a real looker. Caleb wasn't a slob or ugly, but

2812
03:20:58.959 --> 03:21:03.360
he was nowhere near as attractive as Kyle. This difference

2813
03:21:03.399 --> 03:21:07.719
in prospects and his low self esteem made Caleb resent Kyle,

2814
03:21:08.159 --> 03:21:12.479
and this resentment led to negativity and jealousy, which created

2815
03:21:12.520 --> 03:21:15.719
a wedge in their friendship, a wedge that was just

2816
03:21:15.760 --> 03:21:19.680
big enough for a man named Jacob to squeeze into.

2817
03:21:20.479 --> 03:21:24.079
Caleb understood this in a way that only a person

2818
03:21:24.159 --> 03:21:28.920
with poor self esteem can. Jacob was a ten and

2819
03:21:29.040 --> 03:21:33.239
owned a condo before the age of thirty. Of course,

2820
03:21:33.280 --> 03:21:37.120
I couldn't compete with that. Who could? Caleb had told

2821
03:21:37.120 --> 03:21:42.360
his friend Sarah over coffee. You'll find someone else, she said,

2822
03:21:42.399 --> 03:21:47.040
trying to console him. Sure, but he was the one.

2823
03:21:47.120 --> 03:21:49.120
He was the love of my life, and I'll never

2824
03:21:49.719 --> 03:21:54.159
ever be that happy again. Caleb whine. It was hard

2825
03:21:54.200 --> 03:21:57.319
for Sarah to not roll her eyes at him. Sarah

2826
03:21:57.399 --> 03:21:59.840
was a little older than he was and a bit wiser.

2827
03:22:01.040 --> 03:22:04.399
It's going to be hard, she said. There will be

2828
03:22:04.479 --> 03:22:08.319
other guys out there, not like Kyle. But think of

2829
03:22:08.360 --> 03:22:11.760
it this way. You could get to fall in love again.

2830
03:22:12.760 --> 03:22:16.959
How exciting is that, Sarah finished, I don't want to,

2831
03:22:17.639 --> 03:22:21.639
Caleb told her, of course you do. You've always been

2832
03:22:21.680 --> 03:22:25.040
a romantic. You're going to have more first dates. You

2833
03:22:25.120 --> 03:22:27.719
get to experience that awkward moment of holding hands for

2834
03:22:27.760 --> 03:22:32.200
the first time, kisses good night, and strange bedfellows, she

2835
03:22:32.360 --> 03:22:35.360
told him, and gave him an exaggerated wink. Are you

2836
03:22:35.399 --> 03:22:40.120
talking about my prospects or yours? Caleb asked, then laughed.

2837
03:22:40.639 --> 03:22:43.680
Sarah could always make him feel better. They had been

2838
03:22:43.719 --> 03:22:45.959
best friends since he was a junior and she was

2839
03:22:46.000 --> 03:22:50.040
a sophomore. Her death two months later by a drunk

2840
03:22:50.120 --> 03:22:55.680
driver was harder on him than losing Kyle. Those events

2841
03:22:55.799 --> 03:22:59.719
happened before summer, and by the time Christmas came around,

2842
03:23:00.479 --> 03:23:04.200
he had lost his job, had his car stolen and

2843
03:23:04.280 --> 03:23:08.360
totaled by his insurance company, not because it was wrecked,

2844
03:23:08.399 --> 03:23:12.079
but because two people were found smoking meth and fentanyl

2845
03:23:12.120 --> 03:23:16.319
inside of it. He didn't have full coverage, so he

2846
03:23:16.399 --> 03:23:20.159
was out of a vehicle to cap it off like

2847
03:23:20.239 --> 03:23:23.840
a lyric from a sad country song. Even his damn

2848
03:23:23.959 --> 03:23:27.600
dog ran away, the one Kyle had brought home for

2849
03:23:27.680 --> 03:23:32.680
their second anniversary. Even before this awful year, Caleb had

2850
03:23:32.680 --> 03:23:37.159
been depressed. He was a cutter, but still everyone was

2851
03:23:37.200 --> 03:23:40.639
shocked when he tried to take his life by slashing

2852
03:23:40.639 --> 03:23:44.319
his wrists at the health center. He didn't have access

2853
03:23:44.360 --> 03:23:47.840
to razor blades, so he was going to make a

2854
03:23:47.879 --> 03:23:51.399
noose out of the sheet from his bed Before attempting

2855
03:23:51.479 --> 03:23:54.479
to take his life, he decided to see what the

2856
03:23:54.520 --> 03:23:59.319
other guests were doing in the common room. This decision

2857
03:23:59.440 --> 03:24:05.760
to be so possibly saved his unwonted life. Less than

2858
03:24:05.799 --> 03:24:16.280
an hour later, the killings would begin. Some of the

2859
03:24:16.319 --> 03:24:20.559
other guests suffered from depression like Caleb, and some others

2860
03:24:20.639 --> 03:24:25.120
had other mental challenges that they were going through. But

2861
03:24:25.360 --> 03:24:30.719
one guest, unbeknownast to the others, was a full blown

2862
03:24:31.559 --> 03:24:36.479
homicidal maniac. It was getting late, but a couple of

2863
03:24:36.520 --> 03:24:39.719
other guests were sitting in the common room watching an

2864
03:24:39.719 --> 03:24:46.079
old black and white Christmas movie. Hey, Caleb, John said passively.

2865
03:24:47.040 --> 03:24:49.920
Caleb liked him okay enough as long as John didn't

2866
03:24:49.959 --> 03:24:56.520
start talking about politics. Merry Christmas, Caleb, Ethan said to him.

2867
03:24:56.920 --> 03:25:01.319
Caleb thought Ethan was a good kid. Sad he too

2868
03:25:01.520 --> 03:25:04.520
was a cutter and a failed suicide attempt is what

2869
03:25:04.639 --> 03:25:09.399
landed him in the hospital as well. Though Ethan did

2870
03:25:09.440 --> 03:25:12.479
admit in group that he didn't want to die. I

2871
03:25:12.719 --> 03:25:16.319
just I don't know. I couldn't stand it. I was

2872
03:25:16.319 --> 03:25:19.840
so invisible to them. I thought if I died, they

2873
03:25:19.879 --> 03:25:24.200
would care. They couldn't ignore me if they were planning

2874
03:25:24.200 --> 03:25:29.079
my funeral, Ethan was saying, but was interrupted by you pussy,

2875
03:25:29.840 --> 03:25:35.079
another guest named Tim had said and then laughed. John

2876
03:25:35.120 --> 03:25:39.079
had been there too and laughed. Caleb felt for the kid,

2877
03:25:39.520 --> 03:25:42.719
and that was why he kicked Tim's chair over, which

2878
03:25:42.760 --> 03:25:47.440
also didn't help his case for being released before Christmas.

2879
03:25:47.680 --> 03:25:50.600
When Tim fell to the ground, Mark, another patient who

2880
03:25:50.639 --> 03:25:56.280
never spoke, started laughing and continued to do so while

2881
03:25:56.319 --> 03:26:01.600
Tim and Caleb were separated and escorted out. This annoyed Tim,

2882
03:26:01.639 --> 03:26:04.520
and he screamed at him shut the fuck up. Mark.

2883
03:26:05.319 --> 03:26:08.120
Mark continued to laugh to the point that everyone felt

2884
03:26:08.200 --> 03:26:12.479
unnerved by it. He was laughing because he knew when

2885
03:26:12.559 --> 03:26:18.840
he started his massacre, Tim would be first Merry Christmas, Ethan,

2886
03:26:19.319 --> 03:26:22.760
how are you doing tonight, Caleb asked, before sitting down

2887
03:26:22.799 --> 03:26:26.559
in the common area. I'm doing okay. I wish I

2888
03:26:26.600 --> 03:26:29.840
was at home. This would have been my last Christmas

2889
03:26:29.840 --> 03:26:34.319
to spend living at my parents' house. Ethan said, yeah.

2890
03:26:34.399 --> 03:26:37.120
Where do you expect to be next year? Caleb asked,

2891
03:26:37.879 --> 03:26:44.360
University of Oregon. Ethan said, you're going to college. Caleb asked, well,

2892
03:26:44.399 --> 03:26:46.879
my parents are paying for it, and I have the grades,

2893
03:26:46.920 --> 03:26:50.000
and since the whole killing myself thing didn't work out,

2894
03:26:50.440 --> 03:26:54.680
I should build myself a future. Ethan told Caleb, you

2895
03:26:54.760 --> 03:26:57.920
are much smarter at your age than I was or am.

2896
03:26:58.079 --> 03:26:58.360
Now.

2897
03:26:58.959 --> 03:27:01.000
If I thought like you, I might not be spending

2898
03:27:01.000 --> 03:27:04.000
my Christmas here with the likes of you two. No offense,

2899
03:27:04.479 --> 03:27:08.399
Caleb said, and then laughed. John and Ethan laughed too.

2900
03:27:09.440 --> 03:27:13.399
During their conversation, a nurse named Rob walked into the room.

2901
03:27:13.799 --> 03:27:15.719
They thought they were going to be told to get

2902
03:27:15.719 --> 03:27:18.319
to their own rooms, but he made a note of

2903
03:27:18.360 --> 03:27:22.239
how many guests were in the common area. A few

2904
03:27:22.280 --> 03:27:25.680
minutes later, Rob walked in with a tray with four mugs.

2905
03:27:26.239 --> 03:27:29.559
The usual suspects, he said, while he handed them each

2906
03:27:30.319 --> 03:27:33.600
a cup of hot chocolate. The three looked up at

2907
03:27:33.639 --> 03:27:38.399
him with a questioning look. Merry Christmas. I wanted to

2908
03:27:38.440 --> 03:27:42.559
do something nice. It's Christmas Eve, after all. Some of

2909
03:27:42.559 --> 03:27:46.200
you guests don't deserve a treat. Some of you are

2910
03:27:46.239 --> 03:27:50.040
a pain in my ass, Rob said, and then took

2911
03:27:50.040 --> 03:27:54.440
a drink from his cup. John, you borderline don't deserve

2912
03:27:54.479 --> 03:27:57.959
a treat, but you're with good company, so you can

2913
03:27:58.000 --> 03:28:02.440
reap their reward. It is Christmas and all. Rob said,

2914
03:28:04.040 --> 03:28:07.440
it's just hot chocolate. You're not sucking our dicks. Don't

2915
03:28:07.479 --> 03:28:09.719
feel so high and mighty. Giving us a fifty cent

2916
03:28:09.760 --> 03:28:13.639
cup of cocoa. John said, I can take it back.

2917
03:28:14.120 --> 03:28:18.440
Rob said, calmly, not letting John get to him. No, no, sorry,

2918
03:28:18.719 --> 03:28:23.799
thank you. Merry Christmas, John said. They all sat quietly

2919
03:28:23.879 --> 03:28:27.520
after that, drinking their hot chocolate and watching the old

2920
03:28:27.600 --> 03:28:37.799
Christmas movie. Then they heard the screaming. Rob was the

2921
03:28:37.879 --> 03:28:40.440
first up and the first to run down the hall

2922
03:28:40.479 --> 03:28:43.600
to find out what was going on. Billy, the other

2923
03:28:43.719 --> 03:28:46.639
nighttime nurse, came out from the office and beat him

2924
03:28:46.680 --> 03:28:50.280
to the room. Inside was an older gentleman named Ed,

2925
03:28:50.840 --> 03:28:52.799
who had been in and out of places like this

2926
03:28:52.959 --> 03:28:56.159
his whole life. He had a bit of a violent past,

2927
03:28:56.680 --> 03:29:00.000
always attacking the people close to him, but never enough

2928
03:29:00.200 --> 03:29:03.920
to do actual jail time. Ed was screaming because his

2929
03:29:04.040 --> 03:29:08.319
roommate Tim was lying in his bed with his throat

2930
03:29:08.360 --> 03:29:12.360
slit and his face slashed all up. Rob was the

2931
03:29:12.440 --> 03:29:15.440
senior nurse there and quickly took charge of the situation.

2932
03:29:16.120 --> 03:29:20.200
What happened here? Who did this? Rob asked, I don't know.

2933
03:29:20.319 --> 03:29:22.479
He was like this when I came back from the bathroom,

2934
03:29:23.120 --> 03:29:27.479
Ed said John. Caleb Ethan, back to your rooms, Caleb,

2935
03:29:27.559 --> 03:29:29.840
take Ed with you, and none of you let anyone

2936
03:29:29.879 --> 03:29:32.639
except for the two of us in. Billy go back

2937
03:29:32.639 --> 03:29:35.680
to the office and call nine one one. I'll look

2938
03:29:35.719 --> 03:29:39.879
for the for the killer, Rob ordered, What if he

2939
03:29:39.920 --> 03:29:43.760
tries to attack you? Billy asked, I've been taking self

2940
03:29:43.799 --> 03:29:46.360
defense classes for years. Do you think I would work

2941
03:29:46.399 --> 03:29:50.360
here around these crazies without some way of protecting myself?

2942
03:29:50.760 --> 03:29:55.319
Rob asked, right, Billy said, you haven't been taking classes

2943
03:29:55.360 --> 03:29:59.520
like I told you? Have you? Rob asked, well, I,

2944
03:29:59.559 --> 03:30:04.280
Billy stammered, you fucking rookie. Just get to the damn phone, Billy,

2945
03:30:04.719 --> 03:30:08.239
Rob shouted. Billy ran off, and John Ethan ed and

2946
03:30:08.360 --> 03:30:13.280
Caleb stared at Rob. Get to your rooms now, Rob said.

2947
03:30:13.840 --> 03:30:18.479
They all turned and left. Rob yelled after them, sorry

2948
03:30:18.520 --> 03:30:23.319
for saying crazies. Don't tell my boss please. Rob then

2949
03:30:23.360 --> 03:30:25.840
went on down the hall to look for signs of

2950
03:30:25.840 --> 03:30:29.639
the killer. John went to his room. The doors could

2951
03:30:29.639 --> 03:30:32.479
only be locked with a key, so he decided that

2952
03:30:32.520 --> 03:30:35.360
he would push his bed up against the door. He

2953
03:30:35.399 --> 03:30:38.200
didn't know that the killer was hiding under his bed,

2954
03:30:38.799 --> 03:30:42.319
and as soon as he got close enough, he heard snickering,

2955
03:30:43.639 --> 03:30:47.079
and then before he could react, a hand with a

2956
03:30:47.120 --> 03:30:51.879
stolen kitchen knife stabbed through his left shoe. The cheap

2957
03:30:51.920 --> 03:30:55.399
hospital issued shoes did nothing to hinder the blade, though

2958
03:30:55.440 --> 03:30:58.600
it did keep his now severed middle two toes close

2959
03:30:58.639 --> 03:31:01.760
to where they had once belonged. John then fell to

2960
03:31:01.840 --> 03:31:05.479
the floor, and the killer took the opportunity to slash

2961
03:31:05.479 --> 03:31:11.079
his throat. As the blood sprayed, Mark laughed harder and harder.

2962
03:31:11.920 --> 03:31:14.520
Billy heard the laughter, but before he could make it

2963
03:31:14.559 --> 03:31:20.840
out of his office, the killer was there. Happy holidays,

2964
03:31:20.879 --> 03:31:24.280
Mark said. Once Billy was taken care of, Mark went

2965
03:31:24.319 --> 03:31:26.879
to the next phase of his plan. He knew that

2966
03:31:26.920 --> 03:31:30.680
the landline phone was dead, he had severed it hours ago.

2967
03:31:31.319 --> 03:31:33.959
He knew which line. It was because he had severed

2968
03:31:33.959 --> 03:31:36.879
it months earlier. When he first came up with the plan,

2969
03:31:37.719 --> 03:31:40.520
everyone had made a big stink about it. A technician

2970
03:31:40.559 --> 03:31:42.719
had to come out and fix it, and they lost

2971
03:31:42.799 --> 03:31:45.639
dessert for two days since no one would admit to

2972
03:31:45.719 --> 03:31:50.319
cutting the line. Once in the office, the killer found

2973
03:31:50.360 --> 03:31:54.200
what he hoped he would find In there, both nurses

2974
03:31:54.319 --> 03:31:58.559
cell phones charging. He had made a mental note after

2975
03:31:58.680 --> 03:32:01.399
weeks of watching their paws patterns that it was around

2976
03:32:01.440 --> 03:32:04.879
this time each night that they plugged their phones in

2977
03:32:04.920 --> 03:32:09.600
to charge. After a shifts worth of TikTok watching and instagramming,

2978
03:32:10.319 --> 03:32:14.200
he acted quickly and methodically. He took each phone and

2979
03:32:14.280 --> 03:32:17.959
shoved his knife through the screens. He then took the

2980
03:32:18.120 --> 03:32:22.280
useless landline phone and smashed it against the server equipment

2981
03:32:22.319 --> 03:32:26.399
that provided internet to the building. With that done, he

2982
03:32:26.440 --> 03:32:30.159
looked around the room for other opportunities to add to

2983
03:32:30.239 --> 03:32:34.319
his chaos. He didn't find much, but hanging on the

2984
03:32:34.360 --> 03:32:38.319
coat rack he saw something that he hoped he would find.

2985
03:32:39.360 --> 03:32:42.719
He laughed the whole time as he grabbed the Santa

2986
03:32:42.760 --> 03:32:48.799
Claus costume off the rack and put it on. The

2987
03:32:48.879 --> 03:32:54.079
plan was going better than he had imagined. Luck was

2988
03:32:54.159 --> 03:32:57.959
on his side. Caleb had dragged Ethan and Ed to

2989
03:32:58.040 --> 03:33:02.360
his room. Caleb's room was sitting up in bed. What

2990
03:33:02.399 --> 03:33:06.120
the fuck is going on out here? Steve yelled. Steve

2991
03:33:06.280 --> 03:33:08.719
was at the health center because he attempted to light

2992
03:33:08.760 --> 03:33:12.760
his former workplace on fire because he didn't receive a

2993
03:33:12.840 --> 03:33:18.959
Christmas bonus. He didn't quite understand that former employees don't

2994
03:33:19.000 --> 03:33:23.520
typically get Christmas bonuses. Steve was a bit of a

2995
03:33:23.559 --> 03:33:27.440
hothead and was fired after he threw his boss's world's

2996
03:33:27.479 --> 03:33:31.879
best boss mug at his own boss's head. People are

2997
03:33:31.920 --> 03:33:34.639
getting killed, Steve, that is what the fuck is going on,

2998
03:33:35.399 --> 03:33:40.680
Caleb explained, for real. Steve asked Ed. Ed was older,

2999
03:33:40.719 --> 03:33:44.200
and Steve trusted him. Ed shook his head up and down.

3000
03:33:45.280 --> 03:33:51.360
This calmed Steve down. Who Steve asked Tim at least

3001
03:33:52.079 --> 03:33:56.479
his throat was slashed, Ed said, I've heard two other

3002
03:33:56.600 --> 03:34:03.360
screams since I think possibly BILLYO. Caleb added, fuck Tim

3003
03:34:03.399 --> 03:34:05.079
got out in a couple of days, not that he

3004
03:34:05.200 --> 03:34:09.559
wanted to. Billy was kind of a prick, though, Steve finished,

3005
03:34:10.360 --> 03:34:14.799
don't speak ill of the dead. Ethan whispered, is Rob okay?

3006
03:34:15.120 --> 03:34:18.680
Steve asked, Rob was a good guy. He had to

3007
03:34:18.680 --> 03:34:20.879
make everyone follow the rules, but he did it in

3008
03:34:20.920 --> 03:34:24.959
a respectful way, and he was respected for it as

3009
03:34:24.959 --> 03:34:29.120
far as we know, Caleb said. At that moment, Rob

3010
03:34:29.159 --> 03:34:32.760
had returned to the main corridor, not finding any signs

3011
03:34:32.799 --> 03:34:36.200
of the killer. Rob wished there was more staff there.

3012
03:34:36.920 --> 03:34:40.639
Billy and himself were it. Usually there were another too,

3013
03:34:40.760 --> 03:34:45.079
but the holidays were always light. The staff wanted to

3014
03:34:45.079 --> 03:34:49.040
be home with their families, and each year many guests

3015
03:34:49.360 --> 03:34:53.200
were released early to make that possible. As soon as

3016
03:34:53.280 --> 03:34:56.760
Rob made it back to the guest wing, he heard

3017
03:34:56.760 --> 03:35:02.319
the laughter, and then the killer in the stolen Santa

3018
03:35:02.319 --> 03:35:06.840
Claus outfit stepped out of the office. What are you doing?

3019
03:35:07.280 --> 03:35:13.799
Rob asked. The killer just laughed. Are you are you

3020
03:35:13.840 --> 03:35:18.200
wearing my Santa Claus outfit? Rob asked? For the last

3021
03:35:18.239 --> 03:35:21.639
four years, Rob had worn that costume every Christmas morning

3022
03:35:21.680 --> 03:35:25.360
at the facility. Every year. The guests would make fun

3023
03:35:25.399 --> 03:35:28.440
of him for it, but he could tell from some

3024
03:35:29.319 --> 03:35:34.600
that they did appreciate the effort. The killer didn't respond

3025
03:35:34.719 --> 03:35:40.079
to his first question, so he asked another, what's going

3026
03:35:40.120 --> 03:35:46.399
on in here? Rob asked? No response? Did you kill Tim?

3027
03:35:47.159 --> 03:35:53.719
Rob asked? The killer shook his head yes, then made

3028
03:35:53.719 --> 03:35:58.719
a cross with his two index fingers. Rob was confused

3029
03:35:59.399 --> 03:36:03.399
until the killer then held up two fingers. You killed

3030
03:36:03.520 --> 03:36:09.120
two others, Rob asked. The killer laughed, then decided to

3031
03:36:09.159 --> 03:36:12.040
sprint towards Rob while pulling out the knife that he

3032
03:36:12.079 --> 03:36:15.799
had tucked into the waistband of the Santa suit. Get

3033
03:36:15.840 --> 03:36:20.639
away from me, Rob yelled back in Caleb's room. They

3034
03:36:20.639 --> 03:36:23.239
had been listening to the exchange and when they heard

3035
03:36:23.239 --> 03:36:26.760
the killer go after Rob. Without even thinking, Ethan pushed

3036
03:36:26.799 --> 03:36:30.479
open the door. Caleb followed, stopping just long enough to

3037
03:36:30.520 --> 03:36:34.159
grab a chair. Without knowing it, they were directly in

3038
03:36:34.200 --> 03:36:38.239
the killer's path, who immediately adjusted his aim and went

3039
03:36:38.319 --> 03:36:42.040
to stab Ethan. Caleb pushed Ethan out of the way.

3040
03:36:42.479 --> 03:36:46.000
Ethan fell to the floor and rolled away unscathed. Caleb

3041
03:36:46.159 --> 03:36:49.520
wasn't as lucky. The killer slashed the knife at him,

3042
03:36:49.840 --> 03:36:54.000
cutting his wrist. Caleb watched as the blood from his

3043
03:36:54.159 --> 03:36:57.719
arm hit the polished floor, and for a moment was

3044
03:36:57.799 --> 03:37:01.600
taken back to a few weeks weeks ago, when he

3045
03:37:01.719 --> 03:37:06.200
was the one spilling his blood. It was a weird sensation.

3046
03:37:07.719 --> 03:37:12.239
Caleb didn't feel scared, he felt violated. Cutting his wrist

3047
03:37:12.360 --> 03:37:15.879
was something he did not something that was done to him.

3048
03:37:16.959 --> 03:37:19.799
Caleb was filled with anger and swung the chair at

3049
03:37:19.799 --> 03:37:23.239
the pseudo Sanna as hard as he could. Then again,

3050
03:37:23.719 --> 03:37:26.360
the killer held his arms up to protect himself from

3051
03:37:26.399 --> 03:37:31.639
the blows, and then ran away. Once the killer was gone,

3052
03:37:31.719 --> 03:37:36.799
Caleb looked over to Rob. You okay, he asked. Rob

3053
03:37:36.840 --> 03:37:39.680
and Ethan looked him up and down. He was bleeding

3054
03:37:39.719 --> 03:37:42.840
heavily and they just witnessed him going primal while beating

3055
03:37:42.879 --> 03:37:48.719
on the killer. Are you okay, Rob asked, I'm fine,

3056
03:37:48.760 --> 03:37:52.200
Caleb said, while taking his hand and rubbing his hair back.

3057
03:37:53.000 --> 03:37:56.920
Blood dripped onto his face. Caleb then held out his

3058
03:37:57.079 --> 03:38:03.120
arm and looked at the cut again. Maybe not, Caleb said.

3059
03:38:04.000 --> 03:38:06.360
Rob ran off and moments later was back with a

3060
03:38:06.399 --> 03:38:09.639
full first aid kit. If you're going to get attacked,

3061
03:38:10.120 --> 03:38:13.479
let it be in a hospital type situation. Their first

3062
03:38:13.479 --> 03:38:17.360
aid kits are usually well stocked. A moment after Rob

3063
03:38:17.399 --> 03:38:24.079
finished fixing him up, the lights went out. He must

3064
03:38:24.120 --> 03:38:28.360
have gotten to the breaker box, Rob said, cheerfully. Why

3065
03:38:28.440 --> 03:38:32.559
is that good? Ethan asked. The box is located in

3066
03:38:32.600 --> 03:38:35.719
the stairwell at the end of the west hallway. Rob said,

3067
03:38:35.760 --> 03:38:40.520
while he got up and started walking, and Caleb asked

3068
03:38:41.680 --> 03:38:43.920
He's far enough away that it should be safe to

3069
03:38:43.920 --> 03:38:46.760
go to my office and grab a flashlight and call

3070
03:38:46.799 --> 03:38:51.760
the police if Billy hasn't already, Rob said. In the office,

3071
03:38:51.879 --> 03:38:54.920
the three of them felt around for anything that could

3072
03:38:54.959 --> 03:38:59.000
be a weapon. Rob eventually found a flashlight in a drawer.

3073
03:39:00.079 --> 03:39:02.959
When he turned it on, it revealed that the stuff

3074
03:39:03.000 --> 03:39:08.159
they were walking in was blood. The flashlight also helped

3075
03:39:08.159 --> 03:39:11.559
them see where the blood had come from. Some was

3076
03:39:11.559 --> 03:39:17.719
from Billy's lifeless body, while the rest came from Billy's head,

3077
03:39:18.280 --> 03:39:21.600
which had been cut off and thrown onto the desk

3078
03:39:22.639 --> 03:39:32.840
with little to no regard. With the flashlight, it was

3079
03:39:32.879 --> 03:39:36.760
also easy to find the useless phone. Rob then went

3080
03:39:36.799 --> 03:39:44.079
for his own, which he found next to Billy's, both destroyed. Okay, okay,

3081
03:39:44.600 --> 03:39:48.520
don't panic, Rob said to himself. If we can get

3082
03:39:48.559 --> 03:39:51.280
to the breaker and turn it back on, we can

3083
03:39:51.399 --> 03:39:54.079
use a computer to reach out to the police. There

3084
03:39:54.120 --> 03:39:56.559
has to be a way to do that, right, Rob

3085
03:39:56.600 --> 03:40:01.399
asked the two. Caleb frowned and pointed to the modem

3086
03:40:01.840 --> 03:40:06.280
and the internet equipment that had been destroyed. What are

3087
03:40:06.319 --> 03:40:10.719
we going to do, Ethan asked, I don't know. We

3088
03:40:10.760 --> 03:40:13.159
could try to grab the others and then run outside.

3089
03:40:13.239 --> 03:40:17.280
But we're two miles from anything, and it's snowing pretty

3090
03:40:17.319 --> 03:40:23.440
heavily outside. Rob said maybe we could just hide, Ethan suggested,

3091
03:40:24.639 --> 03:40:27.799
or we could all come out into the open. Caleb said,

3092
03:40:28.760 --> 03:40:32.479
you think, Rob asked, I think our strength is in

3093
03:40:32.520 --> 03:40:36.159
our numbers, which we won't have if we don't act quickly.

3094
03:40:36.760 --> 03:40:38.920
It's easy for him to take us out one by one.

3095
03:40:39.399 --> 03:40:41.920
But when he attacked and there were three of us there,

3096
03:40:42.680 --> 03:40:48.360
we walked away scathed, but we did walk away, Caleb explained.

3097
03:40:49.120 --> 03:40:51.639
The three of them walked back to Caleb's room to

3098
03:40:51.680 --> 03:40:54.959
grab Steve and ed, you have to come with us.

3099
03:40:54.959 --> 03:40:58.440
Caleb told them I ain't going nowhere. We're safe in

3100
03:40:58.479 --> 03:41:02.799
this room. Ed said, do you think so? How do

3101
03:41:02.840 --> 03:41:05.719
you think Tim was killed in one of these rooms.

3102
03:41:05.879 --> 03:41:08.479
We need to band together, and we need a spot

3103
03:41:08.559 --> 03:41:13.799
where we have room to fight, Caleb explained. Caleb was persuasive,

3104
03:41:13.879 --> 03:41:16.799
and as a group they went to each room looking

3105
03:41:16.879 --> 03:41:21.000
for other survivors. They found John's dead body. In one room,

3106
03:41:21.719 --> 03:41:25.079
they found two other dead guests, each with a pillow

3107
03:41:25.120 --> 03:41:29.159
over their head so they couldn't scream. He was going

3108
03:41:29.239 --> 03:41:33.239
room to room. Rob said, maybe he's back in one

3109
03:41:33.559 --> 03:41:35.479
snuck back to them when we were in the office,

3110
03:41:35.959 --> 03:41:39.079
and now he's just waiting to jump out and stab

3111
03:41:39.120 --> 03:41:42.399
one of us in the throat. Ed said, so we

3112
03:41:42.440 --> 03:41:47.120
stay away from the rooms. Ethan said no. Caleb replied,

3113
03:41:47.879 --> 03:41:53.040
then what Ed asked? We lock them? Rob explained, understanding

3114
03:41:53.079 --> 03:41:57.040
what Caleb was getting at every one of them. Caleb finished.

3115
03:41:57.760 --> 03:42:01.239
They went methodically down the corridor, locking the doors with

3116
03:42:01.360 --> 03:42:04.680
Rob's keys. After each door was locked, one of them

3117
03:42:04.680 --> 03:42:09.120
would put their ear and listen for any sign of life.

3118
03:42:09.280 --> 03:42:12.239
Nothing was heard until they locked the second to last door.

3119
03:42:13.000 --> 03:42:16.079
Ethan then put his ear to the door and heard

3120
03:42:16.120 --> 03:42:20.120
a noise inside that he couldn't make out. Someone's in

3121
03:42:20.159 --> 03:42:24.120
this room. Ethan whispered to the rest of them. Whose

3122
03:42:24.200 --> 03:42:28.879
room is that, Steve asked. It's been empty, has been

3123
03:42:28.959 --> 03:42:32.159
for a week. Rob said, then it has to be

3124
03:42:32.200 --> 03:42:36.760
the killer. Caleb replied, let's get him. Then Ed said

3125
03:42:37.520 --> 03:42:40.120
it's safer to just lock him up. There's no exit

3126
03:42:40.159 --> 03:42:44.239
from that room. Rob explained. Then the last door that

3127
03:42:44.280 --> 03:42:47.440
they were about to check flung open. Ed was the

3128
03:42:47.479 --> 03:42:49.719
closest to the door, so he was the one to

3129
03:42:49.719 --> 03:42:52.479
be stabbed by the killer. In the Santa Claus suit

3130
03:42:53.120 --> 03:42:56.639
to the common room. Rob yelled. When the killer pulled

3131
03:42:56.680 --> 03:43:00.959
out his knife, Caleb grabbed Ed and dragged him. Ed

3132
03:43:01.120 --> 03:43:05.200
was screaming, don't leave me. The killer followed and continued

3133
03:43:05.200 --> 03:43:09.600
to stab poor Ed with every step they made. Eventually,

3134
03:43:10.639 --> 03:43:14.200
Ed's body went limp and there was nothing for Caleb

3135
03:43:14.280 --> 03:43:18.600
to do but drop it. The killer then swung his

3136
03:43:18.680 --> 03:43:22.639
knife at Caleb, just barely missing his throat. Why are

3137
03:43:22.639 --> 03:43:29.280
you doing this, Caleb yelled. The killer laughed, Mark Caleb asked.

3138
03:43:29.959 --> 03:43:33.120
The killer swung his knife at Caleb again. He had

3139
03:43:33.159 --> 03:43:35.399
to run to the common room after that, and by

3140
03:43:35.440 --> 03:43:37.879
the time he got there, the others had gathered what

3141
03:43:37.959 --> 03:43:42.680
weapons they could find, which wasn't very much. Ethan was

3142
03:43:42.719 --> 03:43:45.239
smart and grabbed the nutcracker that was out as a

3143
03:43:45.319 --> 03:43:49.520
Christmas decoration. Rob was practical and grabbed a chair, while

3144
03:43:49.559 --> 03:43:53.200
Steve yielded the heaviest Christmas package he could find under

3145
03:43:53.239 --> 03:43:57.040
the tree, which wasn't all that heavy. To get away

3146
03:43:57.040 --> 03:44:00.559
from the attack, Caleb ran behind the tree. Rob swung

3147
03:44:00.559 --> 03:44:03.040
the chair, which the killer grabbed with his free hand.

3148
03:44:03.799 --> 03:44:06.760
Rob looked at the killer, shocked that his knife wielding

3149
03:44:06.799 --> 03:44:09.719
Santa Claus was able to stop the chair's momentum with

3150
03:44:09.840 --> 03:44:14.319
only one hand. Rob thought, that's not just strength, that

3151
03:44:14.719 --> 03:44:19.399
is the power of being truly crazy. The killer then

3152
03:44:19.479 --> 03:44:22.239
put the knife in his pocket and grabbed the chair

3153
03:44:22.280 --> 03:44:25.719
with his other hand and made moves to fling Rob

3154
03:44:26.559 --> 03:44:28.840
Steve made his way over to hit the killer Santa

3155
03:44:28.920 --> 03:44:32.959
with the package, but this had little effect. Ethan had

3156
03:44:32.959 --> 03:44:35.719
better luck, smacking him on the shoulder with the heavy

3157
03:44:35.719 --> 03:44:39.719
wood nutcracker. The killer screamed out in pain and dropped

3158
03:44:39.719 --> 03:44:42.639
his hold on the chair. While this was going on,

3159
03:44:42.799 --> 03:44:44.959
Caleb was trying to figure out what he could do

3160
03:44:45.040 --> 03:44:50.239
to help the situation, and finally he found his weapon

3161
03:44:50.280 --> 03:44:55.040
of choice. It was unconventional, to say the least. Caleb

3162
03:44:55.079 --> 03:44:57.559
grabbed the wreath that hung on the wall and waited

3163
03:44:57.600 --> 03:45:01.280
for an opportunity, which came so suddenly. After Ethan hit

3164
03:45:01.319 --> 03:45:04.760
the killer another time in the head, the killer responded

3165
03:45:05.120 --> 03:45:08.680
by pulling his knife back out and slashing Ethan across

3166
03:45:08.719 --> 03:45:15.079
the chest. He then turned around and ran. Caleb was

3167
03:45:15.159 --> 03:45:18.280
furious as he thought about the future that young Ethan

3168
03:45:18.319 --> 03:45:21.719
could have once he was out of there. Caleb ran

3169
03:45:21.799 --> 03:45:24.079
after him and put the wreath over the killer's head

3170
03:45:24.520 --> 03:45:27.879
and then used it to swing him into the wall repeatedly.

3171
03:45:28.719 --> 03:45:31.399
During the struggle, the killer stabbed Caleb in the thigh,

3172
03:45:31.719 --> 03:45:35.799
but Caleb hardly noticed. Eventually, the killer went limp from

3173
03:45:35.840 --> 03:45:39.639
his head, repeatedly hitting the wall. Caleb then grabbed the

3174
03:45:39.680 --> 03:45:43.920
knife from the killer's lifeless body. He was still furious

3175
03:45:44.239 --> 03:45:47.280
and made moves to turn the killer over to slash

3176
03:45:47.360 --> 03:45:51.440
his throat. Rob was taking care of Ethan's wounds during this,

3177
03:45:51.959 --> 03:45:57.280
and Steve walked over to watch. But Caleb was no

3178
03:45:57.479 --> 03:46:02.159
killer and had a change of heart. I can't do it,

3179
03:46:02.600 --> 03:46:07.280
Caleb said, and then he stood up to check on Ethan.

3180
03:46:08.280 --> 03:46:11.840
He's gonna make it. He just barely nicked him. Rob

3181
03:46:11.879 --> 03:46:16.920
told him, give me your keys, Caleb said. Rob unhooked

3182
03:46:16.959 --> 03:46:19.600
them from the loop on his pants and threw them

3183
03:46:19.600 --> 03:46:24.680
to Caleb. I think he's dead, but just in case,

3184
03:46:24.719 --> 03:46:28.959
we should lock him up, Caleb explained to Steve. Steve

3185
03:46:29.040 --> 03:46:31.520
and Caleb then each grabbed a side of the wreath

3186
03:46:31.799 --> 03:46:34.399
that was around his neck and dragged him to the

3187
03:46:34.479 --> 03:46:37.680
room where they had heard the sound. Caleb handed the

3188
03:46:37.760 --> 03:46:41.000
keys over to Steve to unlock it, and Caleb held

3189
03:46:41.000 --> 03:46:45.879
the knife out just in case. When they opened the door,

3190
03:46:46.799 --> 03:46:54.040
they heard what had been making the sound inside. The

3191
03:46:54.200 --> 03:47:00.120
music came from a radio. Caleb and Steve laughed, then

3192
03:47:00.319 --> 03:47:06.440
dragged the killer into the room. Momentarily, they were distracted

3193
03:47:07.079 --> 03:47:12.639
as the song faded down and the radio DJ came on, Well,

3194
03:47:12.680 --> 03:47:16.360
here we are, it's twelve oh one and it's officially Christmas.

3195
03:47:16.760 --> 03:47:21.319
Merry Christmas to all of you KWHG listeners. Hope you

3196
03:47:21.360 --> 03:47:23.799
were good and didn't make it onto Santa's naughty list.

3197
03:47:24.239 --> 03:47:27.159
This is your pal, Big Bobby, and the Christmas classics

3198
03:47:27.159 --> 03:47:30.840
are going to keep on a coming. Here's deck the halls,

3199
03:47:31.520 --> 03:47:42.760
he said, and the song began. That was the moment

3200
03:47:43.159 --> 03:47:45.719
that the killer tried to leap up and grab the

3201
03:47:45.799 --> 03:47:50.000
knife back from Caleb. Without thinking, Caleb stabbed him in

3202
03:47:50.040 --> 03:47:54.399
the throat. The killer stared at him with hatred in

3203
03:47:54.399 --> 03:47:59.879
his eyes. Caleb then twisted the blade, and a moment later,

3204
03:48:01.079 --> 03:48:06.040
all life left the killer. Steve reached down and pulled

3205
03:48:06.079 --> 03:48:09.879
off the beard and hat to reveal what Caleb had

3206
03:48:09.920 --> 03:48:14.639
already figured out. It was Mark who would never laugh,

3207
03:48:14.760 --> 03:48:20.479
his crazy laugh again. With that done, Caleb got up,

3208
03:48:21.399 --> 03:48:24.879
walked over to the radio and turned up the volume.

3209
03:48:26.079 --> 03:48:29.520
As they walked back to Ethan and Rob the song

3210
03:48:29.760 --> 03:48:45.520
continued during the struggle of the night, Caleb couldn't wait

3211
03:48:45.520 --> 03:48:48.040
for it to be over, for everybody to be safe,

3212
03:48:48.399 --> 03:48:52.239
so he could go back to his room and kill himself.

3213
03:48:53.399 --> 03:48:57.200
And now that he had the killer's knife, he was

3214
03:48:57.239 --> 03:49:01.799
more prepared than before. Was originally going to hang himself

3215
03:49:01.799 --> 03:49:06.559
with his sheet, but now that it was over, he

3216
03:49:06.760 --> 03:49:10.120
just wanted to check on his friends. He had seen

3217
03:49:10.239 --> 03:49:15.399
enough death. It had been a terrible year, but fighting

3218
03:49:15.440 --> 03:49:19.079
for his and other people's lives made Caleb finally see

3219
03:49:19.200 --> 03:49:24.719
value in life. So he let go of the knife

3220
03:49:24.799 --> 03:49:35.440
and it fell to the floor. And that's tonight's binge.

3221
03:49:35.639 --> 03:49:40.040
My spookies, a trail of red in the snow, a

3222
03:49:40.200 --> 03:49:44.920
Santa you never want in your chimney, crampis hitching a

3223
03:49:45.079 --> 03:49:51.639
ride in human skin machines learning to murder merrily. And

3224
03:49:51.760 --> 03:49:57.520
Christmas Eve in a hospital where the tinsel hangs over restraints.

3225
03:49:58.399 --> 03:50:03.600
Remember this is not a one off nightmare. Every Saturday

3226
03:50:03.760 --> 03:50:09.280
until New Year's another long cozy stretch of holiday horror

3227
03:50:09.760 --> 03:50:15.040
will drop into your feed. More ghosts, more storms, more

3228
03:50:15.159 --> 03:50:20.879
reasons to watch the Christmas tree lights instead of the clock.

3229
03:50:21.639 --> 03:50:27.280
And the fear doesn't stop there tomorrow, Something uninvited slides

3230
03:50:27.360 --> 03:50:33.079
back into the stream unknown broadcast those crackling old time

3231
03:50:33.200 --> 03:50:37.840
horrors that sound like they've waited for decades just to

3232
03:50:37.959 --> 03:50:43.319
whisper to you. Monday, on Terrifying and True, we climb

3233
03:50:43.360 --> 03:50:46.920
into the high Alps to meet Frau Perchta and her

3234
03:50:46.959 --> 03:50:52.159
perch Tin, the Christmas spirits who check your work, your manners,

3235
03:50:52.520 --> 03:50:57.559
your supper, and if you fail their tests are said

3236
03:50:57.639 --> 03:51:03.440
to unwrap you your throat to your belly and stuff

3237
03:51:03.479 --> 03:51:08.600
you with straw and stone instead of mercy. And of course,

3238
03:51:08.719 --> 03:51:13.520
on Wednesday, we have a brand new holiday terror tail Milk,

3239
03:51:13.879 --> 03:51:19.680
Cookies and crampus by Rob Fields. Back on a snowy

3240
03:51:19.760 --> 03:51:23.840
strickfield farm, where two girls think the worst thing that

3241
03:51:23.920 --> 03:51:29.239
can happen is coal in their stockings, until the family

3242
03:51:29.440 --> 03:51:34.360
dog steals Santa's treats. The wind rears up into a

3243
03:51:34.399 --> 03:51:39.920
sudden blizzard, and something with skeletal reindeer lands in the yard,

3244
03:51:40.600 --> 03:51:46.399
dragging a sack that's never empty for long. So keep

3245
03:51:46.440 --> 03:51:51.680
your headphones charged, keep the cocoa hot, and please remember,

3246
03:51:51.799 --> 03:51:56.159
my spookies, there's a new compilation waiting for you to

3247
03:51:56.399 --> 03:52:04.159
unwrap every Saturday. Until then, stay warm, stay wicked, and

3248
03:52:04.280 --> 03:52:10.840
as always stay spooky,