Bradbury Thirteen 84-04-02 (01) The Ravine

Summary

Podcast Summary: Bradbury Thirteen 84-04-02 (01) The Ravine

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Bradbury Thirteen 84-04-02 (01) The Ravine
• Release Date: March 27, 2025
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Relive the Golden Age of Radio with classic-style shows featuring beloved characters and thrilling stories before the advent of television.

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Introduction

In the episode titled "Bradbury Thirteen 84-04-02 (01) The Ravine," listeners are transported into a suspenseful narrative inspired by the timeless storytelling of Ray Bradbury. This episode masterfully blends drama, mystery, and the eerie ambiance of a small town grappling with fear and uncertainty.

---

Setting the Scene

The story unfolds in a quaint town overshadowed by the ominous ravine, a locale recently tainted by a series of mysterious murders. The atmosphere is thick with tension as townsfolk grapple with the fear of the "lonely one," a shadowy figure believed to be responsible for the disappearances and deaths.

Notable Quote:

Ray Bradbury [00:32]: "Join me for the next 30 minutes on a tour through time and space."

This invitation sets the stage for a journey into the unknown, hinting at the paranormal and psychological elements that will soon surface.

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Character Introductions

• Lavinia Nibs: A strong-willed maiden determined to confront the fear gripping her town. She embodies courage but also wrestles with personal demons.

  Lavinia Nibs [03:16]: "You don't believe all that about the lonely one, do you?"

• Francine and Helen: Friends of Lavinia, each bringing their own perspectives and fears to the unfolding drama.

  Helen [03:33]: "But the others, all of them strangled, their tongues sticking out of their mouths, they say."

• Officer Kennedy: The local police officer striving to reassure and protect the community amidst rising anxiety.

  Officer Kennedy [05:29]: "Now, before we terminate our investigation, I wonder, is there anything else you saw that you could tell us?"

• Frank Dillon (The Lonely One): A mysterious figure whose actions catalyze the central conflict of the story.

  Frank Dillon [08:00]: "I'm the lonely one."

---

Rising Action

As the town reels from recent tragedies, Lavinia decides to take her friends to a movie show to distract themselves. Despite the looming threat of the "lonely one," her determination to maintain normalcy drives the narrative forward.

Key Developments:

1. The Plan to Attend the Movie:

   Lavinia Nibs [06:16]: "It's what we need. We've got to forget this. It's not good to remember."

2. Encounter with Frank Dillon:

   During their visit to the drugstore, Frank Dillon engages with Lavinia and her friends, unknowingly sowing seeds of fear and suspicion.

   Frank Dillon [09:13]: "You sure look pretty tonight, ladies."

3. Suspicion and Tension:

   Francine grows wary of Frank after learning he inquired about Lavinia's whereabouts, heightening the sense of danger.

   Francine [10:06]: "I'll not be part of a hunting party for you. Lavinia, that man was up to no good asking about you."

---

Climax

The film screening becomes the epicenter of heightened suspense. As the police urge the audience to leave early for safety, Lavinia, Helen, and Francine sense malevolent presence in the theater. Their confrontation with Frank Dillon escalates tension, culminating in Lavinia's desperate escape through the ravine.

Pivotal Moments:

1. The Movie Theater Incident:

   Officer Kennedy [11:41]: "The police have asked us to close early tonight so everyone can be out at a decent hour."

2. Frank Dillon's Revelation:

   Frank's declaration as the "lonely one" shocks the group, forcing them to confront their deepest fears.

   Frank Dillon [08:07]: "What a horrible night to be out."

3. Lavinia's Flight:

   In a heart-pounding sequence, Lavinia races through the ravine, plagued by shadows and sounds, questioning her own perceptions of reality.

   Lavinia Nibs [19:43]: "Alone again. Down the hill and then across the bridge for 70 yards."

---

Resolution

After an intense and terrifying pursuit, Lavinia reaches her home, believing herself safe. However, the revelation that a body is found in the ravine adds a chilling twist, implying that the threat is far from over.

Concluding Highlights:

1. Lavinia's Safe Arrival:

   Lavinia Nibs [24:44]: "Never go out at night again. I'll stay home."

2. The Final Twist:

   An ambulance arrives to retrieve a man's body, suggesting that Lavinia's ordeal may not have been merely psychological.

   Ray Bradbury [25:59]: "Later that night, an ambulance arrived and brought out a body on a stretcher. The body of a man."

---

Themes and Insights

Fear and Isolation: The ravine symbolizes the unknown and the fears that isolate individuals within a community.

Perception vs. Reality: Lavinia's internal struggle blurs the lines between what is real and what is imagined, a common Bradbury theme.

Courage and Vulnerability: Characters exhibit bravery in the face of terror, yet their vulnerabilities make them relatable and human.

The Supernatural and the Psychological: The story intertwines elements of the supernatural with psychological horror, creating a layered narrative that keeps listeners engaged.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Lavinia Nibs [03:16]: "You don't believe all that about the lonely one, do you?"

• Helen [05:02]: "She's dead."

• Frank Dillon [08:02]: "If you ever do a childish thing like that again, may someone riddle you with bullets."

• Lavinia Nibs [10:56]: "Now that Elizabeth is."

• Francine [17:38]: "Sometimes I think people want to die."

• Lavinia Nibs [24:44]: "Safe inside. The door. Locked. Wait. Look out the window. There's no one there at all."

These quotes encapsulate the emotional and narrative peaks of the episode, highlighting characters' fears, confrontations, and revelations.

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Conclusion and Production Credits

"Bradbury Thirteen 84-04-02 (01) The Ravine" is a testament to the enduring legacy of Ray Bradbury's storytelling prowess, skillfully adapted for the radio format. The episode features a talented cast, including Barta Heiner, Beverly Roland, Helen Beaman, Oscar Rowland, Dwayne Hyatt, and Bob Nelson, whose performances bring depth and authenticity to the characters.

Production Highlights:

• Original Music: Roger Hoffman and Greg Hansen
• Production Assistant: Patrick Mead
• Associate Producer and Director: Jeff Rader
• Created, Produced, and Directed by: Mike McDonough
• Executive Producer: Dean Van Eyt
• Narration: Paul Freeze

The episode concludes with a haunting reflection on the events, leaving listeners pondering the thin veil between safety and peril.

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Final Thoughts

"Bradbury Thirteen 84-04-02 (01) The Ravine" masterfully blends suspense, character development, and thematic depth, providing an immersive listening experience reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio. With its gripping narrative and evocative performances, this episode stands out as a compelling adaptation of Ray Bradbury's visionary work.

Transcript

[Styles MacKenzie]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Styles MacKenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com fierce this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Wayfair Every style, Every home.

[Ray Bradbury]

This is Ray Bradbury. Join me for the next 30 minutes on a tour through time and space.

[Officer Kennedy]

Come along to the far future.

[Ray Bradbury]

Follow me into a strange past with stories that almost could be or might have been real or unreal.

[Officer Kennedy]

This is Bradbury 13.

[Ray Bradbury]

The ravine was a dynamo that never stopped running, night or day. There was a great moving hum, a bubbling and murmuring of creature. It smelled like a greenhouse of secret vapors and ancient washed shales and quicksands. And in the shade of warm trees, with her hands at either side of her like the oars of a delicate craft play, Elizabeth Ramsel. Her face moonlit, her eyes wide and like flint, her tongue sticking from her mouth. Ray Bradbury's the Ravine.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Douglas, would you like some more lemonade?

[Helen]

No, thanks, Ms. Lavinia, but I'll take another cookie.

[Lavinia Nibs]

7:00. You better run along now, Douglas. Your mother will be worrying. You going to the show with Ms. Francine and Ms. Helen? Yes, I am, Mr. Nosy. Now you get on home. Shoo. Bye. See you later. What a scamp. Oh, Francine.

[Helen]

Lavinia, are you all ready?

[Lavinia Nibs]

Yes. Let me lock the door. There.

[Helen]

My, you look nice to know.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Oh, I feel good, too. It's a fine night for a movie.

[Helen]

Isn't it, though?

[Lavinia Nibs]

Where are you going, girl? To the Elite theater to see Charlie Chaplin. Won't catch me out on no night like this. Not with the lonely ones strangling women left and right. I'm locking myself up in my closet with a gun. Bosh. Go on, then. I'm going. That woman, Lavinia.

[Helen]

You don't believe all that about the lonely one, do you?

[Lavinia Nibs]

Those women like to see their tongues dance, that's all just the same.

[Helen]

Hattie MacDullis was killed two months ago. Roberta Ferry the month before. And now Elizabeth Ramsel's disappeared.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Patty McDulles was a silly girl. Walked off with a traveling man, I bet.

[Helen]

But the others, all of them strangled, their tongues sticking out of their mouths, they say. Honestly, Francine, Lavinia, maybe we shouldn't go to the show. Tonight, the lonely one might follow and kill us. Francine, I don't like the ravine. Just. Oh, look at it, will you?

[Lavinia Nibs]

You're just being silly.

[Helen]

It won't be me coming back through this old ravine so darned late tonight. It'll be you, Lavinia. You, you down the steps and over the bridge. And maybe the lonely one there. Gosh, It'll be you alone on the path, listening to your shoes. Not me. You all alone on the way back to your house. Lavinia, don't you get lonely living in that house?

[Lavinia Nibs]

Old maids love to live alone. Let's take the shortcut. What? Yes, through the ravine. Oh, I'm afraid it's early. The lonely one won't be out till late. Come on. I'll take your arm.

[Officer Kennedy]

Oh.

[Helen]

It's like a hot house down here. Oh. Insects.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Just mosquitoes. Let's run. No. How was that? Fireflies, Francine. Aren't they beautiful? Twinkling like little stars.

[Helen]

Well, I don't.

[Lavinia Nibs]

What is it? There.

[Helen]

Under the tree.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Where?

[Helen]

There. There.

[Lavinia Nibs]

No, don't scream. Don't. Oh. It's Elizabeth. Elizabeth Ramsel.

[Helen]

She's dead.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Oh. Oh, she's dead.

[Helen]

Dead.

[Lavinia Nibs]

She's dead. We better get the police.

[Officer Kennedy]

Now, before we terminate our investigation, I wonder, is there anything else you saw that you could tell us?

[Lavinia Nibs]

No. We told you everything. Come on, Francine.

[Officer Kennedy]

You might drop by the station tomorrow for a little more questioning.

[Lavinia Nibs]

We'll be there.

[Helen]

Oh, it won't be Lavinia. I'm cold. I've never been so cold in my life.

[Lavinia Nibs]

It's like December.

[Officer Kennedy]

You want an escort, ladies?

[Lavinia Nibs]

No, we'll make it.

[Helen]

Will we?

[Lavinia Nibs]

Of course we will.

[Francine]

Oh.

[Helen]

I've never seen a dead person before.

[Lavinia Nibs]

It's only 8:30. We'll pick up Helen and get onto the show.

[Helen]

The show.

[Lavinia Nibs]

It's what we need. We've got to forget this. It's not good to remember. We'll go to the show as if nothing happened.

[Helen]

Lavinia, you don't mean it.

[Lavinia Nibs]

I never meant anything more in my life. We need to laugh and forget.

[Helen]

But Elizabeth back there, your friend. My friend.

[Lavinia Nibs]

We can't help her now. We can only help ourselves. Come on. There's Helen. Come on now. Chin up. There you are.

[Francine]

I thought you'd never get here. You're only an hour late, that's all.

[Helen]

Well, we went.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Helen. Someone found Elizabeth. Ramsel in.

[Francine]

Oh, dead. Was she dead?

[Lavinia Nibs]

Yes.

[Francine]

Who found her?

[Lavinia Nibs]

We don't know.

[Francine]

I've got a notion to go back in the house and lock the doors.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Helen, please come to the show with us. It'll be good for us all.

[Francine]

Oh, poor Elizabeth. I feel a chill in here. I think I'll get a sweater.

[Lavinia Nibs]

We found her.

[Helen]

Why didn't you tell her?

[Lavinia Nibs]

Why upset her? Tomorrow's plenty of times. Here she comes. All set there?

[Francine]

Locked tight. Oh, it's all so gassed.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Let's hurry. We can still make the cereal.

[Francine]

We're crazy being out on a night like this.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Lonely One won't kill three ladies. There's safety in numbers. And besides, it's too soon. The killings always come a month apart.

[Francine]

Well, I suppose.

[Helen]

What's that? Gotcha.

[Frank Dillon]

Hey, I'm the lonely one.

[Helen]

Frank. Dylan.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Frank. That's me.

[Francine]

Frank.

[Lavinia Nibs]

If you ever do a childish thing like that again, may someone riddle you with bullets.

[Francine]

What a horrible thing to do.

[Helen]

You monster.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Say, I didn't mean nothing. Go away. Haven't you heard about Elizabeth Ramsel found dead in the ravine?

[Frank Dillon]

Well, no, I.

[Francine]

You running around scaring women, jumping out from trees like that. Don't ever speak to us again.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Oh, now get out of the way. Go. I was just. Fun, huh? A lot of fun you are, Mr. Lonely One. Go take a look at Elizabeth Ramsel's face and see if it's funny. Good night.

[Helen]

Oh, what a horrible night.

[Francine]

Francine. It was only a joke, you know. Frank, why is she crying so hard?

[Lavinia Nibs]

I'll tell you when we get downtown. We're going to the show, no matter what. Now, come on now. Get your money ready. We're almost there.

[Francine]

Can we stop at the drugstore? I'd like to get some peppermint shoes.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Good idea. I'll get some, too. Come on.

[Frank Dillon]

Evening, ladies. What can I do for you?

[Lavinia Nibs]

I need a nickel's worth of peppermint chews for eating in the show. And some for Helen, too.

[Frank Dillon]

All right. A Nickelsworth?

[Lavinia Nibs]

Yes, please.

[Frank Dillon]

You sure look pretty tonight, ladies. You look so nice and cool this afternoon when you was in for a chocolate soda.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Why, thank you.

[Frank Dillon]

In fact, you look so cool that someone asked after you.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Oh.

[Frank Dillon]

A man sitting at the counter watched you walk out. He said to me, say, who's that? Why, that's Lavinia Nibs. Prettiest maiden lady in town. I said, she's beautiful. He said, where does she live?

[Helen]

Oh, you didn't. You didn't give him her address, I hope.

[Frank Dillon]

I. I guess I didn't think. Told him over on park street, near the ravine. And tonight with them finding that body and all, I thought, what have I done?

[Helen]

Oh, how could you?

[Frank Dillon]

I'm Sorry. Of course. Maybe it was nothing.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Of course it was nothing. Mr. Spencer, here's the nickel.

[Frank Dillon]

Oh, there's no charge for those peppermints.

[Francine]

Well, I know what I'm going to do, right?

[Lavinia Nibs]

Helen, where are you going? Helen, where are you going?

[Francine]

I'm going to call a taxi to take us all home. I'll not be part of a hunting party for you. Lavinia, that man was up to no good asking about you. Do you want to be dead in the ravine next?

[Lavinia Nibs]

It was just a man.

[Francine]

So is Frank Dillon a man. Maybe he's the lonely one.

[Helen]

I made the druggist give me a description. I made him tell me what he looked like. A stranger in a dark suit, sort of pale and thin.

[Lavinia Nibs]

We're all over wrought. If I'm the next victim, I'm the next victim. Lavinia, there's all too little excitement in life. Especially for a maiden lady 33 years old. So? Don't you mind if I enjoy it? Enjoy it? Yes. Anyway, it's silly. I'm not beautiful.

[Helen]

Oh, but you are, Lavinia. You're the loveliest lady in town.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Now that Elizabeth is.

[Helen]

You keep men off at a. If you'd only relax, you'd have been married years ago.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Oh, stop it, will you? Now, here's the box office. I'm paying 41 cents to see Charlie Chaplin. If you two want to take a taxi, go on. I'll sit alone. And I'll walk home alone.

[Helen]

Lavinia, you're crazy. We can't let you do that.

[Lavinia Nibs]

All right, then. Three tickets, please. Here's your ticket, Helen. And yours, Francine. You can pay me later. Now, let's get inside.

[Francine]

I hope this is a good movie.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Of course it's a good movie. Charlie Chaplin's in it, isn't he?

[Francine]

Well, yes, but after all, here's three.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Good seats on the aisle. Oh, good. Let's go over one. Oh, look, there's Mr. Tubbs.

[Officer Kennedy]

Ladies and gentlemen, the police have asked us to close early tonight so everyone can be out at a decent hour. Therefore, we're cutting our short subjects and running our feature immediately. The show will be over at 11. Everyone is advised to go straight home. Don't linger in the streets. Thank you.

[Helen]

That means us, Lavinia.

[Lavinia Nibs]

It means everyone.

[Francine]

It's starting.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Good. Lavinia. What?

[Francine]

As we came in, a man in a dark suit came across the street.

[Lavinia Nibs]

So?

[Francine]

He just walked down the aisle and he sitting in the row behind us.

[Helen]

Oh, Helen.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Right behind us.

[Francine]

Look for yourselves.

[Helen]

Oh, my gosh, he is there.

[Francine]

I'm going to get the manager.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Helen, no.

[Helen]

Stop the film.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Turn on the lights. Helen. Oh, Helen. You see how silly. All that commotion for nothing.

[Francine]

Oh, I'm so embarrassed.

[Lavinia Nibs]

When you ran up that aisle shouting lights, I thought I'd die.

[Francine]

Well, how was I to know he was Mr. Tubbs brother from Race C.

[Lavinia Nibs]

You could have asked him.

[Francine]

Well, I apologized. We shouldn't have stopped for those sodas. The police warned us that we wash.

[Lavinia Nibs]

The police? I'm not afraid of anything. The lonely one is a million miles away by now. He won't be back for months, and the police will get him then. Just wait. Oh, wasn't the film wonderful?

[Helen]

I've seen it before. I'm glad I brought my sweater. I do feel a chill in the air.

[Francine]

So do I.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Do you suppose if we scream, they do anything? Who? The store dummies.

[Helen]

The people in those windows.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Oh, Francine, they're made of wax. Don't be silly. 11:30.

[Francine]

Oh, it's getting windy. There goes my hair.

[Lavinia Nibs]

First we'll walk you home, Francine.

[Helen]

No, I'll walk you home.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Don't be silly. You live way out at Electric Park. If you walked me home, you'd have to come back across the ravine alone, by yourself. And if so much as a leaf fell on you, drop dead.

[Helen]

I should stay the night at your house. You're the pretty one, remember?

[Lavinia Nibs]

Oh, bosh. Let's sing.

[Francine]

What do we sing?

[Lavinia Nibs]

Shine on, shine on, harvest moon up here it's just the wind blowing the perch swing back and forth oh, shine on, harvest moon up in the sky I ain't had no love and see is January February June, July here's your house, Francine. Good night, Lavinia.

[Helen]

Helen, stay here tonight. Oh, it's late. Almost midnight Now. You can sleep in the parlor. I'll make hot chocolate. Oh, it'll be such fun.

[Lavinia Nibs]

No, thanks. We'll be fine. Oh, Francine, don't cry.

[Helen]

I don't want you dead. Oh, you're so fine and nice. I want you to live. Oh, please. Please don't go, Francine.

[Lavinia Nibs]

I know this night has affected you. Believe. Believe me. I'll phone when I get home. I promise.

[Helen]

Oh, will you?

[Lavinia Nibs]

And tell you I'm safe?

[Helen]

Yes.

[Lavinia Nibs]

And tomorrow we'll have a picnic lunch at Electric park with ham sandwiches and potato salad. I'll make it all myself. How's that?

[Helen]

All right.

[Lavinia Nibs]

You'll see. I'll live forever.

[Helen]

Your phone, then.

[Lavinia Nibs]

I promised, didn't I?

[Helen]

Yes, of course, dad.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Good night, Francine. Good night.

[Helen]

Good night, Ellen.

[Francine]

Good night.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Now I'll walk you home.

[Francine]

It's midnight.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Yes. It's tomorrow, isn't it?

[Francine]

Don't you feel funny?

[Lavinia Nibs]

How do you mean?

[Francine]

Oh, when you think of us being out here on the sidewalks, under the trees and all those people safe behind locked doors, lying in their beds. We're practically the only people out in the open in a thousand miles. I bet.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Hear it? Yes. The ravine.

[Francine]

Here's my house.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Look.

[Francine]

The moon is sinking behind the clouds. I don't suppose it's any use asking you to stay, Lavinia.

[Lavinia Nibs]

I'll be getting home.

[Francine]

Sometimes.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Sometimes what?

[Francine]

Sometimes I think people want to die.

[Lavinia Nibs]

I'm just not afraid, that's all. And I'm curious.

[Francine]

I suppose curiosity killed the cat.

[Lavinia Nibs]

I'm using my head, Helen. Logically, the lonely one can't be around, not with the police all over.

[Francine]

The police are home with their covers up over their ears.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Let's just say I'm enjoying myself precariously but safely. If there was any real chance of anything happening to me, I'd stay here with you. You can be sure of that.

[Francine]

Maybe part of you just doesn't want to live anymore.

[Lavinia Nibs]

You and Francine. Honestly, I feel so guilty.

[Francine]

I'll be drinking some hot cocoa. Just as you reach the ravine bottom and walk on the bridge.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Drink a cup for me. Good night.

[Francine]

Good night, Lavinia.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Malone. In five minutes, I'll be safe at home. In five minutes I'll be phoning silly little Francine and what's that? Footsteps whistling. I'll just walk a little faster. I can run and knock on one of those doors if I have to. It's just a few steps. A man with a long club in his hand. I could make it to that door Now. Now.

[Officer Kennedy]

What a time of night for you to be out. Miss Nebs.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Oh, Officer Kennedy.

[Officer Kennedy]

Ms. Nebs, I'd better see you home.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Oh, thanks, but I'll make it.

[Officer Kennedy]

But you live across the ravine.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Yes, but I'll hurry. I'll be fine.

[Officer Kennedy]

I'll wait right here. If you need any help, give a yell. Voices carry good here. I'll come running.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Thank you. I'm sure I'll be fine.

[Officer Kennedy]

Good night, then.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Good night. Alone again. Down the hill and then across the bridge for 70 yards. Through the ravine and then up the hill to Park Street. 113 steps and only one street lantern to see by. In three minutes, I'll be putting my key in my front door. Nothing can happen in just three minutes. 180 seconds. Here goes. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Am I running? No, it just feels that way. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 steps. One fifth of the way. So black here. World has gone behind me now. World of safe people in bed. The locked doors, the town, the drugstore, the theater, the lights. Everything is gone. Only the ravine now, black and huge. Nothing's happened, has it? No one around, is there? 34, 35, 36. Remember that old ghost story you told your sister when you were kids? The story about the dark man coming in your house and you upstairs in bed with your feet all tucked in the sheets. And now he's at the first step, coming up to your room. And now he's at the second step. And now he's at the third step. And the fourth step and the fifth. And now the horrid dark man's at the twelfth step. And now he's opening the door of your room. And now he's standing at the foot of your bed. I got you. There. There. What's that at the bottom of the steps? A man under the light. No. No. He's gone. He was nothing. Nothing. The bridge is empty. You fool. That story I told myself. What should I do? Should I call the officer? Oh, maybe he heard me scream. Nothing. I'll go the rest of the way. Stupid story. 41, 42, 43. Almost halfway. Careful now, don't fall. Not now. What's that footstep? Another one. Someone's following me. Someone's on the steps behind me. I don't dare turn around. Every time I take a step, they take one. Officer Kennedy, is that you? The crickets and frogs. They're listening. The ravine is listening to me. To me. They must be hearing my heart. Keep moving. Faster. Faster.

[Helen]

Run only a little way.

[Lavinia Nibs]

100. 8, 9, 10, 11. Now run across the bridge. Run. That's hard. Keep running. On the planks. He's following me. He's on the bridge. Don't turn. Don't look. If you see him, you won't be able to move. He'll be so frightened. Just keep going. There, across the bridge. Please. Please let me get up this hill. Now up the path. Now up between the hills. Oh, it's so dark and everything's so far away. If I scream now, it won't help. I can't scream anyway. Here's the top of the path. Here's the street. Oh, let me be safe. If I get home safe, I'll never go out again. I was a f. Let me admit it. I was a fool. I didn't know what Terror was. But if I get home safe from this, I'll never go without Helen or Francine again. Here's the street. Across the street. The porch. My porch.

[Helen]

My house.

[Lavinia Nibs]

I need just enough time to get inside and lock the door and I'll be safe. Clumsy. Unlock the door. Unlock it. There. Unlocked. Oh. Now stay. Quick. Slam it. Lock it. Borrow it. Lock it. Lock it. Tight. Tight. Home safe. At home. Safe. Save. Save. I'll never go out at night again. I'll stay home. I will never go through that rain again.

[Helen]

Ever.

[Lavinia Nibs]

Safe inside. The door. Locked. Wait. Look out the window. There's no one there at all. Nobody was following me. Nobody running after me. It only makes sense. If a man had been following me, it would have caught me. I'm not a fast runner. There's no one on the porch or the yard. How silly of me. I wasn't running from anything. That ravine's as safe as any place. Just the same, it's nice to be home. Home is the really good warm place. The only place to be.

[Officer Kennedy]

Good evening, Lavinia.

[Ray Bradbury]

Later that night, an ambulance arrived and brought out a body on a stretcher. The body of a man. Lucky for Lavinia that the sewing scissors were handy that night. Very lucky. The ravine was adapted from the story by Ray Bradbury. Featured in the cast were Barta Heiner, Beverly Roland, Helen Beaman, Oscar Rowland, Dwayne Hyatt and Bob Nelson. Original music by Roger Hoffman and Greg Hansen. Production assistant was Patrick Mead. Associate producer and director was Jeff Rader. Bradbury 13 was created, produced and directed by Mike McDonough. Executive producer was Dean Van Eyt. It this is Paul Freeze speaking.