Episode 10 - The Diner

Summary

Hymns for the Road: Episode 10 - "The Diner"

Release Date: November 8, 2024
Host/Author: Hodgepodge Audio
Hymn Featured: "American Pie" by Don McLean

---

Introduction

In Episode 10 of "Hymns for the Road," titled "The Diner," listeners are immersed in the perilous yet enchanting post-apocalyptic landscape of what was once America. The story centers around four survivors—Silver, Glass, Amber, and Copper—as they navigate through a fantasy wasteland teeming with otherworldly creatures and surreal challenges. This episode delves into their encounter with a seemingly ordinary diner that harbors mysterious undertones.

---

Setting the Scene

The journey begins with the group discussing their immediate needs:

• Silver (01:13): "We need more water, Silver."
• Glass (01:15): "Really? We topped off not too long ago."
• Amber (01:18): "I think that one summer folk in that desert shorted us."

Their conversation reveals the scarcity of resources and the strain of survival in this transformed world. The decision to seek out a diner arises from their hunger and need for water, despite initial reservations about potential dangers.

---

Entering the Diner

Upon spotting a dilapidated billboard declaring "Open All Night" (02:50), the group decides to investigate:

• Copper (02:58): "It looks crappy."
• Amber (02:55): "Looks perfect."

This contrasting perspective highlights the group's differing outlooks on their environment. As they enter, the diner exudes a heavy grease smell and an eerie stillness, with patrons appearing too content and unchanging.

• Glass (04:06): "We need the water, so we've got to go in for at least a second."
• Copper (04:08): "None of you are worried about this. It doesn't seem. I don't know, a little too good to be true to anyone else."

The waiter greets them warmly, but there's an underlying sense of unease:

• Waiter (07:02): "Well, the waiter will be back soon with the table's orders."
• Glass (07:02): "Yes, please. The party's gonna take a minute to look at the menu before they decide on anything, sweetheart."

---

Unsettling Discoveries

As they peruse the menu, multiple red flags emerge:

• Copper (07:44): "Look at this one on the special menu at the bottom."
• Silver (07:47): "That hurts my eyes."

The ambiance becomes more unnerving when Copper observes:

• Copper (08:08): "Guys, look out the window. What?"
• Silver (08:16): "Amber, look."

The outside view reveals an "ink black void"—a stark contrast to the bustling interior, raising suspicions about the diner's true nature.

---

The Supernatural Twist

As the group contemplates leaving, the surreal nature of the diner becomes undeniable. Plates are manipulated, and patrons remain motionless. Amber takes a pivotal role in resolving the tension:

• Copper (15:24): "Hey, better move those plates or we'll be stepping on him."
• Waiter (14:30): "What are you doing?"

In a moment of desperation and creativity, Amber sings "American Pie," invoking magical intervention to break the spell:

• Unknown (14:07): "Don't by by Miss American Pie? Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was drive."
• Copper (16:23): "I can't believe that worked."
• Glass (16:28): "You did good, alright. I'm proud of you. We wouldn't have gotten out of that spell without you."

This act not only frees them from the eerie hold of the diner but also underscores Amber's unique magical abilities that prove crucial for their survival.

---

Character Dynamics and Growth

Throughout the episode, the interactions among the survivors reveal their personalities and evolving relationships:

• Copper often exhibits skepticism and caution:

  • Copper (04:08): "None of you are worried about this. It doesn't seem. I don't know, a little too good to be true to anyone else."
  • Copper (16:36): "I don't know, but I'm only useful once a year, so I hope you're grateful."

• Amber balances concern with practical needs:

  • Amber (04:30): "Let's get inside. Come on."
  • Amber (16:27): "Oh, come on. What are you talking about? You're useful all the time."

• Glass serves as a mediator, ensuring group cohesion:

  • Glass (07:02): "We need the water, so we've got to go in for at least a second."
  • Glass (16:28): "You did good, alright. I'm proud of you."

• Silver remains focused on immediate concerns like hunger:

  • Silver (04:33): "World's best hash browns. I guess we'll see, won't we?"
  • Silver (16:27): "What if they start knocking tables over? What if they sing a. No."

The episode highlights their reliance on each other's strengths and the challenges they face in maintaining trust and cooperation in a hostile environment.

---

Key Insights and Themes

• Perception vs. Reality: The seemingly inviting diner hides a sinister reality, illustrating the theme that not everything is as it appears in the post-apocalyptic world.

• Resource Scarcity: The group's constant struggle for necessities like water and food emphasizes the harshness of their environment.

• Magic and Survival: Amber's magical intervention showcases the blend of fantasy elements with survival instincts, adding depth to the narrative.

• Isolation and Community: The static patrons of the diner contrast the protagonists' desire to move forward, highlighting themes of isolation and the longing for community in a desolate world.

---

Conclusion

Episode 10, "The Diner," masterfully combines tension, supernatural elements, and character development to create a compelling narrative within the "Hymns for the Road" series. The group's encounter with the enigmatic diner serves as a microcosm of their broader journey, testing their resolve, unity, and adaptability in an unforgiving landscape. Amber's pivotal role in overcoming the diner’s enchantment not only advances the plot but also deepens our understanding of her character's unique abilities and importance to the group's survival.

Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this captivating tale of resilience and magic amidst the remnants of a fallen America.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Silver (01:13): "We need more water, Silver."
• Copper (02:58): "It looks crappy."
• Amber (04:06): "Yeah, I'm sure everything will be fine."
• Copper (07:44): "Look at this one on the special menu at the bottom."
• Unknown (14:07): "Don't by by Miss American Pie? Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was drive."
• Glass (16:28): "You did good, alright. I'm proud of you."

---

Supporting Information

Cast:

• Maurice Thomas as Silver
• Pao Pong and Ebon as Glass
• Grizz Siebenek as Amber
• Tabitha Bardal as Copper
• Emily Folger as the Waiter

Music:

• Original Music: Joshua David Mitchell
• Additional Music: "Today's Journal" by Ciro

Production:

• Written and Produced by Anna McGuire
• Subscribe to the newsletter at hodgepodgeaudio.com
• Support the series on Patreon

---

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the narrative and its key elements.

Transcript

[Unknown]

Ch. Ch. Ch.

[Chumba Casino]

Chumba Looking for excitement? Chumba Casino is here. Play anytime. Play anywhere. Play on the train. Play at the store. Play at home. Play when you're bored. Play today for your chance to win and get daily bonuses when you log in. So what are you waiting for? Don't delay. Chumba Casino is free to play.

[Unknown]

Experience social gameplay like never before. Go to Chumba Casino right now to play hundreds of games, including online slots, bingo, Slingo and more. Live the chumba [e-mail] VGW approved. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. See terms and conditions. 18.

[Anna McGuire]

Hymns for the road is a fiction podcast that often takes place inside a moving vehicle. Listener discretion is advised while driving. General content warnings are listed in the show notes.

[Silver]

We need more water, Silver.

[Glass]

Really? We topped off not too long ago.

[Amber]

I think that one summer folk in that desert shorted us.

[Glass]

Maybe.

[Amber]

Is anybody else hungry? Copper? Silver?

[Silver]

I'm kind of hungry.

[Copper]

I don't want to stop at a diner, if that's what you're asking.

[Amber]

Come on, Amber. They don't seem that bad.

[Glass]

I've been to a diner. They're just like everywhere else. You just gotta be careful, that's all.

[Copper]

I remember enough from before. I know what to expect from a diner that's open after dark.

[Amber]

And what's that?

[Copper]

Grimy?

[Amber]

Hm. I wouldn't guess that would be an object for you.

[Copper]

Oh, shut up, Glass. Nothing seems that bad to you?

[Glass]

You know, before the change, there were really nice restaurants in some places.

[Copper]

What's your definition of nice?

[Glass]

They had really fancy food and you had to dress up to go. Or you didn't have to, but people would judge you if you didn't.

[Amber]

Was it worth it?

[Glass]

Sometimes. Food was always really good. Always. Kind of like the grimy ones. Better, though. More of a heart to them.

[Copper]

Maybe when they were run by people.

[Glass]

Yeah, when they were run by people.

[Amber]

I'm starving, guys.

[Silver]

Me too.

[Copper]

Are we going to get water first?

[Amber]

Maybe we can get both. You know, two birds with one stone.

[Glass]

Restaurants usually have water.

[Silver]

What do we have to trade?

[Glass]

I got a few pages in my sketchbook I could part with.

[Copper]

We still have a bunch of that gold leaf, too.

[Amber]

Oh, look. There's a sign up there. Copper.

[Silver]

The rusty billboard. Open all night.

[Copper]

Looks crappy.

[Amber]

Looks perfect.

[Copper]

We pass by another billboard, it looks like it hasn't been changed or cleaned in a thousand years. Like it was around before. Before I noticed the colors. It's impossible not to notice the colors. Colors that don't exist in nature. I don't know how to describe it. Other than maybe purplish, brownish, melancholy.

[Silver]

It looks perfect.

[Amber]

Wow. Look in the windows. There are actually people in there.

[Copper]

They're right. I can see a couple loners sitting in there by themselves at booths over half eaten meals. I wonder if they're actually human or if they just look like it. They seem happy enough.

[Glass]

They got a spigot on the side of the building.

[Silver]

Should we go inside and get food first? We can pay for the water in the process, too.

[Amber]

Sounds good to me.

[Copper]

Nothing about this place seems off at all. Every place seems off to me. Every place is off.

[Glass]

We need the water, so we've got to go in for at least a second.

[Amber]

Yeah, I'm sure everything will be fine.

[Copper]

None of you are worried about this. It doesn't seem. I don't know, a little too good to be true to anyone else. Silver.

[Glass]

As long as we follow the rules, we'll be all right. Starting to get cold out here.

[Amber]

Let's get inside. Come on.

[Silver]

World's best hash browns. I guess we'll see, won't we?

[Copper]

Of course they have the world's best hash browns. Copper. It says so right on the sign.

[Amber]

It's probably easy to take that title if you're the only place that serves hash browns.

[Copper]

We walk in and right away it smells like grease. Not in a bad way. Just that heavy kind of smell that coats your teeth. There are more people in here than it looks like from the outside. Actual people too, I think.

[Amber]

Seems like a nice place.

[Copper]

Sure does draw you in, huh?

[Glass]

What do you think, cobber?

[Silver]

The falls, maybe. It doesn't seem like springs.

[Glass]

That's what I think, too.

[Copper]

Look, they have the rules printed right here. There's a chalkboard on the wall in the entryway that says, no shirt, no shoes, no service. And a painted tin sign that says disorderly. Patrons will be to leave. Silver and Copper are right. It's gotta be the falls. There's just so much stuff in here. All these picture frames and clothes nailed to the walls. Tiny little trinkets stacked up on counters. All of it's covered with a mix of grease and dust. Smells like it, too. If this was a house of spring operation, they wouldn't leave all the windows closed.

[Waiter]

Evening looking for a table.

[Copper]

Not a winter. It might be a tricky spring, though.

[Waiter]

The waiter's so happy these travelers stopped.

[Copper]

In there it is. Third person. House of fall.

[Glass]

This party would appreciate that, darling. If the host is able.

[Amber]

It'd be nice to be by a window.

[Waiter]

Ah, well, the waiter will See where they can put these sweet patrons.

[Glass]

Put one there.

[Amber]

Nicely done.

[Glass]

You were right, copper. It's the Falls.

[Silver]

Amber brought in the stuff.

[Copper]

I'll take a look at what we've got at the table.

[Glass]

We got a lot stored up. I don't think we'll have a problem affording it.

[Waiter]

Route this way.

[Copper]

Maybe Glass is right. Maybe it's not so bad. Maybe a little dirty, little dingy. But the food smells good. And that's really all that needs to matter. In places like this. The waiter's body looks weird. Not unusually weird for one of them. But it looks a little bit like they're hiding something else in the back of their shirt. Like there's another creature where their ribcage should be. And I don't like the way they're looking at me.

[Waiter]

Right here. Can the waiter get everybody some waters to start?

[Glass]

Yes, please. The party's gonna take a minute to look at the menu before they decide on anything, sweetheart.

[Waiter]

Well, in that case, the waiter will be back soon with the table's orders.

[Amber]

With the table's orders?

[Silver]

They haven't ordered anything yet.

[Waiter]

Don't they worry there? Sweet little heads. The diner already knows what its patrons want.

[Glass]

All right, y'all, we'll check the food when it gets here. But be polite.

[Copper]

That didn't seem. I don't know. Nobody feels weird that they already know what we want.

[Amber]

Amber, we'll be all right. You're just anxious because you're hungry.

[Copper]

Maybe you're right.

[Silver]

What do they have?

[Copper]

Is there a point in asking if they already decided what we want?

[Amber]

Usual stuff. Burgers, sandwiches, waffles, Biscuits and gravy.

[Copper]

Look at this one on the special menu at the bottom.

[Silver]

That hurts my eyes.

[Copper]

Yeah, it gives you a little headache if you look right at it.

[Glass]

I don't think we're supposed to order that.

[Amber]

Probably not.

[Silver]

It's nice in here, guys.

[Copper]

Why didn't I notice the windows?

[Glass]

It is nice. Not half bad.

[Copper]

Why didn't I notice the windows when we came in?

[Amber]

Anybody else kind of excited about what they're gonna get?

[Silver]

Pancakes, I hope with bacon. Really greasy bacon.

[Glass]

I know what I want.

[Copper]

Guys, look out the window. What?

[Silver]

Amber, look.

[Amber]

Dark out there.

[Copper]

It's dark out there.

[Unknown]

Glass.

[Copper]

There's nothing out there.

[Glass]

Nothing's ever the way you expect it to be, Amber. It's not hurting us, so leave it be.

[Copper]

Outside the window is an ink black void. Even darker than if they had just painted over the windows. No setting sun, twilight outside. No stars. No pavement under the light from inside. No Billboard. Solid.

[Waiter]

Cold.

[Copper]

Dark. My reflection stares back. It looks unfamiliar. Which is sort of comforting, I guess, since it always looks unfamiliar. But we could see inside from the.

[Glass]

Parking lot of those things, I suppose.

[Copper]

I guess.

[Waiter]

Thanks for waiting. Party. Busy night tonight.

[Glass]

The party wasn't waiting long at all.

[Waiter]

Fish and chips.

[Amber]

Thanks.

[Waiter]

Chicken and dumplings.

[Glass]

Thank them.

[Waiter]

Pancakes. Scrambled eggs and bacon. And tater tot casserole. Enjoy.

[Copper]

No way.

[Amber]

I didn't even know lingcod was around anymore.

[Silver]

Look how thick this bacon is.

[Glass]

And no way they made it right. Oh, it's perfect.

[Amber]

Dig in, everybody.

[Copper]

It does look perfect, doesn't it? Help. Tastes perfect, too. Food isn't always dangerous. If it was, we would have all starved by now. You can trust it as long as you pay for it. And we can. We have more than enough. It's cheap. It's really cheap. It's kind of crazy how cheap all of this is, isn't it? Everybody's eating. Of course they are. The food's amazing. The best we've had in. The best you've had. Maybe I take another bite. It's greasy and rich and delicious. Hell, I feel like I'm never going to be hungry again. Glass. Glass. I said I feel like I'm never going to be hungry again.

[Amber]

Huh? Oh, yeah.

[Copper]

There was a bell over the door as we came in. It hasn't rung again since. I'm going to ask about getting some water from outside. Um, pardon.

[Waiter]

What can the waiter do for their customer?

[Copper]

Amber wants to know how much it would add to the party's tab to fill up their water cooler using the diner spigot outside.

[Waiter]

Don't worry about the tab. The party only has to pay after they finish their food.

[Copper]

I am. Has finished their.

[Waiter]

It doesn't look like they have.

[Copper]

Thanks.

[Waiter]

Let the waiter know if they can bring any desserts.

[Copper]

We need to get out of here.

[Amber]

Hey, don't shake. I mean me up. I'm chewing.

[Copper]

Nobody in this diner has left the diner. Silver. Silver. They won't let us leave. All the other patrons are just sitting in their booths. Just sitting there. Plates half empty. Half empty.

[Glass]

I don't want to leave. Amber. I'm not done yet.

[Copper]

Copper. Hey, Copper.

[Waiter]

Wake up.

[Silver]

I'm not asleep. I'm just hungry.

[Copper]

Screw it. There's somebody at that corner booth, face down on the table. They haven't moved since we got here. Pardon again. Amber would like the check for that table over there. They'd like to pay.

[Waiter]

The waiter's real. Sorry. It doesn't look like Amber's Friends are finished eating. Why doesn't Amber wait until they're finished?

[Copper]

There is a person face down in the corner booth. They'd like to leave now.

[Waiter]

They can stay as long as they'd like. The diner's happy to have them.

[Copper]

Thanks. The party appreciates it. You know why they're still face down in that booth, don't you? Everybody finish up. We're leaving.

[Silver]

I'm not done.

[Copper]

Yeah, you are. Let's go. Glass. Come on.

[Amber]

Leave me alone. Amber.

[Copper]

There is a dead person in the corner booth, Guys.

[Glass]

So?

[Copper]

So wait. I've got it. I'm paying and we're leaving.

[Waiter]

Customers don't need to leave until they're all done.

[Copper]

Thanks, but the party is all paid up. See? They'll be heading out now. Copper, tie your shoes.

[Silver]

I'm not ready yet.

[Copper]

Save your shoes.

[Silver]

Amber.

[Waiter]

Give me your shoes.

[Copper]

What?

[Waiter]

Why? What does Amber think they're doing?

[Copper]

Look, no shoes.

[Waiter]

Put those back on.

[Copper]

Or how about this? No shirt and no shoes.

[Waiter]

Well, the patron has already received service though, haven't they?

[Copper]

I they. How about this? Is this disorderly conduct? Is Amber being disorderly now?

[Waiter]

Jeez, Amber heard the other guests seem terribly disturbed.

[Copper]

Yeah. What if they start knocking tables over? What if they sing a. No.

[Unknown]

Don'T by by Miss American Pie? Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was drive.

[Waiter]

What are you doing?

[Unknown]

Them good old boys drinking whiskey and R sing this will be the day that I die.

[Waiter]

Waiter really thinks Amber should stop doing that.

[Copper]

Die?

[Unknown]

Did you write the book of love? And do you have faith in God above? If the Bible tells tells you so.

[Copper]

Come on y'all now you believe in.

[Unknown]

Rock and rol music Save your mortal soul and can you teach me how to dance?

[Waiter]

The real dancing in the matter Well.

[Unknown]

I know that you're in love with him Cuz you saw you dancing in the gym you both kicked off your shoes.

[Copper]

They're calling us saints.

[Unknown]

Lonely teenage bronch and butt with a pink carnation and a pickup truck But I knew I was out of the day.

[Amber]

Hey, better move those plates or we'll be stepping on him.

[Unknown]

Silver.

[Copper]

Come on, Silver.

[Unknown]

Bye bye Miss American pot drove my sherry. Silver try.

[Waiter]

That's enough. Much better. Oh, sorry about that. Customers. More coffee.

[Unknown]

This'll be the day that I die.

[Copper]

I can't believe that worked.

[Amber]

I can't believe we didn't listen to you.

[Waiter]

Where's your shirt?

[Glass]

You did good, alright. I'm proud of you. We wouldn't have gotten out of that spell without you.

[Silver]

Yeah. How did you do that anyways?

[Copper]

I don't know, but I'm only useful once a year, so I hope you're grateful.

[Amber]

Oh, come on. What are you talking about? You're useful all the time.

[Copper]

Yeah, I'm really good at being the only one without magic and being forgotten by the folk. Best in the whole party.

[Amber]

Well, I think you did some great magic in there.

[Silver]

Yeah, and you're the one keeping the car running.

[Copper]

That doesn't count.

[Glass]

I don't know about y'all, but I want to wait until tomorrow to worry about getting worse.

[Amber]

Water? Yeah, I've got the keys.

[Glass]

Quicker we get out of here, the better.

[Amber]

Really was great food, though.

[Silver]

It sure was.

[Amber]

Oh, hell, I'm starving.

[Copper]

Yep.

[Anna McGuire]

Hymns for the Road is a podcast written and Produced by Anna McGuire, starring Maurice Thomas as Silver, Pao Pong and Ebon as Glass, Grizz Siebenek as Amber, Tabitha Bardal as Copper, and featuring Emily Folger as the waiter. Original music by Joshua David Mitchell. Additional music is today's Journal by Ciro. This episode's hymn is American pie by Don McLean. Sign up for our newsletter at hodgepodgeaudio.com or support our work on Patreon.com hodgepodgeaudio Thank you for listening.

[Chumba Casino]

Every day when you log into chumbacasino.com, the ultimate online social casino, you get a free daily bonus. Imagine if you got daily bonuses in other parts of your life.

[Copper]

I chose french fries. Over loaded french fries, I asked Stuart from accounting about his weekend.

[Waiter]

Even though I don't care, I updated.

[Amber]

My operating system without having to call tech support.

[Chumba Casino]

Collect your free daily [e-mail] now.

[Glass]

Ch.

[Unknown]

Ch. Ch.

[Chumba Casino]

Chumba and live the Chumba Life VGW Group. No purchase necessary. Void work prohibited by law. See terms and conditions 18.