Episode 17 - The Flu

Summary

Podcast Summary: Hymns for the Road
Episode 17: The Flu
Release Date: December 28, 2024
Host/Author: Hodgepodge Audio

---

1. Introduction

"Hymns for the Road," a gripping fiction podcast by Hodgepodge Audio, transports listeners into a mesmerizing yet perilous post-apocalyptic America. Episode 17, titled "The Flu," delves deep into the struggles of four survivors navigating a magical wasteland teeming with otherworldly dangers and enigmatic survival rules. This episode masterfully balances the beauty of its dreamlike landscapes with the relentless threats that lurk in every corner.

2. The Crisis: Amber’s Illness

The episode opens with the group confronting a dire predicament: Amber is gravely ill. As they traverse the treacherous terrain, Amber’s condition deteriorates, heightening the tension among the survivors.

• Amber’s Desperation:
  Amber: “I'm dying. We made it past the solstice just for me to die like this. Whoa, is. Amber.”
  (02:18)

• Glass’s Reassurance:
  Glass: “You're not dying.”
  (02:20)

The urgency to find medical supplies becomes palpable as the group debates their next move.

• Copper’s Optimism:
  Copper: “We’ll find one soon. Amber. Don't you worry.”
  (02:15)

3. Seeking Help: Aster’s Introduction

Amidst the chaos, the group encounters Aster, an enigmatic pilgrim offering divination services. Aster’s presence introduces a new layer of complexity, blending mystical elements with the group's desperate situation.

• Glass’s Vulnerability:
  Glass: “I wish I had him too.”
  (02:51)

• Aster’s Emergence:
  Aster: “I am a pilgrim and a stranger traveling through this wearisome land. And I've got a home in the city not made by him. I thought a mother, a sister and a brother who have gone to that sweet home. I am determined to go and see them.”
  (01:12)

Aster’s offer of assistance is met with skepticism and caution, highlighting the group's internal conflicts regarding trust and reliance on magical aid.

4. Negotiation of the Pact

As the group grapples with Amber’s worsening condition, they turn to Aster for help. This section captures the intense negotiation between the survivors and the otherworldly being, balancing hope with apprehension.

• Silver’s Proposal:
  Silver: “I think Glass should keep doing it. We have to get to the somewhere better. We've been looking for years and we still haven't found it. I think. I think we should use whatever resources we have.”
  (17:07)

• Aster’s Offer:
  Aster: “I can give them magic. And I can keep using it to channel pieces of the future.”
  (18:32)

• Copper’s Conditions:
  Copper: “Glass, if you call them, you gotta tell us first.”
  (19:19)

The negotiation culminates in a delicate agreement where Aster provides magical assistance in exchange for the group's discretion and trust.

5. Betrayal and Aftermath

Just as the pact seems to be reaching fruition, Amber’s desperation leads to a moment of betrayal, injecting uncertainty and fear into the group dynamics.

• Amber’s Ultimatum:
  Amber: “I'm counting down from 20 and whoever isn't in the car when I hit zero is getting left on the side of the road. Almost there.”
  (20:17)

• Glass’s Realization:
  Glass: “Wow, Amber, you were right. It does smell a little like barf back here.”
  (23:01)

The fallout from Amber's actions forces the group to confront the fragile nature of their alliances and the ever-present threats in their journey.

6. Conclusion

Episode 17, "The Flu," artfully weaves themes of trust, desperation, and the delicate balance between reliance on magic and self-reliance. The introduction of Aster and the subsequent betrayal by Amber highlight the unpredictable challenges the survivors face in their quest for safety and normalcy.

• Glass’s Reflection:
  Glass: “Thank you for all your help, Aster. We couldn't have made it out of all of that without you.”
  (22:41)

• Aster’s Parting Words:
  Aster: “I'll speak with you then.”
  (22:54)

As the group regroups and moves forward, listeners are left contemplating the intricate interplay between human resilience and the enigmatic forces that shape their journey.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Glass on Trust:
  Glass: “I wish I had him too.”
  (02:51)

• Amber’s Desperation:
  Amber: “I'm dying. We made it past the solstice just for me to die like this.”
  (02:18)

• Silver’s Hope:
  Silver: “We have to get to the somewhere better. We've been looking for years and we still haven't found it.”
  (17:07)

• Aster’s Offer:
  Aster: “I can give them magic. And I can keep using it to channel pieces of the future.”
  (18:32)

• Amber’s Betrayal:
  Amber: “I'm counting down from 20 and whoever isn't in the car when I hit zero is getting left on the side of the road.”
  (20:17)

• Glass’s Realization:
  Glass: “Thank you for all your help, Aster. We couldn't have made it out of all of that without you.”
  (22:41)

Character Insights

• Glass: The emotional anchor of the group, grappling with the loss of divination cards and using art as a means of communication and hope.

• Copper: The pragmatic member, focused on survival rules and the practical aspects of their journey, wary of magical interventions.

• Silver: Balances hope and skepticism, advocating for the use of available resources to find a better future.

• Amber: Represents vulnerability and desperation, her illness acting as a catalyst for the group’s critical decisions.

• Aster: An enigmatic entity offering mystical assistance, embodying the theme of trust and the risks associated with relying on otherworldly help.

Conclusion

Episode 17 of "Hymns for the Road" masterfully intertwines character development with plot progression, presenting a narrative rich with emotional depth and suspense. The interplay between human fragility and supernatural elements offers a compelling exploration of survival in a world where beauty and danger coexist seamlessly.

Transcript

[Ryan]

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[Aster]

Woohoo.

[Glass]

Woohoo.

[Copper]

Cha cha cha cha.

[Ryan]

Chumba.

[Glass]

Live the Chumba life anytime, anywhere. Play for free [e-mail] BTW crew, no purchase necessary, void or 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.

[Glass]

I am a pilgrim and a stranger traveling through this wearisome land. And I've got a home in the city not made by him. I thought a mother, a sister and a brother who have gone to that sweet home. I am determined to go and see them.

[Amber]

Good Lord.

[Glass]

Overhear that.

[Silver]

I'm sure.

[Copper]

We'Ll find one soon. Amber. Don't you worry.

[Amber]

I'm dying.

[Glass]

You're not dying.

[Amber]

We made it past the solstice just for me to die like this. Whoa, is. Amber.

[Copper]

You'll be fine. We just need to find a vending machine.

[Silver]

That last gas station was pretty cheap.

[Glass]

Yeah, I think they really liked our. Our solstice offer.

[Silver]

Can we talk about something else?

[Glass]

Sure thing, copper.

[Copper]

Wish you still had your cards, Glass. It'd be nice to get a hint about where we're off to.

[Glass]

Yeah, I. I wish I had him too.

[Silver]

Maybe we'll find something else you can use.

[Glass]

Maybe, though. Gotta find some meds for Amber first.

[Amber]

I just want to be able to get better the normal way instead of running around like this.

[Copper]

Maybe someday.

[Silver]

Someday when we find the somewhere better, we won't have to bribe anybody to get things anymore.

[Amber]

Sounds great. Wake me up when we get there.

[Glass]

You know, now that it's getting closer to spring, maybe sometime I can try.

[Copper]

You're not standing up out of the sunroof, darling.

[Glass]

Oh.

[Silver]

What are you writing?

[Glass]

I am drawing this time.

[Amber]

You suck at drawing. What even is that?

[Glass]

It's a rabbit.

[Silver]

That doesn't look like a rabbit.

[Glass]

It looks funny and that's all that matters.

[Silver]

I didn't mean you should throw it away.

[Copper]

You're not littering, are you?

[Glass]

Of course not. It's art. I'm sure somebody will grab it.

[Amber]

Nobody's gonna want your crappy edible drying glass.

[Glass]

You never know. You drinking your Water, Amber.

[Amber]

Of course I'm drinking my stupid water.

[Glass]

Copper. Are they drinking their water? Copper? Hey. You all right?

[Silver]

Yeah. Yeah, I think I'm.

[Glass]

Oh. Okay, okay, okay. Take it easy.

[Silver]

I don't. I don't think this is a normal sickness.

[Glass]

Yeah, I'm getting that.

[Copper]

I'm pulling over. How you holding up, cop?

[Silver]

Not great. Better than a moment ago, though.

[Amber]

Still, if I thud there, I don't.

[Copper]

Think we're gonna make it to a vending machine, Glass. I think we're gonna have to do the healing ritual ourselves.

[Glass]

How are you feeling, Silver?

[Copper]

Peachy.

[Glass]

Silver?

[Copper]

Just. Just a bit of headache, that's all.

[Glass]

Yep. We're cursed.

[Amber]

We already do that.

[Glass]

No, that's good. That means it's something we can. We can. We can fix. Oh, nuts.

[Silver]

Ritual stuff is in the back. It's at the bottom.

[Glass]

Silver and I can handle it before it gets much worse for you, too. Just. Okay. I can handle it before I get much worse. Jeez, Was the cooler always this heavy? What do we even have in here?

[Silver]

It's empty.

[Glass]

Fantastic.

[Silver]

Silver.

[Copper]

Ever heard of a migraine, Copper?

[Silver]

Yeah.

[Copper]

Yeah.

[Silver]

Are you okay?

[Glass]

I'm good.

[Amber]

Glass has it, too.

[Copper]

You should sit down, sweetheart.

[Glass]

Yeah. I do not feel good.

[Silver]

Maybe I should get the things.

[Copper]

No, you should not.

[Glass]

Okay. Okay. I have an idea. But you all have to trust me. Hm?

[Copper]

Trust you with what?

[Glass]

Hang on.

[Copper]

Trust you with what, Glass?

[Amber]

Kill me, Glass. Do it. End my misery. Is that a damn haiku?

[Glass]

Just trust me, okay?

[Amber]

I'm writing a haiku. About us being sick?

[Glass]

Yes.

[Silver]

What did you just. What did you just do? Why do you keep throwing paper around?

[Glass]

Give it a second. I'm not sure if it's going to work.

[Aster]

That was a beautiful poem. I did not know what it meant.

[Amber]

What?

[Glass]

Hey.

[Aster]

Sorry. I'm sorry I. I frightened you all again.

[Glass]

I think maybe a little.

[Aster]

It seems all your friends are laying on the ground. Oh, that did not look like it was good.

[Glass]

Yeah, it's not.

[Aster]

It seems something has happened.

[Silver]

I think my stomach is eating itself.

[Glass]

I can't. I can't ask you for help. Not formally.

[Aster]

Your voice sounds rather unusual.

[Glass]

Yeah, my head's full of snot and so is theirs.

[Aster]

Snot? I don't know if that's normal for humans.

[Copper]

Not this kind.

[Aster]

I'm assuming that your head is also full of snot.

[Copper]

No, my head is full of broken glass and beads.

[Aster]

I am confused.

[Glass]

They've got a headache. Aster.

[Aster]

Ah.

[Amber]

Klaus. What is going on?

[Glass]

Oh, right. This is Aster, and they sell me divination.

[Silver]

What?

[Amber]

This is the theme? The way you were being vague about after you lost those dumb cards.

[Silver]

We saw them in that swap.

[Aster]

And also, we are.

[Glass]

Stop. Okay? We can get into debt later when we're not all dying.

[Copper]

Glass, this is a bad idea. You got enough debt already.

[Silver]

Debt?

[Aster]

I don't need to take payment for anything. If, for example, I overheard you all talking about whatever thing would help at the moment, and I happen to do that thing of my own accord. You understand?

[Copper]

Yo. I don't trust this Silver.

[Silver]

I will literally take whatever help I can get right now. I will kill you. I will strangle you with my hands.

[Amber]

Jeez. Copper.

[Glass]

Guys, I think we should try getting the ritual stuff out of the trunk.

[Aster]

There are a lot of things in this trunk, class.

[Silver]

Are you talking about the navy blue duffel bag? The one that has what's left of our ritual stuff in it?

[Glass]

Yes, that is the bag I am talking about. Copper.

[Aster]

Ah.

[Copper]

I think my skull is gonna pop like a balloon.

[Aster]

I seem to have found something.

[Amber]

Was it the dark blue duffel bag, or was it the light black? What?

[Glass]

No. What does light black mean?

[Silver]

It's the dark blue one.

[Aster]

I thought this one was dark blue.

[Glass]

The stuff sure is. Not in the black one. Is in a different bag.

[Aster]

Oh. I don't know what this is.

[Glass]

That's a tire iron.

[Aster]

I wonder what it's for.

[Glass]

It's for changing the tires.

[Amber]

I think I'm dying.

[Silver]

You're not dying, Amber. You're just dramatic.

[Amber]

How do you know I'm not? Kitty. She's come to rescue us.

[Aster]

That is a cat. How nice. I wasn't aware you had one of those.

[Silver]

She visits us a lot. And she's a very good girl.

[Aster]

Perhaps there is a chance the cat is the cause of this.

[Glass]

No.

[Aster]

Oh. All right. Sorry. I'm sorry.

[Silver]

Come here. Come here.

[Amber]

Oh.

[Silver]

Petting her makes it feel. It doesn't fix it, but it sure helps.

[Copper]

I don't mean to rush you, but can you. I really like it. If you fix this faster.

[Amber]

I don't mean to rush you either, but if you don't look faster, I'm going to die in front of all of you.

[Aster]

Don't blame me. I was distracted by the cat. Oh, I think I see it.

[Silver]

What was. Something just happened.

[Glass]

Whatever you just did, don't do it again.

[Aster]

I was only moving your things around.

[Amber]

It's in the car. Whatever's doing this, it's in the car.

[Silver]

I think a spell went bad.

[Aster]

I think it's this.

[Glass]

It's not. That's a Kettle.

[Aster]

I have a friend who lives in one of these.

[Glass]

That's great.

[Aster]

We could meet them someday.

[Copper]

No, thank you.

[Aster]

Very well, then. I found this.

[Glass]

That's a bungee cord.

[Aster]

It's stretchy.

[Glass]

Yeah, it is. Please, focus.

[Aster]

Apologies. I can't move things around to. Look. Last time you all did not like that very much.

[Copper]

Do it. Anyway, we need to find that bad spell.

[Aster]

And we are positive the cat is not the cause of this.

[Silver]

The cat is not causing. She's a perfect angel and has never done anything wrong.

[Aster]

I'm going to try something. This is probably going to be very unpleasant.

[Glass]

I'm ready.

[Copper]

Ready.

[Silver]

Hurry.

[Aster]

Brace yourselves. It's out.

[Amber]

It's out.

[Glass]

That's.

[Amber]

That's it.

[Silver]

That jar.

[Aster]

It's this jar?

[Amber]

Yes.

[Silver]

Stop shaking it around.

[Aster]

Right.

[Copper]

What's wrong with it? Copper?

[Silver]

It's rotten. It must be causing this.

[Amber]

How. How is it rotten? It's just broken pieces of glass.

[Glass]

That's me.

[Silver]

Spells go bad sometimes. See all the crusty stuff in there?

[Copper]

It's your call, Copper.

[Silver]

Help me bury it.

[Copper]

Oh, hurry.

[Ryan]

We're hurrying.

[Glass]

That's enough. I think that's enough.

[Copper]

I can seal it if somebody hands me a spray can.

[Aster]

It just so happens I found one.

[Glass]

It worked.

[Copper]

Oh. Good job, y'all.

[Amber]

Oh, hell. I can breathe.

[Aster]

Oh.

[Silver]

Kitty cat there when we needed you most.

[Aster]

Nice kitty.

[Silver]

No, come back.

[Glass]

She'll be fine. We'll see her again.

[Amber]

She always shows up in the weirdest places.

[Aster]

Yes, well, cats don't like to stay in the same place as we'd like them to.

[Copper]

Glass, I think we need to talk.

[Glass]

Yeah.

[Aster]

I'm getting a feeling I probably should not be here for.

[Copper]

No, I think you should.

[Glass]

Really, Silver?

[Amber]

Yeah, Silver.

[Copper]

Really, Glass, I think now's a perfect time to explain to everybody what's really going on here.

[Silver]

I don't. I don't mean to be rude, but looking right at them kind of makes my head hurt a little bit. Oh, I. I don't mean to make it sound like. Like a bad thing. I just.

[Aster]

I can try this. This could work better.

[Glass]

Yep, that. That works great.

[Amber]

A bit uncanny Valley, if you ask me.

[Aster]

I don't think I know how to look more human. It's already not terribly comfortable.

[Amber]

You look perfectly human. That's the problem.

[Copper]

Amber. Sorry, Glass. The story.

[Glass]

We met at the truck stop when we all got offers from different folk.

[Amber]

I didn't. I got left in the parking lot.

[Glass]

Yeah. And remember when we were stopped at that old barn and I kind of disappeared out of reality for a second?

[Silver]

Yes.

[Glass]

I Was talking to them. They offered me divination in exchange for art stories.

[Aster]

Sometimes poems.

[Glass]

And sometimes poems. And sometimes terrible animal drawings.

[Aster]

I like those.

[Amber]

And that's what you've been throwing out the window all winter?

[Glass]

Yeah. Sorry.

[Aster]

It's not litter. I caught all of them.

[Amber]

This is so cool of you.

[Glass]

What do you mean?

[Silver]

You were using your cards to communicate. That's why you got so upset when you lost them, isn't it?

[Glass]

Yeah. That bunker was neat at first, but, you know, it's not like I could have opened up that huge door every day to toss a note out. And I don't think they would have been able to say anything back to me in there anyway.

[Amber]

Why is that important? You're not like.

[Glass]

No, no, of course not. It's not like that. We're just friends.

[Aster]

Yes. Just.

[Glass]

Just friends. Everything's fine. I'm fine.

[Copper]

Glass, I grew up in a place that had magic, even before the Change. And I grew up being told to never trust folk like them.

[Silver]

You also told us that they're not all evil.

[Copper]

They're not all evil, Copper, but they're also not human. There. There's something else. Something beyond us. They don't understand us or our morals or how we work. I don't mean no offense, Aster, but you could hurt Glass without even realizing.

[Amber]

Gotta have that magic, though, right?

[Glass]

What?

[Amber]

Nothing.

[Copper]

Listen, y'all, Glass doesn't have the cards. Now. We did just fine without them before. For this. Now might be a good time to make a choice. About? If you want to keep doing this.

[Silver]

I think Glass should keep doing it.

[Glass]

Really?

[Silver]

We have to get to the somewhere better. We've been looking for years and we still haven't found it. I think. I think we should use whatever resources we have. And having one of the Folk as an ally could really help us.

[Copper]

Copper, we don't know what Asta really wants.

[Aster]

I want to understand. High as I am in my house, I can't make art. Only those with a human touch can do that. Most who enter our ranks lose that touch along the way. The ones of us in between, they have something I don't. Something special. I only want to understand it. It is worth the risk for me.

[Glass]

What do you. You said risk. I thought I was the only one with a risk.

[Aster]

I like to think I'm aware of the danger I present to you, and I am doing my best to minimize that in any way I can.

[Glass]

But tell me about.

[Silver]

Would you? I want to know if you're going to help us find safety. Permanent safety.

[Aster]

I can give them magic. And I can keep using it to channel pieces of the future.

[Copper]

I think we need a stronger deal than that.

[Aster]

I'm unsure what you mean.

[Copper]

All of you run on rules. We need to set some of our own.

[Glass]

Yeah, a compromise. I like the sound of it.

[Copper]

Glass, I don't want you giving up stories from your own life. Think you can make things up, Silver?

[Glass]

I am so good at making things up.

[Copper]

Aster. How? Tell us how you feel about that.

[Aster]

Any art is still valuable to me. Especially if Glass has written it.

[Copper]

All right. I don't want you appearing out of nowhere no more. Very well, Glass. If you call them, you gotta tell us first.

[Glass]

Got it.

[Silver]

I think Asteroid should agree not to tell any of their people about Glass. If we agree not to tell any of ours about Aster.

[Aster]

Agreed.

[Copper]

And most importantly, this is not a contract. If either party wants to back out of this, no consequences. Not asking any questions, not giving any.

[Glass]

Answers, that's on us. No questions.

[Silver]

No questions.

[Copper]

Amber.

[Glass]

Are you okay?

[Amber]

Yeah, I'm fine. No questions. I'm getting back in the car.

[Glass]

Amber, wait. No, wait a second.

[Amber]

I want to drive. It smells like copper's puke in the back seat.

[Silver]

I got all of it in a bag.

[Amber]

Still stinks.

[Glass]

Hey, Amber. What's going on with you? You seem upset.

[Amber]

I'm doing so great. Don't worry about it.

[Glass]

You sure?

[Amber]

Why don't you ask your new best friend?

[Glass]

What?

[Amber]

I'm counting down from 20 and whoever isn't in the car when I hit zero is getting left on the side of the road. Almost there.

[Silver]

I just need to stack a few more things.

[Glass]

I'm gonna give Aster a real goodbye. I'll be right there.

[Amber]

You better hurry. I'm not waiting long.

[Glass]

Yeah, yeah. Don't drive away without me.

[Copper]

You're not going far, are you?

[Glass]

No, I just need to ask. Well, not ask. You know what I mean. I need a little more information from them before we leave.

[Copper]

Okay.

[Amber]

Bye, Aster.

[Aster]

Farewell, smallest one. They all seem nice.

[Glass]

You said risk earlier. You said it was worth the risk. To you, perhaps?

[Aster]

I did say that. Maybe.

[Glass]

I want to know what that means.

[Aster]

I'm surprised you don't already know.

[Glass]

I don't. I'd like you to explain.

[Aster]

You understand the risk to yourself then, I assume.

[Glass]

Of course. Everybody knows it can cost your humanity if you fraternize with the folk. But I know you're not gonna do anything like that. You probably would have done it by now if you're planning to.

[Aster]

It's not by choice. It's just a process.

[Glass]

What? I. I don't know what you mean.

[Aster]

We're different now than before your kind brought us to the surface. More of us have minds and voices and bodies when we choose to have them. We can be in one place when we want, instead of spread over a thousand places and times. We can be more like you.

[Glass]

I thought that's what you wanted. To learn more about how we see things.

[Aster]

It is. But the closer we get with humans, the closer we get with humans.

[Glass]

So if we keep doing this, he will become more human.

[Aster]

And you'll become more folk.

[Glass]

Well, I don't feel any different right now. I guess we can cross that bridge when we get to it.

[Aster]

I. I suppose you're right.

[Glass]

Thank you for all your help, Aster. We couldn't have made it out of all of that without you.

[Aster]

You're more than welcome.

[Amber]

Take your time, Glass. We got all the daylight in the world.

[Glass]

I've gotta go. I'll find something else I can use to divine.

[Aster]

I'll speak with you then.

[Amber]

Finally.

[Glass]

Wow, Amber, you were right. It does smell a little like barf back here.

[Silver]

Sorry.

[Copper]

Let's go find someplace where we could brush our teeth, y'all.

[Amber]

Yep.

[Silver]

Let's go.

[Glass]

Bye, Aster.

[Anna McGuire]

Hymns for the Road is a podcast written and Produced by Anna McGuire. Starring Maurice Thomas as Silver, Pau Panganibon as Glass, Grizz Sibonek as Amber, Tabitha Bardahl as Copper, and featuring Justice Washington as Aster. Original music by Joshua David Mitchell. This episode's hymn is I Am a An American Folk Song. Sign up for our [e-mail] or support our work on Patreon.com Hodgepodgeaudio thank you for listening.

[Maurice Thomas]

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[Ryan]

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