Episode 21 - The Cat

Summary

Hymns for the Road: Episode 21 - "The Cat"

Release Date: January 21, 2025
Host/Author: Hodgepodge Audio

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Introduction

In Episode 21 of Hymns for the Road, titled "The Cat," listeners are immersed deeper into the lives of four survivors navigating a post-apocalyptic America transformed into a fantastical yet perilous landscape. This episode poignantly explores themes of compassion, mortality, and the bonds that hold the group together amidst chaos.

1. A Moment of Peace

The episode opens with Silver and Copper enjoying a rare moment of tranquility in their tumultuous journey. They listen to the subdued sounds of winter wildlife and reflect on the quietness that has settled over their surroundings.

• Silver ([01:02]): "Everything's asleep. Even a lot of the gentlefolk."

• Copper ([01:08]): "Yeah. They always get less scary in the winter."

This serene moment sets the tone for the episode, highlighting the contrast between the group's constant struggle for survival and fleeting instances of calm.

2. Reflections on Humanity

The conversation shifts to deeper existential musings, particularly focusing on the nature of humans in this transformed world.

• Copper ([02:08]): "Do you think the folk keep people as pets sometimes?"

• Silver ([02:12]): "Yeah, I think so. Glass said they met a few of them who were keeping somebody as a pet once. Not in a good way, I don't think."

The dialogue delves into the ethical decline of humanity, questioning the very essence of what it means to be human in a world where people might be subjugating others.

3. The Arrival of the Cat

Amidst their discussions, Amber urgently expresses a physical need, adding a touch of everyday reality to their extraordinary circumstances.

• Amber ([03:04]): "I've never had to piss so bad in my entire life."

Shortly after, Silver reveals a drawing depicting a mysterious creature they've encountered, sparking curiosity and concern among the group.

• Silver ([03:16]): "Take a look."

Their attention is diverted when a stray cat appears, exhibiting unusual behavior that sets the stage for the episode's central narrative.

4. Caring for the Ailing Cat

The group's initial disregard quickly shifts to concern as they notice the cat's sickly condition.

• Copper ([04:03]): "I think she's sick. Look at her eyes."

• Silver ([04:31]): "Y'all be careful with that cat, now. She don't look like she feeling so good."

Despite Silver's reservations, the group unanimously decides to care for the ailing feline, illustrating their innate compassion even in dire times.

• Copper ([08:07]): "Hold still, kitty."

Efforts to nurse the cat back to health include administering medicine, though their attempts are met with limited success.

5. Confronting Mortality

As the cat's condition worsens, the group grapples with the inevitability of loss and the emotional toll it takes.

• Silver ([12:35]): "It's better to just roll with it."

• Aster ([12:45]): "I want to know if Glass really cares about me."

Aster's introspection about Glass's care underscores the underlying tensions and fears each member harbors about their fragile existence.

• Silver ([12:54]): "Yeah. Yeah, they do."

The dialogue poignantly captures the struggle between wanting to hold on and accepting the natural course of life.

6. Letting Go

Faced with the reality that the cat may not recover, the group makes the difficult decision to let her go, marking a significant emotional milestone in their journey.

• Silver ([15:01]): "Then we gotta make things nice for her. And let nature do what nature does."

• Copper ([15:43]): "How is she?"
  Glass ([15:44]): "Still here, but probably won't be much longer, though."

Choosing to honor the cat's journey, they plan to bury her at a familiar rest stop, providing her with a dignified farewell.

7. Emotional Farewell

The act of laying the cat to rest serves as a cathartic moment for the group, reinforcing their interconnectedness and the shared burdens they carry.

• Copper ([17:29]): "What a sweet girl."
  Glass ([17:31]): "I think we made her very happy. It's okay, bud. It's okay. You made her so happy."

• Copper ([19:10]): "You know, however things end, I don't think I'll regret any of it."

This heartfelt departure encapsulates the episode's emotional depth, highlighting the characters' capacity for love and loss amidst the desolation they traverse.

8. Conclusion

"The Cat" masterfully intertwines moments of levity with profound emotional weight, offering listeners a glimpse into the resilience and vulnerabilities of the survivors. Through their interactions and the poignant farewell to the feline companion, the episode underscores the enduring human spirit and the importance of empathy in the face of adversity.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Silver ([07:18]): "Yes, you are my sunshine. My only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray."

• Aster ([10:19]): "I'm not scared of its nose. I'm not afraid of any part of it."

• Copper ([14:42]): "I don't want her to go, Silver."

• Copper ([19:16]): "Me neither."

Closing Notes

Episode 21 of Hymns for the Road continues to build on the rich, character-driven narrative that defines the series. Through its exploration of companionship, loss, and the search for meaning in a shattered world, it offers a compelling blend of fantasy and human emotion. Fans of the series will find this episode both touching and thought-provoking, reinforcing the deep bonds that sustain the group as they navigate their perilous journey.

For more episodes and updates, visit Hodgepodge Audio or support their work on Patreon.

Transcript

[Advertiser]

Stay warm and save every day. All in the Fred meyer app. Get 10 for $10 on select varieties of Kroger pasta, Starkist tuna pouches or Powerade with your card. Then get three pound packs of flavorful 93% lean ground beef for $3.49 a pound with your card and a digital coupon. Shop these deals at your local Kroger today or click the screen now to download the Fred Meyer app to save big today. Fred Meyer Fresh for everyone. Prices and product availability subject to change restrictions apply. See site for details.

[Narrator]

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]

Hear that?

[Copper]

The birds.

[Silver]

Ain't it nice?

[Copper]

Yeah. They always get less scary in the winter.

[Silver]

Everything's asleep. Even a lot of the gentlefolk.

[Copper]

I guess I kind of like it, too. What are you drawing, Silver?

[Silver]

Oh, this is a surprise. But this something I saw once. I was working on it earlier.

[Copper]

An animal looks scary.

[Silver]

I don't think so. Or I guess maybe scary looking. But I don't think it meant to be scary.

[Copper]

Why is the change so different for animals than it is for us?

[Silver]

I'm not sure. Maybe it's just as bad for them as it is for us. They've just got no way of telling us about it.

[Copper]

Yeah, maybe. Silver.

[Silver]

Mm?

[Copper]

Do you think the folk keep people as pets sometimes?

[Silver]

Yeah, I think so. Glass said they met a few of them who were keeping somebody as a pet once. Not in a good way, I don't think.

[Copper]

If they do that, then why do so many of them also want to hurt us?

[Silver]

Probably same as why we were so bad to animals.

[Copper]

I don't think I was ever bad to an animal.

[Silver]

I don't mean you, Copper. I mean us humans.

[Copper]

Do you think. Do you think it would be all that bad being one of their pets?

[Silver]

Glass said it didn't seem very nice, but maybe we shouldn't talk too much about that.

[Copper]

Yeah. I'm sorry.

[Silver]

You've been sitting over here for a minute. You sure you don't want to have a walk around before we get going again?

[Copper]

No, I'm okay.

[Amber]

I've never had to piss so bad in my entire life.

[Copper]

I don't think that's true.

[Amber]

It's true. I've never lied.

[Glass]

Congrats on your pee, Amber. Oh, hey. What are you drawing?

[Silver]

Take a look.

[Glass]

Ooh, nice.

[Amber]

Isn't that the thing we saw a couple nights ago?

[Glass]

You saw that? When did you see that? We're not even in an area that has coyotes.

[Amber]

Remember a few nights ago when we were driving through that other canyon, when we were in the desert for a couple hours, and then it spat us back out in the woods again?

[Glass]

Yeah.

[Amber]

And we kept saying there was something on top of the canyon looking down at us.

[Glass]

Oh, yeah, this is what it looked like. If it's a real thing, is depicting it a good idea? Some of them don't like when you do that.

[Silver]

I don't think it's one of them. I think it's just a creature. And some of the animals are okay.

[Glass]

Like cats.

[Amber]

Yeah, like our kitty we see sometimes.

[Silver]

Speak of the devil. Look over yonder.

[Copper]

Kitty.

[Silver]

Cats are supposed to be good omens, but I don't know if there's been much of a correlation when she's come around.

[Glass]

Astar told me once that cats don't play by the same rules as the rest of us. That's why they can't get messed up like deer and birds can.

[Copper]

Hi, sweet baby.

[Amber]

We missed our good girl.

[Copper]

Wait, Amber, wait.

[Glass]

What?

[Copper]

I think she's sick. Look at her eyes.

[Glass]

Oh, no.

[Copper]

What's wrong?

[Amber]

Buppers.

[Silver]

Y'all be careful with that cat, now. She don't look like she feeling so good.

[Glass]

Oh, it sure we do.

[Silver]

What do you mean?

[Copper]

We're going to take her with us, right?

[Glass]

Yeah.

[Amber]

We're not just going to leave her out in the cold like this.

[Silver]

She's a cat, y'all. She'll be fine.

[Copper]

No, we need to get her help. We need to take her with us.

[Glass]

Just long enough for us to find something to help her get better. Silver, not forever.

[Silver]

You know I ain't crazy about cats.

[Glass]

I know.

[Amber]

Who even knows why that could be?

[Silver]

Cats don't like driving, y'all.

[Copper]

They don't like being sick, either. Besides, we could use a good luck charm for a little while, right?

[Amber]

I've seen pet food at gas stations, too. It's not like we wouldn't be able to feed her for a little while, fatten her back up again.

[Glass]

Come on, Silver. Want me to Try the Magic 8 Ball? See if I can tell where the next good vending machine is?

[Copper]

Maybe she'll help us find this somewhere better.

[Silver]

Fine.

[Glass]

All right, Esther, tell me the future.

[Copper]

What? What does Aster say?

[Glass]

It just says no.

[Silver]

See? Maybe it's not a good idea after all.

[Glass]

It's not that important. Aster's just afraid of cats.

[Amber]

Aster's afraid. Afraid of cats?

[Glass]

Oh, I'm getting no in bigger letters. Okay, yeah, you're not Afraid of cats. They just make you very nervous because they're unpredictable. Right? Right. I bet you're also. Where do they come with no fur? Sometimes little naked ones. Yep. Biggest no so far.

[Silver]

Well, fine. If y'all want to take her with us just for a little, you can figure out how to get her comfy in the car. Let's go.

[Copper]

Okay, sweet girl, let's go.

[Amber]

You've got her?

[Copper]

Yeah, I've got her. She's okay. You're okay.

[Glass]

I've got the door.

[Copper]

Give me a blanket.

[Amber]

Here. Here you go.

[Silver]

All good back there?

[Copper]

All good. She's wrapped up.

[Amber]

She doesn't even seem to mind much either.

[Copper]

Oh, do you hear that?

[Amber]

What a good girl.

[Glass]

If things were different, we could give her a name.

[Copper]

Maybe if she comes to the somewhere better we can give her one.

[Silver]

Maybe so, Copper.

[Copper]

Hey, guys. The sun is coming up.

[Amber]

Yeah, Looks nice.

[Copper]

Wasn't it late afternoon like a second ago?

[Silver]

Time doesn't always work normal.

[Glass]

As long as it's not dark and I'm not tired. I don't care what time it is.

[Amber]

It's better to just roll with it.

[Copper]

Better a long day than a long night, I guess.

[Amber]

Want to turn with the brush? She's dusty as hell.

[Copper]

Yes, you are my sunshine. My only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You'll never know, dear. How much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away.

[Silver]

You give her the medicine, Copper? Yeah.

[Copper]

She swallowed all of it this time.

[Silver]

What's she poking around in the back there?

[Glass]

I don't know. She found something she likes.

[Copper]

Oh, is she caught on it?

[Glass]

Oh, she's caught on something.

[Copper]

Hold still, kitty.

[Glass]

We'll catch her.

[Copper]

I'm buckled in. She's too fast. Should I pull over?

[Amber]

I'm not going to drive if she's going to jump on me.

[Glass]

Whoa. Calm down.

[Copper]

She's right by you. Grab her.

[Glass]

Got her.

[Copper]

It's okay. It's okay. I've got it. The mesh just got stuck on your claw. There we go. All better.

[Glass]

Oh, so dramatic.

[Silver]

Keep a better eye on her next time.

[Copper]

Yeah. Sorry.

[Glass]

Oh, she's fine. Look at her ride a strain.

[Copper]

See? You're fine. You're just a silly baby. Huh?

[Amber]

How's that gunk in her eyes?

[Copper]

Looks about the same, actually.

[Silver]

Medicine might take some time to work. Just be patient.

[Glass]

What time is it?

[Amber]

Who knows? Is she sleeping on you?

[Glass]

Yeah, she's grabbing onto my arm. Get it.

[Silver]

Get it.

[Copper]

It flew right into my ear for a second.

[Amber]

Picked her up so she can catch it.

[Glass]

She's got it. She's got it.

[Amber]

Don't splash me. I'll splash you.

[Glass]

I hope you've gotten used to her by now.

[Aster]

I'm not scared of it, if that's what you're implying. I'm not.

[Glass]

I believe you. But I don't know. She's pretty scary. I mean, look at that nose.

[Aster]

I'm not afraid of its nose. I'm not afraid of any part of it.

[Glass]

Well, this has been nice, but I want to go splash Copper. Hold her for a second, will you?

[Aster]

No, no, no, thank you. Don't give her to her.

[Glass]

Come on, you'll be fine. She likes likes you.

[Aster]

I don't think she likes me.

[Glass]

I'll be back in a minute.

[Aster]

Have fun. You are sitting on me. I don't know if that's normal for cats. I don't know if the vibrating is normal either. Glass seemed to think it was okay. Are you really immune to magic, Cat?

[Silver]

Don't question the cat. Come on, now.

[Aster]

I'm sorry.

[Silver]

She can't even answer you anyway.

[Aster]

I know.

[Silver]

Besides, you break Glass's heart if you hurt her.

[Aster]

I don't want that.

[Silver]

Give her here. I'll hold her.

[Aster]

Thank you.

[Silver]

Aw, come here, you little rascal.

[Aster]

I don't like cats very much.

[Silver]

Me neither. Oh, they don't seem to like me very much.

[Aster]

I suppose we have that in common.

[Amber]

Over here, Copper. Throw it over here.

[Copper]

They're blocking me.

[Silver]

She seems to like you more than last time, though.

[Aster]

And perhaps I'm more familiar than last time. It seems like something might be wrong with her.

[Silver]

She's sick.

[Aster]

Like you were when your car was cursed.

[Silver]

Not like that, Aster. This is different.

[Aster]

She's dying.

[Silver]

Yep.

[Aster]

I suppose the others already know.

[Silver]

I think they do. Don't know if they're all ready to face it yet.

[Aster]

We don't die like you do.

[Silver]

I know.

[Aster]

And I don't really understand.

[Silver]

It figures.

[Aster]

I think that maybe I would like to understand it.

[Silver]

I don't know about that, Aster. It don't exactly feel good.

[Aster]

I'm beginning to believe that it's better to feel like something.

[Silver]

Maybe you're right.

[Aster]

I want to know something.

[Silver]

I can't guarantee I'll tell you anything.

[Aster]

I want to know if Glass really cares about me.

[Silver]

Yeah. Yeah, they do.

[Aster]

They make a lot of jokes. And I like their jokes. But sometimes I wonder if they realize the gravity of our situation.

[Silver]

They do, Aster. That's why they're acting like that.

[Aster]

Maybe I understand humans less than I thought.

[Silver]

Aw, darlin'the, problem Ain't you? They're scared, that's all. It's new for em. They're scared it's. It's gonna change.

[Aster]

It is.

[Silver]

They change. If you were human, too. It's just what happens when you love other people. People, they just got to decide who and what's worth changing for. Give them time. They'll figure it out. And, you know, I think Glass was right.

[Aster]

I don't know what you're referring to.

[Silver]

I think she likes you. Copper.

[Copper]

No.

[Silver]

Slow down. Copper.

[Copper]

No. I already told you. If. If you're not going to help me find one, I'll do it myself.

[Silver]

It's not going to do any good.

[Copper]

Says who?

[Silver]

We tried. Nothing's working.

[Copper]

So we should just give up?

[Silver]

No. But maybe we should focus more on other things.

[Copper]

Like what?

[Silver]

Like keeping her comfortable until she goes.

[Copper]

She doesn't have to go, Silver. You just don't care, Copper.

[Silver]

Of course I care.

[Copper]

You don't even like cats.

[Silver]

She's in a bad way, darling. She's hurting. I don't want her to hurt any longer than she has to.

[Copper]

I don't want her to hurt, either.

[Silver]

Then we gotta make things nice for her. And let nature do what nature does.

[Copper]

I don't want her to go, Silver.

[Silver]

I know. I know. But isn't a little bit of time better than no time at all? Come on, let's get back to the car. I'll bet she misses you.

[Amber]

You are my sunshine. My only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray.

[Copper]

How's she doing back there?

[Silver]

We still can't get her to eat or drink anything.

[Glass]

Not even to wet food.

[Amber]

She sniffed at it for a moment, but that was it.

[Silver]

I think it's time, y'all.

[Copper]

Yeah.

[Amber]

How is she?

[Glass]

Still here, but probably won't be much longer, though.

[Silver]

You've got her?

[Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Glass]

I've got her.

[Amber]

Wow.

[Silver]

Heck of a sunset, ain't it?

[Amber]

The days have lasted so long.

[Glass]

Recently it's been nice.

[Silver]

Oh, cop.

[Copper]

I'm okay. I'm okay.

[Glass]

Here, why don't you hold her?

[Copper]

You're sure?

[Glass]

Yeah. Squeaker. Here.

[Copper]

Thank you.

[Glass]

Of course. You all right, Amber?

[Amber]

Shut up.

[Silver]

Scoot over here. You'll be able to pet her.

[Copper]

Do you. Do you hear that?

[Silver]

What a sweet girl.

[Glass]

I think we made her very happy. It's okay, bud. It's okay. You made her so happy.

[Silver]

There's a rest stop over y. We can find a nice spot to bury her by those trees. I'm sure she'd like that.

[Glass]

Want me to wrap her up, Copper? Okay. There. Nice and cozy.

[Amber]

It's getting cold again.

[Glass]

Sure is.

[Amber]

I know this sounds crazy because we usually never hit the same spot twice, but isn't this the rest stop we found her at?

[Glass]

Oh, I think you're right.

[Copper]

Maybe that means we can find it again someday. And we can visit.

[Glass]

Silver.

[Silver]

You okay, Sam Hill? Y'all almost forgot how bad this hurts.

[Copper]

Oh, Silver.

[Glass]

Warming up to cats, are you?

[Silver]

Still don't like cats, Glass? Just this one.

[Amber]

Should we find a place to bury her?

[Glass]

In a minute, Amber. Let's just sit for a while.

[Copper]

I love you guys.

[Amber]

Love you, too.

[Copper]

You know, however things end, I don't think I'll regret any of it.

[Silver]

Me neither.

[Glass]

Really is a beautiful sunset, isn't it?

[Copper]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Hymns for the Road is a podcast written and Produced by Anna McGuire. Starring Maurice Thomas as Silver Pow Pong and Yvonne as Glass, Grizz Siebenek as Amber, Tabitha Bardal as Copper, and featuring Justice Washington as Aster. Original music by Joshua David Mitchell. This episode's hymn is yous Are My Sunshine, an American folk song. Sign up for our [e-mail] or support our work on Patreon.com Hodgepodgeaudio thank you for listening.

[Advertiser]

Stay warm and save every day. All in the Fred meyer app. Get 10 for $10 on select varieties of Kroger pasta, Starkist tuna pouches or Powerade with your card. Then get three pound packs of flavorful 93% lean ground beef for $3.49 a pound with your card and a digital coupon. Shop these deals at your local Kroger today or click the screen now to download the Fred Meyer app to save big today. Fred Meyer Fresh for everyone. Prices and product availability subject to change. Restrictions apply. See site for details.