A (0:00)

Hey, how's it going? Welcome to Scary Stories and Rain. Before we begin, I just want to remind you that there is now one week left to get your name in the pot to win a Nintendo Switch 2 bundle. If you want to be eligible to win, join my podcast. For $2.99 a month you get rid of all of the ads, which is really great for sleeping and relaxing. And I might be contacting you to ask where to send your new Nintendo Switch 2 bundle. Also, I do want to say that I'm going to be announcing the winner on the first and I'm also going to be dropping a photo on my Instagram account showing the proof that I have the console, the shipping information that I actually did send it, and by the way, I just got my hands on a PlayStation 5 and I'm going to be giving that away next. So if you want to automatically enter to win the Nintendo Switch 2 bundle, go ahead and subscribe. Get rid of all of the ads and listen to every episode completely interruption free and you'll be automatically entered to win the PlayStation. I'm going to start doing giveaways every single month. And again, I just want to say thank you for being here.

B (1:06)

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A (1:41)

When I moved into my new apartment, I had been running away from my parents. They never understood my need for independence or desire to move out of my hometown. They were kind enough, but one wrong word or eye roll and I was confined to my bedroom. Which would have made sense if I was 12. But I'm 20. There is no doubt I love my parents to death, but you can only take so much smothering before you know you need to get out. I needed to start my life, find real friends and maybe start my own family. But I couldn't do any of that under my parents roof. So I left. I had planned it for months and then the day came. I waited until my parents left for work, threw all I could in my bags and left. I had managed to find the place on a website for cheap which was good enough for me because I just needed someplace to go. I had the place bookmarked for a while and always wondered why Nobody took it, but I was desperate. The apartment wasn't far from my parents house in the end, but it was far enough to gain some space and make them realize I'm just not their baby anymore. That morning when I left my parents house I walked a few blocks and made it to my new apartment with all my bags slugged over my shoulder. I buzzed the leasing office from the outside as I dropped my bags for a minute. Are you Kendall? The voice buzzed from the intercom. Guilty as charged. I said trying to catch my breath. The door clicked and I dragged my bags in off the street. I took a breath and looked around at the building. It was old and smelled musty. The wallpaper had started to peel in some of the corners exposing the brown walls behind it. There was a wooden staircase leading up to the upper floors, although there were only two other floors above the first. I crossed over to the first few steps hearing the floor creak beneath me. I had just made it to look up the stairwell when I heard third floor. I whipped around to see the landlord standing by what was presumably the property office. I guess he looked pretty typical for a landlord because he didn't seem to want to actually talk to me. Your apartment is on the third floor, unit 34 at the end of the hallway, he said as he held out the keys to me. If you need any help, just holler. Thanks. I took the keys from his hand. The landlord turned and started to walk back to the office before he said, oh, I almost forgot to mention there's some leftover furniture from the previous tenant. If you don't want it, let me know and I'll come move it out. It's alright. What you're looking at is all I have right now. I held up my bags to show him. Did you have a fight with your boyfriend or something? He didn't look too concerned and I could tell that he wasn't going to take anything I said too seriously. He was just happy to have the room taken. Parents actually. I nodded and turned to the stairs, not wanting to stick around and talk. After all, I had just run away from home. I wasn't looking to let people know someone might come looking for me soon. The entire building seemed to creak as I moved towards my apartment. The hallways were dark but I kept walking through until I reached the end. I unlocked the door to apartment 34 and swung it open. I stepped in and coughed from the dust I had just disturbed. The dust was heavy and the air was thick in the room. I stepped from the door into the Kitchen, which was comprised of an oven, sink and refrigerator. There was barely any room for dishes or food. I laughed it off and kept walking through to the living room and dropped my bags on the floor. It was small and just as dusty as the kitchen, but it had a window on the far wall which I immediately opened, hoping to get some fresh air in the place. I pushed open the window and squealed as a few spiders dropped down to my feet. I jumped back startled, but soon regained my composure and turned to the bedroom. I hadn't seen any of the furniture that the landlord had been talking about until I walked into the bedroom. I swear that I could have cried. I was so happy because as I walked through the door I saw a bed sitting against the far wall with a rug underneath. I had fully intended to sleep on the floor for months until I could save up enough for a bed or a couch, but now I had a full bed all to myself. It didn't matter that someone else had slept on it. Anything was better than the floor. I would just need to get some new sheets and a pillow. The entire apartment was a shoebox at the very best, with a tiny bathroom and closet in the bedroom and just enough space to walk from room to room. The floors were old hardwood just like the rest of the building and they creaked beneath my feet as I walked. The walls were bare apart from the old stain here and there and some of the light bulbs needed to be replaced, but I didn't care how small, dusty and dirty it was. It was the first thing that was ever really mine and I loved that. That evening I walked to the store around the corner to pick up some cleaning supplies, food and blankets for my bed. I had been careful not to stand out from the crowd just in case my parents were looking for me. I returned to my apartment, did what cleaning I could for the night, made up my bed and fixed a ready made pizza for dinner. I knew I would need to go out and look for a job the next day, so I went to bed just after 10. I snuggled down under the blankets trying to get warm, but the apartment was still cold as ice. I shrugged it off as part of the drafty apartment I had gotten, but I should have paid more attention. I tossed and turned that night and managed to sleep for a few hours, but I consistently woke up at the top of each hour with the feeling that someone was looking at me. I managed to turn over and ignore the feeling each time. I thought I must just be getting used to the new apartment and I would sleep soundly soon. I turned over in my sleep all night until the sun started to break through the windows. The next morning, once I got up, I made myself breakfast before heading out into town. For the next few days, I continued to have trouble sleeping in that apartment, waking up with the feeling of someone's eyes digging into my skull. I tried to shrug it off and go about my business, but each day it became harder as I felt the nights grew colder and much more violent. I couldn't explain how. I know it felt angry, but I just knew someone or something didn't want me to be there. And it felt like they would do anything to get me out. I started sleeping less and less, but stayed in that apartment against my better judgment because I had nowhere else to go. I had never really been a believer in the paranormal, so it was easier for me to ignore the invisible presence in the room. Or it was until the night it wasn't invisible anymore. I had just come home from a long day at work at the diner down the road. It wasn't a great job, but it was all I had at the moment. My boss had overworked me that day and made me stay a few hours late, so by the time I got home, I was ready to fall flat on my face. And so I did. I made my way to my bed and flopped down, barely staying awake to kick my shoes off. I fell asleep soundly for the first time since I had arrived. It must have been a few hours since I had fallen asleep, although I didn't manage to see the time. I woke up with the same familiar feeling that someone was watching me. But something else felt off. This time my eyes were open and I could look around me, but I was frozen in my bed. I couldn't move a muscle. I started panting, trying with all my might to move a muscle, but nothing worked. I was stuck on my back. I had no idea what to do, and I was scared out of my mind. It took me a few minutes, but I managed to calm myself down enough to bring my attention to the room around me. I wish I had just closed my eyes. I looked around the room, searching for anything, and I gradually became aware that there was something standing at my feet. I didn't want to look. Everything in me screamed not to, but I knew I would need to look eventually. I took a breath and looked at the end of my bed. To my horror, I saw a man staring at me with dull eyes. I couldn't make out most of his features because it was so dark, but I could tell that he was old and I could tell he didn't like me sleeping in his bed. My heart started beating faster but I still couldn't move a muscle. I watched the man as he reached down and grabbed my ankle. I have never felt anything like what I did that night, but I'll never forget. Felt like he was trying to crush me when he grabbed my ankle so much that I was sure he cracked something. It looked like he was about to pull me off the bed, but as soon as he grabbed me, my muscles could move again. I shot up and screaming, screamed. I desperately looked around the room for the man, but he had vanished. I cried and tried to gain my composure as I sat on the bed. I had just managed to calm myself down a little, convinced myself it was all just a dream when I realized I was holding my ankle. I started shaking as I looked down to see my ankle swelling covered in very real bruises. I didn't sleep again that night. I barely made it to work the next morning, but managed to make it down the block. After wrapping my ankle in an old shirt. I walked through the front door to hear my boss immediately start yelling at me. What do you think you're doing showing up looking like that? I don't pay you to look like you're hungover. For God's sake. Drink some coffee and get to work. Sorry, Mark, I said as I moved to get some coffee. I stepped behind the counter to find my apron and start the long day that was ahead of me. He's such a jerk, honestly. I turned over and saw my one friend Jenna pouring a cup of coffee before she slid it over to me from down the bar. Jenna was the kind of person that anyone could talk to. Everyone who worked at the diner loved her. Except for Mark, I suppose, but that's to be expected. She was the only person at the diner who knew I had run away from home and she stepped in as a sort of mentor. She had helped me learn how to pay my bills and keep the power running in my apartment. She really was the only person in the world I had at that time. What's got you so tired today? Can't sleep or something more exciting? She asked. Just couldn't sleep. Sleep. I thought I was getting used to my apartment, but it doesn't look like I really will. Thanks for the coffee, by the way, I replied. She nodded. New apartments can take some time, especially when you know they've been lived in. I swear I thought my place was haunted for a year before I got over it. I heard creeks everywhere. I almost broke my lease months early. I paused for a moment and sipped my coffee. I hadn't even thought that my apartment could be haunted, but I had no idea anymore. I had never felt anything like that. I didn't really want to ask what I was about to, but I knew I needed to say something. Did you ever see anything or feel anything? I barely got the words out and started anxiously waiting for her response. Heavens no, she replied. But you know, I am the biggest baby there is. I never would have stayed in that place if I had seen anything. Lord, I don't know why anyone does really. You should feel safe in your own home and I she stopped speaking abruptly as she noticed me staring wide eyed at the floor. Good God, you look like you're about to faint. She walked over and guided me to sit down in the break room in the kitchen. What happened Kendall? She asked as we sat. It was all I could do to hold back the tears as I told her what had happened the night before and showed her my ankle. Sweet pea, we'll find a place for you. We'll get it sorted out. I started to cry as I nodded my head. I was so relieved to have her help. It might be a couple of days before we can get you moved, but I bet I can get some of the cooks to help you move. You'll just have a few more nights at the moment. Will that be okay? She asked. I nodded. I can do a few more. I'll just try to stay busy. Thank you so much. I hugged her and she handed me a damp towel to wipe my face. We had better get back out there before Mark notices, she said. I smiled as we both got up and went back to work. Halfway through the day one of the other waitresses called out sick and I took up her shift. It was a long day but I was glad to have something to keep me busy. I moved a little slower all day because of my ankle, but I still managed to get everything done well enough. I got back to my apartment more tired than I had been the night before, which I was glad for this time because it meant I had a shot of sleeping a little. I kicked my shoes off, turned to the bed and just stared at it for what felt like an hour before finally decided to just sleep on the rug next to the bed. I grabbed one of the pillows and blankets and settled down on the floor, just praying I would sleep a little. I shouldn't have even tried. It wasn't long before I woke up just as I'd done the night before, stuck and staring into the darkness. I wasn't on my back this time, though. I was on my side, facing the bed. I started to panic immediately as I looked at the dark lump underneath my bed. It was large, but still fit under the bed. I started to squint at it as I started to make out what it was. A body of a man. The body was on its back, but the face was turned towards me. He was older, with aging, pale skin and dim eyes that that lay open and staring back at me. His hair was dark and matted and matched his bushy beard. His eyes are what scared me the most. There was no life in them, no hint of movement or light to suggest anything behind them. The man in front of me was dead. I started to cry as I laid on my side without being able to move or even scream. All I could do was lay there and stare at the body under my bed. So I did. And to my horror, I watched as it started to move. The man slowly started to turn over in jerky movements as though he were fighting the rigor mortis. Eventually he had turned over to his stomach, but his dead eyes stared at me as he moved. I was crying uncontrollably. I shouldn't have come back here. I should have stayed on the street. Street, anywhere but here. I couldn't change that now. All I could do was watch as the man started to crawl towards me, dragging his head on the ground as he moved. He got right to my face. So close that I could feel the hairs on my face stand on end as I became cold to my bones. I fought everything inside me that was telling me I wasn't dreaming. But I gave in as the man pushed, pushed me to my back and crawled on top of me. I thought I would have woken up or been able to move like I had the night before. But I remained frozen and I just stared up at the dead gray eyes now hanging above mine. Everything in me wanted to scream, but those muscles were frozen too, and I could only stay still as the tears rolled down to the floor beneath me. I thought it must be over soon, but I was wrong. The man lifted himself from above me and started to scratch at me with wild motions. It felt like a hundred knives ripping down my neck and arms as he continued to stare at me with his huge gray eyes. There was not expression on his face as he tore at me. Only the dead stare which he always had. It went on for what felt like hours as he scratched deeper and deeper into my arms. Soon I started to feel something hot on my arm, running off and onto the floor. It was my blood. I still couldn't move, but I watched as the man now moved off of me and crawled back under the bed to the position I had found him in before. He had accomplished whatever purpose he set out to do and now I was bleeding out on the floor. I was staring at the ceiling now, but I still saw those cool, cold gray eyes staring at me from the side. I fought everything in me, which was not telling me to fall back asleep, but I could only fight for so long and the room started to go completely dark. I couldn't stay awake any longer and I fell asleep while the man stared at me. Kendall. It was almost a whisper, but it kept getting louder. Kendall. Kendall, wake up. Kendall. Oh thank God. My eyes fluttered open to see Jenna standing beside me in a bright room. I blinked, trying to get used to the light and sit up. Oh no, honey, just take it slow, okay? Jenna said as she gently pushed me back in the bed. It took a few minutes, but I slowly became acclimated to the room around me. What happened? I asked in barely a whisper. Jenna started to get choked up. Well, after you told me yesterday when you didn't show up to work on time, I ran to your apartment to make sure you were okay. I bet Mark loved that, I said. Jenna smirked. I had to get your landlord to open the door. He never responded. And then I found you, she said as she started to cross cry. You were just laying on the floor and your arms were all, well, shredded. I almost couldn't take it. I thought you were dead for sure. But you're a fighter. I knew you were. She reached out and took my hand. We were lucky that the hospital had your blood type. You lost so much last night. You were so pale. She took a breath to compose herself. But you're going to be okay now. I went ahead and had Mikey and Jake from the diner take your stuff to my place so you can stay on the couch until we find you a place. I'm sorry I didn't think of it sooner. I started sobbing as I grasped her hand tighter. It's okay. Thank you. It was all I could manage to say at the moment, but it could never fully reflect my gratitude for her and my relief to get out of that place. We sat for a minute, just thankful to have the moment to ourselves. Oh, jenna started. One other thing you should know. She looked as if she didn't want to say anything at all. Mikey told me that you should know, and I know you deserve to know after everything, but it's not easy to hear. I nodded and braced myself for whatever she would say next. Mikey and Jake started to move your bed out and pulled up the rug, but they found something and decided it would be best to leave both behind. It's okay. They weren't even mine, I said. What did they find? Jenna didn't look surprised when she found out they weren't mine as she sighed before she answered. They found a stain in the hardwood under the rug. Do they know what it's from? I asked. Jenna nodded solemnly. It's from a body, Kendall. My heart dropped when she said it, but I couldn't say I was surprised, not with everything that had happened. The last tenant died in the apartment and they didn't find him until the neighbor started to smell his body. Evidently he was a very nice neighbor to begin with. Someone had come in and killed him about a year ago. The body was far enough gone that it stained the hardwood under the bed. Did they say what he looked like? I muttered. He was older, with dark hair, a beard, pale skin. But everyone talked about his eyes. Let me guess. They were wildly gray, I said. Jenna nodded. How did you know it was him? I said. He did this to me. We didn't say anything for a while after that. I guess there isn't much to say when you realize something like that has happened. The Singing woods by T Stash the orange glow of the sunset began to disappear behind the horizon. The sounds of nature dwindled in the sun. Silence. Not even a snapping twig decided to be the surrounding air grew cool, welcoming in the warmth of the summer. My thoughts were interrupted by my father's sudden grasp on my shoulder. It's almost time. I smiled at his statement. It was indeed almost time. I was always excited towards the dusk of Saturday nights. Especially this night. We had just finished cleaning up after my 16th birthday party. My mother walked my best friend Gina home. Her parents were more strict than mine. My father wanted to be certain I would have the best party this year. The last of the sunlight was swallowed up by the mountain range in the distance. My body began to tingle in excitement. I closed my eyes in preparation for what came came next. All I heard for a few seconds was mine and my father's breathing. A low hum flooded into my ears. I tried in the past to find the source of the sound, always failing to. The hum continued for a minute before the sounds joined it. The coordinated sounds of many instruments joined in unison. Each new sound took its turn as they all came together, forming such a beautiful song. I have Never heard before. A tear ran down my cheek as I absorbed all of what graced my ears. It was as if an orchestra of music was performed for me on my special day. I was entranced by each note, enraptured with every chord. I barely felt time flow by as quickly as it had with. Within minutes, the song had faded into silence, only to be replaced by the sounds of nature once more. Every Saturday, I heard the music. It was never the same. My father confirmed this as well. Our home was passed down from my grandparents to my father. My family had owned this house since our ancestors moved here. Passing it down, the generations renovating it every couple of decades. I must have fallen while hypnotized. I remember my father picking me up, cradling me in his arms. He carried me into bed and wished me good night. I dreamed of absolute bliss, reliving the music in my subconscious mind. I awoke to birds chirping outside my window. The sun's hike had almost reached the peak of the mountain. The scent of bacon and syrup had graced my nostrils, causing me to jump out of bed. I raced to the kitchen, finding my mother just finishing up a stack of pancakes and bacon for her. My father and I. I started with a few of each, smothered them in butter and syrup. My stomach would regret this later, but I would let my tongue enjoy it. A half hour had passed by the time we had finished cleaning up after breakfast when the doorbell began to ring. I answered the front door to find Gina. Hey, want to go hang out? Turning around, I saw my mother waving me off with a smile as we left. I slammed the door behind me out of excitement. Quick, I said. Let's go before my dad begins to scold us for damaging his 200 year old house. We spent the morning at the park shared by the neighborhood. After what felt like a couple of hours, Gina asked me a question that I found strange. Why is it that only your house has that music? What do you mean? I thought all the houses next to the woods could hear it. Yeah, right. I tried to listen as your mom walked me home last night. I stopped right after I walked off the grass. I didn't know how to answer her. I found it especially strange. Well, we could always go for a walk in the woods to find out what it is. Didn't your dad forbid you from entering those woods? She was right. Out of everything my father was overprotective about. Those woods were on the top of his list. What he doesn't know won't kill him. We could head out Tonight I'll just sneak out through my window. Gina looked hesitant for a few seconds before she begrudgingly agreed. We ran about for another hour before I heard her mother calling for her. I'll knock on your window tonight. Stay awake, okay? She told me as she ran off. When I got home, my father gave me an earful of treating the house with respect. I pretended to listen as his lecture went in one ear and out of the other. My mind wasn't there until he said I was grounded to my bedroom for a week. I tried to protest, but he wouldn't hear it. I walked with my head towards the ground towards my room. I sat in my bed for a couple of hours. When my eyes began to shudder open and close, my head collided with my pillow, causing my body to rest and relax. My slumber was interrupted by being shaken slightly. I opened my eyes to see my father looking at me with disappointment in his eyes. I'm going to possibly unground you if you sincerely apologize to this house. A smile crept onto his face. That's it? I asked, surprised at his generosity. Yes, but you're still grounded until lunchtime, okay? He extended his hand towards me. I grasped onto it, giving his hand a firm shake. The weight was long, but worth it in the long run. Once 12 had rolled around, I walked out of my room to the kitchen. A meal had been prepared by my mother, yet my father didn't join us. A few minutes later, I heard him coming inside quicker than usual, slamming the door behind him. He walked up to me quickly, standing for a few seconds to catch his breath. Deep concern filled his eyes as he spoke firmly and cautiously. Do you remember where you and Gino went yesterday? New season, new chaos in college football. Big stage, big opportunity. This Labor Day weekend. Wildness lives on ABC, ESPN and the all new ESPN app. What a way to start. Featuring top 10 teams like Clemson, Notre Dame, Alabama and LSU. And Bill Belichick's debut at North Carolina. It's so special. These teams collide. Don't miss a lineup filled with electric matchups. Welcome back to College Football Kickoff Week. Presented by Modelo Labor Day Weekend on ESPN and abc. Also available to stream on the all new ESPN app. His question confused me for a second. I tried recalling the previous day, remembering hanging out with her. Yeah, we were at the park for a few hours. Okay. Where did you go after that? She walked home after her mom was calling for her. And you're certain that's what happened? Yes, I'm certain. Why are you asking? Did something happen to her? My Mind began to race with the possibilities of what could have been. Her mother came to me a couple minutes ago. She was in a panic, asking if Gina was here. I told her no. It seems she's been missing since this morning. I recalled what she told me only the day before about her waiting for me so we could go look in those woods. I knew it wasn't a good idea to tell my father of where I suspected her to be. He looked towards my mom and nodded. Afterward, he leapt through the front door, letting it slam itself shut. My mom stood up and began to clean up the entire meal she made for us. I barely finished half my plate when she took it from me. I tried to protest, but the look she gave me was of absolute fear. I quickly made myself scarce and left to my bedroom. As she continued wordlessly, I began to hyperventilate. Trying to catch my breath. I stared at the woods through my window. It felt as though they were calling to me. The sun still held its position at the peak of the sky. I had a few hours of daylight left. Left. At that moment, I would live to regret the decision of going into those woods. I grabbed my jacket, slipped it on quickly. Quietly, I crept to my window, sliding it open slowly to hide any creeks creeping outside. I made sure to stay low to avoid my mother's line of sight. Fear and apprehension filled my body as I made my way to the forest edge. Eventually, I found the line where my lawn ended and the trees began. After a quick breath, I stepped forward. A mighty gust of wind flowed past me once I stepped off my grass. Turning around, my vision was filled by a vast forest. Countless lush green trees as far as I could see. Looking forward again, A path of aged red brick formed a path quite a distance away. A very tall wall of hedge stood. Bracing myself for any other possible oddities, I walked forward. The sun had descended quite a distance from atop the sky. The temperature was dropping quicker than I had suspected it would. Looking down the path only a few more minutes walk away, I saw an arch carved into the head. The pathway led through it and into a cage of greenery. I walked a bit slower, a bit fearful of what may have hid behind the wall. I finally walked through the doorway and gasped. Within the outdoor cage was a setup that seemed sophisticated. What graced my eyes were immaculate, pristine white. Instruments of every kind. Pianos, violins, drums, trumpets. Every instrument was perfect. No speck of dust rested on any surface. No leaf. No forestry remained in the area. It felt otherworldly. The tuning of strings caught me off guard, making Me spin towards the far back of the line of music makers. That's when I first noticed a man who had been standing there the entire time. Time his back was turned towards me, it looked as if he was fiddling with a device. He stopped suddenly, turning back slowly to face me. His face was oddly thin and pale, yet kind. He tilted his head and smiled. Ah, it seems I have a second visitor. Who are you, young one? I stuttered a bit. It's Sam. He was a very tall man, very spindly, as if his limbs were made of branches. Who else was here? Oh, it was a young woman. I don't believe I caught her name. What did she look like? Let me see. Blonde hair. Her eyes were very bright green. Almost as tall as you. My eyes grew wide. She had come here and I basically abandoned her by falling asleep. Did you see where she went? I haven't been able to find her since last night. I'm worried something might have happened to her. Yes, I did see where she went. Let me think for a minute while I try and recall. Would you tell me what you think of my latest instrument? He turned around and plucked a smooth, shining white violin. He reached for the bow and showed them to me. I studied the craftsmanship of the immaculate musical tool. I looked at the bow. Something peculiar stood out to me. A crack ran down it, almost as if it had been split and put back together. A thought struck my mind. It reminded me of when Gina had broken her arm years ago. I looked closer. My eyes widened as I I recognized every detail of the crack. My memory flashed to the X ray I had seen years ago of Gina's arm. A shudder escaped me. I started to walk backwards away from the man. His smile never left his face. I turned and began sprinting down the path. The sunlight had almost completely faded into darkness. I kept looking over my shoulder to see the man chasing me. But I never saw anyone. The pathway had disappeared, leaving me in the forestry once again. I looked in the direction of the path once more. Yet it was gone. I was staring at the edge of the forest once more. I felt a pair of arms grabbing me and pulling me backwards. I heard my mother's voice as she sobbed, thankful that I had returned. My father held us both within his arms, never losing his grip. We sat there for a while, all of us weeping, the sunlight long gone. The sounds of nature had vanished once more. A familiar hum graced my ears. Instead of a collection of instruments, a solitary violin pierced the silence of the night, caressing my pained heart, it seemed sang its song.