S22 Ep23: NoSleep Podcast S22E23

Summary

The NoSleep Podcast - Season 22, Episode 23: NoSleep Podcast S22E23

Release Date: May 18, 2025

Overview

In Season 22, Episode 23 of The NoSleep Podcast, Creative Reason Media Inc. continues its tradition of delivering spine-chilling horror stories enhanced by atmospheric music. Hosted by David Cummings, this episode presents three distinct tales that delve into the darkest corners of human fear and the supernatural. Each story is meticulously crafted to keep listeners on edge, blending psychological terror with eerie folklore.

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1. "Full Service" – A Sinister Pit Stop in the Appalachian Woods

Duration: [00:07] – [10:07]

The episode opens with a family on a strained road trip, highlighting the inherent tensions of traveling with loved ones. Ted, the father, is eager to reach his destination, while his wife and young daughter crave safety and comfort. Their journey takes a dark turn when they stop at an old filling station nestled in the Appalachian mountains.

Key Characters:

• Ted: The anxious father determined to keep the trip moving.
• Clyde: The unsettling gas station attendant with a menacing demeanor.
• Lonnie: Another gas station worker who adds to the eerie atmosphere.

Notable Moments & Quotes:

• Clyde's Menacing Warning: At [08:36], Clyde ominously advises, “Folks go missing around these parts sometimes. Don't let the little one stray too far.”
• Tension Mounts: Ted’s unease grows as he notices something troubling under the car tarp, leading him to assert control with, “Say one more word that shut her up” ([09:34]).

Synopsis: As Ted interacts with Clyde, subtle hints of danger surface. The rusted station, the peculiar workers, and the cryptic warnings create a foreboding atmosphere. Ted’s attempt to reassure his family fails as the true horror begins to unfold, suggesting that their stop may lead to something far more sinister than a mere gas refill.

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2. "Mickey D's" – A Fatal Feast at a Forgotten Fast Food Joint

Duration: [13:11] – [36:16]

The second story transports listeners to a late-night road trip gone awry. Dan and Samantha, traveling to Dan’s parents' house, find themselves hungry and stranded in a small rural town. Their quest for food leads them to "Mickey D's," a seemingly abandoned fast-food restaurant that harbors dark secrets.

Key Characters:

• Dan: The pragmatic driver trying to keep the trip on track.
• Samantha: Dan’s wife, who desires proper meals over snacks.
• Mickey: The grotesque entity masquerading as the restaurant’s manager.
• Brent: The teenage employee caught in the restaurant's dark rituals.

Notable Moments & Quotes:

• Discovery of the Facade: Samantha points out the misleading sign at [16:57], leading them to suspect something is amiss.
• Mickey’s Demand: At [21:45], Mickey chillingly states, “One of you can go. The other has to come with me.”
• Ritual Revelation: Dan uncovers the horrific purpose behind Mickey D's, realizing, “The ritual required five people to perform. Four of them were to be unwitting sacrifices” ([27:09]).

Synopsis: Upon entering Mickey D's, Dan and Samantha are greeted by Mickey, a creature far from the friendly service mascot they expected. The restaurant is a front for a dark sacrificial ritual aimed at appeasing a summoned demon. As time ticks down, the couple must navigate the harrowing choice between sacrificing one of themselves or risking their lives. The tension escalates when Samantha inadvertently wounds Dan, pushing them into a desperate struggle for survival against a malevolent force bent on claiming souls.

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3. "The Family Tree" – Unraveling a Psychologist’s Haunted Past

Duration: [39:40] – [67:07]

The final narrative immerses listeners in a psychological horror tale where supernatural elements intertwine with deep-seated family trauma. Dr. Aaron Morrow, a psychologist, interviews Mrs. Colleen Lang, a woman accused of murdering her partner, Michael. As the session progresses, eerie connections between their pasts surface, revealing a legacy of darkness rooted in family curses and supernatural bonds.

Key Characters:

• Dr. Aaron Morrow: The psychologist grappling with his own haunted past.
• Mrs. Colleen Lang: The enigmatic patient with a tumultuous history.
• Addie: Mrs. Lang’s daughter, whose fate is intricately linked to the family’s dark secrets.

Notable Moments & Quotes:

• Mystical Connections: Mrs. Lang cryptically mentions, “I gave him to the tree. My grandmother's tree. The dancing lady” ([51:32]), hinting at supernatural ties.
• Revelation of Dr. Morrow’s Guilt: A climactic turn reveals Dr. Morrow’s involvement in his daughter’s death, culminating in Mrs. Lang’s vengeful confrontation where she declares, “I felt you choke the life out of my Addie” ([64:23]).

Synopsis: Throughout the interview, Mrs. Lang provides fragmented accounts of her life, weaving a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural. She speaks of a special place by the lake associated with her husband’s death and a cursed "dancing lady" tree planted over her father’s gruesome murder. As Dr. Morrow becomes increasingly unnerved, his own repressed memories resurface, revealing his culpability in the tragedies haunting both families. The session spirals into a nightmarish experience where Dr. Morrow is confronted by supernatural forces and the ghosts of his past, leading to a horrifying realization of his irreversible sins.

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Conclusion

Season 22, Episode 23 of The NoSleep Podcast masterfully blends psychological distress with supernatural terror, crafting stories that linger in the minds of listeners long after the episode ends. From the foreboding Appalachian gas station and the cursed fast-food restaurant to the haunted corridors of a psychologist’s past, each tale explores different facets of fear, control, and the inescapable shadows of one’s history.

Notable Quotes:

• Clyde: “Folks go missing around these parts sometimes. Don't let the little one stray too far.” ([08:36])
• Mickey: “One of you can go. The other has to come with me.” ([21:45])
• Mrs. Lang: “I gave him to the tree. My grandmother's tree. The dancing lady.” ([51:32])
• Mrs. Lang: “I felt you choke the life out of my Addie.” ([64:23])

These poignant lines encapsulate the essence of each story, highlighting the pervasive sense of dread and the intricate interplay between characters and their haunted environments.

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The NoSleep Podcast continues to deliver gripping horror stories that resonate deeply with its audience, maintaining its status as a premier anthology series in the horror genre.

Transcript

[David Cummings]

They're calling. The phone is ringing. A message from an unknown caller. A voice unrecogniz. Audio messages from the shadows. But one message is clear and it says, brace yourself for the no Sleep Podcast.

[Atticus Jackson]

Come one, come all. See our array of freaks and oddities. Prepare to be terrified and amazed.

[Sarah Thomas]

The Cyclone Sisters, traveling circus of wonders in town for one night only.

[Atticus Jackson]

Must be seen to be believed.

[David Cummings]

Welcome to your final destination at the no Sleep Podcast. I'm your host, David Cummings. And no, I'm not suggesting that you're going to die in a horrible logging truck accident. Not yet, anyway. No, I'm referring to the time of year when people consider doing some traveling, often with their families. And I'm sure some of us can relate to the horror inherent in traveling with family members. But it can't be all bad, can it? If you've ever traveled in a car or a plane with your family, you might have fond memories of those adventures. Or you might be like the people we'll meet on this episode. People who discover that family and travel don't land you in the happiest place on earth. And since we're speaking about family members traveling, I want to let you know about a new audio project that has launched a Kickstarter campaign. And some of the cast of that show are members of our sleepless family who have traveled over there to share their talents from the creators of the Grotto and the Cellar Letters. Redacted is an upcoming procedural horror audio drama. Following Jacob Cain's descent into a treacherous web of paranormal forces, secret agendas and moral compromise. This multi season Monster of the Week series blends procedural horror with sharp humor, all wrapped in a nostalgic 2000s aesthetic. Each episode follows Jacob as he struggles to maintain his deception while the team tackles a new paranormal threat. The show is set to come out in October. To learn more about this exciting new project, check the show notes for a link to the Kickstarter campaign, but be quick about it before it gets redacted. And so let's hit the road and find where adventure will take us. Just make sure you stay safe out there. Plenty of gas, snacks, and fully charged phones. Right, because your phones might start ringing now. Do you dare pick up your phone and listen to the voices calling to you? In our first tale, we join a family as they stop for some gas in a rustic mountain town. Only the people working at the gas station are making the family uncomfortable. And in this tale shared with us by author M.C. shale, the father wants to get back on the road as soon as possible, and his family just wants to feel safe. Performing this tale. With me are Dan Zapula, Jesse Cornett, Aaron Lillis, and Sarah Thomas. So don't worry. I'm sure everything will be alright when a happy family goes into the woods. Ted and his family, running on fumes, pulled into the old filling station on the side of the dirt road. There, a tall hillbilly in saggy overalls stood waiting by two corroded gas pumps. The rusted sign beside him read Full service. Eyeing the man, Ted tossed his hunting knife up on the dash as a warning, then turned to his wife and daughter.

[Atticus Jackson]

Keep the doors locked.

[David Cummings]

As Ted rolled down the window, the hillbilly leaned over and whistled.

[Dan Zapula]

Mighty fine automobile.

[David Cummings]

He grinned yellow, his breath reeking of rot and tobacco.

[Dan Zapula]

Filler up?

[Atticus Jackson]

Yep.

[Dan Zapula]

Okie dokie. Name's Clyde.

[David Cummings]

Ted popped the cap.

[Dan Zapula]

Thanks.

[David Cummings]

The station building was little more than a dusty windowed shack. The Appalachian woodlands seemed eager to reclaim. Nailed to the exterior was an eerie variety of license plates. Virginia, New York, Kentucky, Georgia. On the porch, more hillbillies rocked in rickety chairs. A big fella got up and ducked inside. The rusty pump nozzle scraped into the car.

[Dan Zapula]

Sure is, birdie.

[Atticus Jackson]

Sorry. Well, your daughter.

[Dan Zapula]

How old?

[David Cummings]

Ted glanced in the rearview mirror. In the back seat, his daughter was doing her best to avoid eye contact.

[Atticus Jackson]

She's 11.

[David Cummings]

Clyde spat a brown glob into the dirt and grinned.

[Dan Zapula]

Reckon she'll grow into a real beautiful woman.

[David Cummings]

The mechanical counter on the pump couldn't go fast enough out here. Even the machines were stuck in history. No respect for the passage of time. $40. $41. $42. Ted flinched as a torrent of soapy water splashed across the windshield. It was the big hillbilly from the porch who set down a bucket and began scrubbing the glass. Working the rag in circular strokes. He peered into the car and gave a gummy, cross eyed smile.

[Dan Zapula]

Don't mind Lonnie. Good lad. Hard worker. Besides, your windows gets keter guts all over. Ain't that right, Lon?

[David Cummings]

Lonnie? He hawed and squeegeed. Enthusiast.

[Dan Zapula]

Don't give any outsiders.

[David Cummings]

Clyde pointed towards the back of the station wagon stuffed with baggage and a lumpy blue tarp.

[Dan Zapula]

Y' all camping?

[Atticus Jackson]

Staying at a friend's cabin.

[Dan Zapula]

Oh, you don't say. Well, that'll be 62.

[Atticus Jackson]

45.

[David Cummings]

Ted handed him the cash.

[Atticus Jackson]

Keep the change. Much appreciated. Y' all take care now.

[Dan Zapula]

Folks go missing around these parts sometimes. Don't let the little one stray too far.

[Atticus Jackson]

I won't let her out of my sight.

[David Cummings]

As he pulled back onto the mountain road, Ted laughed.

[Atticus Jackson]

Oh, inbred freaks.

[David Cummings]

His wife dared to speak.

[Sarah Thomas]

Where are you taking us?

[Dan Zapula]

Like I said, cabin in the woods.

[Sarah Thomas]

Please, please just let us go.

[Atticus Jackson]

Don't talk like that, wife.

[David Cummings]

But Ted jerked his thumb back at the mutilated body under the tarp.

[Atticus Jackson]

Want to join your ex?

[David Cummings]

Say one more word that shut her up.

[Atticus Jackson]

We're a happy family now, right, daughter?

[David Cummings]

The girl in the back seat nodded, terrified.

[Atticus Jackson]

Say yes, dad.

[David Cummings]

Yes, dad. Ted smiled.

[Atticus Jackson]

That's better.

[David Cummings]

He always wanted to be a father. Ted and his family drove around a bend and disappeared. We'll get you to the woods after a quick word from our sponsor. For ad free extended horror content, go to sleepless.thenosleeppodcast.com I love traveling and I like being comfortable, be it to the woods or the beach. Having that one go to shirt or pair of pants can make all the difference. And you can find the exact thing you're looking for from Quince. I've got my eye on their new 100% European linen drawstring beach pants. Lightweight, comfortable and always on point. And I know that Quince's products are top notch. Kelly loves wearing her Quince items and raves about the look, fit and comfortable. So I won't hesitate to elevate my closet with items from Quince. Quince has all the things you actually want to wear, like organic cotton silk polos, European linen beach shorts, and comfortable pants that work for everything from backyard hangs to nice dinners. The best part? Everything with quince is priced 50 to 80% less than what you'd find at similar brands. So come on, elevate your closet with quince. Go to quince.com nosleep for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. That's Q-I-N C E.com nosleep to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com nosleep now back to the horror. You'll want fries with this next story. If you've gone on a long road trip, you know what it's like. You're hungry, but you don't want to waste time pulling far off the highway. So that leaves you nothing but fast food options. And in this tale shared with us by author KG Lewis, we meet a couple who decide to eat at a place that offers, well, let's just say, not so Happy Meals. Performing this tale are Atticus Jackson, Catabel Ansari, Graham Rowett, and Matthew Bradford. So don't worry. No copyright infringement takes place here because you're only going to Mickey D's.

[Atticus Jackson]

Foreign.

[Dan Zapula]

Samantha was sitting in the passenger seat staring at me with an apologetic look in her eyes. I knew this was going to happen. That is why I told you to eat something before we left. I'd warned her that the route we were taking to my parents house was through a lot of small rural towns and nothing was likely going to be open because of how late we were driving. I would have preferred to have left earlier but I couldn't get anyone to take my shift at the grocery store.

[Jesse Cornett]

I know but I wasn't hungry then.

[Dan Zapula]

I hooked my thumb over my shoulder. Some chips and granola bars in that plastic bag in the back seat. I always packed a bag of snacks whenever I went on a road trip. I picked up the habit from my mom who didn't like stopping to eat while we were traveling.

[Jesse Cornett]

I don't want junk food. I want real food like a cheeseburger.

[Dan Zapula]

I don't think cheeseburgers qualify as real food.

[Jesse Cornett]

They do to me.

[Dan Zapula]

It's only two more hours until we get to my parents house. If you can wait until then, there's a Denny's right up the road from their place.

[Jesse Cornett]

I don't think I can wait.

[Dan Zapula]

You might not have a choice. She pulled down her phone.

[Jesse Cornett]

Okay, what's the next town we're going to pass through?

[Dan Zapula]

Salt Mill. Why?

[Jesse Cornett]

I'm going to see if I can find something to eat there.

[Dan Zapula]

Salt Mill was a small farming town. I doubted she was going to find anything open this late. But I didn't tell her that she would soon find out herself. I heard her sigh in frustration a few moments later.

[Jesse Cornett]

That's annoying.

[Dan Zapula]

Couldn't find anything?

[Jesse Cornett]

No. I can't even search. I don't have any service out here.

[Dan Zapula]

That was another problem with driving through the country. Cell service was spotty. Look, it's only about 20 miles to salt Mill. We'll be there soon. Hopefully we can find something for you. Samantha's stomach growled in response. Hopefully. That's Saltmill. I pointed at the lights in the distance. Keep your eyes open. Let me know if you see anything. I didn't expect Samantha to find anything. I was just trying to be nice, hoping she'd figure it out on her own and just eat some snacks until we got to my parents house.

[Jesse Cornett]

That's looks so tiny.

[Dan Zapula]

It just looks small because everything's closed for the night. If we'd gotten here a few hours earlier there'd be a lot more lights on it's actually a decent sized town.

[Jesse Cornett]

It's only 11 o' clock. Why does everything close so early around here?

[Dan Zapula]

Most of the people who live here are farmers. They tend to start their days a lot earlier than the rest of us. I assume that means they also go to bed earlier. There's no sense in businesses staying open late if all their customers are asleep.

[Jesse Cornett]

I'd hate to live in a town like this.

[Dan Zapula]

Having lived in small towns most of my life. I didn't share her sentiment. But I wasn't going to argue the point with her. Samantha didn't say anything else until we reached the center of town.

[Jesse Cornett]

What's that?

[Dan Zapula]

She pointed down one of the side streets. What's what? I looked in the indicated direction but couldn't tell what Samantha was pointing at.

[Jesse Cornett]

That sign. It looks like a McDonald's. See the two arches over that building?

[Dan Zapula]

Are you sure? I thought the McDonald's arches were supposed to be yellow. The two arches visible above the building were red.

[Jesse Cornett]

Let's go find out.

[Dan Zapula]

When the restaurant came into view it was clear that it was not a McDonald's but obviously had been at one point before the new owners redecorated it. Samantha read the name on the sign beneath the red arches.

[Jesse Cornett]

McK.

[Dan Zapula]

Looks like a knockoff with that name. They weren't even trying to hide it.

[Jesse Cornett]

I don't care.

[Dan Zapula]

She pointed at the neon open sign hanging in the window.

[Jesse Cornett]

That's the only thing that I care about.

[Dan Zapula]

It doesn't look open. The restaurant appeared empty. I could see the dining area and front counter through the window but I didn't see anybody inside. Maybe they forgot to turn off the sign before they left for the night.

[Jesse Cornett]

Maybe, but I doubt they'd forget to take their cars with them.

[Dan Zapula]

She looked over at the four cars parked on the opposite side of the parking lot from the restaurant.

[Jesse Cornett]

Let's go inside and find out.

[Dan Zapula]

Go inside? Why do you want to go inside when we can just go through the drive thru? We were already going to be getting to my parents house later than I wanted to. I didn't want us to be any later than necessary because I have to pee. After I pulled into the nearest parking spot, I turned to Samantha and said, I'm not really hungry so I'm just going to stay here and wait for you.

[Jesse Cornett]

You're seriously going to make me go inside myself?

[Dan Zapula]

I guess not. I turned off the car. We got out and approached the door. When I reached for the handle, a part of me hoped it would be locked so we can get back in the car and leave. Samantha smiled when she saw that the door opened without resistance.

[Jesse Cornett]

Looks like they're open.

[Dan Zapula]

She rushed inside and hurried across the dining room to the women's room to go pee. As I stepped into the restaurant, a teenage boy came running out of the men's room. Don't shut the door. He held out his arm as if he could prevent it from happening. By the time I turned around, it was too late. The doors were already shut. The teenager, whose name tag identified him as Brent ran up and started pushing on the door. Frustrated that he couldn't get it open, he turned around and threw his arms into the air. Great.

[Atticus Jackson]

Now we're all stuck here.

[Dan Zapula]

What? It shouldn't be locked. I brushed past Brent and pushed against the door trying to open it, but it wouldn't budge. Brent opened his mouth to say something but stopped when he heard a clatter from the kitchen. He suddenly looked frightened.

[Atticus Jackson]

Hide.

[Dan Zapula]

He ran back to the men's room as Samantha was coming out of the women's room. Once he was inside, he locked the door, changing the colored indicator on the outside of the lock from available to occupied.

[Jesse Cornett]

What the heck is his problem?

[Dan Zapula]

I shrugged. I have no idea, but it seems to have something to do with the doors being locked.

[Jesse Cornett]

What do you mean they're locked? We wouldn't have been able to come inside if they were locked.

[Dan Zapula]

She walked over and tested the doors herself.

[Jesse Cornett]

That's weird.

[Graham Rowett]

Welcome to Mickey D. How can I help you?

[Dan Zapula]

I turned to address the man who had spoken. Well, for starters, you can unlock. But it wasn't a man. It was a creature of some sort. Seeing it standing there behind the counter made me forget the rest of what I was going to say. The creature stood seven feet tall and it was wearing a blood stained fast food uniform. The name tag pinned to its shirt said its name was Mickey. Its hairless skin was dark brown and wrinkled like overcooked meat. On top of its bald head were two curved horns.

[Atticus Jackson]

What the hell was that?

[Dan Zapula]

Samantha clutched my arm, moving to stand behind me.

[Graham Rowett]

I'm afraid I can't unlock the doors.

[Dan Zapula]

Mickey smiled, showing his pointy yellow teeth.

[Graham Rowett]

Not until the end of my shift.

[Jesse Cornett]

When's that?

[Dan Zapula]

Mickey turned to look at the clock on the wall beside him.

[Graham Rowett]

45 minutes.

[Dan Zapula]

In 45 minutes it would be midnight.

[Jesse Cornett]

So if we just wait until then, you'll unlock the doors and we can go?

[Dan Zapula]

Mickey held up one long finger tipped with a black nail.

[Graham Rowett]

One of you can go. The other has to come with me.

[Dan Zapula]

I got a sinking feeling in the pit of my Stomach. Samantha was apparently feeling a lot bolder than I was.

[Jesse Cornett]

Why do either of us have to go with you? We're not a part of whatever's going on here.

[Dan Zapula]

She made a circular motion with her hand.

[Graham Rowett]

You became a part of it the moment you walked through that door.

[Dan Zapula]

A part of what? If there was any hope of us escaping the restaurant with our lives, we needed to know exactly what was going on.

[Graham Rowett]

The sacrificial circle. The geniuses who work here thought it would be fun to summon a demon using frozen beef patties and chicken tenders. You should have seen the look on their faces when it worked.

[Jesse Cornett]

But we had nothing to do with that.

[Dan Zapula]

Samantha stepped out from behind me. Mickey spread his hands in a mock apology.

[Graham Rowett]

I don't make the rules.

[Dan Zapula]

What are the rules? If there were rules, there could be loopholes we could exploit.

[Graham Rowett]

You'll have to read them for yourself.

[Dan Zapula]

Mickey suddenly turned and started walking to the back of the restaurant.

[Jesse Cornett]

Where's he going?

[David Cummings]

How should I know?

[Jesse Cornett]

Do you think those are locked?

[Dan Zapula]

She pointed at the doors on the other side of the restaurant. Opposite the ones we entered through. I doubted, but we should check just to be sure. Samantha and I rushed over to the doors. When we were about halfway there, we heard Mickey call out behind us.

[Graham Rowett]

They're locked and will remain that way until I am paid what is owed.

[Dan Zapula]

We stopped and turned to face him. He was standing behind the counter holding a large leather bound book in his left hand. He gestured at the doors.

[Graham Rowett]

Go ahead and try.

[Dan Zapula]

Samantha walked up and pushed on both doors. They rattled in their frame but didn't open.

[Graham Rowett]

You wanted to know what the rules are. Here they are.

[Dan Zapula]

He set the book down on the counter, opened it, and flipped through the pages. When he found the one that he wanted, he turned the book around so I could read it. Cautiously, I approached the counter. The closer I got to Mickey, the more I could smell him. He reeked of rancid meat and sulfur. By the time I reached the counter, my eyes were watering from the overpowering stench wafting from him.

[Graham Rowett]

Something wrong?

[Dan Zapula]

No, no, no. I was about to tell him that he stank so bad it was making it hard for me to focus on the book. Can I take this over there? I motioned over to the dining area of the restaurant.

[Graham Rowett]

Knock yourself out. I have some things to take care of in the back. When I return, we can discuss which one of you is going with me.

[Dan Zapula]

I picked up the book and carried it over to the nearest table. Ignoring his last comment, Samantha came over to the table and sat across from me.

[Jesse Cornett]

Why does it have to be one of us? Why can't he take the kid in the restroom instead?

[Dan Zapula]

I completely forgot about Brent, the employee we'd encountered when we first walked into the restaurant. That's a good question. It's like Mickey doesn't even know he's here.

[Jesse Cornett]

I'm going to go talk to him.

[Dan Zapula]

Samantha abruptly pushed herself up from the table. What if he doesn't want to talk to you?

[Jesse Cornett]

Then I'm going to drag his ass out of that bathroom. If he's responsible for what happened here, then it should be his ass on the line, not ours.

[Dan Zapula]

She was right, but I didn't think we were going to get out of here that easily. I watched Samantha storm off toward the restrooms before turning my attention to the book on the table in front of me. Maybe something in here will help us. As I sat there reading the book, Samantha was pounding on the men's room door, threatening Brent in every way imaginable trying to get him to talk to her. After she realized there was no way she was going to be able to force her way into the bathroom, she gave up and returned to the table, flopping herself down into the seat across from me.

[Jesse Cornett]

Any luck?

[Dan Zapula]

Maybe, But I don't think you're going to like it. I'd read the pages indicated by Mickey and learned that the restaurant employees had performed something called the ritual of request. The ritual required five people to perform. Four of them were to be unwitting sacrifices, and the fifth, the ritual leader, was the person whose request would be granted by the demon that was summoned. If I'm reading this correctly, I think Brent is the one who summoned the demon, offering up his co workers as sacrifices. That's why Mickey isn't messing with him. He's the ritual leader.

[Jesse Cornett]

If he's the ritual leader, why'd he try and leave when we got here?

[Dan Zapula]

Because Brent didn't have enough sacrifices to pay Mickey. He was one short, and I think that means that Mickey was going to take him as the fourth sacrifice. At least he was until we showed up.

[Jesse Cornett]

So one of us becomes the fourth sacrifice.

[Dan Zapula]

She gestured back and forth between the two of us.

[Jesse Cornett]

And that little hiding in the men's room gets some sort of special favor from Mickey, essentially.

[Dan Zapula]

She frowned.

[Jesse Cornett]

I don't see how that's going to help us.

[Dan Zapula]

You didn't let me finish.

[Jesse Cornett]

Then hurry up and finish.

[Dan Zapula]

She looked over at the clock on the wall.

[Jesse Cornett]

We've only got about 20 minutes left before Mickey comes to collect.

[Dan Zapula]

There's a way for One of us. To become the ritual leader. But I'm not sure you're gonna like the cost.

[Jesse Cornett]

Spit it out.

[Dan Zapula]

You have to give up your soul.

[Jesse Cornett]

That's it. That's a small price to pay to walk out of here alive.

[Dan Zapula]

And you have to kill the current ritual leader.

[Jesse Cornett]

Anything else?

[Dan Zapula]

There's an incantation you have to say to become the ritual leader, but that's essentially it. Samantha pushed herself up from the table. Where are you going?

[Jesse Cornett]

To become the ritual leader. Unless you want to do it.

[Dan Zapula]

When I didn't respond, she turned and started to walk away.

[Jesse Cornett]

That's what I thought.

[Dan Zapula]

I sat at the table and watched her walk behind the counter and into the kitchen area of the restaurant. She was back there for two seconds before she came rushing out with her hand over her mouth. I got up and met her in front of the counter. Are you okay? She shook her head.

[Jesse Cornett]

The sacrifices.

[Dan Zapula]

She suddenly started retching, making it impossible for her to continue. I stepped back to give her some space in case she was going to puke. Thankfully, she didn't go.

[Jesse Cornett]

Look.

[Dan Zapula]

She gestured to the kitchen entrance.

[Jesse Cornett]

See what's going to happen to us if we don't find a way out of here.

[Dan Zapula]

After seeing her reaction, I didn't want to go back there.

[Atticus Jackson]

Go.

[Dan Zapula]

Hesitantly, I walked over to the entrance and peered around the corner. Like Samantha, the scene before me made me instantly nauseous. The kitchen looked like a slaughterhouse. Mickey had placed all three bodies of the sacrifice restaurant employees across one of the prep tables so that their heads hung over the edge. He then slid open their throats, letting their blood drain onto the floor. When I peeked my head through the entrance, he was in the process of disemboweling one of them.

[Graham Rowett]

Did you need something?

[Dan Zapula]

In his hands was a thick rope of glistening intestine. I shook my head and quickly turned away. Samantha jabbed her finger toward the kitchen.

[Jesse Cornett]

That's going to be one of us if we don't get that guy out of the restroom.

[Dan Zapula]

Before I could respond, Mickey returned. In his left hand was a knife.

[Graham Rowett]

Did you finish reading the rules?

[Dan Zapula]

Yeah, I did.

[Graham Rowett]

Then you know why I have to do this. It's nothing personal, Just business. I would let you go if I could.

[Dan Zapula]

He placed his right hand over his chest to emphasize his sincerity.

[Graham Rowett]

Seriously?

[Dan Zapula]

Well, I looked over at the clock. We still have 10 minutes.

[Graham Rowett]

Ah, that you do. You should probably use that time to decide which one of you is going to be the sacrifice.

[Dan Zapula]

An idea started to form in my mind. Can I ask a favor?

[Graham Rowett]

Depends what the favor is, most people who ask something of me have to pay a steep price.

[Dan Zapula]

He nodded toward the kitchen and the bodies within. It's nothing like that. I just wanted to know if I could borrow your knife. Mickey eyed me for a moment.

[Graham Rowett]

You're not thinking of trying to be a hero, are you? Because it would take a lot more than this.

[Dan Zapula]

He wiggled the long knife, which looked small in his large hands.

[Jesse Cornett]

What are you doing?

[Dan Zapula]

If you want to get that guy out of the men's room, we need something to pry the door open. That knife is our best shot. I turned back to Mickey. I'm not stupid. The knife isn't for you, okay? Mickey flipped the knife around in his hand and offered it to me by the handle. I didn't know if he agreed so readily because he heard what I said to Samantha or because he knew I wasn't a threat to him. It didn't matter. The important thing was that I got the knife. Thanks. The handle was slick with blood, but I did my best to ignore it. I didn't have time to be picky. Come on. I motioned for Samantha to follow me to the restrooms.

[Graham Rowett]

Tick tock.

[Jesse Cornett]

Do you really think you can get the door open with that?

[Dan Zapula]

I don't know, but I'm gonna try. The men's room door was locked with a deadbolt that had an occupancy indicator on the outside of the it, currently red and showing the word occupied in white. Below the indicator was a little slot that could, if you had the appropriate tool, be used to unlock the door. Since I didn't have the appropriate tool, I was hoping the knife would be a good substitute. Turns out it wasn't. The blade was too wide and didn't go in far enough to reach the mechanisms inside. I as I kept working at it, trying to force the knife in deeper, Samantha leaned in close to get a better look at my progress.

[Jesse Cornett]

I don't think that's going to work. Here, let me try.

[Dan Zapula]

She reached up and tried to take the knife out of my hand, but I moved it before she could grab hold. When I saw the frantic look in her eyes, I realized that our time was almost up. There was no way we were going to get Brynn out in time. That meant that one of us was going to be the last sacrifice.

[Jesse Cornett]

Give it here.

[Dan Zapula]

Samantha grabbed for the knife again. The wild way she came at me made me realize she had no intention of using the knife on the door. She had decided that I should be the last sacrifice. Stay away from me. I held the knife out threatening her.

[Jesse Cornett]

You have to sacrifice.

[Dan Zapula]

Why me? Why shouldn't it be you?

[Jesse Cornett]

Because I'm pregnant.

[Dan Zapula]

No, you're not. You're just saying that to save yourself.

[Jesse Cornett]

It's true. Why do you think I'm hungry all the time? Or why I also seem to have to go pee every hour?

[Dan Zapula]

I lowered the knife, wondering if she really could be pregnant. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that it could be true. We had engaged in some risky behavior on more than one drunken occasion. Why didn't you say something sooner?

[Jesse Cornett]

I was waiting for the right time.

[Dan Zapula]

The knife was now at my side, pointing at the floor. Seeing that I had let my guard down, Samantha seized the opportunity and lunged for the weapon. What happened next was a blur, but I swear it was an accident.

[Jesse Cornett]

You stabbed me.

[Dan Zapula]

She looked down at my hand on the handle of the knife sticking out of her abdomen. I'm sorry. I let go of the handle and stepped back as Samantha crumpled to the floor. I didn't mean to. It was an accident.

[Graham Rowett]

What do we have here?

[Dan Zapula]

Mickey had come out from behind the counter to see what all the commotion was about. She was going to kill me. I was. I was just trying to protect myself. Behind us, I heard the click of the doors being unlocked. Mickey heard it too.

[Graham Rowett]

Looks like you're free to go.

[Dan Zapula]

Without hesitation, I started walking towards the doors.

[Graham Rowett]

Aren't you forgetting something?

[Dan Zapula]

I turned around to see him gesturing at Samantha.

[Graham Rowett]

You're not just going to leave her here, are you?

[Dan Zapula]

I. I thought she was the last sacrifice.

[Graham Rowett]

She wasn't.

[Dan Zapula]

Samantha moaned, twitching slightly. My God, she was still alive. Mickey pointed towards the knife sticking out of the lower part of her abdomen. He was.

[David Cummings]

We'Ll pull over for a bite to eat and a quick word from our sponsor. For ad free extended horror content, you go to sleepless.thenosleeppodcast.com a road trip means you need a reliable phone plan so you can find good restaurants and avoid stopping at sketchy food joints. And with summer right around the corner, the folks at Mint Mobile have a hot take. Getting a summer bawd is out and getting your savings baud is in. This spring and summer, we want skimpy wireless bills and free fat wallets. And with premium wireless plans, for just 15 bucks a month, you can have both without breaking a sweat or the bank. Trust me, I know how good Mint Mobile is. The quality of their service matched with how much I save. Come on, that's the coolest part about summer. Say buh bye to your overpriced wireless plans jaw dropping monthly bills and unexpected overages, Mint Mobile is here to rescue you with personal Premium wireless plans starting at 15 bucks a month. All plans come with high speed data and unlimited talk and text delivered on the nation's largest 5G network. So come on, ditch overpriced wireless and get three months of premium wireless service from Mint Mobile for 15 bucks a month this year. Skip breaking a sweat and breaking the bank. Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at mint mo mint mobile.com NSP that's mint mobile.com NSP upfront payment of $45 for 3 month 5 gigabyte plan required equivalent to 15amonth new customer offer for first 3 months only then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See Mint Mobile for details. Now back to the horror. This next tale needs a branch manager Families are interconnected in many unique ways, and as with the concept of a family tree, there are branches that can go off in unexpected directions. And in this tale shared with us by author Natalie Fenwick, we meet a psychologist who is trying to determine why his patient killed her partner. And we learn that perhaps the metaphor of a family tree is a bit more literal in this case. Performing this tale are Mike Delgadio, Aaron Lillis, and Sarah Thomas. So there are secrets in there, just like how wood can hide a knot.

[Atticus Jackson]

Mrs. Lang? Mrs. Lang? I gently shake the sleeping woman's shoulder. Her hair, caked in dark earth and dried blood, hangs in hard threads around her face. She stirs and repositions herself in the chair. The movement disturbs the air around her, and something like the smell of rain on hot asphalt sets my stomach churning. I force myself not to recoil and remind myself I'm here to help. Then she opens her eyes and I wonder if she was sleeping at all. Mrs. Lang, are you all right? She stretches her arms up over her head and then leans forward, elbows on the table so close I can smell her breath. Her eyes travel over me, taking notes.

[Sarah Thomas]

You a shrink?

[Atticus Jackson]

Flakes of dried blood fall from her lips. That's right. I'm Dr. Aaron Morrow. I'm here to talk about what happened. I fish a notebook out of my bag and take a seat at the table that's bolted to the floor. But first I want you to tell me if you're hurt or experiencing any pain.

[Sarah Thomas]

This isn't my blood, Doctor, but I think you already knew that.

[Atticus Jackson]

Do you know whose blood it is?

[Sarah Thomas]

I do. Do you know whose blood it is?

[Atticus Jackson]

With this, she turns her face to the darkened mirror behind me and smiles. The Detective, whose name I can't remember, had warned me that this wouldn't be easy. We have an idea. We just can't be sure until we find the body. Of course, you could always just tell us.

[Sarah Thomas]

All right then. I know when I'm beat.

[Atticus Jackson]

She digs some red gunk out of her left thumbnail.

[Sarah Thomas]

The blood belongs to my late husband.

[Atticus Jackson]

Your late husband? So he's dead?

[Sarah Thomas]

That's right. Well, apart from the husband part, it's just a word we used. We were never married.

[Atticus Jackson]

I didn't know that. I take out my pen and write that down. It's important that we find him as soon as possible. Just in case you're wrong. Could you tell me where you left Michael? She smiles as she sucks air through her teeth.

[Sarah Thomas]

Sure, sure. The cops picked me up on Crane street, right?

[Atticus Jackson]

I nod.

[Sarah Thomas]

Well, then I must have left him in his special place down by the lake. We always take Crane street on our way back.

[Atticus Jackson]

Is it a cabin or something? His place by the lake?

[Sarah Thomas]

Oh, no. Just a certain spot he likes. Got a great view of the water.

[Atticus Jackson]

I study her as she wipes some dirt off her forearm. I'm finding it hard to believe that she would be able to kill a man. She's slight, with deep blue eyes and that angular jaw I tend to prefer. Probably a real beauty when she was young.

[Sarah Thomas]

I guess I'm gonna have to give the detective better directions, aren't I?

[Atticus Jackson]

She's once more more looking at the mirror behind me.

[Sarah Thomas]

You gotta look on the North Shore, about a mile from the Crane street entrance, there's a little outcrop of black rock and a tree with limbs that look like a dancing lady. You'll know it when you see it. That's where you'll find Michael.

[Atticus Jackson]

Faint voices come from behind the mirror, and then there's a flurry of activity in the hall outside the interview room. The tension in my neck eases a little. Maybe this is going to be easier than that, Detective thought. I stifle a smirk, happy to prove him wrong again. I think about leaving this all behind and moving to Florida. I've done my part, helped a lot of people, and the world can do without me now. I can almost smell the warm ocean air pulling me along past all my favorite homes wants.

[Sarah Thomas]

Dr.

[Atticus Jackson]

I feel my face turn hot and red. I'm very sorry. I didn't get much sleep last night.

[Sarah Thomas]

That's all right. I understand.

[Atticus Jackson]

I wonder when the evidence collection guy will arrive to process her. There's certainly lots of it, some of it collecting in A dusty heap around her feet. A patrol car came across her wandering aimlessly down the street, looking like she'd clawed her way out of a quick grave. She hadn't said a word to anyone, but was identified as Mrs. Colleen Lang by a nurse at the hospital. Her husband, Michael, was a frequent flyer there, always reeking of alcohol and covered in small injuries. After they hadn't been able to locate him, they brought her down to the station for questioning and called me in to help get her talking. Would it be all right if we spread spoke some more about Michael? Your relationship with him, I mean.

[Sarah Thomas]

Sure. Sure. What do you want to know? How we met? How long we've been together? That kind of thing?

[Atticus Jackson]

Yeah, that kind of thing. I leaned back and let her talk.

[Sarah Thomas]

We met in night school back in 85. We were both there learning refrigerator repair. Only woman in the class. But I got treated all right by more. Most of them back then. Michael had a sweet way about him, always opening the door for me, never touching me, sharing his notes if I ever missed a class. Addie was only little back then, and her real dad didn't want no part of raising a kid. All my family was dead or moved away, so it was just me and Addie. After a while, it was me and Addie and Michael. He moved in with us in the fall of 86.

[Atticus Jackson]

I watch as she starts to twist the cuff of her shirt around and around until the tips of her fingers turn purple. I make a mental note that her daughter might be a sensitive topic. You have a daughter?

[Sarah Thomas]

Yeah. But she's moved away now, too. Florida, last I heard.

[Atticus Jackson]

The coincidence shuffled through my mind, and I resist the urge to tell her. I was just thinking about Florida. God, I really am off my game today. Does she like it there?

[Sarah Thomas]

I don't know. We don't talk anymore.

[Atticus Jackson]

Why is that? Did she and Michael not get along?

[Sarah Thomas]

No, they got along just fine. Mostly they treated each other good. She and I had a phone out the day after she left for college. I can't even remember what it was about. Then she met some guy I didn't like the sound of. She wouldn't let me meet him. Michael told me it was normal. He said kids are supposed to move on. Do you think so, too, Doctor?

[Atticus Jackson]

I suppose it would depend on the circumstances.

[Sarah Thomas]

You got kids, Dr. Morrow?

[Atticus Jackson]

I do. I keep it light, hoping she'll leave it at that.

[Sarah Thomas]

Well, I'm sure you're a good daddy. I had one, too. Tilly wasn't.

[Atticus Jackson]

She turns her attention back to her sleeve. Cuff. I think we should keep talking about you and Michael for now. But later, if you want, we can talk about that. She lets out a sigh and rests her hands on the table.

[Sarah Thomas]

Sure.

[Atticus Jackson]

Sure.

[Sarah Thomas]

We lived together all these years, and like I said, he was a good daddy to Addie and a good husband to me. Then he got in a wreck and it messed his head up pretty good. After that, he'd do things to hurt me, to twist me up and make me angry.

[Atticus Jackson]

What kind of things?

[Sarah Thomas]

You know, the usual. Beat me and stepped out with other women. The last time was the last time I decided that me, I wasn't gonna take it anymore.

[Atticus Jackson]

I'm sorry you had to go through that, Mrs. Lang. Traumatic brain injuries can change people. Did you try to get help when you got physical with you call the police, file a report, that kind of thing?

[Sarah Thomas]

The first couple times I did. Got a restraining order and everything, but it only helped for a little while. I found help somewhere else after that.

[Atticus Jackson]

Where? A women's refuge or something?

[Sarah Thomas]

No, nothing like that. I made a list and checked it twice.

[Atticus Jackson]

Then she smiles in a way that makes my skin crawl. My son's birthday is on Christmas Eve. I clear my throat and push a twinge of unease down as far as it will go. She can't know that she's trying to lay a foundation for an insanity defense by acting all unhinged. That's it. That's all it is. Did you make the list for your lawyer to use as evidence?

[Sarah Thomas]

No. I gave it to the tree.

[Atticus Jackson]

The tree. I understand now that I have made a mistake and that I am nowhere near finished with Mrs. Lang. Before she can answer, the evidence technician knocks on the door. He asks me to leave, and as I wait in the hallway, the light above me starts to flicker. The evidence technician steps out of the room and silently motions for me to go back in. Mrs. Lang is cleaner now, wearing a white paper jumpsuit, her small body just barely holding it up. You mentioned a tree before. I don't think she's heard me. Ben.

[Sarah Thomas]

You live around here?

[Atticus Jackson]

Yes. My son and I moved to Chapel Hill about a year ago.

[Sarah Thomas]

Why here? Surely there are better, bigger places for a man like you.

[Atticus Jackson]

My wife grew up around the area, and I thought my son could use a change. He said had a tough time recently.

[Sarah Thomas]

She grew up here, but only the two of you moved down. How's that work?

[Atticus Jackson]

I hesitate. I don't know how much I want to share about April. My wife died. It was very sudden. I wanted him to feel closer to her. I Don't tell her how I'd walked in on him, talking to her as though she were right in front of him more times than I could count. Or about his dreams. All that seems to be getting much better now anyway. Maybe it was just that place. The city can be so hard on a sensitive kid. I fold my hands on my lap and watch her closely.

[Sarah Thomas]

A widower? Well, then, your boy must think the world of you.

[Atticus Jackson]

Is Addie your only child? I ask, trying to move the conversation forward. She purses her lips for a moment before speaking again.

[Sarah Thomas]

Yes. After she was born, the doctors told me I couldn't have any more kids, but that didn't bother me much. But it was enough. I should have kept that in mind when I met Michael. I didn't need him. Didn't need him at all. But I wanted him. I wanted someone to need me. Funny that.

[Atticus Jackson]

Ain't it, Mrs. Lang, I say, mirroring the way she's leaned forward in her chair. What happened to him? What did you do to Michael? She closes her eyes and tips her chin toward the ceiling. I can't be sure, but I think she's trembling.

[Sarah Thomas]

I gave him to the tree. My grandmother's tree. The dancing lady.

[Atticus Jackson]

She exhales slowly, eyes still closed, like she's watching something play out. I feel the tension bite my neck again. I thought you said the tree was Michael's special place.

[Sarah Thomas]

My grandmother planted it with my mother. It became Michael's place when he asked for forgiveness. It's where his sins lie.

[Atticus Jackson]

Is that the list you mentioned? You made a list of his sins and he asked to be absolved?

[Sarah Thomas]

That's right. Although again, that word's not quite right. He didn't exactly ask.

[Atticus Jackson]

Did you make him go to the tree, Mrs. Lang? She is not as clean as I first thought. The streaks of blood down her neck stand out against her pale, thin skin, and they seem to glisten. Now I convince myself that it's impossible, a trick of the harsh light in the interview room. They can't be fresh and wet. I feel a kiss of air brush my ear as she speaks.

[Sarah Thomas]

Most of us, us normal folks, have a whole bunch of sins, but they balance out with our good stuff. Wouldn't you agree, Doctor?

[Atticus Jackson]

Before I can respond, she continues, michael's.

[Sarah Thomas]

Sins, they tipped the balance, unfortunately. All those little sins. Thousand tiny black marks on his soul. I was as patient as I could be, waiting for his good catch up with his bad. I did try to see the good in him, but he just kept chipping away at me, bit by bit.

[Atticus Jackson]

I feel that trickle of air again as the light above flickers and then winks out. The room dissolves into inky darkness. Mrs. Lang? I say, panic edging its way up my vocal cords. Mrs. Lang? Mrs. I've always had a thing about the dark, ever since that time with my sister. I was 8 and she pushed me into our parents windowless little bathroom before locking the door. She left me there all alone while she went to the movies. My dad found me when he got home from work, sitting in a puddle of my own piss, white as a sheet. My sister got a real walloping later, but I got the feeling it was more for taking the bathroom light bulb out than for scaring me. It wasn't the first time she'd done something like that, but it was the first time I heard the darkness and all the unseen gods that give it voice. They like to tell stories. Mrs. Lang? Her soft voice comes from my left.

[Sarah Thomas]

I'm right here. Where are you, Dr. Morrow?

[Atticus Jackson]

I can smell her bloody breath again, only this time there's another sweeter scent just below it. Soil and leaves and rain. I try to move my feet, but they feel heavy, weighted. Then the tube flickers and the white light fills the room again. Mrs. Lang is where she has been the whole time, leaning back into her chair across the table from me.

[Sarah Thomas]

Everything all right?

[Atticus Jackson]

Yes. I guess the wiring must be old. I pretend to take notes as I focus on my breathing, trying hard to convince myself she wasn't just right next to me that the light really is on and that those mumbling gods aren't real.

[Sarah Thomas]

You ever heard of a mother tree, Dr. Morrow?

[Atticus Jackson]

My stomach ties itself into a thick knot as April's face comes to me. My wife was a botanist. Actually, she was more or less obsessed with the idea. I never could figure out why. Why? I always thought it was a little fanciful.

[Sarah Thomas]

But you know what it is?

[Atticus Jackson]

Oh, sure. It's the theory that trees. Some trees can nourish and communicate with one another through an underground fungal network. The older trees nourish the younger ones. She nods her head. Did I get it right?

[Sarah Thomas]

Yeah, just about. You could add a little romance to it, though, I'm guessing. And you're not close with your own family. Don't see the need for that connection.

[Atticus Jackson]

It's just me and my son since my wife died.

[Sarah Thomas]

And when he hurts, isn't there a place in you that hurts too?

[Atticus Jackson]

Maybe sometimes.

[Sarah Thomas]

I can feel my daughter right now. I know she's okay. She wasn't for a while, but she's better now. I can feel my mother too. She's stroking my hair.

[Atticus Jackson]

My heel starts tapping an impatient staccato on the worn linoleum. That's not good. I'm never going to get out of here if she doesn't stop talking about trees and mold. Or if I get impatient, I stop my foot and meterize. Did you have a good relationship with her? Your mother, I mean?

[Sarah Thomas]

My mother was a saint. Fed us all before taking a bite herself. My daddy killed her the summer I turned six.

[Atticus Jackson]

She shrugs her shoulders before a wistful expression settles on her face.

[Sarah Thomas]

It's all right, though. Daddy didn't understand what he was doing, had no idea what he was tempting.

[Atticus Jackson]

I'm Sorry about that, Mrs. Lang. That must have been very hard. She just nods her head again. Is your grandmother's dancing lady a mother tree, Mrs. Lang?

[Sarah Thomas]

No, I don't reckon so. It's just a regular silver maple, same as any other. The only thing that makes it different is how it came to be planted.

[Atticus Jackson]

And how did that happen, Mrs. Lang? She pulls her mouth tight, so tight I can barely see her lips, then slowly starts to nod her head.

[Sarah Thomas]

Yeah, I guess it's time. I ain't never told no one this, not nobody. But I guess given our situation here, I can tell you thank you.

[Atticus Jackson]

I'd be glad to hear all about it. As she starts to speak, a droplet of blood falls from her chin onto her white jumpsuit. I can't figure out why it looks wrong.

[Sarah Thomas]

When my mother was just a little thing, her daddy, Grandpa Ray, would be gone for long weeks on end, laying track for the railroad to see. My grandmother had to manage the hogs all on her own, feeding, breeding, and all the killing. Eventually his time away got longer and longer. Turns out he had a whole other family two counties over. A younger, prettier wife, two little boys, and a dog. I think it was the dog that really drove my grandmother over the edge. See, my mother had been begging and pleading for one since she could talk, but he never let her keep one. My grandmother just couldn't forgive him that. I heard she hit him in the head with the back of an axe while he was fishing, then slit his throat from ear to ear. They planted that tree right on top of him. After that day, they said they could feel what the other was thinking and feeling.

[Atticus Jackson]

I realized that the droplet isn't blood at all. It looks more like SAP, sticky and dark. I feel my feet grow cold and when I look down to my notepad I see that I've drawn a tree, twisted and sharp I don't remember doing. Reminds me of something. One of their stories about a boy with antlers that slips down into the underworld on a quest to rescue his love, only to willingly succumb to the darkness below. He is transformed into a gnarled and naughty tree that poisons the ground itself, sparking famine and a disease that lays waste to his home. I'd forgotten about it until now. Is that why you mentioned the mother tree? Mrs. Lang, were your mother and grandmother that way?

[Sarah Thomas]

Reckon so, yeah. Cuz I was that way with my mother. And then of course, my daughter. Last I heard, she had a little boy. A winter child. Sometimes I feel him just too, though it's always stronger with women.

[Atticus Jackson]

A winter child?

[Sarah Thomas]

Oh, I just mean he was born around Christmas is all.

[Atticus Jackson]

Huh. That's so.

[Sarah Thomas]

Yep. Christmas Eve, actually. He must be a good kid if I can feel him. Bad ones are always connected to the other thing.

[Atticus Jackson]

She looks at me and then smiles, her teeth not quite touching. I look away. The cold in my feet has now inched its way up to my knees. I try and shift my weight in the chair, but can't. There's a sound now, a chittering rustle. Soft. At first I thought it might be water in the pipes, but the louder it gets, the more certain I am that it's a million beetles crawling over my body. The sound and the scent of a familiar perfume that shouldn't be here are making me dizzy. I have to get help. I have to move. I. I suddenly don't feel so well. Mrs. Lang. My legs. I look up as the light starts to flicker again and I see that her chair is empty. Nothing but a fine dusting of red flakes remains on the seat. I can't move. The cold is creeping up my chest and. And that wet scent of rich earth and all its crawling things fills the room. My chest feels heavy. An invisible weight pressing down on me. Then her voice. Her voice is in my ear. I can't turn. I can't see her face.

[Sarah Thomas]

Your wife, Dr. Morrow. How did she die?

[Atticus Jackson]

I feel a wet finger tracing circles on the back of my neck. Please, Mrs. Lang, get help. I can't move.

[Sarah Thomas]

How did she die, Aaron?

[Atticus Jackson]

The circles become letters, the finger pressing down harder with each stroke. I can't make them out. I don't want to make them out. The light finally sputters out and I am enveloped in thick silence. I can't feel my arms. The air, thick with the smell of long dead things, is ice cold.

[Sarah Thomas]

How Did April die, Doctor?

[Atticus Jackson]

Her voice fills the darkness, coming from all corners. My breath is fast and shallow as everything shifts and I feel myself being pulled up, rising into the crushing pitch. Black, black. Ahead of me is a tiny light. The pinprick star shatters into an explosion of shining white threads suspended in nothing, the web of soft filaments edging ever closer to me. Wonder if I'm wrong, if I've made a mistake. Because for a second, it's all so achingly beautiful. I welcome it, extend my arms toward the threads, and before they even touch me, I hear children's laughter. My son's laughter. This teacher is playing a song on the guitar, and all the kids are dancing and giggling. I see her, but I don't see him. I understand. I'm watching through his eyes. The guitar and laughter recede. And now I'm. I'm confronted with my old kitchen. I. I see myself. Red face. I'm very angry. Yelling. I take a step back, but that only makes the other me advance. I feel my hands around a neck I know is not mine. It's her fine, beautiful neck that I like to nuzzle against in the dark hours. She's my totem, keeping me safe from the gods and their stories. It. It was an accident. I don't know how it happened. My cheeks are wet with tears.

[Sarah Thomas]

Oh, but you do, Doctor. And I know because she showed me.

[Atticus Jackson]

Her voice sounds far away now, muffled. She can't have shown you.

[Sarah Thomas]

I feel her now, still becoming part of the earth again. Just like I felt you grab her throat, felt your fingernails tear her skin. I felt you choke the life out of my Adeline.

[Atticus Jackson]

Oh, God. I remember now. I. I'd seen it before on paperwork. Adeline. April Morrow. She went by her middle name. April. Said her mother died.

[Sarah Thomas]

I told you, Doctor. We had an argument just before. Just before you took her from me. I felt her heart. Warm again. I was gonna find her and save her from you. No.

[Atticus Jackson]

You're a liar, Emma.

[Sarah Thomas]

How did you get to the station, Doctor? Do you remember the route you took? The call from the detective? Do you remember what he looked like?

[Atticus Jackson]

I remember. I remember walking to my front door, past April's photograph on the hall table with that. That little clay turtle my son had made for her, stuck to the glass. He was already at school because his backpack wasn't on the hook. I remember opening the door. There was a figure. It pressed its hand over my mouth. There. There was a bad smell. And then the interview room. But before that was a. A space nothingness. I could hear the gods and they were telling me a story.

[David Cummings]

Where am I?

[Atticus Jackson]

Laughter fills the dark.

[Sarah Thomas]

Oh, but you know where you are. You're with Michael now. He's been here a while. Actually, the last time really was the last time. I buried him under the dancing lady next to my daddy and grandparay.

[Atticus Jackson]

Now I feel the insects burrowing into my clothes. I thought of my son and his little round face as I tipped her body over the barrier into the river. The water had done its job well and there wasn't much left of her when they pulled her out. She had a history, so there weren't so many questions.

[David Cummings]

Oh God help me.

[Sarah Thomas]

God don't want you no more.

[Atticus Jackson]

But I think you know My mouth is full of wet soil. Leaves and hollowed out husks work their way into my nose. I can't breathe. I start to choke. I feel a gentle tugging all over my skin, then a probing, the shining threads breaking my skin like feathery needles. They send me April, her face lit with the morning sun, smiling as she looks down at our baby. Her arm has a dark blue bruise the size of my hand. Then she's dancing in a field, the long grass catching her dress with a basket of clippings in her hands, swaying in time to the music only she can hear. Her left eye is red and swollen. Her voice comes from within me now. Where are you Aaron? For a long time I am nowhere, nothing but ears and a voice arrest. But don't sleep until I am roused by the quiet whimpering of someone who is afraid. I want to tell them that I am afraid too, that I am also scared of the dark. I call out and the whimpering stops. They start to listen. They listen to my story.

[David Cummings]

Our phone lines have been cut. The cell signals are lost, but we will return to delve into your darkest hang ups when the calls will be coming from inside your house. The no Sleep Podcast is presented by Creative Reason Media. The musical score was composed by Brandon Moon. Our production team is Phil Mikulski, Jeff Clement, Jesse Cornett, and Claudius Moore. Our editorial team is Jessica McAvoy, Ashley McInally, Ollie A. White and Kristen Samido. To discover how you can get even more sleepless horror stories from us, just visit sleepless.the no Sleep podcast.com to learn about the Sleepless Sanctuary. Ad Free extended episodes each week and lots of bonus content for the dark hours. All for one low monthly price. On behalf of everyone at the no Sleep Podcast, we thank you for taking our nightmarish calls. This audio program is copyright 2024 and 2025 by Creative Reason Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The copyrights for each story are held by the respective authors. No duplication or reproduction of this audio program is permitted without the written consent of Creative Reason Media, Inc.