09.27.2022 - By Escape Artists Foundation
* Author : Kelly Sandoval
* Narrator : Eleiece Krawiec
* Host : Tarver Nova
* Audio Producers : Devin Martin and Pria Wood
*
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First appeared in Shimmer Magazine
Rated PG
This episode is a part of our Tales from the Vaults series, in which a member of PodCastle’s staff chooses a backlist episode to highlight and discuss. This week’s episode was chosen by associate editor Tarver Nova. “The One They Took Before” originally aired as PodCastle 388.
The One They Took Before
by Kelly Sandoval
Rift opened in my backyard. About six feet tall and one foot wide. Appears to open onto a world of endless twilight and impossible beauty. Makes a ringing noise like a thousand tiny bells. Call (206) 555-9780 to identify.
Kayla reads the listing twice, knowing the eager beating of her heart is ridiculous. One page back, someone claims they found a time machine. Someone else has apparently lost their kidneys.
The Internet isn’t real. That’s what she likes about it. And if the post is real, the best thing she can do is pretend she never saw it.
After all, she’s doing better. She sees a therapist, now. She’s had a couple of job interviews.
She calls the number.