WAITING FOR OCTOBER S1 – E4 – “Big City”
by D.J. Sylvis
ANNOUNCER: There is a world – one of many that touches ours – known as October. One of the archetypes; one of the realities that is a source for our stories. It is not difficult to reach, if you know the way – you can experience their wildness for yourself, adventure there, and live, and love. But be wary – perhaps more than any other existence, here there be monsters …
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
SCENE ONE
SOUND: Subway background – train in motion (ongoing, kinda loud)
YVONNE
(a bit louder than usual)
She drops the book, and there are mushrooms growing out of it! Oyster mushrooms, right between the pages!
KARO
(similarly louder)
How does that even happen?
YVONNE
And then she’s, “You said no late fees,” and just stood there like I’m the weird one. I’m thinking, “Maybe in October this would fly, but not Albany!”
SOUND: A sequence of two or three harsh tones, and a voice over the speakers
GREMLIN 1
Next stop … Krelborn Market. Krelborn … Market.
YVONNE
Is that us?
KARO
One more. Hang on –
SOUND: The subway screeching to a halt; Karo and Yvonne reacting
SOUND: The same harsh tones again; the train door opening
GREMLIN 1
Krelborn Market … shopping district. Yum … yum … yum …
(they laugh wildly)
GREMLIN 2
Stay back! From the doors. Stay back.
SOUND: The door closes again and the subway suddenly moves again; the Gremlins laugh
YVONNE
Do they have to lean in so hard?
KARO
It’s fun, right? They’re very safety-conscious, don’t worry.
SOUND: A bit of a screech as the train hits a curve
YVONNE
At least it got us out of downtown. That was getting to be a lot, and not in the fun Pixar way I expected.
KARO
I didn’t realize it was so … not designed for people. And I screwed up, trying to cross at the canals.
YVONNE
You didn’t know! I am glad I got to see it. That building where they do King Kong reenactments was cool, that Sasquatch did a really nice job. I’m just … glad now to be out of there, too.
KARO
Same. I’m hoping things get more relaxing from here.
YVONNE
Fingers crossed. Are you … you know, doing okay?
GREMLIN 2
(over the speaker, fading in and out – see italicized text)
Attention passengers, this train is out of service at the next stop.
YVONNE
What was that?
GREMLIN 2
Next stop … this train will be out of service.
YVONNE
Some things are the same in either world.
KARO
This is us anyway.
GREMLIN 1
Next stop … Brundle Heights. Brundle …
SOUND: The train screeches to a hard stop, the doors sliding open
GREMLIN 1
… Heights. Residential –
GREMLIN 2
(interrupting)
This train is now out of service. Bye bye … bye bye.
(both gremlins laugh)
SOUND: People milling about, indistinct voices grumbling, footsteps (Yvonne using the cane)
SOUND: Transition to subway station background (ongoing)
YVONNE
It could have been worse. When I was a kid, I always rode in the front car so I could see into the tunnels.
KARO
That would have been a lot worse. The cars are sorted by size.
YVONNE
They all look the same size to me.
KARO
Size of the passengers. You would have been squished.
YVONNE
Which way do we go?
KARO
Follow everyone else, I guess. Grey’s friend is meeting us at this little park, it shouldn’t be too hard to find.
SOUND: A bit of a mechanical noise as they get to the escalator (ongoing)
YVONNE
An escalator that works. Chalk one up for the gremlins.
(after a moment)
Have you talked to Grey? I know he was pretty –
KARO
I’ve got the park on my app. Cities can be a little trickier – more monsters, more stories. But we’ll figure it out.
YVONNE
It’s a new adventure for both of us.
SOUND: We hear a disgruntled noise from behind them, and someone running past with a burst of inhuman laughter
YVONNE
Watch it! Watch something, I guess, I didn’t see anyone there.
KARO
Probably a kobold. They go invisible during puberty, right when they’re the biggest pains in the ass.
SOUND: Another burst of laughter
KARO
I will fight you!
YVONNE
Karo! If they’re kids …
SOUND: The escalator ends; we hear a few more footsteps then the turnstiles as they leave
SOUND: Automatic door; transition from subway station background to city background – fairly low noise (ongoing) – occasional cars, voices, etc.
KARO
And … we’re out.
YVONNE
This is definitely less stressful … but still with that delightful urban feel you want in your monster-city getaway. Public transit is tucked away safe underground, allowing for ample foot traffic … and, umm, roof traffic, and sky traffic …
KARO
All right, you.
SOUND: A shop door opening in the background; an electronic bell sound; closing again
YVONNE
(she reads a sign in the shop window)
“Moonlight special on our Wild-Size Subs! Iced Coffee! Empanadillas! Veg friendly.” Now that sounds interesting – we’ve got some time, right?
KARO
I could use a drink. They’ll probably have your chips, too.
YVONNE
Good thing you’re paying!
SOUND: The electronic bell sound as she opens the door
SOUND: Transition from city background to convenience store background (ongoing)
SOUND: Music cue – “Pop Monster” (ongoing in the background)
SOUND: Branches rustling sporadically through the scene when Gabi is talking / moving
NOTE: The lines in italics for Gabi are translated into Spanish; the English is only for transcription purposes. Translation of the first line below: “If you don’t get the water back on today, you won’t get the rent tomorrow! Or I could just break into the pipes myself …”
GABI
Si no pones esa agua hoy, no te voy a pagar esa renta mañana! O yo solita podría romper esa maldita tuberías.
(without any real pause)
That’s what I thought. Before five; my night guy’s semi-aquatic.
SOUND: Hitting disconnect on her phone
GABI
Sorry. ¿Qué es la que hay? What can I get you? I can’t do hot food right now; we’ve got a little water problem. I’ve got empanadillas, I baked those last night. And coffee, tea, ent-draught; I can do those with bottled water.
KARO
I’m gonna look around.
GABI
Sure. Anything for you, honey?
YVONNE
Sorry, I’m just … I love your foliage! The red and gold is really amazing.
SOUND: Gabi’s branches rustle a few times while she speaks:
GABI
Ohhh, thank you! They’re my natural colours. You should see me in full bloom! Anyway, can I get you anything? Empanadillas, we’ve got chicken – that’s “chicken,” pizza, and one queso left.
YVONNE
I’m grabbing that queso. Karo, do you want one?
SOUND: Back of the store, we hear a cooler opening and closing again
KARO
(back of the store by now)
I’m good.
YVONNE
Is the “chicken” soy-based?
GABI
I use TVP. Adobo, some garlic, my own sofrito …
YVONNE
You’ve got me. One of those, too.
GABI
(translation for the below is “I knew you would.)
‘Chacha, yo lo sabia. Anything to drink?
YVONNE
I’m curious. Is that “ent-draught” okay for humans?
GABI
Oh, it’s more than okay.
YVONNE
I’m still kinda new to this side.
KARO
(overlapping a little)
Have you got Chua chips?
GABI
There should be more up above. I’ve got you; branch incoming.
SOUND: A branch extending in that direction
YVONNE
That’s pretty handy.
GABI
It saves me trying to walk in here.
SOUND: Chip bags rustling in the back; paper rustling at the counter
GABI
Chicken and queso for you; regular ent-draught – is lemon-lime okay?
YVONNE
Absolutely. Karo?
KARO
Just a minute.
SOUND: Background, Gabi using a soda fountain to get Yvonne’s drink
GABI
(translation for the below is “So, new girl.”)
Pues, muchacha. How’s this world been treating you? You good with stepping into a story and all?
YVONNE
It’s been … mostly good, overall good. We’ve been back and forth a bunch of times now – Karo’s from here, they’ve kept me on the right path.
KARO
Metaphorically, at least.
GABI
That’s good to hear! I’ve seen newbies get caught up, that sort of thing, it’s not …
YVONNE
That did happen the one time, with the Lindworm, but it was okay in the end!
GABI
No way, you met the Lindworm? And got tangled in xir story?
(translation is, “Where did I put my notebook, I’ve got to get some of this on paper)
Adonde pusé mi libreta? Nesecito escribir un poquito en papel …
SOUND: Karo dumping their stuff on the counter
KARO
(wary)
This stuff too, and that should be it.
GABI
Sorry, I’m not being a snoop. I’m doing my PhD in Narrative Structure right now, and you fit right into my thesis. It’s hard to find cases that aren’t already written up, you know?
YVONNE
Of course.
GABI
I’m researching Analeptical Rhythms – it’s an internal plot thing that happens here, kinda like you’ve got an internal clock? There’s this flow of past and present, flashback and foreshadowing, that we’re tied to in the same way. And I think that’s what gets disrupted when you’re caught in someone else’s story.
(translation – “I could show you my -”)
Yo puedo enseñarte mi – I could show you my research! Where is that notebook …
SOUND: A bit of scrabbling around as she tries to find it
KARO
It does sound interesting, but we need to get going.
YVONNE
I could come back later, maybe? If I can help with your studies … it is one of the things I do.
GABI
I would be so grateful! And you too, we could look at the comparison with … I didn’t get your name!
YVONNE
Yvonne, and this is Karo.
GABI
Yvonne – there’s this way it shows up in side characters that’s different – it’s not an insult, I promise! Not here.
(translation – “I’m a side character!”)
Soy una persona secondaria! I’m the same, it’s why I got interested –
KARO
(softer now, but insistent)
We really do need to go.
SOUND: Gabi ringing up all their purchases – old school register
YVONNE
I wonder if that rhythm thing would be different for Karo, though. They’ve been living in my world for a few decades. Do you think that changes things?
GABI
I – I don’t know. I’d have to do some reading! I’d love to find out, I’d really love to talk more with you both! Por favor? Oh, it’s thirteen thirty-five.
KARO
Maybe. Here you go.
(after a moment)
Thanks.
SOUND: Footsteps, the door opening, the electronic bell sound
YVONNE
We’ll … see you later, I hope. Thank you!
SOUND: She hurries out; the door closes
NOTE: Translation of the line below is: “The other one was kind of a sourpuss, though. Okay, where did I leave that notebook …”
GABI
What a nice girl. Aquella era como amargada. Aye! Pero donde dejé mi libreta?
SOUND: Some branches rustling around
SOUND: Convenience store background fades out
(The scene ends.)
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
SCENE TWO
SOUND: City street background (ongoing)
SOUND: Hurried footsteps (Yvonne, remember the cane)
YVONNE
Hey there, wait up. Are we running late?
SOUND: Both sets of footsteps slow down to a normal pace
KARO
No, I’m sorry. I just … here’s your chips.
YVONNE
You just …
KARO
I’m sure what she said is right. I remember some of that from school. But I wasn’t ready for an academic discussion about how I screwed up by crossing over. Or … by bringing you back with me.
YVONNE
Maybe I should have given you some time on your own, first. Not that I’m granting your premise – I don’t think you screwed up either way. But it’s hard to break down your old stuff while you’re trying to build something new with me.
KARO
Do you want to go back? Or I could leave you at that shop for a while …
YVONNE
I’m not saying that at all. If you need time, we can adjust things – but any adventure you want me on, I’m right with you. After all, I’m canonically your side character.
KARO
(laughs)
I’m not granting that premise.
YVONNE
We better go, right?
KARO
Yeah.
YVONNE
Well, let your app lead the way.
SOUND: City street background fades
SOUND: Whatever little effect we’re going to use to indicate passage of time
SOUND: City park background (ongoing)
SOUND: Cards being slapped down, one after another
YUJIN
No, you gotta shoot it. Turn that card over. That cannon’s done until next round; now it’s my turn. I’m using my carrack – that’s the ship you just missed, bad luck, sprog – and I’m close enough to board you. That starts hand to hand combat.
SOUND: Cards being flipped over in successsion
YUJIN
Flip your crew pile – the crew, that’s your pirate cards. Not those ones – you can’t pull from a dead man’s hand.
SOUND: There is some insect-like chittering, and cards sliding around
YUJIN
Hey, we started with the same deck. It’s not my fault I’ve been to that world and I know how a buccaneer works.
KARO
(in the background)
I think that’s them.
SOUND: More of the chittering
YUJIN
I don’t like your tone. If you’re not gonna play fair, drop the cards I won and we’ll call it.
KARO
(closer now; note the pronunciation is the same as “Eugene”)
You’re Yujin, right?
YUJIN
That’s me. You’re Grey’s friend? Just a second, I’m finishing up here.
(sternly, kinda growling)
Hey. I took the time to teach you Golden Ocean. I sold you a starter kit at cost. Drop the cards I won, or I’ll show you what else I learned in that adventure world.
SOUND: More chittering, a hiss, cards being dropped, and scurrying feet running away
YUJIN
Good thing, I never went further than the market. I could have told her the exchange rate with doubloons.
SOUND: Scooping up all the cards, putting them away
YUJIN
Anyway, right, I’m Yujin, you’ve got to be Karo? And Karo’s girlfriend – I’m sorry, I missed your name. He tends to growl a little on voice calls.
YVONNE
Yvonne. Was that some pirate version of Magic cards?
YUJIN
I don’t know what those are. Golden Ocean is a fully original card gaming system I might hold a small financial interest in, rapidly growing among fans of endeavour-based fiction. I could give you a significant discount on a beginner’s deck.
YVONNE
Not after seeing your last satisfied customer.
KARO
Grey said you could give us a good starting point for exploring the city.
YUJIN
You’re standing in it. Trampier Park, heart of the “Monster Manual” – that’s what they call this area because of the diversity. Goblins, kobolds, a few ogres though that’s a little out of scale, a bunch of the Wilds run down here after dark. We’ve got Gill Folks in the sewers, gargoyles who commute downtown, changers, of course we bugbears fit right in, it’s been a bugbear neighbourhood for generations …
YVONNE
Bugbear! It was right on the tip of my tongue.
YUJIN
So pick a direction, and I shall be your guide! Of course, a small donation is appreciated …
KARO
How do you know Grey, anyway?
SOUND: In the background, halfway through the next line, we’ll hear Frederick in the distance running toward us and crying out “Yujin! Yujin!” over and over
YUJIN
We used to play chess online, until he got tired of me beating him. I offered to help with his game, but –
FREDERICK
(at this point close enough to cut Yujin off)
Yujin! Yujin! Yujin! Yujin! Yujin! Yuuuuujiin! Yujin! Out of my way – Yujiiiiin!
YUJIN
Whoa! Hold on, friend.
YVONNE
So pretty! I love torties.
FREDERICK
Who are you? Who are you? I don’t know you.
KARO
Hey, I’m Karo, this is Yvonne.
YUJIN
They’re okay, they’re with me.
(brief pause)
Frederick’s just a little dude who’s looking for their place.
FREDERICK
Yvonne smells like home. Watch out, there’s a pigeon over there. Two pigeons. And a hoodwink behind that tree. And a – that’s a leaf, that’s safe.
YUJIN
Is everything okay? You ran in like your tail was on fire.
FREDERICK
(with an anxious little “mrrowp”)
Nothing’s wrong with my tail. Wait! Yujin! Yujin, I heard things! I was in one of the stacked-up houses no one’s using – I heard things I didn’t like. I ran away to you!
KARO
It’s okay, little guy.
FREDERICK
(a bit of a hiss)
Don’t pick me up!
KARO
Ow!
YUJIN
He’s not a cuddly kind of cat.
FREDERICK
I’m sorry. Don’t pick me up!
YUJIN
What did you hear that got you so riled up?
FREDERICK
Yujin! I heard – I heard – voices. Voices with no one there to say them!
YVONNE
Oh, right, we heard that too. It was just kobolds.
FREDERICK
I can smell kobolds.
YUJIN
Yeah, any regular monster or human, they’re gonna smell them.
FREDERICK
I couldn’t smell anything!
KARO
Maybe it was just somebody’s TV?
YUJIN
I know the buildings they mean, there’s no power in any of them.
SOUND: We hear them petting the cat, and the resulting purrs
FREDERICK
Scritches …
YUJIN
It’s a pretty elaborate prank to play on an alley cat.
YVONNE
It sounds like you’ve eliminated all the possibilities, unless there’s some sort of –
FREDERICK
Ghosts! I think it was ghosts. Nothing to smell, nothing to see, just voices. Ghosts.
(after a moment)
That goblin dropped a hot dog.
SOUND: We hear Frederick dash away
YVONNE
(after a moment)
So. Umm …
KARO
Yujin, you really think they’re ghosts?
YUJIN
I would have said no, but … Frederick’s seen just about anything, they get around more than I do.
YVONNE
Are they … you know, just a cat? I mean, a cat cat. No special parts or powers or …
YUJIN
I don’t know any different.
YVONNE
Of course, if any animal is gonna find ghosts, it’ll be an everyday cat.
(There is an extended, uncertain silence.)
SOUND: Yujin is shuffling their cards idly
SOUND: We hear Frederick walk back over to them, purring, and sit down to lick themselves
FREDERICK
If you’re hungry, there’s still hot dog over there.
YUJIN
I mean, it seems like … if it could be ghosts, that would be a pretty interesting big city expedition. Someone ought to check it out, with our fuzzy friend here.
KARO
Someone probably should.
YUJIN
You’re the one who’s here to make discoveries.
KARO
It’s your friend. And your city.
YVONNE
Oh, cut it out, you two! Karo, even if these voices are ghosts, it’s not like they can hurt us. And we’ve got a cute animal companion. It’s like we fell into a Scooby Doo.
FREDERICK
I am cute.
KARO
I’ll do it for you. Under protest. I don’t believe in ghosts.
YVONNE
Is there somewhere around here where we could rent a Mystery Machine?
SOUND: Park background fades out
(The scene ends.)
SCENE THREE
SOUND: Abandoned building background – quiet, occasional creaking noises (ongoing)
SOUND: Slow, careful footsteps – Karo, Yvonne (with cane), Frederick (cat feet)
KARO
I’ve never met a ghost. There are some monsters you’d call undead; I’ve known vampires but they don’t have to be dead.
YVONNE
And you said early on that you’ve never seen a zombie.
KARO
That seems more like a horror world thing. Maybe they have ghosts.
YVONNE
Don’t even tell me there’s a horror world.
FREDERICK
Come on! This way.
SOUND: Wood creaking and some scratching as they squeeze under a door
YVONNE
Uhh, we can’t go that way. The door is boarded up, buddy, we can’t squeeze under like you can.
KARO
Here, hold on.
SOUND: They shake the door, shove it, and break through
YVONNE
Show off.
FREDERICK
This way!
YVONNE
You’re okay with this? I know it wasn’t on your travel plans.
KARO
We didn’t have much of a plan. And I’m curious now; not that it’s going to be ghosts.
YVONNE
You are such a Scully.
KARO
All right now, you’ve had your pop culture references for the day.
FREDERICK
(a bit distant)
Up here!
YVONNE
Not more stairs …
FREDERICK
Halfway up, it’s just a spot of sunlight. I already checked twice.
KARO
Here, you keep asking for a piggyback ride. I’ve got you.
YVONNE
Really? I’m not saying no.
SOUND: A bit of movement and a grunt as Karo picks her up; heavy footsteps up the stairs
YVONNE
Whatever happens, it’s probably better than what Yujin would have led us into .
KARO
Or sold us.
YVONNE
I do want to see that card game, though.
KARO
Here … we go.
SOUND: Letting Yvonne slide down off their back
YVONNE
Just a second. Who knew being carried was so hard?
KARO
(after a moment)
Did you hear something?
SOUND: In the background halfway through the next line, we’ll start to hear Frederick running toward them calling out, “Yvonne! Yvonne! Yvonne”
YVONNE
Mostly just my heart pounding. I’m about ready to –
FREDERICK
Yvonne! Yvonnnnne! The voices, the ghosts, Yvonne! Yvonne! Yvonne!
YVONNE
It’s okay, I’m right here.
KARO
What about, “Karo! Karo!”
FREDERICK
Yvonne smells better.
KARO
I can’t argue with that.
YVONNE
Are you okay? Here, buddy.
FREDERICK
(purrs)
Between my ears. Or under my mouth.
(purrs again, then calmer)
The voices again. The ghosts. Back that way.
YVONNE
That’s what we’re here for. Can you show us where?
FREDERICK
Back that way.
YVONNE
Will you show us?
FREDERICK
That way.
SOUND: They start licking themselves, maybe a bit of a purr
KARO
I guess it’s you and me, Mulder.
YVONNE
Call me Spooky.
SOUND: Slow, deliberate footsteps
KARO
(after a moment)
They could have mentioned how far this way.
YVONNE
Do you hear anything?
KARO
Just you talking. Do you?
YVONNE
Maybe? Like, really, really distant.
SOUND: The footsteps stop completely, everything is still
SOUND: Very, very quietly, muffled voices can be heard
KARO
Yeah … I think so. Are you good? You could wait with your new best friend.
YVONNE
I can’t help it if I smell better. I’m with you.
SOUND: Footsteps again, the voices starting to get louder (but still muffled)
KARO
Yeah, those are voices.
YVONNE
Maybe it’ll just turn out to be people. Hiding, or something?
KARO
Maybe.
SOUND: The footsteps stop; the voices are almost distinguishable at this point; and it sounds like two different exchanges
KARO
Right or left?
YVONNE
I think they’re coming from … both. Like two different conversations, one each way.
KARO
Great. Okay, pick one, and we’ll check it out together.
(after a moment)
Yvonne? Pick one, and we’ll check it out together.
YVONNE
Okay, but …
KARO
No. No no no no no.
YVONNE
Maybe – maybe – we should split up, just so we get our own opinions of what’s causing them.
KARO
You think I’m going to influence you?
YVONNE
I just thought it’d be good to have two separate test cases. Then we can compare notes.
KARO
What if it is somebody hiding, and they don’t like you barging in on them?
YVONNE
Frederick said there wasn’t –
KARO
They’re a cat. They could have missed something.
YVONNE
It’s two ends of the same hallway. We can both take a quick look, keep all doors wide open, it’ll be safe enough.
KARO
I don’t like it.
SOUND: Suddenly, the voices cut off completely
YVONNE
They stopped. We have to jump on this if we’re gonna learn anything.
KARO
Doors wide open?
YVONNE
Promise.
KARO
Okay. Count of three …
SOUND: Footsteps (and cane noises) retreating
KARO
Great. Thanks. Okay, here we go, Karoline.
SOUND: A few footsteps (just Karo) slowly down the hall; still no return of the voices
KARO
Maybe they’re gone. Maybe it’s all just –
SOUND: First Ghost Music Cue – starting on the next line
GHOST 1
(in the next room)
Hello? You’re gone.
KARO
Oh, shit. Hello? Who’s in there?
SOUND: A door creaks slightly as they push it open; background feels more enclosed
KARO
I’m not here for any trouble –
GHOST 2
We make the crossing at midnight.
KARO
Where are you?
GHOST 1
A world of two, not three.
KARO
If this is some joke, or something –
GHOST 2
No trail, no footsteps.
GHOST 1
Two, not three.
GHOST 2
The crossing at midnight.
SOUND: Karo pacing around the room, knocking on a wall
KARO
It feels solid. And they’re not coming from speakers, it sounds like –
GHOST 1
Hello?
GHOST 2
Hello?
GHOST 1
You’re gone.
SOUND: Some sort of transition – not the usual clip, maybe not even sound so much as a slight change in background noise? – and we’re with Yvonne
SOUND: A few soft footsteps and her cane
YVONNE
Frederick, you little son of a gun, you better be right about this. Anybody in here?
SOUND: Pushing the door open and stepping in
YVONNE
My friend, or cat, said there were voices, just wanted to make sure everything’s –
(Note that while the ghosts are the same voices, they don’t sound exactly the same as in Karo’s conversation.)
SOUND: Second Ghost Music Cue – starting on the next line
GHOST 1
Follow the goddamn instructions!
YVONNE
Whoa! What instructions? If I’m supposed to know something –
GHOST 2
There’s no room for shortcuts.
YVONNE
Whoever you are, if I’m in your way, I can turn right around and –
GHOST 1
It’s not a choose your own.
GHOST 2
One page, then the next.
YVONNE
You’re telling me to do something, but I don’t understand. Maybe we can start over? I’m Yvonne, Karo – my themfriend – and I kinda stumbled into this, Frederick said there were voices …
GHOST 2
There’s no room for shortcuts.
GHOST 1
It’s not a choose your own.
YVONNE
If you’re gonna be rude, I don’t care if you are ghosts. You enjoy your afterlife; I’m out of here.
SOUND: She takes one step, but suddenly we hear the door slam shut
GHOST 2
One page, then the next.
SOUND: Whatever transition we wind up using, and the background has changed – we’re with Karo again. They’re still pacing around the room
KARO
(starting to get upset)
You don’t even make sense!
SOUND: Third Ghost Music Cue – starting on the next line
GHOST 1
A world of two, not three –
KARO
(overlapping with them)
Not three. I heard you. It doesn’t mean anything. It’s got to be a recording from somewhere.
GHOST 2
We make the crossing at midnight.
GHOST 1
We make the crossing at midnight.
KARO
Wait! You’re not both supposed to say that.
GHOST 2
A world of two, not three.
KARO
You said a crossing. Is this – is there a crossing here? Are you on the other side? How would I hear you?
GHOST 1
No trail, no footsteps. No trail. No footsteps.
KARO
It’s almost like a reply. Almost like you’re talking, but you’re saying the same lines over and over!
GHOST 2
Hello? You’re gone.
KARO
Fine, you want me to be gone? I’m gone! I’m –
SOUND: Rattling the doorknob
KARO
When did the door close? How did you do that if you’re –
GHOST 1
No trail, no footsteps.
GHOST 2
Crossing at midnight.
GHOST 1
Two, not three.
GHOST 2
A world of two, not three.
KARO
(shouting)
Yvonne! Yvonne, can you hear me? Are you okay? Whatever you are, you better not do –
GHOST 1
(louder, more forcefully)
We make the crossing at midnight! No trail, no footsteps! A world of two, not three!
GHOST 2
A world of two, not three.
KARO
Wait. Wait. A world of two … not three. A world of two … not three.
SOUND: We transition back to the room that Yvonne is in
GHOST 1
Follow the instructions.
GHOST 2
Follow the instructions.
GHOST 1
Follow the goddamn instructions!
YVONNE
Whatever. I don’t even want to believe in you. Lock the door and you don’t even have the courtesy to offer your guest a chair …
GHOST 2
There’s no room for shortcuts.
YVONNE
That’s just ableist. If you had a body, you’d know that.
GHOST 1
It’s not a choose your own.
YVONNE
I’ve heard that line before.
GHOST 2
Not a choose your own.
YVONNE
See! You think I don’t know it’s not a choose your own? I can’t choose whether there’s a chair to sit in, can’t choose to walk away –
GHOST 1
One page, then the next.
YVONNE
Don’t you even. My leg hurts like a bastard and I am running out of patience.
GHOST 2
Follow the goddamn instructions.
YVONNE
You follow the instructions! You’re the ones who keep running in a loop. Like when we were in the forest with the Lindworm, round and round again …
SOUND: Fourth Ghost Music Cue – starting on the next line
GHOST 1
There’s no room for shortcuts.
YVONNE
I know, I know. Let me think for a minute, just keep running your lines without me.
GHOST 2
(sounding a little uncertain)
It’s … not a choose your own.
GHOST 1
One page, then the next.
GHOST 2
Follow the goddamn instructions.
GHOST 1
There’s no room for shortcuts.
GHOST 2
One page, then the next.
YVONNE
You might be giving away a bit too much there, friendo. You’ve only got these few lines of dialogue, you keep re-using them, but it feels like you’re trying to respond. Trying to make them fit with something.
(brief pause)
Ghosts in my world are supposed to be spirits with … unfinished business. Maybe here, you’re like scribbled ideas that were never fleshed out? That want to be a story. You repeat and repeat, try and you try …
(brief pause)
Say your first line again.
GHOST 1
Follow the goddamn instructions.
YVONNE
(dramatic)
You’re all about your instructions! You don’t know how it feels in the real world.
(after a moment, guiding)
And then your next one …
GHOST 2
There’s no room for shortcuts.
YVONNE
I’m not asking for a shortcut, I’m asking you to put yourself inside my skin for once.
GHOST 1
(tentatively)
It’s … not a choose your own.
YVONNE
Like I don’t know that. I never get to choose. But this time, just … choose for me, okay? Choose me.
GHOST 2
One page, then the next.
YVONNE
That’s fair. One page, then another, as long as we make it through together.
(regular voice)
And … scene. How was that? A little cheesy, I’m not an accomplished author, but …
(after a moment)
Hello? Ghosties, are you still with me?
SOUND: The door unlocks and creaks open
YVONNE
I thought it’d be a bit more dramatic in the end there.
(after a moment, realizing)
Karo!
SOUND: We transition, and we’re back in Karo’s room
GHOST 1
We make the crossing at midnight.
KARO
(really shaken)
You did, you crossed at midnight, that’s what happened.
GHOST 2
A world of two, not three.
KARO
Stop it, okay! Just stop!
GHOST 1
A world of two, not three.
KARO
I know, okay? I get it! Two, not three. Two, not three.
SOUND: Yvonne banging on the outside of the door
YVONNE
(muffled)
Karo? Karo, are you okay in there?
GHOST 2
No trail, no footsteps. No trail …
KARO
No footsteps. Nothing. I remember.
GHOST 1
Hello?
GHOST 2
You’re gone.
YVONNE
Karo? I’m gonna – well, I’m gonna try to break the door down.
KARO
(shaking it off a little, but still not themself)
Yvonne?
YVONNE
Cross your fingers –
SOUND: Just then, we hear her throw herself against the door, and it bursts open
SOUND: Fifth Ghost Music Cue – starting as she bursts into the room (confirm with Trace)
KARO
Yvonne? Are you okay?
YVONNE
(breathing heavily)
I can’t believe … that worked. There’s a shortcut for you! Karo? What’s going on?
KARO
You were right, Vonnie. I think they are ghosts.
YVONNE
Well, yes and no. At least I figured out –
KARO
I think they’re my parents.
YVONNE
What? No, Karo, I don’t think that’s –
KARO
Listen.
YVONNE
Are your parents dead?
KARO
I don’t know – listen!
GHOST 1
We make the crossing at midnight.
KARO
(overlapping)
They crossed to another world, that’s what happened to them.
GHOST 2
No trail, no footsteps.
KARO
They never told me where, or why.
GHOST 1
Hello? You’re gone.
KARO
The Council found me, put me in their school, and … all of that happened.
GHOST 2
A world of two, not three.
KARO
(breaking down)
They were … I guess that’s what they wanted. What they were okay with. Two, not three. Them, not me. I asked them why, but they won’t say anything else. That’s all they’ll give me.
YVONNE
Karo. I don’t think that’s it.
KARO
That’s all they’ll give me.
YVONNE
I don’t think it’s them. Those are the same voices I heard in my room, just with different lines, from a different story.
KARO
What?
YVONNE
It’s the same voices. I figured it out, I think they’re just … something half-written, lines looking for a story. They’re trying to pull someone in until they finish it.
KARO
No … they’re talking to me.
YVONNE
Here. Let me show you.
(calling out to the voices)
Okay, give your lines again.
GHOST 1
We make the crossing at midnight.
YVONNE
Uhh … as long as the moon is full, I’ll go.
GHOST 2
A world of two, not three.
YVONNE
Of course; there’s only room for two in the boat.
GHOST 1
No trail, no footsteps.
YVONNE
Only the ripples that we make across the water.
GHOST 2
Hello? You’re gone.
YVONNE
(after a moment, thinking)
Look … on the other riverbank; that’s where we’ll be.
(There is a long moment of silence.)
KARO
What happened?
YVONNE
I finished the scene, I made it a story.
KARO
Are you there? Are you still … hello?
(after a long pause)
You were right. They weren’t … real.
SOUND: We hear them getting to their feet, a deep breath
KARO
(shaky)
I thought I recognized them. I thought it was their rhythm.
YVONNE
It’s okay. Let’s get out of here.
SOUND: Some uncertain footsteps, fading out
SOUND: This time we will use the regular transition effect; we come back outside the building
SOUND: City background (ongoing); footsteps
YVONNE
One.
FREDERICK
More than one.
YVONNE
I said one.
FREDERICK
Lots!
YVONNE
You were very good, and you waited when it was scary, but one treat.
FREDERICK
Yvonne!
YVONNE
Besides, Karo’s buying. You should ask them.
FREDERICK
Karo?
KARO
(still out of it)
We’ll see, little guy.
YUJIN
There you are! I was waiting in the park. What happened on your ghost adventure?
YVONNE
That was a … story, all right. We’re headed to the store right now; come along and I’ll give you the short version.
FREDERICK
I was brave, and I’m getting treats.
YVONNE
One treat. Right, Karo?
KARO
Maybe more than one.
SOUND: We hear Frederick purr; footsteps fade out
SOUND: City background fades out
(The scene ends.)
(The episode ends.)
PRODUCERS: Hi, and thank you, you know, for listening to the show!
Waiting for October is written by D.J. Sylvis, with sound design by Caroline Mincks, and music by Trace Callahan. This episode featured Robin Regalado as Karo, Tina Case as Yvonne,Ishani Kanetkar as Frederick, Elissa Park as Yujin, and Rissa Montanez as Gabi. Our gremlins are Bonny Lee and Ryan Gaiser, and our ghostly voices are Rae Lundberg and Jackie Andrews.
Our co-producers are D.J. Sylvis, Tina Case, and Sarah Müller. Our associate producers are Fool & Scholar Productions, Kathleen Lucas, Marcus Briggs, Martin Chodorek, Rebekah B.
A special thanks to our Patreon supporters who have helped make all of our stories happen! If you’d like to support our work or celebrate the folks who make it happen visit our Patreon at patreon.com(backslash)monkeymanproductions
Today our Crowdfundr shoutout is to Alice Lucas and Amelia Brownstein. Thank you for your support!
Our recommendation this time around is a personal favourite – Back Again, Back Again, a really awesome fantasy story about ex-prophecy children, the end of adventures, and queer girls with swords. It’s an engrossing narrative by a really talented writer / performer, and you should give it a try.
Next time, we’ll be bringing you more from the real star of this episode – Frederick the cat! It’s a full monologue following this little guy around October searching for their place. We’ll see where they end up. Bye for now!
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
