The Skylark Bell - Chapter 5, Sunset on the Bridge

In today's episode, Lucas finally tells Magpie the impossible truth about Meadow Lane, that there is NO SOUND there at all. Magpie struggles to understand the connection between her mysterious visions and the abandoned farm.

Music: Nightbridge by Cannelle (www.cannellemusic.com)

Find The Skylark Bell online: www.theyskylarkbell.com

Instagram: @theskylarkbell

Twitter: @melissaoliveri

Patreon: www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 5 of The Skylark Bell.  I am your host Melissa Oliveri.  

Welcome back! In our previous regular episode, Magpie let us in on her most closely guarded secret, that she has visions of things that have happened in the past, and she met a surprise guest, an unusual cat who appeared suddenly at her back door, then hinted at a connection to the old farmhouse before disappearing just as suddenly.

In today’s episode we’ll be pursue our adventure with Chapter 5 – Sunset on the Bridge, where Lucas finally tells Magpie the impossible truth about Meadow Lane, which seems to trigger the mysterious visions that Magpie struggles to understand.

By now, you know what to do! Get comfy… grab a blanket, a warm drink… and let’s get started.

“I hope we’re in Mrs. Piper’s class next fall, she’s big on field trips and local history,” says Lucas. 

“Ugh, I can’t think about school yet, summer just started three weeks ago!” Magpie exclaims, dramatically putting her arm against her forehead and feigning exasperation.  They both start giggling as the mud oozes under their rainboots.  

“I’m glad you decided to come out,” Lucas says, still smiling.  “Hopefully that’s the last of the rain!”  Magpie and Lucas have made plans to watch the sunset from the bridge over Pine River, but the rain was threatening to ruin their plans.  Now, the thick mass of gray clouds is blowing farther away with each gust of wind, and the evening sun is shining brighter and brighter every minute.

“Well, you know us fancy girls,” kids Magpie. “We don’t like it when the rain messes up our hair!”  Lucas lets out a loud laugh.  Magpie is a bit of a tomboy, with wild reddish hair waving in all different directions.  There’s no way she’d let her hair get in the way of going out and exploring!  

They banter back and forth as they amble down the road, but their chatter quiets swiftly when they realise they’re nearing the dirt path that leads to Meadow Lane.

“That place gives me the creeps,” mutters Lucas, staring at the dull grey structure in the distance.  It’s the first time he’s broached the subject, mostly dodging it over the last few days.

“Why?  Because it’s abandoned?” she asks, hopeful that he won’t change the subject again.

“No, that doesn’t scare me.  It’s… the history… “  he begins, hesitant to go on, “you’re going to think I’m crazy.  That we’re all  crazy!”

 “Try me,” she says, thinking nothing could seem any crazier than her visions.

 He takes a deep breath before continuing, “Apparently, there is no sound on Meadow Lane,” he says, stopping to wait for her reaction.

 Magpie looks puzzled.  “What do you mean ‘no sound’, like no people making noise?  I don’t get it,” she says.

“No, no, not like that,” he says, “I mean NO sound.  Not a footstep as you walk up the lane, nothing if you speak, or cough, or clap.  Not a creak on the wooden steps, not a noise if you stomp your feet on the porch, not a bird chirping or an animal calling.  Not…  One…  Sound… Ever!” he ends, emphatically.

“Is it true?” asks Magpie, thoroughly intrigued, confused and a little scared.

“Well, nobody dares to find out because the older folks in town say people who stay on the property more than a few minutes never utter another word!  On windy days, the grass around the house doesn’t even move, and there are never any birds or animals there… it’s really creepy,”