August 9, 2025 • 36 mins
Tex-
We follow Liz, a young woman adjusting to life in a new home with her loyal dog, Tex. At first, the strange sounds in the night seem harmless—just the creaks of settling walls or the echoes of her imagination. But as the noises grow more intense and unsettling,
Liz begins to wonder if something else is sharing the space with her.
When a moonlit night reveals something different in Tex’s corner, Liz is forced to confront the terrifying truth she’s been trying to ignore.
A YA Universe Short Story
PHOENIX P PUBLICATIONS
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Curling up bim bed reading books, Teena's Dreams, sifting through
my fantasy readings, chever On of Me.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Dream, Take a Shot? What's your say?
Speaker 3 (00:32):
Give it all you God?
Speaker 1 (00:34):
Jacob Dolsop.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Dreams Your host CJ, and Welcome to the y A Universe.
We invite you to escape into worlds where friendships are tested,
hearts race, and everyday struggles collide with extraordinary adventures. Written
and hosted by author Phoenix p each story dies deep
(01:07):
into the personal and social challenges young adults face, from
slow burn romances to breath taking escapism fantasy. Our novels
unfold chapter by chapter twice a month on Monday evenings
until that story reaches its final page. Between novels, you'll
(01:32):
also get surprise drops of short stories, so be sure
to turn on notifications so that you never miss a journey.
If you have a YA short story of your own,
submit it and if it's selected, you'll be credited and
hear it come to life on our show. This is
(01:53):
more than just the podcast. It's a place where young
adult fiction fans can dream, relate, and get lost, and
worlds both real and a match. The YA Universe a
presentation of the underground artist network. Let's go ahead and
(02:15):
start our story for this episode.
Speaker 4 (02:20):
Liz, a shy teenager in a small Ohio town, felt
the weight of her high school's hauls on her shoulders.
She navigated the crowded corridors her eyes downcast, trying to
avoid the snickers and whispered taunts that seemed to follow
her like a shadow. The bell rang, signaling the end
of another day, and Liz breathed a sigh of relief
(02:42):
as she stepped out into the crisp autumn air. She
walked home, her steps quickening as she thought of the
newest addition to her life, a sweet faced dog she
had adopted from the local animal shelter just a week ago.
The dog, a scruffy terrier mix she had named Texts,
had been a bright spot in otherwise gloomy existence. His
(03:03):
wagging tail and happy lips had greeted her every afternoon,
and she found herself looking forward to their walks and
playtime in the backyard. But over the past few nights
something had changed. Text had begun to wake Liz with
strange guttural sounds that seemed to emanate from deep within
his throat. At first, Liz had thought it was just
(03:24):
a passing phase, perhaps brought on by the stress of
adjusting to a new home. But as the nights wore on,
the sounds grew louder and more fierce, until Luce found
herself lying awake, staring at the ceiling, dreading the moment
when the noises would start. Anew one night, as the
moon cast an eerie glow over her bedroom, Liz awoke
(03:45):
to the near familiar sounds coming from Texas bed in
the corner, but this time something was different. As she listened,
heart pounding, she noticed that the shadows on her wall
seemed to flicker and dance in a way that she
had never seen before. Liz sat up, her eyes wide,
trying to make out the shapes.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
In the darkness.
Speaker 4 (04:07):
There, just beyond her window, she could make out the
silhouette of something huge and menacing, its form shifting and
undulating in the moonlight. Liz's first instinct was to hide
under the covers, to pretend that she had never seen
the shadow or heard the sounds, But something inside her
rebelled at the thought she had been hiding for too
(04:29):
long from the bullies at school, from the loneliness that
seemed to follow her everywhere she went. She was tired
of being afraid, so with a deep breath, Lise swung
her legs over the side of the bed and stood up,
facing the window and the unknown beyond. As she approached
the window, the shadows seemed to recede, melting away into
(04:52):
the night. Liz peered out into the darkness, trying to
catch a glimpse of whatever had been out there, but
there was nothing to see, only the familiar shapes of
her back yard and the distant glow of the street lights. Tis,
seemingly aware of her unease, patted over to her side
and nuzzled her hand, his tail wagging slowly. Liz looked
(05:14):
down at him, a smile tugging at the corners of
her mouth.
Speaker 5 (05:18):
It's just my imagination, isn't it, boy, Just a trick
of the light and my own silly fears.
Speaker 4 (05:25):
She whispered, scratching behind his ears. Over the next few days,
Lise tried to put the strange events of that night
behind her. She went to school, enduring the taunts and
jeers of her classmates with a new found sense.
Speaker 6 (05:40):
Of Liz, Honey, I have some news. I've been asked
to go on a business trip this weekend. It's a
great opportunity, and I'll only be gone for a couple
of days.
Speaker 4 (05:53):
Couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching her, waiting
for the right moment to reveal itself. As Liz sat
at the kitchen table picking at her breakfast, her mother
bustled into the room, a flurry of papers and bags
in her wake. Her mother dropped this unexpected news on her.
Liz's heart sank at the words, a wave of fear
(06:13):
washing over her. It had been years since her mother
had gone out of town for work, and the memories
of those lonely weekends still lingered in her mind.
Speaker 5 (06:23):
Mom, I don't know if that's such a good idea.
I've been feeling really scared lately, especially at night. I
keep seeing and hearing strange things, and I don't think
I can handle being alone right now.
Speaker 4 (06:37):
Her mother's face softened and she pulled Liz into a
tight hug.
Speaker 6 (06:42):
Oh, honey, I know it's been hard for you lately,
but I promise everything will be okay. I'll be back
before you know it, and we can top on the
phone every day.
Speaker 4 (06:55):
Liz nodded, trying to swallow the lunk in her throat.
Her mother disappeared into her bedroom, returning a few moments
later with a small, ornate jewelry box. She opened it carefully,
revealing a large ornate cross on a delicate chain.
Speaker 6 (07:09):
This has been in our family for generations. It's said
to have the power to protect against evil, and it's
been passed down from mother to daughter since the late
eighteenth century. I want you to have it while I'm gone,
to remind you that you're never truly alone. Liz took
the cross, feeling the weight of it in her palm.
(07:31):
She didn't believe in its supposed powers, but the thought
of having a piece of her family's history with her
was oddly comforting. As her mother packed her bags and
prepared to leave, Liz clutched the cross tightly, trying to
draw strength from its prisons. Remember, honey, you're a big
girl now. You can take care of yourself, and you
(07:52):
have the cross to protect you. I'll be back before
you know it, and we'll have a nice dinner together
and catch up on everything.
Speaker 4 (08:01):
Her mother softly said as she kissed her forehead. Louz nodded,
forcing a smile onto her face as she watched her
mother walk out the door, the sound of her footsteps
echoing in the empty house.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
Thank you everybody for listening. We hope that you are
enjoying this episode. We're going to pause her story for
this quick break. You are listening to the YA Universe,
but to your host CJ, we will see you after
these correct messages.
Speaker 3 (08:33):
I stepped off the plane with fire in my chest,
dreamed of your arms, wor i'd finally.
Speaker 7 (08:40):
Arrest U's in the dirt bullets the time, holding your
name like a sacred sun.
Speaker 3 (08:48):
But the house is empty, your picture's gone, The key
doesn't fit, and the truth feels wrong. My brother said
you oh my last week, but nothing for me. No
though the cut you married him.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
The world welcoming back from the break. This is the
YA Universe and imrs CJ. Remember. Chapters to our novels
air on Monday evenings at eight pm Central Standard Time.
The chapters will continue to air until the novel is complete,
and then a news series will start up shortly after
(09:30):
the completed novel. If this particular novel is not to
your liking, we have short stories that will air randomly
and they are all geared towards young adult fiction. Enthusiasts.
In addition, anyone listening out there that is interested. If
you would like to hear your story come to life
(09:52):
and be read out loud, then here's your opportunity. Least,
feel free to send your stories or poins. It is read,
you will receive on air acknowledgement that this is your
work of art with their author nay. And if you
wish a way to contact you for our listeners to
(10:12):
do so. If you like to contact us, you can
do so at Underground Artist's Network at Outlook DACA. Ready
to escape out of this world that we live in
every day, then get comfortable, close your eyes and let
the words flow into your brain as we continue this
(10:34):
episode's story.
Speaker 4 (10:37):
As Liz drisched it off into a late morning nap,
the Cross nestled close to her heart, a sense of
peace settled over her for the first time in days.
Her sleep was undisturbed by the terrifying visions that had
plagued her nights. Tis curled up on the floor beside
her bed, slipped soundly as well, his usual restlessness and
(10:57):
strange behavior nowhere to be seen in those quiet hours.
It seemed as though the Cross had worked its magic
banishing the shadows that had haunted Liz's every waking moment.
Liz embraced her newfound sense of freedom as she slipped
into the cool, inviting waters of the pool. The worries
and fears that had weighed so heavily upon her seemed
(11:19):
to dissolve, carried away on the gentle ripples that fanned
out around her, She swam with a sense of abandon
reveling in the simple joy of being alive and unburdened.
Before diving in, Liz had carefully removed the cherished family
cross and placed it safely in the poolhouse, nestled among
(11:40):
a stack of fresh, fluffy towels. As she sliced through
the water, stroke after stroke, she felt a growing sense
of confidence and peace, knowing that the cross was nearby,
watching over her and keeping her safe from harm. As
the balm Ohio afternoon stretched on, Liz found herself lost
in the soothing embrace of the water, her mind wandering
(12:03):
to thoughts of school and the challenges that awaited her return.
With each stroke, she felt her confidence grow, imagining herself
walking the halls with a newfound strength and resilience the
bullying and awkwardness that had once weighed her down, seemed
to dissolve in the gentle ripples of the pool, replaced
by a sense of inner peace and determination. Liz knew
(12:25):
that this weekend of forced independence was a turning point,
a chance to emerge from the water's stronger and more
self assured than ever before. For the first time in
a long time, she felt truly good about herself, ready
to face whatever lay ahead with a brave heart and
an unwavering spirit. Liz's tranquil swim was abruptly interrupted by
(12:47):
the unexpected arrival of a delivery driver, whose insistent knocking
demanded her attention. Wrapping herself hastily in a towel, she
darted from the pool to the pool house, her heart
racing with the mixture of annoyance and curiosity. As she
made her way to the front door, the soft material
of the towels clung to her damp skin, leaving a
(13:09):
trail of wet footprints in her wake. With a sense
of urgency, Liz signed for the mysterious package, her mind
already wandering back to the serenity of the pool and
the promise of a weak end filled with newfound strength
and self discovery. As Liz made her way back to
the pool, her eyes were drawn to the sight of
great jelly, peanut butter, and wheat bread laid out on
(13:31):
the kitchen counter. Her stomach growled, reminding her of the
hunger that had been gnawing at her since her swim.
Unable to resist the temptation, she quickly crafted two sandwiches,
each one dripping with the sweet, sticky goodness of grape jelly.
With each bite, Liz felt a sense of comfort and
satisfaction wash over her. The sandwiches were so perfectly proportioned,
(13:56):
so utterly delicious, that she soon found herself lost in
a food induced haze. As the evening light began to fade,
giving way to the inky darkness of night, Liz's eyelids
grew heavy, and she slipped into a deep, dreamless sleep,
her body and mind succumbing to the warmth and safety
of her home. She hadn't seen Text since earlier in
(14:19):
the afternoon, so she laid out some food and called
for him, but he did not appear. Unperturbed, Liz settled
on to the sofa and reached for her current book,
losing herself in its pages as she completed several chapters,
the words on the page seemed to dance before her eyes,
weeding a tapestry of imagination that held her captive. As
(14:41):
Liz's eyelids grew heavy once more, with a contented sigh,
she headed upstairs to retire for the night, ready to
call this perfect day to a close and surrender to
the warmth and safety of her bed, where good dreams
awaited to carry her off to new adventures. As Liz
lay in her bed, the dark tess seemed to pressing
around her, amplifying every creak and groan of the old house.
(15:05):
The wind whistled through the trees outside, casting eerie shadows
across her walls, and the electricity flickered unpredictably, plunging her
room into darkness for moments at a time. Liz had
always struggled with separation anxiety, a lingering effect of growing
up without a father and being deeply attached to her mother,
(15:25):
who had been her sole caregiver and confidant for as
long as she could remember. Now alone in the house
with only text for company, those old fears came rushing back,
amplified by the unsettling events of the past few days.
Liz pulled the covers up to her chin, her heart
pounding in her chest as she strained her ears for
(15:46):
any sign of movement in the darkness. Every shadow seemed
to take on a sinister cast, every sound a harbinger
of some unseen threat. As the night wore on, Liz's
fear grew into a power presence, a suffocating weight that
seemed to press down on her chest, making it hard
to breathe. She knew she should get up, turn on
(16:08):
the lights, do something to break the spell of terror
that held her in its grip, but she couldn't bring
herself to move, paralyzed by the conviction that something was
waiting for her in the darkness, something that would pounce
the moment she let her guard down. Just when Liz
thought she couldn't bear it any longer, she heard a
sound that made her blood run cold, the heavy, insistent
(16:31):
scratching of claws on the front door.
Speaker 2 (16:34):
Thank you everybody for listening. We hope that you are
enjoying this episode. We're going to pause her story for
this quick break. You are listening to the YA Universe.
Put your host CJ. We will see you after these
correct messages. I stepped off the plane with fire and
(16:56):
much chest.
Speaker 7 (16:57):
Dream of your arms finally rest. Here's in the dirt,
bullets through time, holding your.
Speaker 3 (17:06):
Name like sacred sign. But the house is empty, pictures gone,
The key doesn't fit and the truth feels wrong. My
brother said uel my last week, but not for me.
Novo the key you married him in the world.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
Welcome you back from the break. This is the YA
universe and I am your houset CJ. Remember. Chapters to
our novels air on Monday evenings at eight pm Central
Standard Time. The chapters will continue to air until the
novel is complete, and then a news series will start
up shortly after the completed novel. If this particular novel
(17:54):
is not to your liking, we have short stories that
will air randomly and they are all geared towards young
adult fiction enthusiasts. In addition, anyone listening out there that
is interested. If you'd like to hear your story come
to life and be read out loud, then here's your opportunity.
(18:16):
Please feel free to send your stories or poems and
if it is read, you will receive on air acknowledgement
that this is your work of art with your author name.
And if you wish a way to contact you for
our listeners to do so. If you would like to
contact us, you can do so at Underground Artists Network
(18:40):
at outlook dot com. Ready to escape out of this
world that we live in every day, then get comfortable,
close your eyes and let the words flow into your
brain as we continue. This episode's story.
Speaker 4 (18:57):
Text is that you boy, Liz said out loud, her
voice a mixture of fear and hope. The scratching continued,
growing louder and more frantic with each passing second, as
though something was desperately trying to get inside the house.
Liz knew she couldn't stay frozen in her bed forever,
not with the frantic scratching at the door growing louder
(19:19):
by the second. With a deep breath, she forced herself
to swing her legs over the side of the bed,
her hand reaching for the baseball bat she kept leaning
against her nightstand. The smooth wood felt solid and reassuring
in her grip, and she clung to it like a lifeline.
As she crept towards the door. The hallway stretched out
(19:40):
before her like a dark, endless tunnel, the shadows seeming
to writhe and twist in the corners of her vision.
Wizz's heart pounded in her ears, the sound almost drowning
out the scratching that had drawn her from the relative
safety of her room. Each step felt like a monumental effort,
her feet leaden with fear and anticipation. As she reached
(20:04):
the top of the stairs, Liz paused her eyes, straining
to make out any movement in the darkness below. The
scratching was louder, now more frenzied, as though whatever was
on the other side of the door could sense her approach.
Liz tightened her grip on the bat, her knuckles turning
white with the effort, and began to descend the stairs,
one agonizing step at a time. The floorboards creaked beneath
(20:28):
her feet, the sound echoing through the empty house like
a gunshot. Liz winced her body, tensing for the attack
she was sure was coming, but nothing happened. The scratching
continued unabated, and Liz forced herself to keep moving, one
hand on the banister, the other clutching the bat like
a lifeline. As she reached the bottom of the stairs,
(20:51):
Liz could see the front door, the wood trembling under
the force of the blows from the other side. She
crept closer, her heart in her throat. The bat raised
and ready to strike.
Speaker 5 (21:02):
Tax is that you?
Speaker 4 (21:05):
Liz called out his name again. The scratching stopped abruptly,
and for a long moment, there was no sound at all.
Then a soft wine filtered through the door, followed by
a muffled bark. Liz's breath left her in a rush,
relief flooding through her as she recognized the sound of
her beloved dog. She dropped the bat, her hands shaking
(21:27):
as she fumbled with the locks. Her only thought to
get to text and make sure he was okay. As
soon as the front door swum open, Texa's small furry
body began to convulse and contort, his soft brown eyes
flashing a deep, malevolent red. Liz watched in horror as
her beloved dog's features twisted and elongated, his snout stretching
(21:49):
into a gaping moor filled with razor sharp fangs. His
once gentle paws morphed into gnarled, clawed talons, scraping against
the hardwood floor as he grew inside eyes, his body
rippling with unnatural power. Texas transformation was accompanied by a guttural, agonized,
howling foam frothing from his gaping jaws as his body
(22:11):
contorted in excruciating pain. Liz stood frozen, her eyes wide
with shock and terror, unable to comprehend the nightmarish scene
unfolding before her. The creature that had once been her
loyal companion now towered over her, its massive form filling
the doorway, its red eyes gleaming with a predatory hunger.
(22:32):
As the monster stepped forward, its claws digging into the
floorboards with an unearthly screech, Liz's paralysis finally broke. She
stumbled backwards, her legs giving way beneath her as she
hit the floor, scrambling away from the advancing beast, her
heart pounded in her chest, her breath coming in ragged
gasps as she tried to put as much distance as
(22:55):
possible between herself and the horrific creature that had taken
Texas place. Liz's mind raced as she fled through the house,
the creature's heavy footsteps echoing behind her. She darted into
the living room, slamming the door behind her and shoving
a heavy arm chair against it, buying herself a few
precious seconds of respite, but the monster was relentless, its
(23:18):
claws tearing through the wood like paper, sending splinters flying
through the air. Liz sprinted for the stairs, her heart
in her throat as she heard the creature's snarls growing closer.
She ducked into her mother's bedroom, locking the door behind
her and pressing her back against it, her eyes scanning
the room for any means of escape. The creature's heavy
(23:39):
body slammed against the door, the wood buckling under the
force of its blows, and Liz knew she had only
moments before it broke through. With a desperate burst of strength,
Liz shoved the heavy dresser in front of the door,
hoping to buy herself a few more seconds. She scrambled
towards the window, her hands shaking as she fumbled with
the latch. Just as the door splintered behind her, Liz
(24:03):
managed to wrench the window open, tumbling out onto the
roof above the porch. The night air was cold and
sharp in her lungs as she hay Fran half crawled
along the sloping shingles, her bare feet slipping on the
deuceleak surface. She could hear the creatures enraged howls behind her,
the sound spurring her on despite the burning in her
(24:25):
lungs and the ache in her muscles, Liz leaped from
the roof, her body slamming into the grass below with
a bone jarring thud. She stumbled to her feet, her
eyes already searching for her next hiding spot. The storage
shed learned ahead of her, its concrete walls and steel door,
offering the promise of a temporary refuge. She darted inside,
(24:49):
slamming the door behind her and throwing the bolt with
trembling fingers. The shed was small and cramped with benches
cemented to the ground. The air was thick with the
scent of clay, revealing its purpose as a pottery drying studio.
She felt the rough texture of the walls against her
back as she pressed herself into the corner, trying to
(25:10):
make herself as small as possible. The dried clay dust
coated her skin and clothes, making her cough and her
eyes water. The single small window near the ceiling let
in a dim ray of moonlight, casting long shadows across
the room.
Speaker 6 (25:27):
Liz pressed her back.
Speaker 4 (25:28):
Against the wall, her eyes fixed on the door as
she listened for any sign of the creature's approach. Seconds
stretched into minutes, the silence broken only by the harsh
sound of Liz's breathing and the thundering of her own heart.
She could hear the creature's heavy footsteps outside, the scrape
of its claws on the concrete as it circled the shed,
(25:49):
searching for a way inside. Lizz's muscles tensed, coiled like
springs as she waited for the inevitable moment when the
monster would find itself inside and get her. The monster
clawed at the door and walls, unable to penetrate the
strongly built shed. Liz cried the remainder of the night
as the monster persisted. The sun's light crept into the
(26:11):
shed through the window above her, providing temporary relief from
the surrounding darkness. As the sun climbed higher into the sky,
the once relentless clawing at the shed's walls began to subside.
Liz noticed that the creature, which had once been her
beloved texts, seemed to grow uneasy in the daylight, its
attacks becoming less frequent and more cautious. A glimmer of
(26:36):
hope sparked within her as she considered making a run
for it during one of the monster's quiet moments. However,
the thought of having nowhere to go was her concern.
Liz decided to stay put, praying that some one would
come to her rescue or that her mother would return
before nightfall, despite the gnawing worry that her mother might
(26:57):
be caught off guard by the monstrous being that await her.
As the hours droveed on, Liz found herself unable to sleep,
her mind racing with thoughts of her life and the
events that had led her to this moment. Huddled in
the corner of the shed, she reflected on the pain
of growing up without a father, the constant fear of
(27:17):
losing her mother, and the social awkwardness that had made
her a target for bullying at school. She thought about
her lack of purpose, the feeling that she was just
drifting through life without any real direction or goal. These
reflections kept her going as the day turned to night,
her hunger and exhaustion temporarily forgotten in the face of
(27:38):
her introspection. As the sun began to set, Liz's fear
returned in full force, her body tensing with every scrape
and scratch of Texas claws against the concrete walls of
the shed. She cried silently, her tears leaving salty trails
down her cheeks as she listened to the relentless onslaught
of the creature outside. The second night in a row,
(28:01):
Liz remained awake, her eyes fixed on the door as
she waited for the moment when the monster would finally
break through. But despite her exhaustion and hunger, she refused
to give up, drawing on the strength she had found
within herself during her long hours of reflection. As Liz
huddled in the shed, her mind drifted to the last
(28:21):
time she had seen her mother, before the business trip.
She remembered her mother's words telling her that she wasn't
a little kid anymore and could take care of herself.
Liz also remembered the regret she felt for not telling
her mother she loved her before she left. Tears streamed
down Liz's face as she realized that might have been
the last time she would ever see her mother, But
(28:44):
then a glimmer of hope sparked within her. She remembered
the cross her mother had given her, promising that it
would protect her against evil and keep her safe. Liz
recalled leaving it in the poolhouse when she had been
swimming earlier.
Speaker 5 (28:59):
With an a.
Speaker 4 (29:00):
Newfound sense of determination, Liz began to devise a plan.
She knew she had to find a way to make
it across the yard and retrieve the Cross from the poolhouse.
It was her only hope with survival against the monstrous
creature that tex had become. Liz took a deep breath,
stealing herself for the dangerous journey ahead, knowing that her
(29:21):
mother's love and the power of the Cross would guide
her through the darkness. Liz took a deep breath, her
heart pounding in her chest as she prepared to make
her escape. With a burst of speed, she threw open
the door of the shed and sprinted towards the pool,
her bare feet slipping on the damp grass. Texas howls
(29:41):
of rage echoed behind her, spurring her on as she
dove into the cool, chlorinated water. The monster skidded to
a halt at the edge of the pool, its red
eyes glowing with fury as it paced back and forth.
Unwilling or unable to enter the water. Liz swam with
desperate strokes, her li lungs burning As she made her
(30:01):
way to the other side of the pool, she could
see the poolhouse looming ahead of her, the cross hidden
inside her only hope of salvation. As she pulled herself
out of the water, Liz heard the creature's snarls growing closer,
its claws scrabbling against the concrete as it raced to
head her off. With a desperate cry, Liz scooped up
(30:23):
a handful of water and flung it at the monster's face,
the chlorine burning its eyes and causing it to scream
in pain. Liz used the momentary distraction to dash into
the poolhouse, her hand closing around the cross that lay
hidden inside. She whirled around just in time to see
the monster's eyes glow a deep, malevolent red, its fangs
(30:45):
and claws extending as it prepared to strike. With a
trembling hand, Liz held up the cross, its surface gleaming
in the dim light. The monster hissed, its eyes narrowing
as it tried to shield itself from the cross's power.
Liz took a step forward, her fear falling away as
she advanced on the creature, the cross held out before
(31:06):
her like a shield. With a final desperate lunge, Liz
plunged the cross into the monster's heart, feeling the metal
sink deep into its flesh. The creature screamed, its body
convulsing as it staggered backwards towards the pool. Liz watched,
her hearting her throat as the monster's body dissolved into nothingness,
(31:26):
leaving only a faint wisp of smoke on the surface
of the water. As the last wisps of smoke dissipated
above the pool, Liz let her trembling body drop to
the cold tiles. She wrapped her arms around her knees,
tears streaming freely, not just from terror, but in relief
and disbelief at what she had done. The monster was gone,
(31:48):
but its shadow lingered in her bones, leaving her achingly
aware of how close she had come to losing everything.
For hours, Liz wandered through the house in a daze,
the silence its deafening after two nights of nightmare. She
moved carefully from room to room, cleaning shattered glass, scrubbing
away claw marks, and sweeping up the remnants of violence
(32:10):
and fear. Each stroke of the broom, each click of
a mended lock, seemed to patch together a piece of
herself that had been splintered by dread. She filled her
lungs with the smell of lemon scented disinfectant, scrubbing until
the evidence of horror faded like a bad memory. The
late afternoon p sum slanted through the kitchen window as
(32:31):
Liz hesitated over an old, grease stained recipe card her
mother's cherished lasagna. She gathered the ingredients, finding some comfort
in the steady, ordinary rhythm of chopping onions and garlic,
simmering sauce, layering cheese and noodles. Each step was a
small rebellion against the chaos of the past days, Each
(32:52):
task a quiet promise that she was still here, that
normalcy would return. That night, she set the kitchen table
just so and saveolone by candlewhight, the golden cross heavy
and warm against her chest. Memories of her childhood pressed
close lonely weekends, the longing for her father, her mother's
(33:12):
reassuring hands and gentle encouragement. Liz realized that her mother
had always protected her, even from a distance, arming her
with more than just heirlooms. By Monday morning, a hesitant
hope flickered in Liz's heart. She had barely slept, anticipation
for her mother's return growing stronger with each passing minute.
(33:35):
When the front door finally creaked open, Liz raced to
the entryway, throwing her arms around her mother in a
fierce embrace that said everything words could not. Tears welled
up as Liz pulled back just enough to meet her
mother's eyes.
Speaker 5 (33:49):
We have so much to talk about, but before anything else,
I love you. Thank you for taking care of me
even when you're not here. Thank you for the cross, Liz.
Speaker 4 (34:05):
Said as she hugged her mother tightly again. Her mother smiled,
brushing tears from Liz's cheek, both of them clinging to
each other in a moment longer than either could ever
admit they needed. Outside, the faint yip of a straight
puppy caught their attention. Liz opened the door to find
a tiny, mud speckled ball of fur peering up at her.
(34:26):
Hopefully smiling through fresh tears, Lise scooped up the puppy,
pressing it gently to her chest. As she clutched the cross.
She looked at her mother, hope and gratitude shining in
her eyes, and together they welcomed a new chapter, one
forged in courage, love, and the promise of brighter days.
Speaker 2 (34:47):
Thank you for listening. This concludes this chapter of our story.
This is a Phoenix Pea publication produced and presented by
the Underground Artists at Work. I am your host, CJ
and just a reminder. New chapters for our novels air
every other Monday at eight pm Central Standard time. Also
(35:12):
look for short stories that will posted randomly on the show.
The questions or comments are story submissions points. You can
contact us at the Underground Artist Network at outlook dot com.
Remember whether listening to our podcast the Ya Universe are
(35:37):
reading any other young adult fiction work. As always, we
thank you for supporting reading, dream big, aim high, as
nothing is unachievable. We all have it in us and
you do too.
Speaker 1 (35:56):
For listening. Audience reading books, teenage dreams, sifting through my Fannasya,
reading out Things.
Speaker 6 (36:14):
Kill Me? Who all on the me dream Bay, take
a shot? What should think?
Speaker 1 (36:26):
Give it all you guy, change your drink, don't stop,
don't shop, Dream
Curling up bim bed reading books, Teena's Dreams, sifting through
my fantasy readings, chever On of Me.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Dream, Take a Shot? What's your say?
Speaker 3 (00:32):
Give it all you God?
Speaker 1 (00:34):
Jacob Dolsop.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Dreams Your host CJ, and Welcome to the y A Universe.
We invite you to escape into worlds where friendships are tested,
hearts race, and everyday struggles collide with extraordinary adventures. Written
and hosted by author Phoenix p each story dies deep
(01:07):
into the personal and social challenges young adults face, from
slow burn romances to breath taking escapism fantasy. Our novels
unfold chapter by chapter twice a month on Monday evenings
until that story reaches its final page. Between novels, you'll
(01:32):
also get surprise drops of short stories, so be sure
to turn on notifications so that you never miss a journey.
If you have a YA short story of your own,
submit it and if it's selected, you'll be credited and
hear it come to life on our show. This is
(01:53):
more than just the podcast. It's a place where young
adult fiction fans can dream, relate, and get lost, and
worlds both real and a match. The YA Universe a
presentation of the underground artist network. Let's go ahead and
(02:15):
start our story for this episode.
Speaker 4 (02:20):
Liz, a shy teenager in a small Ohio town, felt
the weight of her high school's hauls on her shoulders.
She navigated the crowded corridors her eyes downcast, trying to
avoid the snickers and whispered taunts that seemed to follow
her like a shadow. The bell rang, signaling the end
of another day, and Liz breathed a sigh of relief
(02:42):
as she stepped out into the crisp autumn air. She
walked home, her steps quickening as she thought of the
newest addition to her life, a sweet faced dog she
had adopted from the local animal shelter just a week ago.
The dog, a scruffy terrier mix she had named Texts,
had been a bright spot in otherwise gloomy existence. His
(03:03):
wagging tail and happy lips had greeted her every afternoon,
and she found herself looking forward to their walks and
playtime in the backyard. But over the past few nights
something had changed. Text had begun to wake Liz with
strange guttural sounds that seemed to emanate from deep within
his throat. At first, Liz had thought it was just
(03:24):
a passing phase, perhaps brought on by the stress of
adjusting to a new home. But as the nights wore on,
the sounds grew louder and more fierce, until Luce found
herself lying awake, staring at the ceiling, dreading the moment
when the noises would start. Anew one night, as the
moon cast an eerie glow over her bedroom, Liz awoke
(03:45):
to the near familiar sounds coming from Texas bed in
the corner, but this time something was different. As she listened,
heart pounding, she noticed that the shadows on her wall
seemed to flicker and dance in a way that she
had never seen before. Liz sat up, her eyes wide,
trying to make out the shapes.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
In the darkness.
Speaker 4 (04:07):
There, just beyond her window, she could make out the
silhouette of something huge and menacing, its form shifting and
undulating in the moonlight. Liz's first instinct was to hide
under the covers, to pretend that she had never seen
the shadow or heard the sounds, But something inside her
rebelled at the thought she had been hiding for too
(04:29):
long from the bullies at school, from the loneliness that
seemed to follow her everywhere she went. She was tired
of being afraid, so with a deep breath, Lise swung
her legs over the side of the bed and stood up,
facing the window and the unknown beyond. As she approached
the window, the shadows seemed to recede, melting away into
(04:52):
the night. Liz peered out into the darkness, trying to
catch a glimpse of whatever had been out there, but
there was nothing to see, only the familiar shapes of
her back yard and the distant glow of the street lights. Tis,
seemingly aware of her unease, patted over to her side
and nuzzled her hand, his tail wagging slowly. Liz looked
(05:14):
down at him, a smile tugging at the corners of
her mouth.
Speaker 5 (05:18):
It's just my imagination, isn't it, boy, Just a trick
of the light and my own silly fears.
Speaker 4 (05:25):
She whispered, scratching behind his ears. Over the next few days,
Lise tried to put the strange events of that night
behind her. She went to school, enduring the taunts and
jeers of her classmates with a new found sense.
Speaker 6 (05:40):
Of Liz, Honey, I have some news. I've been asked
to go on a business trip this weekend. It's a
great opportunity, and I'll only be gone for a couple
of days.
Speaker 4 (05:53):
Couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching her, waiting
for the right moment to reveal itself. As Liz sat
at the kitchen table picking at her breakfast, her mother
bustled into the room, a flurry of papers and bags
in her wake. Her mother dropped this unexpected news on her.
Liz's heart sank at the words, a wave of fear
(06:13):
washing over her. It had been years since her mother
had gone out of town for work, and the memories
of those lonely weekends still lingered in her mind.
Speaker 5 (06:23):
Mom, I don't know if that's such a good idea.
I've been feeling really scared lately, especially at night. I
keep seeing and hearing strange things, and I don't think
I can handle being alone right now.
Speaker 4 (06:37):
Her mother's face softened and she pulled Liz into a
tight hug.
Speaker 6 (06:42):
Oh, honey, I know it's been hard for you lately,
but I promise everything will be okay. I'll be back
before you know it, and we can top on the
phone every day.
Speaker 4 (06:55):
Liz nodded, trying to swallow the lunk in her throat.
Her mother disappeared into her bedroom, returning a few moments
later with a small, ornate jewelry box. She opened it carefully,
revealing a large ornate cross on a delicate chain.
Speaker 6 (07:09):
This has been in our family for generations. It's said
to have the power to protect against evil, and it's
been passed down from mother to daughter since the late
eighteenth century. I want you to have it while I'm gone,
to remind you that you're never truly alone. Liz took
the cross, feeling the weight of it in her palm.
(07:31):
She didn't believe in its supposed powers, but the thought
of having a piece of her family's history with her
was oddly comforting. As her mother packed her bags and
prepared to leave, Liz clutched the cross tightly, trying to
draw strength from its prisons. Remember, honey, you're a big
girl now. You can take care of yourself, and you
(07:52):
have the cross to protect you. I'll be back before
you know it, and we'll have a nice dinner together
and catch up on everything.
Speaker 4 (08:01):
Her mother softly said as she kissed her forehead. Louz nodded,
forcing a smile onto her face as she watched her
mother walk out the door, the sound of her footsteps
echoing in the empty house.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
Thank you everybody for listening. We hope that you are
enjoying this episode. We're going to pause her story for
this quick break. You are listening to the YA Universe,
but to your host CJ, we will see you after
these correct messages.
Speaker 3 (08:33):
I stepped off the plane with fire in my chest,
dreamed of your arms, wor i'd finally.
Speaker 7 (08:40):
Arrest U's in the dirt bullets the time, holding your
name like a sacred sun.
Speaker 3 (08:48):
But the house is empty, your picture's gone, The key
doesn't fit, and the truth feels wrong. My brother said
you oh my last week, but nothing for me. No
though the cut you married him.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
The world welcoming back from the break. This is the
YA Universe and imrs CJ. Remember. Chapters to our novels
air on Monday evenings at eight pm Central Standard Time.
The chapters will continue to air until the novel is complete,
and then a news series will start up shortly after
(09:30):
the completed novel. If this particular novel is not to
your liking, we have short stories that will air randomly
and they are all geared towards young adult fiction. Enthusiasts.
In addition, anyone listening out there that is interested. If
you would like to hear your story come to life
(09:52):
and be read out loud, then here's your opportunity. Least,
feel free to send your stories or poins. It is read,
you will receive on air acknowledgement that this is your
work of art with their author nay. And if you
wish a way to contact you for our listeners to
(10:12):
do so. If you like to contact us, you can
do so at Underground Artist's Network at Outlook DACA. Ready
to escape out of this world that we live in
every day, then get comfortable, close your eyes and let
the words flow into your brain as we continue this
(10:34):
episode's story.
Speaker 4 (10:37):
As Liz drisched it off into a late morning nap,
the Cross nestled close to her heart, a sense of
peace settled over her for the first time in days.
Her sleep was undisturbed by the terrifying visions that had
plagued her nights. Tis curled up on the floor beside
her bed, slipped soundly as well, his usual restlessness and
(10:57):
strange behavior nowhere to be seen in those quiet hours.
It seemed as though the Cross had worked its magic
banishing the shadows that had haunted Liz's every waking moment.
Liz embraced her newfound sense of freedom as she slipped
into the cool, inviting waters of the pool. The worries
and fears that had weighed so heavily upon her seemed
(11:19):
to dissolve, carried away on the gentle ripples that fanned
out around her, She swam with a sense of abandon
reveling in the simple joy of being alive and unburdened.
Before diving in, Liz had carefully removed the cherished family
cross and placed it safely in the poolhouse, nestled among
(11:40):
a stack of fresh, fluffy towels. As she sliced through
the water, stroke after stroke, she felt a growing sense
of confidence and peace, knowing that the cross was nearby,
watching over her and keeping her safe from harm. As
the balm Ohio afternoon stretched on, Liz found herself lost
in the soothing embrace of the water, her mind wandering
(12:03):
to thoughts of school and the challenges that awaited her return.
With each stroke, she felt her confidence grow, imagining herself
walking the halls with a newfound strength and resilience the
bullying and awkwardness that had once weighed her down, seemed
to dissolve in the gentle ripples of the pool, replaced
by a sense of inner peace and determination. Liz knew
(12:25):
that this weekend of forced independence was a turning point,
a chance to emerge from the water's stronger and more
self assured than ever before. For the first time in
a long time, she felt truly good about herself, ready
to face whatever lay ahead with a brave heart and
an unwavering spirit. Liz's tranquil swim was abruptly interrupted by
(12:47):
the unexpected arrival of a delivery driver, whose insistent knocking
demanded her attention. Wrapping herself hastily in a towel, she
darted from the pool to the pool house, her heart
racing with the mixture of annoyance and curiosity. As she
made her way to the front door, the soft material
of the towels clung to her damp skin, leaving a
(13:09):
trail of wet footprints in her wake. With a sense
of urgency, Liz signed for the mysterious package, her mind
already wandering back to the serenity of the pool and
the promise of a weak end filled with newfound strength
and self discovery. As Liz made her way back to
the pool, her eyes were drawn to the sight of
great jelly, peanut butter, and wheat bread laid out on
(13:31):
the kitchen counter. Her stomach growled, reminding her of the
hunger that had been gnawing at her since her swim.
Unable to resist the temptation, she quickly crafted two sandwiches,
each one dripping with the sweet, sticky goodness of grape jelly.
With each bite, Liz felt a sense of comfort and
satisfaction wash over her. The sandwiches were so perfectly proportioned,
(13:56):
so utterly delicious, that she soon found herself lost in
a food induced haze. As the evening light began to fade,
giving way to the inky darkness of night, Liz's eyelids
grew heavy, and she slipped into a deep, dreamless sleep,
her body and mind succumbing to the warmth and safety
of her home. She hadn't seen Text since earlier in
(14:19):
the afternoon, so she laid out some food and called
for him, but he did not appear. Unperturbed, Liz settled
on to the sofa and reached for her current book,
losing herself in its pages as she completed several chapters,
the words on the page seemed to dance before her eyes,
weeding a tapestry of imagination that held her captive. As
(14:41):
Liz's eyelids grew heavy once more, with a contented sigh,
she headed upstairs to retire for the night, ready to
call this perfect day to a close and surrender to
the warmth and safety of her bed, where good dreams
awaited to carry her off to new adventures. As Liz
lay in her bed, the dark tess seemed to pressing
around her, amplifying every creak and groan of the old house.
(15:05):
The wind whistled through the trees outside, casting eerie shadows
across her walls, and the electricity flickered unpredictably, plunging her
room into darkness for moments at a time. Liz had
always struggled with separation anxiety, a lingering effect of growing
up without a father and being deeply attached to her mother,
(15:25):
who had been her sole caregiver and confidant for as
long as she could remember. Now alone in the house
with only text for company, those old fears came rushing back,
amplified by the unsettling events of the past few days.
Liz pulled the covers up to her chin, her heart
pounding in her chest as she strained her ears for
(15:46):
any sign of movement in the darkness. Every shadow seemed
to take on a sinister cast, every sound a harbinger
of some unseen threat. As the night wore on, Liz's
fear grew into a power presence, a suffocating weight that
seemed to press down on her chest, making it hard
to breathe. She knew she should get up, turn on
(16:08):
the lights, do something to break the spell of terror
that held her in its grip, but she couldn't bring
herself to move, paralyzed by the conviction that something was
waiting for her in the darkness, something that would pounce
the moment she let her guard down. Just when Liz
thought she couldn't bear it any longer, she heard a
sound that made her blood run cold, the heavy, insistent
(16:31):
scratching of claws on the front door.
Speaker 2 (16:34):
Thank you everybody for listening. We hope that you are
enjoying this episode. We're going to pause her story for
this quick break. You are listening to the YA Universe.
Put your host CJ. We will see you after these
correct messages. I stepped off the plane with fire and
(16:56):
much chest.
Speaker 7 (16:57):
Dream of your arms finally rest. Here's in the dirt,
bullets through time, holding your.
Speaker 3 (17:06):
Name like sacred sign. But the house is empty, pictures gone,
The key doesn't fit and the truth feels wrong. My
brother said uel my last week, but not for me.
Novo the key you married him in the world.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
Welcome you back from the break. This is the YA
universe and I am your houset CJ. Remember. Chapters to
our novels air on Monday evenings at eight pm Central
Standard Time. The chapters will continue to air until the
novel is complete, and then a news series will start
up shortly after the completed novel. If this particular novel
(17:54):
is not to your liking, we have short stories that
will air randomly and they are all geared towards young
adult fiction enthusiasts. In addition, anyone listening out there that
is interested. If you'd like to hear your story come
to life and be read out loud, then here's your opportunity.
(18:16):
Please feel free to send your stories or poems and
if it is read, you will receive on air acknowledgement
that this is your work of art with your author name.
And if you wish a way to contact you for
our listeners to do so. If you would like to
contact us, you can do so at Underground Artists Network
(18:40):
at outlook dot com. Ready to escape out of this
world that we live in every day, then get comfortable,
close your eyes and let the words flow into your
brain as we continue. This episode's story.
Speaker 4 (18:57):
Text is that you boy, Liz said out loud, her
voice a mixture of fear and hope. The scratching continued,
growing louder and more frantic with each passing second, as
though something was desperately trying to get inside the house.
Liz knew she couldn't stay frozen in her bed forever,
not with the frantic scratching at the door growing louder
(19:19):
by the second. With a deep breath, she forced herself
to swing her legs over the side of the bed,
her hand reaching for the baseball bat she kept leaning
against her nightstand. The smooth wood felt solid and reassuring
in her grip, and she clung to it like a lifeline.
As she crept towards the door. The hallway stretched out
(19:40):
before her like a dark, endless tunnel, the shadows seeming
to writhe and twist in the corners of her vision.
Wizz's heart pounded in her ears, the sound almost drowning
out the scratching that had drawn her from the relative
safety of her room. Each step felt like a monumental effort,
her feet leaden with fear and anticipation. As she reached
(20:04):
the top of the stairs, Liz paused her eyes, straining
to make out any movement in the darkness below. The
scratching was louder, now more frenzied, as though whatever was
on the other side of the door could sense her approach.
Liz tightened her grip on the bat, her knuckles turning
white with the effort, and began to descend the stairs,
one agonizing step at a time. The floorboards creaked beneath
(20:28):
her feet, the sound echoing through the empty house like
a gunshot. Liz winced her body, tensing for the attack
she was sure was coming, but nothing happened. The scratching
continued unabated, and Liz forced herself to keep moving, one
hand on the banister, the other clutching the bat like
a lifeline. As she reached the bottom of the stairs,
(20:51):
Liz could see the front door, the wood trembling under
the force of the blows from the other side. She
crept closer, her heart in her throat. The bat raised
and ready to strike.
Speaker 5 (21:02):
Tax is that you?
Speaker 4 (21:05):
Liz called out his name again. The scratching stopped abruptly,
and for a long moment, there was no sound at all.
Then a soft wine filtered through the door, followed by
a muffled bark. Liz's breath left her in a rush,
relief flooding through her as she recognized the sound of
her beloved dog. She dropped the bat, her hands shaking
(21:27):
as she fumbled with the locks. Her only thought to
get to text and make sure he was okay. As
soon as the front door swum open, Texa's small furry
body began to convulse and contort, his soft brown eyes
flashing a deep, malevolent red. Liz watched in horror as
her beloved dog's features twisted and elongated, his snout stretching
(21:49):
into a gaping moor filled with razor sharp fangs. His
once gentle paws morphed into gnarled, clawed talons, scraping against
the hardwood floor as he grew inside eyes, his body
rippling with unnatural power. Texas transformation was accompanied by a guttural, agonized,
howling foam frothing from his gaping jaws as his body
(22:11):
contorted in excruciating pain. Liz stood frozen, her eyes wide
with shock and terror, unable to comprehend the nightmarish scene
unfolding before her. The creature that had once been her
loyal companion now towered over her, its massive form filling
the doorway, its red eyes gleaming with a predatory hunger.
(22:32):
As the monster stepped forward, its claws digging into the
floorboards with an unearthly screech, Liz's paralysis finally broke. She
stumbled backwards, her legs giving way beneath her as she
hit the floor, scrambling away from the advancing beast, her
heart pounded in her chest, her breath coming in ragged
gasps as she tried to put as much distance as
(22:55):
possible between herself and the horrific creature that had taken
Texas place. Liz's mind raced as she fled through the house,
the creature's heavy footsteps echoing behind her. She darted into
the living room, slamming the door behind her and shoving
a heavy arm chair against it, buying herself a few
precious seconds of respite, but the monster was relentless, its
(23:18):
claws tearing through the wood like paper, sending splinters flying
through the air. Liz sprinted for the stairs, her heart
in her throat as she heard the creature's snarls growing closer.
She ducked into her mother's bedroom, locking the door behind
her and pressing her back against it, her eyes scanning
the room for any means of escape. The creature's heavy
(23:39):
body slammed against the door, the wood buckling under the
force of its blows, and Liz knew she had only
moments before it broke through. With a desperate burst of strength,
Liz shoved the heavy dresser in front of the door,
hoping to buy herself a few more seconds. She scrambled
towards the window, her hands shaking as she fumbled with
the latch. Just as the door splintered behind her, Liz
(24:03):
managed to wrench the window open, tumbling out onto the
roof above the porch. The night air was cold and
sharp in her lungs as she hay Fran half crawled
along the sloping shingles, her bare feet slipping on the
deuceleak surface. She could hear the creatures enraged howls behind her,
the sound spurring her on despite the burning in her
(24:25):
lungs and the ache in her muscles, Liz leaped from
the roof, her body slamming into the grass below with
a bone jarring thud. She stumbled to her feet, her
eyes already searching for her next hiding spot. The storage
shed learned ahead of her, its concrete walls and steel door,
offering the promise of a temporary refuge. She darted inside,
(24:49):
slamming the door behind her and throwing the bolt with
trembling fingers. The shed was small and cramped with benches
cemented to the ground. The air was thick with the
scent of clay, revealing its purpose as a pottery drying studio.
She felt the rough texture of the walls against her
back as she pressed herself into the corner, trying to
(25:10):
make herself as small as possible. The dried clay dust
coated her skin and clothes, making her cough and her
eyes water. The single small window near the ceiling let
in a dim ray of moonlight, casting long shadows across
the room.
Speaker 6 (25:27):
Liz pressed her back.
Speaker 4 (25:28):
Against the wall, her eyes fixed on the door as
she listened for any sign of the creature's approach. Seconds
stretched into minutes, the silence broken only by the harsh
sound of Liz's breathing and the thundering of her own heart.
She could hear the creature's heavy footsteps outside, the scrape
of its claws on the concrete as it circled the shed,
(25:49):
searching for a way inside. Lizz's muscles tensed, coiled like
springs as she waited for the inevitable moment when the
monster would find itself inside and get her. The monster
clawed at the door and walls, unable to penetrate the
strongly built shed. Liz cried the remainder of the night
as the monster persisted. The sun's light crept into the
(26:11):
shed through the window above her, providing temporary relief from
the surrounding darkness. As the sun climbed higher into the sky,
the once relentless clawing at the shed's walls began to subside.
Liz noticed that the creature, which had once been her
beloved texts, seemed to grow uneasy in the daylight, its
attacks becoming less frequent and more cautious. A glimmer of
(26:36):
hope sparked within her as she considered making a run
for it during one of the monster's quiet moments. However,
the thought of having nowhere to go was her concern.
Liz decided to stay put, praying that some one would
come to her rescue or that her mother would return
before nightfall, despite the gnawing worry that her mother might
(26:57):
be caught off guard by the monstrous being that await her.
As the hours droveed on, Liz found herself unable to sleep,
her mind racing with thoughts of her life and the
events that had led her to this moment. Huddled in
the corner of the shed, she reflected on the pain
of growing up without a father, the constant fear of
(27:17):
losing her mother, and the social awkwardness that had made
her a target for bullying at school. She thought about
her lack of purpose, the feeling that she was just
drifting through life without any real direction or goal. These
reflections kept her going as the day turned to night,
her hunger and exhaustion temporarily forgotten in the face of
(27:38):
her introspection. As the sun began to set, Liz's fear
returned in full force, her body tensing with every scrape
and scratch of Texas claws against the concrete walls of
the shed. She cried silently, her tears leaving salty trails
down her cheeks as she listened to the relentless onslaught
of the creature outside. The second night in a row,
(28:01):
Liz remained awake, her eyes fixed on the door as
she waited for the moment when the monster would finally
break through. But despite her exhaustion and hunger, she refused
to give up, drawing on the strength she had found
within herself during her long hours of reflection. As Liz
huddled in the shed, her mind drifted to the last
(28:21):
time she had seen her mother, before the business trip.
She remembered her mother's words telling her that she wasn't
a little kid anymore and could take care of herself.
Liz also remembered the regret she felt for not telling
her mother she loved her before she left. Tears streamed
down Liz's face as she realized that might have been
the last time she would ever see her mother, But
(28:44):
then a glimmer of hope sparked within her. She remembered
the cross her mother had given her, promising that it
would protect her against evil and keep her safe. Liz
recalled leaving it in the poolhouse when she had been
swimming earlier.
Speaker 5 (28:59):
With an a.
Speaker 4 (29:00):
Newfound sense of determination, Liz began to devise a plan.
She knew she had to find a way to make
it across the yard and retrieve the Cross from the poolhouse.
It was her only hope with survival against the monstrous
creature that tex had become. Liz took a deep breath,
stealing herself for the dangerous journey ahead, knowing that her
(29:21):
mother's love and the power of the Cross would guide
her through the darkness. Liz took a deep breath, her
heart pounding in her chest as she prepared to make
her escape. With a burst of speed, she threw open
the door of the shed and sprinted towards the pool,
her bare feet slipping on the damp grass. Texas howls
(29:41):
of rage echoed behind her, spurring her on as she
dove into the cool, chlorinated water. The monster skidded to
a halt at the edge of the pool, its red
eyes glowing with fury as it paced back and forth.
Unwilling or unable to enter the water. Liz swam with
desperate strokes, her li lungs burning As she made her
(30:01):
way to the other side of the pool, she could
see the poolhouse looming ahead of her, the cross hidden
inside her only hope of salvation. As she pulled herself
out of the water, Liz heard the creature's snarls growing closer,
its claws scrabbling against the concrete as it raced to
head her off. With a desperate cry, Liz scooped up
(30:23):
a handful of water and flung it at the monster's face,
the chlorine burning its eyes and causing it to scream
in pain. Liz used the momentary distraction to dash into
the poolhouse, her hand closing around the cross that lay
hidden inside. She whirled around just in time to see
the monster's eyes glow a deep, malevolent red, its fangs
(30:45):
and claws extending as it prepared to strike. With a
trembling hand, Liz held up the cross, its surface gleaming
in the dim light. The monster hissed, its eyes narrowing
as it tried to shield itself from the cross's power.
Liz took a step forward, her fear falling away as
she advanced on the creature, the cross held out before
(31:06):
her like a shield. With a final desperate lunge, Liz
plunged the cross into the monster's heart, feeling the metal
sink deep into its flesh. The creature screamed, its body
convulsing as it staggered backwards towards the pool. Liz watched,
her hearting her throat as the monster's body dissolved into nothingness,
(31:26):
leaving only a faint wisp of smoke on the surface
of the water. As the last wisps of smoke dissipated
above the pool, Liz let her trembling body drop to
the cold tiles. She wrapped her arms around her knees,
tears streaming freely, not just from terror, but in relief
and disbelief at what she had done. The monster was gone,
(31:48):
but its shadow lingered in her bones, leaving her achingly
aware of how close she had come to losing everything.
For hours, Liz wandered through the house in a daze,
the silence its deafening after two nights of nightmare. She
moved carefully from room to room, cleaning shattered glass, scrubbing
away claw marks, and sweeping up the remnants of violence
(32:10):
and fear. Each stroke of the broom, each click of
a mended lock, seemed to patch together a piece of
herself that had been splintered by dread. She filled her
lungs with the smell of lemon scented disinfectant, scrubbing until
the evidence of horror faded like a bad memory. The
late afternoon p sum slanted through the kitchen window as
(32:31):
Liz hesitated over an old, grease stained recipe card her
mother's cherished lasagna. She gathered the ingredients, finding some comfort
in the steady, ordinary rhythm of chopping onions and garlic,
simmering sauce, layering cheese and noodles. Each step was a
small rebellion against the chaos of the past days, Each
(32:52):
task a quiet promise that she was still here, that
normalcy would return. That night, she set the kitchen table
just so and saveolone by candlewhight, the golden cross heavy
and warm against her chest. Memories of her childhood pressed
close lonely weekends, the longing for her father, her mother's
(33:12):
reassuring hands and gentle encouragement. Liz realized that her mother
had always protected her, even from a distance, arming her
with more than just heirlooms. By Monday morning, a hesitant
hope flickered in Liz's heart. She had barely slept, anticipation
for her mother's return growing stronger with each passing minute.
(33:35):
When the front door finally creaked open, Liz raced to
the entryway, throwing her arms around her mother in a
fierce embrace that said everything words could not. Tears welled
up as Liz pulled back just enough to meet her
mother's eyes.
Speaker 5 (33:49):
We have so much to talk about, but before anything else,
I love you. Thank you for taking care of me
even when you're not here. Thank you for the cross, Liz.
Speaker 4 (34:05):
Said as she hugged her mother tightly again. Her mother smiled,
brushing tears from Liz's cheek, both of them clinging to
each other in a moment longer than either could ever
admit they needed. Outside, the faint yip of a straight
puppy caught their attention. Liz opened the door to find
a tiny, mud speckled ball of fur peering up at her.
(34:26):
Hopefully smiling through fresh tears, Lise scooped up the puppy,
pressing it gently to her chest. As she clutched the cross.
She looked at her mother, hope and gratitude shining in
her eyes, and together they welcomed a new chapter, one
forged in courage, love, and the promise of brighter days.
Speaker 2 (34:47):
Thank you for listening. This concludes this chapter of our story.
This is a Phoenix Pea publication produced and presented by
the Underground Artists at Work. I am your host, CJ
and just a reminder. New chapters for our novels air
every other Monday at eight pm Central Standard time. Also
(35:12):
look for short stories that will posted randomly on the show.
The questions or comments are story submissions points. You can
contact us at the Underground Artist Network at outlook dot com.
Remember whether listening to our podcast the Ya Universe are
(35:37):
reading any other young adult fiction work. As always, we
thank you for supporting reading, dream big, aim high, as
nothing is unachievable. We all have it in us and
you do too.
Speaker 1 (35:56):
For listening. Audience reading books, teenage dreams, sifting through my Fannasya,
reading out Things.
Speaker 6 (36:14):
Kill Me? Who all on the me dream Bay, take
a shot? What should think?
Speaker 1 (36:26):
Give it all you guy, change your drink, don't stop,
don't shop, Dream
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