June 20, 2023 • 28 mins
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Welcome to Season 12 episode 1203. Today’s episode features a story by India McCarty: “Rose Hill”. Performed by Mary Murphy, with a custom score by Nico Vettese of We Talk of Dreams.Josephine thought she had moved into the perfect apartment building. Everything was going great, until she got a mysterious email. Now she thinks that maybe someone’s trying to get rid of her…
Warning: The Wicked Library is a horror fiction podcast created for a mature audience. Our stories contain graphic descriptions of pain, murder, violence, blood, betrayal, and inhumanity; monsters win, people die, and hope is often shattered. There is also beauty, heart, catharsis, and raw emotion. Fear may be deeply personal, but we all share it.If at any time a story takes you to a place too dark, turn on the lights, press pause, or press stop. And always remember, that unlike in the real world, these nightmares, and your participation in them, are under your control.
Producers: Daniel Foytik & Meg Williams
Resident Composer & Executive Producer: Nico Vettese, of We Talk of Dreams
Hosted by: Daniel Foytik
Artwork: Greg Shaffer
Score & Incidental Music: Nico Vettese
Main Theme: “The Library Awakens” Nico Vettese
Final Audio Mix: Daniel Foytik, 9th Story Studios LLC
Get your copy of The Wicked Library Presents: 13 Wicked Tales on Kindle, or in print. Visit thewickedlibrary.com/read to get your copy today.
Get your copy of The Lift, 9 Stories of Transformation Volume One on Kindle, or in print. Visit victoriaslift.com/read to get your copy today.
The Wicked Library is created by 9th Story Studios LLC: www.9thstory.comAudio program ©2023 – 9th Story Studios LLC. All Rights Reserved.No reproduction or use of this content is permitted without the express written consent of 9th Story Studios LLC. The copyrights for stories are held by the respective authors.
Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 / month. Hear stories first for $5 / month.
Welcome to Season 12 episode 1203. Today’s episode features a story by India McCarty: “Rose Hill”. Performed by Mary Murphy, with a custom score by Nico Vettese of We Talk of Dreams.Josephine thought she had moved into the perfect apartment building. Everything was going great, until she got a mysterious email. Now she thinks that maybe someone’s trying to get rid of her…
Warning: The Wicked Library is a horror fiction podcast created for a mature audience. Our stories contain graphic descriptions of pain, murder, violence, blood, betrayal, and inhumanity; monsters win, people die, and hope is often shattered. There is also beauty, heart, catharsis, and raw emotion. Fear may be deeply personal, but we all share it.If at any time a story takes you to a place too dark, turn on the lights, press pause, or press stop. And always remember, that unlike in the real world, these nightmares, and your participation in them, are under your control.
Producers: Daniel Foytik & Meg Williams
Resident Composer & Executive Producer: Nico Vettese, of We Talk of Dreams
Hosted by: Daniel Foytik
Artwork: Greg Shaffer
Score & Incidental Music: Nico Vettese
Main Theme: “The Library Awakens” Nico Vettese
Final Audio Mix: Daniel Foytik, 9th Story Studios LLC
Get your copy of The Wicked Library Presents: 13 Wicked Tales on Kindle, or in print. Visit thewickedlibrary.com/read to get your copy today.
Get your copy of The Lift, 9 Stories of Transformation Volume One on Kindle, or in print. Visit victoriaslift.com/read to get your copy today.
The Wicked Library is created by 9th Story Studios LLC: www.9thstory.comAudio program ©2023 – 9th Story Studios LLC. All Rights Reserved.No reproduction or use of this content is permitted without the express written consent of 9th Story Studios LLC. The copyrights for stories are held by the respective authors.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:04):
Nine Story Studios giving story a voice. This is Mary Murphy and ready or
not, It's time to get wickedWarning. The Wicked Library is a horror
(00:33):
fiction podcast created for ammature audience.Our stories contain graphic descriptions of pain,
murder, violence, blood, betrayal, and inhumanity. Monsters win, people
die, and hope is often shattered. There is also beauty, heart,
catharsis, and raw emotion. Fearmaybe deeply personal, but we all share.
(01:00):
If at any time a story takesyou to a place too dark,
turn on the lights, press pauseor press stop, and always remember that,
unlike in the real world, thesenightmares and your participation in them,
are under your control. Welcome tothe Wicked Library. I'm Daniel Foitzak,
(01:34):
and I thank you for listening.A sincere thank you to those of you
who are supporting the show. Withoutyou, this show would not be possible.
This season, all episodes are heardfirst by Patreon supporters and later shared
with the full audience. When yousupport the show, you can choose between
ad free episodes, early access tothe stories, and at higher levels of
support you'll get premiere access to endField Detective Agency currently in production. That's
(01:57):
right Frank is coming back to yourears soon. You can support the show
at Patreon dot com Forward slash WickedLibrary. A lot of hard work and
money goes into making the Wicked Library, and I really do rely on this
support to help me pay the authors, voice actors, composer and artists so
that none of the Wicked Libraries contributorswork for free. For as little as
three dollars a month, you canhelp make the show you love possible at
(02:20):
patreon dot com Forward slash Wicked Library. Now, let's get wicked with today's
dark tale told by Mary Murphy witha custom score written by Nico Vites.
If we talk of dreams Rose Hillby India McCarty. Everything was nice and
(03:24):
normal when I moved in. Thereal estate agent showed me around. I
signed on the dotted line, andthe keys were in my hand. A
week later, Easy Peasy, Lemon, Squeezy. I did wonder where all
the other tenants were, but quicklywrote it off as a sign that I
was in the big city. Now. New Yorkers didn't have time to drop
(03:47):
off a pie to welcome the newneighbor. They were too busy talking fast
and wearing black and eating bagels.I heard them though, footsteps going up
and down the stairs, voices inthe hall door slamming shut, tiny signs
of life. I found myself imaginingup stories for these people. The heavy
(04:10):
footsteps on the stairs late at nightbelonged to a girl who worked the night
shift at the right aid on thecorner. The incessant vacuuming, and the
apartment above mine was done by ahousewife who popped OxyS like they were candy.
It sounds crazy, but I didn'tthink anything of it. I actually
like the fact that I didn't haveto smile awkwardly at any one in the
(04:31):
hallways or wait for a machine inthe basement laundry room. Solitude was bliss
in my book, and I wasin heaven. Everything was fine right up
until I got the email. Dearmiss Carson, please let one of our
representatives know when we can expect youto be out of the apartment so that
(04:53):
we can show it to prospective renters. Thank you for your co operation in
this matter, Sincerely, Rose HillBuilding Management. I stared at my computer
screen, not fully understanding what Iwas reading. Prospective renters, my lease
isn't up for another year, Idecided not to play email tag for a
(05:15):
week, and dialed the phone numberprinted on the bottom of my lease agreement,
Rose Hill Building Management. How canI help you? Yes, Hi,
I got off the couch and startedpacing. This is Josephine Carson.
I'm in Unit seven. I wantedto touch base with you about the email
you guys just sent me. Ofcourse, the voice said smoothly. We
(05:41):
just wanted to know some available timeswe could expect the apartment to be empty
so we can schedule some appointments.Bernie Tennants, see, I understood that
part. I frowned. But whatI don't get is why you're showing new
tenants my apartment when I've still gota year left on my lease. Okay,
I see the confusion. I couldhear the faint sound of a keyboard
(06:03):
clacking. At Roche Hill. Wehave a close in some unit leases that
asks Tennants to let us use ourapartment in the show place, as it
were, a slight chuckle, justso perspective renters can get a feel for
the place. I don't remember agreeingto anything like that. It was the
sign I can send you a copywith your signature on it if you'd like.
(06:28):
No that won't be necessary. Islump back down on the couch.
So you guys are going to showmy apartment, even if they're going to
rent a different unit. I knowit sounds silly, but that's just how
we've always done it here at roseHill Traditions. You know, I guess.
So when can we expect you outof the apartment. I ran a
(06:51):
hand through my hair week days fromtwo to four. That worked for you.
Yes, that works perfectly. Thankyou so much for your cooperation in
this matter, Miss Carson. Pleasedon't hesitate to reach out with any more
questions. The dial tone filled myear before I could respond. I dutifully
(07:14):
vacated the apartment every weekday for twohours each afternoon, spending time walking around
the park or reading tabloids in thegrocery store. I did not receive any
more emails from Rosehill Building management,no phone calls either. I started to
wonder about who they were showing myapartment too. Exactly one day, I
(07:35):
came home a little earlier than myexpected time. I wanted to see what
was going on, maybe catch aglimpse of someone in this damned building.
I was just starting to walk downmy hallway when my apartment or swung open,
I quickly decked back into the stairwell. I can show you the laundry
(07:55):
room now, just down these steps. A voice that sounded a lot like
the on the phone said, cheerfully, but that's about it. A very
charming apartment in a great neighborhood.Really quite a steel at this price,
I cannot agree more, responded abreathy female voice. There's windows are just
(08:16):
gorgeous, aren't they? The roseHill lackey gushed, all that natural light.
I might just have to rent thisplace myself. Both of them tittered,
and I heard footsteps heading towards thebackstairs. Thank god. And so
why did the previous tenant move out? If you don't mind my asking,
(08:37):
of course, not at all.The voice was a little strained, nothing
bad. It was just time forthem to move on. The breathy voice
hummed in acknowledgement as they clumped downthe stairs. I was frozen, still
trying to comprehend what I'd heard.Why did the previous tenant move out?
(09:03):
And it was time for them tomove on? What the hell is going
on? I hurried down the hallwayand opened my door to find nothing.
Everything was just as I had leftit, coffee mug in the sink,
jacket hanging off the back of thecouch. I half expected to come back
to an empty apartment. The waythey'd been talking. Why would that woman
(09:26):
think I'd moved out when all ofmy stuff was right here? Weird and
weirder. After that, I startedcoming back early every afternoon. It was
always the same song and dance.The prospective renter would ask the rose Hill
rep why I had moved out,and they would always reply with it was
(09:48):
time for them to move on.I considered calling them up and demanding to
know why they were apparently trying torent my apartment out from under me,
but I never did. I knewthat I would get on the phone with
that slick customer service voice and theywould convince me that everything was just fine
and dandy, that it was allpart of the great rose Hill tradition.
(10:11):
So I did what any amateur Sleuthworthor Salt would do. I googled.
Rose Hill had a nice website,obviously professionally done. There were pictures of
the apartment units, exterior shots ofthe building, glowing testimonies from previous tenants,
(10:31):
no pictures of the staff. Though, when's the last time someone involved
with real estate didn't plaster their faceall over any available surface they could find.
That was the only even slightly redblag. Everything I found was normal,
(10:52):
nothing out of the ordinary, nothingto suggest there was something going on
here. And what did I eventhink was going on here? The management
company told me they would be showingmy apartment. I signed on the dotted
line, so they had my permission. They only came during the appointed hours,
(11:13):
besides the whole time to move onroutine. There was nothing to suggest
that anything was going on. Icouldn't shake that feeling, though, so
I decided to get a little morehands on with my research. It was
just before noon when I knocked onmy closest neighbor's door. I'd heard their
TV through the walls some nights,and I figured they were the best place
(11:33):
to start. Hello, I called, squinting at the people. I live
right next door. My name isJosephine. I waited for about a minute
and was about to give up whenthe door swung open. Yes, a
woman around my age was standing inthe doorway, wearing sleep rumpled pajamas and
holding a cigarette. Hi, Isaid, wincing, inwardly at my eagerness.
(12:01):
Hi, I'm Josephine Carson. Ilive right next door, she finished
for me. He said. Iwaited for her to introduce herself, but
she continued to stare at me.Um, I hesitated. I'm not sure
of how to begin. I guessI just wanted to ask you a few
questions about this building, the managementcompany, to be more specific. She
(12:28):
closed her eyes and sighed before turningaround. Come on in, she called
over her shoulder. Might as welldo this in the comfort of my own
home. I followed her into areplica of my own apartment. I stepped
over a pile of clothes and satcarefully on the lumpy couch she gestured me
(12:50):
towards. She sat at the kitchentable, tapping her cigarette into an overflowing
ash tray. So she leaned backin her chair. What do you want
to know? Well, I guessI just wanted to know why they're showing
my apartment to people and telling themI moved out. I spoke quickly.
(13:11):
I got the feeling she wouldn't letme stick around long. It's just weird.
All my stuff is still in there, but the people they show the
place to act like that's totally normal. The woman took another drag on her
cigarette before answering that it yeah,I said, suddenly feeling very small.
(13:35):
Ah, I guess that's it.They did the same thing to me,
She shrugged. It's just a roseHill way. Did they give you that
whole tradition's speel? Yes, hedid, But I don't see what that
has to do with best not toask questions. She pressed her lips together
and stubbed out the cigarette. Whateverthey're doing, it's for a good reason,
(14:00):
but it's weird, right. Irefuse to come this far without any
sort of acknowledgement. They keep tellingpeople that I left because it was just
time for me to move on.What does that even mean? And why
are they acting like I'm gone?She shrugged again, then got up.
(14:20):
I took my cue and stood uptoo. She opened the door for me,
and I went back into the hall, already kicking myself for not presenting
this in the right light. Sheseemed utterly disinterested in everything I'd said.
Josephine, right, I spun around. She leaned against the door frame,
(14:41):
studying me. I nodded, Josephine, this is a nice building. Quiet
Rince not bad for New York.She raised an eyebrow. Let's not mess
with a good thing, huh.She closed the door, leaving me with
way more questions than I started with. Google gave me nothing. My neighbor
(15:05):
gave me even less. What thehell was going on here? Was I
being crazy? Why was Rose Hilltelling people? I moved on? It
was like the rest of the buildingcould feel my growing paranoia. I heard
footsteps at all hours of the dayand night, loud laughter in the hall,
(15:26):
even a dog barking across the hall. The place was louder than I
ever remembered it being before, butI still never saw any one in the
hallways or on the stairs. Prospectivetenants kept coming by my apartment, and
I continued to spy on them.They all seemed like nice, normal people
(15:46):
who were ecstatic at the prospect ofliving in such a nice place, just
like I had been a few monthsbefore. I decided to go back to
my neighbors and ask what she meantbefore about not messing with a good thing?
What did she know that I didn't. I knocked on the door,
no answer, Hallel, it's Josephinefrom next door. I was about to
(16:11):
knock again. When the door swungopen. There she was, same pajamas,
same cigarette, exactly like the daywe'd met. Hi. I smiled,
Sorry to bother you again, butI wanted to talk a little more
about what you said the other day. Huh. She squinted at me,
(16:33):
then pulled on her cigarette the otherday. When I came over her and
we talked about I faltered. Therewas a total lack of recognition in her
eyes. Do you remember? Sheclosed her eyes and sighed before turning around.
Come on in, she called overher shoulder. Might as well do
(16:56):
this in the comfort of my ownhome. I followed her into the apartment.
I stepped over the same pile ofclothes and sat on the same lumpy
couch she gestured me towards. Shesat at the kitchen table, tapping her
cigarette into an overflowing ash tree,just like she'd done before. So she
(17:21):
leaned back in her chair. Whatdo you want to know? Um,
I'm sorry. I looked round theroom. Everything exactly where it had been
last week, exactly. You reallydon't remember. I came in. We
sat just like this. I askedabout why rose Hill is showing my apartment
(17:45):
to renters, even though I'm stillliving here. None of this is ringing
a bell. She appeared completely unruffledby the fact that she had no memory
of our previous visit. That it, I guess, but I best not
to ask questions. She pressed herlips together and stubbed out the cigarette,
(18:10):
just as she'd done before. Whateverthey're doing, it's for a good reason,
I know, I laughed, disbelievingly. I know that's just what you
said last. She had already stoodup, heading for the door. Please,
I just want to know what's goingon, I said, following her
(18:33):
out to the hole. Nobody willgive me a straight answer, and I'm
starting to get a really weird feelingabout Josephine. Right. I stared at
her helplessly. She was staring justbeyond me, like I wasn't even there.
Josephine, this is a nice building, quiet rents, not bad for
(18:55):
New York. She raised an eyebrow. Let's not mess with a good thing.
That's what you said last time,exactly what you said last. She
shut the door before I could finish. What the hell is going on?
I muttered to myself, pushing theheels of my hands into my eyes.
What the hell is going on?I believe I can answer that for you,
(19:18):
Miss Carson. I whipped my headup so fast I heard my neck
crack. Standing before me was apleasant looking man about twenty years older than
me. He was wearing a nicesuit and smiling at me. Ah,
who, I believe we've spoken before, he said, and I suddenly recognized
(19:40):
his voice. He was a oneI'd talked to before about all of this,
the one who was telling people Ihad moved on. Okay, what
the hell is going on here?I stabbed a finger in his direction.
You're showing people my place, tellingthem I'm gone and moved on and whatever
the hell else? And could wesay this to your apartment? He was
(20:02):
still smiling, like everything was niceand normal. This feels like a private
conversation, and I wouldn't want anyof the other tenants to ophere. Oh
you mean like emnesiac Annie in there. I jerked a thumb over my shoulder.
We just had the same conversation verbatimthat we had a week ago.
(20:22):
She's wearing the exact same clothes.Hell, I think she's smoking the same
damn fig your apartment, Miss Carson. His smile was slightly strained as he
opened the door for me. Ieyed him suspiciously, but followed him inside.
I was desperate for answers, andhe seemed ready to give them to
(20:44):
me. Should we have a seat, No, I think I'll stand.
I crossed my arms. Tell mewhat's going on, Miss Carson. Rose
Hill is a very special place,he said slowly. We're very special people.
All of our tenants have been vettedvery carefully and extensively. We want
(21:06):
to take care of you, hesmiled. For as long as you call
this place home, then why areyou trying to get rid of me?
Because it's time for you to moveon. What are you talking about,
I snapped, I just moved in, Miss Carson. You're dead, he
said, simply. It's time foryou to move on. He said it
(21:30):
like it was a most natural thingin the world to go around telling perfectly
healthy people they were dead. You'recrazy, I laughed, backing away from
him. Dead How can I bedead? I have a job, I
talk to my family. I can'tbe dead. Ah, when's the last
(21:53):
time you went to work, hesaid, gently, folding his hands together
in his lap. Or talk tosomeone on the phone. No, I
said, shaking my head. No, I I just talked to my mom.
I stopped, A horrifying realization dawningon me. When was the last
(22:17):
time I talked to my mom?Why hadn't I been going to work.
I couldn't remember going to the grocerystore, even though I knew there was
food in the cabinets. You're dead, he repeated, and have been for
quite some time. He pulled amanila folder out of his jacket and handed
it to me. I opened it, hands shaking. Inside were some newspaper
(22:44):
clippings, all with my name andface. Teacher killed in tragic accident,
trumpeted one car crash, claims alife of Josephine Carson announced another. I
shoveled through the rest of the pile, looking for something, anything that would
tell me this was all a joke, an elaborate, tasteless prank. This
(23:07):
can't be right. I looked upat the man I can't be dead.
I'm right here. I just signeda lease on this apartment. I can't
be dead. Like I said before, Rosehill is a very special place or
very special people. He gestured towardsthe hall. All of our tenants are
(23:30):
recently deceased. What but that.Haven't you ever wondered why you never saw
anyone else? He raised an eyebrow. Didn't you wonder where the footsteps were
coming from? What about her?I pointed at the wall next door.
What about her? I saw her. She's living in a loop, he
(23:56):
shook his head, sadly. Manyof our tenants stew it's why she didn't
recognize you, and why she carriedon your previous interaction exactly as it had
gone before. She needs more timethan you did. I don't understand,
I whispered, still clutching the folderin my hands. If I'm what am
(24:18):
I doing here? Rose Hill isa sort of half way house. His
customer service voice was back as heran through the sales pitch. We house
unsettled spirits who need a bit oftime adjusting to their death before sending them
on untowar. Oh, oh,that's not my department, he chuckled.
(24:41):
I stared at him wordlessly dead.I was dead. I was holding the
proof in my hands. I wasa ghost living in an apartment complex full
of ghosts. If this guy wasto be believed, so, I said
slowly, all those people who've beencoming to look at my apartment, deceased.
(25:04):
He nodded. We're still looking forthe right fit, but I have
faith will find some one any daynow. And when you told them it
was time for me to move on, I was telling the truth. He
smiled kindly. You're ready to leave. It's time. But how do you
(25:25):
know, I said, a lumpin my throat. Can't I just stay
a little while longer? He shookhis head and stood up, gently,
taking the folder from my hands.It's time, he repeated, Trust me,
I've done this for a very longtime. It's time for you to
(25:49):
move on. I don't know how, I said softly. That's easy enough,
he grinned, taking my hand andin leading me towards the door.
Just walk through the door. That'sit. I looked at him incredulously.
That's it. Do you know ifI'm I hesitated? Am I going up
(26:15):
or down? Not my department?He shrugged. Well that's comforting. I
squared my shoulders and looked at thedoor before me. So I just walked
through, Just walk through. Itook a deep breath. I was dead.
(26:36):
It was time to go, MissCarson. Yeah, it's been a
pleasure having you at rose Hill,he smiled. I believed him. I
took a step, I put myhand on the door knob and turned.
I opened the door. I tooka step forward, and thank you for
(27:22):
listening to episode number twelve h three. Today's author was India McCarty with her
story Rose Hill. Today's story wastold by Mary Murphy. I'm Daniel Foytzech
and I've been your host today.Our resident composer and executive producer is Nikovites.
If we talk of dreams. Artworkfor today's episode was created by Greg
Schaefer. Our producers are Meg Williamsand Daniel Foytech. To find out more
(27:45):
about The Wicked Library and other NinthStory Studios shows, visit the Wicked Library
dot com and ninth Story dot com. If you'd like to help keep this
collection of dark tales coming, pleasesupport The Wicked Library on Patreon at Patreon
dot com, forward slash Good Library. You can also help by leaving a
five star rating in short review inApple podcasts. These ratings and reviews help
(28:07):
other listeners find the show, whichhelps generate revenue to ensure no one contributing
to the show works for free.The Wicked Library is created by Ninth Story
Studios. LLC all rights reserved,
Nine Story Studios giving story a voice. This is Mary Murphy and ready or
not, It's time to get wickedWarning. The Wicked Library is a horror
(00:33):
fiction podcast created for ammature audience.Our stories contain graphic descriptions of pain,
murder, violence, blood, betrayal, and inhumanity. Monsters win, people
die, and hope is often shattered. There is also beauty, heart,
catharsis, and raw emotion. Fearmaybe deeply personal, but we all share.
(01:00):
If at any time a story takesyou to a place too dark,
turn on the lights, press pauseor press stop, and always remember that,
unlike in the real world, thesenightmares and your participation in them,
are under your control. Welcome tothe Wicked Library. I'm Daniel Foitzak,
(01:34):
and I thank you for listening.A sincere thank you to those of you
who are supporting the show. Withoutyou, this show would not be possible.
This season, all episodes are heardfirst by Patreon supporters and later shared
with the full audience. When yousupport the show, you can choose between
ad free episodes, early access tothe stories, and at higher levels of
support you'll get premiere access to endField Detective Agency currently in production. That's
(01:57):
right Frank is coming back to yourears soon. You can support the show
at Patreon dot com Forward slash WickedLibrary. A lot of hard work and
money goes into making the Wicked Library, and I really do rely on this
support to help me pay the authors, voice actors, composer and artists so
that none of the Wicked Libraries contributorswork for free. For as little as
three dollars a month, you canhelp make the show you love possible at
(02:20):
patreon dot com Forward slash Wicked Library. Now, let's get wicked with today's
dark tale told by Mary Murphy witha custom score written by Nico Vites.
If we talk of dreams Rose Hillby India McCarty. Everything was nice and
(03:24):
normal when I moved in. Thereal estate agent showed me around. I
signed on the dotted line, andthe keys were in my hand. A
week later, Easy Peasy, Lemon, Squeezy. I did wonder where all
the other tenants were, but quicklywrote it off as a sign that I
was in the big city. Now. New Yorkers didn't have time to drop
(03:47):
off a pie to welcome the newneighbor. They were too busy talking fast
and wearing black and eating bagels.I heard them though, footsteps going up
and down the stairs, voices inthe hall door slamming shut, tiny signs
of life. I found myself imaginingup stories for these people. The heavy
(04:10):
footsteps on the stairs late at nightbelonged to a girl who worked the night
shift at the right aid on thecorner. The incessant vacuuming, and the
apartment above mine was done by ahousewife who popped OxyS like they were candy.
It sounds crazy, but I didn'tthink anything of it. I actually
like the fact that I didn't haveto smile awkwardly at any one in the
(04:31):
hallways or wait for a machine inthe basement laundry room. Solitude was bliss
in my book, and I wasin heaven. Everything was fine right up
until I got the email. Dearmiss Carson, please let one of our
representatives know when we can expect youto be out of the apartment so that
(04:53):
we can show it to prospective renters. Thank you for your co operation in
this matter, Sincerely, Rose HillBuilding Management. I stared at my computer
screen, not fully understanding what Iwas reading. Prospective renters, my lease
isn't up for another year, Idecided not to play email tag for a
(05:15):
week, and dialed the phone numberprinted on the bottom of my lease agreement,
Rose Hill Building Management. How canI help you? Yes, Hi,
I got off the couch and startedpacing. This is Josephine Carson.
I'm in Unit seven. I wantedto touch base with you about the email
you guys just sent me. Ofcourse, the voice said smoothly. We
(05:41):
just wanted to know some available timeswe could expect the apartment to be empty
so we can schedule some appointments.Bernie Tennants, see, I understood that
part. I frowned. But whatI don't get is why you're showing new
tenants my apartment when I've still gota year left on my lease. Okay,
I see the confusion. I couldhear the faint sound of a keyboard
(06:03):
clacking. At Roche Hill. Wehave a close in some unit leases that
asks Tennants to let us use ourapartment in the show place, as it
were, a slight chuckle, justso perspective renters can get a feel for
the place. I don't remember agreeingto anything like that. It was the
sign I can send you a copywith your signature on it if you'd like.
(06:28):
No that won't be necessary. Islump back down on the couch.
So you guys are going to showmy apartment, even if they're going to
rent a different unit. I knowit sounds silly, but that's just how
we've always done it here at roseHill Traditions. You know, I guess.
So when can we expect you outof the apartment. I ran a
(06:51):
hand through my hair week days fromtwo to four. That worked for you.
Yes, that works perfectly. Thankyou so much for your cooperation in
this matter, Miss Carson. Pleasedon't hesitate to reach out with any more
questions. The dial tone filled myear before I could respond. I dutifully
(07:14):
vacated the apartment every weekday for twohours each afternoon, spending time walking around
the park or reading tabloids in thegrocery store. I did not receive any
more emails from Rosehill Building management,no phone calls either. I started to
wonder about who they were showing myapartment too. Exactly one day, I
(07:35):
came home a little earlier than myexpected time. I wanted to see what
was going on, maybe catch aglimpse of someone in this damned building.
I was just starting to walk downmy hallway when my apartment or swung open,
I quickly decked back into the stairwell. I can show you the laundry
(07:55):
room now, just down these steps. A voice that sounded a lot like
the on the phone said, cheerfully, but that's about it. A very
charming apartment in a great neighborhood.Really quite a steel at this price,
I cannot agree more, responded abreathy female voice. There's windows are just
(08:16):
gorgeous, aren't they? The roseHill lackey gushed, all that natural light.
I might just have to rent thisplace myself. Both of them tittered,
and I heard footsteps heading towards thebackstairs. Thank god. And so
why did the previous tenant move out? If you don't mind my asking,
(08:37):
of course, not at all.The voice was a little strained, nothing
bad. It was just time forthem to move on. The breathy voice
hummed in acknowledgement as they clumped downthe stairs. I was frozen, still
trying to comprehend what I'd heard.Why did the previous tenant move out?
(09:03):
And it was time for them tomove on? What the hell is going
on? I hurried down the hallwayand opened my door to find nothing.
Everything was just as I had leftit, coffee mug in the sink,
jacket hanging off the back of thecouch. I half expected to come back
to an empty apartment. The waythey'd been talking. Why would that woman
(09:26):
think I'd moved out when all ofmy stuff was right here? Weird and
weirder. After that, I startedcoming back early every afternoon. It was
always the same song and dance.The prospective renter would ask the rose Hill
rep why I had moved out,and they would always reply with it was
(09:48):
time for them to move on.I considered calling them up and demanding to
know why they were apparently trying torent my apartment out from under me,
but I never did. I knewthat I would get on the phone with
that slick customer service voice and theywould convince me that everything was just fine
and dandy, that it was allpart of the great rose Hill tradition.
(10:11):
So I did what any amateur Sleuthworthor Salt would do. I googled.
Rose Hill had a nice website,obviously professionally done. There were pictures of
the apartment units, exterior shots ofthe building, glowing testimonies from previous tenants,
(10:31):
no pictures of the staff. Though, when's the last time someone involved
with real estate didn't plaster their faceall over any available surface they could find.
That was the only even slightly redblag. Everything I found was normal,
(10:52):
nothing out of the ordinary, nothingto suggest there was something going on
here. And what did I eventhink was going on here? The management
company told me they would be showingmy apartment. I signed on the dotted
line, so they had my permission. They only came during the appointed hours,
(11:13):
besides the whole time to move onroutine. There was nothing to suggest
that anything was going on. Icouldn't shake that feeling, though, so
I decided to get a little morehands on with my research. It was
just before noon when I knocked onmy closest neighbor's door. I'd heard their
TV through the walls some nights,and I figured they were the best place
(11:33):
to start. Hello, I called, squinting at the people. I live
right next door. My name isJosephine. I waited for about a minute
and was about to give up whenthe door swung open. Yes, a
woman around my age was standing inthe doorway, wearing sleep rumpled pajamas and
holding a cigarette. Hi, Isaid, wincing, inwardly at my eagerness.
(12:01):
Hi, I'm Josephine Carson. Ilive right next door, she finished
for me. He said. Iwaited for her to introduce herself, but
she continued to stare at me.Um, I hesitated. I'm not sure
of how to begin. I guessI just wanted to ask you a few
questions about this building, the managementcompany, to be more specific. She
(12:28):
closed her eyes and sighed before turningaround. Come on in, she called
over her shoulder. Might as welldo this in the comfort of my own
home. I followed her into areplica of my own apartment. I stepped
over a pile of clothes and satcarefully on the lumpy couch she gestured me
(12:50):
towards. She sat at the kitchentable, tapping her cigarette into an overflowing
ash tray. So she leaned backin her chair. What do you want
to know? Well, I guessI just wanted to know why they're showing
my apartment to people and telling themI moved out. I spoke quickly.
(13:11):
I got the feeling she wouldn't letme stick around long. It's just weird.
All my stuff is still in there, but the people they show the
place to act like that's totally normal. The woman took another drag on her
cigarette before answering that it yeah,I said, suddenly feeling very small.
(13:35):
Ah, I guess that's it.They did the same thing to me,
She shrugged. It's just a roseHill way. Did they give you that
whole tradition's speel? Yes, hedid, But I don't see what that
has to do with best not toask questions. She pressed her lips together
and stubbed out the cigarette. Whateverthey're doing, it's for a good reason,
(14:00):
but it's weird, right. Irefuse to come this far without any
sort of acknowledgement. They keep tellingpeople that I left because it was just
time for me to move on.What does that even mean? And why
are they acting like I'm gone?She shrugged again, then got up.
(14:20):
I took my cue and stood uptoo. She opened the door for me,
and I went back into the hall, already kicking myself for not presenting
this in the right light. Sheseemed utterly disinterested in everything I'd said.
Josephine, right, I spun around. She leaned against the door frame,
(14:41):
studying me. I nodded, Josephine, this is a nice building. Quiet
Rince not bad for New York.She raised an eyebrow. Let's not mess
with a good thing, huh.She closed the door, leaving me with
way more questions than I started with. Google gave me nothing. My neighbor
(15:05):
gave me even less. What thehell was going on here? Was I
being crazy? Why was Rose Hilltelling people? I moved on? It
was like the rest of the buildingcould feel my growing paranoia. I heard
footsteps at all hours of the dayand night, loud laughter in the hall,
(15:26):
even a dog barking across the hall. The place was louder than I
ever remembered it being before, butI still never saw any one in the
hallways or on the stairs. Prospectivetenants kept coming by my apartment, and
I continued to spy on them.They all seemed like nice, normal people
(15:46):
who were ecstatic at the prospect ofliving in such a nice place, just
like I had been a few monthsbefore. I decided to go back to
my neighbors and ask what she meantbefore about not messing with a good thing?
What did she know that I didn't. I knocked on the door,
no answer, Hallel, it's Josephinefrom next door. I was about to
(16:11):
knock again. When the door swungopen. There she was, same pajamas,
same cigarette, exactly like the daywe'd met. Hi. I smiled,
Sorry to bother you again, butI wanted to talk a little more
about what you said the other day. Huh. She squinted at me,
(16:33):
then pulled on her cigarette the otherday. When I came over her and
we talked about I faltered. Therewas a total lack of recognition in her
eyes. Do you remember? Sheclosed her eyes and sighed before turning around.
Come on in, she called overher shoulder. Might as well do
(16:56):
this in the comfort of my ownhome. I followed her into the apartment.
I stepped over the same pile ofclothes and sat on the same lumpy
couch she gestured me towards. Shesat at the kitchen table, tapping her
cigarette into an overflowing ash tree,just like she'd done before. So she
(17:21):
leaned back in her chair. Whatdo you want to know? Um,
I'm sorry. I looked round theroom. Everything exactly where it had been
last week, exactly. You reallydon't remember. I came in. We
sat just like this. I askedabout why rose Hill is showing my apartment
(17:45):
to renters, even though I'm stillliving here. None of this is ringing
a bell. She appeared completely unruffledby the fact that she had no memory
of our previous visit. That it, I guess, but I best not
to ask questions. She pressed herlips together and stubbed out the cigarette,
(18:10):
just as she'd done before. Whateverthey're doing, it's for a good reason,
I know, I laughed, disbelievingly. I know that's just what you
said last. She had already stoodup, heading for the door. Please,
I just want to know what's goingon, I said, following her
(18:33):
out to the hole. Nobody willgive me a straight answer, and I'm
starting to get a really weird feelingabout Josephine. Right. I stared at
her helplessly. She was staring justbeyond me, like I wasn't even there.
Josephine, this is a nice building, quiet rents, not bad for
(18:55):
New York. She raised an eyebrow. Let's not mess with a good thing.
That's what you said last time,exactly what you said last. She
shut the door before I could finish. What the hell is going on?
I muttered to myself, pushing theheels of my hands into my eyes.
What the hell is going on?I believe I can answer that for you,
(19:18):
Miss Carson. I whipped my headup so fast I heard my neck
crack. Standing before me was apleasant looking man about twenty years older than
me. He was wearing a nicesuit and smiling at me. Ah,
who, I believe we've spoken before, he said, and I suddenly recognized
(19:40):
his voice. He was a oneI'd talked to before about all of this,
the one who was telling people Ihad moved on. Okay, what
the hell is going on here?I stabbed a finger in his direction.
You're showing people my place, tellingthem I'm gone and moved on and whatever
the hell else? And could wesay this to your apartment? He was
(20:02):
still smiling, like everything was niceand normal. This feels like a private
conversation, and I wouldn't want anyof the other tenants to ophere. Oh
you mean like emnesiac Annie in there. I jerked a thumb over my shoulder.
We just had the same conversation verbatimthat we had a week ago.
(20:22):
She's wearing the exact same clothes.Hell, I think she's smoking the same
damn fig your apartment, Miss Carson. His smile was slightly strained as he
opened the door for me. Ieyed him suspiciously, but followed him inside.
I was desperate for answers, andhe seemed ready to give them to
(20:44):
me. Should we have a seat, No, I think I'll stand.
I crossed my arms. Tell mewhat's going on, Miss Carson. Rose
Hill is a very special place,he said slowly. We're very special people.
All of our tenants have been vettedvery carefully and extensively. We want
(21:06):
to take care of you, hesmiled. For as long as you call
this place home, then why areyou trying to get rid of me?
Because it's time for you to moveon. What are you talking about,
I snapped, I just moved in, Miss Carson. You're dead, he
said, simply. It's time foryou to move on. He said it
(21:30):
like it was a most natural thingin the world to go around telling perfectly
healthy people they were dead. You'recrazy, I laughed, backing away from
him. Dead How can I bedead? I have a job, I
talk to my family. I can'tbe dead. Ah, when's the last
(21:53):
time you went to work, hesaid, gently, folding his hands together
in his lap. Or talk tosomeone on the phone. No, I
said, shaking my head. No, I I just talked to my mom.
I stopped, A horrifying realization dawningon me. When was the last
(22:17):
time I talked to my mom?Why hadn't I been going to work.
I couldn't remember going to the grocerystore, even though I knew there was
food in the cabinets. You're dead, he repeated, and have been for
quite some time. He pulled amanila folder out of his jacket and handed
it to me. I opened it, hands shaking. Inside were some newspaper
(22:44):
clippings, all with my name andface. Teacher killed in tragic accident,
trumpeted one car crash, claims alife of Josephine Carson announced another. I
shoveled through the rest of the pile, looking for something, anything that would
tell me this was all a joke, an elaborate, tasteless prank. This
(23:07):
can't be right. I looked upat the man I can't be dead.
I'm right here. I just signeda lease on this apartment. I can't
be dead. Like I said before, Rosehill is a very special place or
very special people. He gestured towardsthe hall. All of our tenants are
(23:30):
recently deceased. What but that.Haven't you ever wondered why you never saw
anyone else? He raised an eyebrow. Didn't you wonder where the footsteps were
coming from? What about her?I pointed at the wall next door.
What about her? I saw her. She's living in a loop, he
(23:56):
shook his head, sadly. Manyof our tenants stew it's why she didn't
recognize you, and why she carriedon your previous interaction exactly as it had
gone before. She needs more timethan you did. I don't understand,
I whispered, still clutching the folderin my hands. If I'm what am
(24:18):
I doing here? Rose Hill isa sort of half way house. His
customer service voice was back as heran through the sales pitch. We house
unsettled spirits who need a bit oftime adjusting to their death before sending them
on untowar. Oh, oh,that's not my department, he chuckled.
(24:41):
I stared at him wordlessly dead.I was dead. I was holding the
proof in my hands. I wasa ghost living in an apartment complex full
of ghosts. If this guy wasto be believed, so, I said
slowly, all those people who've beencoming to look at my apartment, deceased.
(25:04):
He nodded. We're still looking forthe right fit, but I have
faith will find some one any daynow. And when you told them it
was time for me to move on, I was telling the truth. He
smiled kindly. You're ready to leave. It's time. But how do you
(25:25):
know, I said, a lumpin my throat. Can't I just stay
a little while longer? He shookhis head and stood up, gently,
taking the folder from my hands.It's time, he repeated, Trust me,
I've done this for a very longtime. It's time for you to
(25:49):
move on. I don't know how, I said softly. That's easy enough,
he grinned, taking my hand andin leading me towards the door.
Just walk through the door. That'sit. I looked at him incredulously.
That's it. Do you know ifI'm I hesitated? Am I going up
(26:15):
or down? Not my department?He shrugged. Well that's comforting. I
squared my shoulders and looked at thedoor before me. So I just walked
through, Just walk through. Itook a deep breath. I was dead.
(26:36):
It was time to go, MissCarson. Yeah, it's been a
pleasure having you at rose Hill,he smiled. I believed him. I
took a step, I put myhand on the door knob and turned.
I opened the door. I tooka step forward, and thank you for
(27:22):
listening to episode number twelve h three. Today's author was India McCarty with her
story Rose Hill. Today's story wastold by Mary Murphy. I'm Daniel Foytzech
and I've been your host today.Our resident composer and executive producer is Nikovites.
If we talk of dreams. Artworkfor today's episode was created by Greg
Schaefer. Our producers are Meg Williamsand Daniel Foytech. To find out more
(27:45):
about The Wicked Library and other NinthStory Studios shows, visit the Wicked Library
dot com and ninth Story dot com. If you'd like to help keep this
collection of dark tales coming, pleasesupport The Wicked Library on Patreon at Patreon
dot com, forward slash Good Library. You can also help by leaving a
five star rating in short review inApple podcasts. These ratings and reviews help
(28:07):
other listeners find the show, whichhelps generate revenue to ensure no one contributing
to the show works for free.The Wicked Library is created by Ninth Story
Studios. LLC all rights reserved,
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