Stay Calm

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1:28Do you hear that? That's sound, right? That means that summer's officially here. It means that grown adults just sprint into the street for a frozen dessert shaped like a cartoon. But this summer, Mint Mobile has a better treat. Every plan, including unlimited, is $15 a month. And unlike Ice Cream, it won't drip down your wrist or look nothing like the picture. Does anyone have any cash? Give it a try at minemobile.com slash switch. A front payment of $45 for three months, $90 for six months, or $180 for 12 month plan required, $15 per month equivalent length to taxes and fees extra. New customers will be able to buy a new customer offer for initial plan term only greater than 50 gigabytes me slow when network is busy, see terms. Hey there. Thank you for joining us for this episode of 13. Before we get started, as always, we want to thank our new patrons, MGH, Clara Franklin, Skograw 42, Devon Earls, Delaney Rose, and five spiders in my pocket. Thank you so much for your support and welcome to the Pod fam.

2:30If you'd like to hear your name and audio, then you should check us out on Patreon. You'll find perks like Patreon exclusive bonus stories and merch too. You can also follow us for free and get updates on the show and anything else we're doing. Head on over to patreon.com slash pod13 or click the link in the show notes. Today's story is Stay Calm, written by SJ Walker. Are you ready? Sit back, turn down the lights, and now on with the show. The commute to shady palms was no small feat. Only one road led there, and it was unpaved. My knuckles were white as I gripped the wheel of my corolla, praying to make it across the dirt byway without incident.

3:34My car shuttered violently on the bumps in the road. I had no idea how it stayed intact. A robotic female voice from my GPS told me I still had five miles to go on this road. The partly cloudy sky threatened rainfall, which would only make conditions worse. This isn't worth it. The money might not be worth the expense of repairs or if necessary, the cost of a new car. I would have to call Molly to cancel. I simply couldn't deal with this road. I drew a sharp intake of breath as I spun the wheel to turn around, but jerked to a stop as my car dipped. Fabulous. A hole I didn't see. I shifted into reverse. My spinning wheels groaned against resistance.

4:35Dread dropped like an atomic bomb, exploding in my chest. I shifted my car into drive again, then back into reverse. The vehicle rocked back and forth, but couldn't free itself from the hole. This was hopeless. I was stuck and my car was blocking the road. My chest felt too tight as if my lungs were contracting and my breathing began coming out in short uneven bursts. I've lived with my anxiety long enough to recognize an oncoming panic attack. Canceling on Molly would be difficult for me. I've never liked disappointing people. Deep breaths I told myself, she'll understand. Still, a rock formed in my throat.

5:37I reached into my purse and grabbed my prescription bottle. I unsealed the top and popped a Xanax, gulping it down with water from a plastic container in my cup holder. While waiting for the pill to kick in, I did my breathing exercises. Breathe in. One, two, three, four, five, breathe out. One, two, three, four, five. They never worked. Every breath was painfully wetted until the effects of the Xanax kicked in. When a sense of calm settled into my body, melting the tension, the rock in my throat softened and I could breathe comfortably again.

6:42I grabbed my cell phone and thought about calling my mom first, but I figured my time was better spent researching the numbers of towing companies. I caught sight of a dusty, Chevy Silverado in my mirrors as it pulled into view. The truck, with its monstrous wheels and mud splattered along the rim, towered over my car. It pulled to a stop beside me. My head sunk between my rising shoulders. What if the driver yelled at me? What if he told me I was stupid for attempting to drive a car like mine across a road like this? I couldn't deal with that. I couldn't because I knew he'd be right. I was stupid for thinking my car could make it. Stupid for agreeing to do a job, which for some reason, nobody else signed up to do. Molly mentioned I was the only one who responded to her ad.

7:43But why? Probably because of this God-for-sake and death trap of a road. I heard the truck's door creak open and slam shut and I rolled my window down to explain myself. I'm calling a tow truck now. There's nothing I can do. I'm sorry. I know I'm blocking the way. A man approached my window. He was dressed in cargo shorts, hiking boots, and a collared linen shirt, all of colored, with the top button undone. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, exposing his strong, tanned forearms. The clouds above us parted and the surrounding trees weren't tall enough to block the sun's glare. I lifted a hand to shade my eyes. Since my car was low to the ground, the man had to bend down to be level with me.

8:45Up close, the sunlight haloed around him and his fawny hair stuck up like pine straw. A lopsided smile lifted his expression and I noticed the formation of a dimple in one cheek. He had a boyish face, handsome and friendly looking, thank goodness. A tow truck's gonna cost you an arm and a leg. I'm not sure why they don't just pave this road. He had a voice like butter, milky, yet thick and deep. They should, I replied. He lifted his eyes to meet mine. They were so shiny and beautiful, mesmerizing. Where are you headed? I was actually turning back around. He shook his head. And where are you headed before this happened? I was...

9:46His smile cracked wider, exposing a dazzling set of white teeth as bright as the sun's rays. I tucked a free strand of hair behind my ear. I mean, I'm an artist. The lie came out of my mouse like word vomit. I've been commissioned to paint a mural. I wasn't sure why I said it. I guess I didn't want to seem naive. Admit that I was house-sitting for a lady that I'd never met. At least if I was a commissioned artist, my reasons for being here would seem more valid, right? Anyway, it wasn't entirely a lie because I did like to paint. He raised his eyebrows. A mural, huh? Wow. Yeah. Well, you can't waste an opportunity like that. I dropped my chin with an exhale.

10:46I know. And he tilted his head to one side. Eyebrows raising. Have you heard of this town before? Shady Palms? No. Have you? He shook his head. No. I'm getting paid a lot though, just to patch a roof leak. Really? I cocked a brow. All this way, just for a roof leak? He nodded. Crazy, right? I'm getting paid a lot too. Not to repair anything, obviously, but I cringed at my own words. You know, for the mural. Because I'm an artist and all. I chided myself. Shut up. Shut up. You're talking too much. He laughed. Yeah. Yeah. I gathered that. Blood rushed through my cheeks, setting them aflame. I balled my hand into a fist around my necklace.

11:46My fingernails digging into my palm. I chewed on my lower lip. And thank God he continued talking. I wonder if they're paying us because it's hard to get out of town services. The commute is probably too much for a lot of people. Still, I don't know how they can't just find someone in their own town to do a simple repair. I thought for a second, then offered an explanation. A house is on the beach or expensive, you know? Maybe this town is full of prissy rich people who don't want to get their hands dirty. I've fiddled with my necklace. Maybe the road isn't paved because they like seclusion. Maybe they travel from place to place by helicopter. Helicopter, huh? That'd be cool. Maybe we'll get offered a ride. Well, I guess we should go then. Paychecks are waiting. I've got a hitch. I'll pull your car.

12:47He gestured, pointing his thumb behind him. Really, you'll take me the rest of the way. Hope soared in my chest. I won't have to cancel on Molly. But should I accept a ride from this stranger? Perhaps the Xanax gave me a false sense of security. But his offer seemed innocent enough. And what was my alternative? Being marooned on a dirt road in the middle of marshland, awaiting a tow truck that could take hours to arrive. Not to mention the promise of rain looming overhead, which would guarantee mud. I decided to take my chances. That's so nice of you. But how will I get back? How about I just give you my number? That way you can let me know when you need a ride back out of town. He winked, and my heart went into overdrive, climbing hard against my ribcage.

13:48OK, I squeaked. He attempted to open my front door, but it jammed against the slope of the hole. You're going to have to climb through the back seat. I complied, blundering over my suitcase, canvases, palettes, and brushes. Meanwhile, I hoped my dress didn't reveal anything above my thighs. The back door opened before I could reach the handle, and I placed my hand in his, letting him assist me out of my car. His touch was warm, sending a quiver through my body. I stepped out, and an ache throbbed in my heart once he released my hand. I'm Caleb, by the way, and you are? Jenna, I said. My purse strap slipped off my shoulder, and my lipstick too blended in the dirt. I reached down to grab it, but his hand appeared first,

14:50lifting it for me. Our eyes locked. Here you go, Jenna. Thank you. His gaze didn't leave me, and I didn't pull away either. Based on the reddish hue spreading across his cheeks, I heard he was blushing. I liked that. Listen, you don't worry about a thing. I'll get your car latched. You just slide on into my truck and get comfortable. Caleb's truck absorbed the blows from the bumpy road, so the ride was mostly smooth. But I could hear my car thudding as it trailed behind. There was a smell of coffee coming in with a breeze of the salty outdoor air, sifting in and out. As the road transitioned from dirt to pavement, clouds moved in,

15:51casting the ground in shadow. Caleb rolled up his window, stifling the breeze. There was an arched iron entrance with bold capital letters along the town nameplate. Welcome to shady palms. As we made our way through the archway and onto a main street, I rubbed my arms, feeling goose bumps. My feet were clammy in my flip flops, and every hair on my body stood on end. Shops lined the street, each building a different color, and there were a lot of mannequins. The life-sized dolls you see outside of clothing boutiques. There were too many. The sidewalk was overcrowded with them.

16:52Surely there couldn't be enough space to walk, unless... I became aware of rigid bodies shuffling from foot to foot, walking like they couldn't bend properly. My stomach flipped, and then sank. I blinked, unable to comprehend what I was seeing. Is there something wrong with these people? I asked. I turned my head to look at Caleb. His eyes were wide, the whites showing around the iris. His veins stood out, throbbing in his neck, and his hands were gripping the wheel so tightly, I thought his fingers might pop from their joints. Um, Caleb? He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it.

17:53I looked through the window again, and... Jesus, I jolted. Every head snapped in our direction. Some heads rotated a full 180 degrees. I swear my soul escaped my body for that split second. I pressed firmly against the backrest, my hands gripping the bottom of my seat, my chest rapidly rose and fell. The mannequins were all frozen, with their bodies locked momentarily into place. Even the ones that had been walking took this moment to pause, homing in on us. As I scanned their faces, not one of them blinked. Uh, Caleb? This is creepy. That was an understatement. I looked at him again, wondering what he was thinking, wondering what he would do.

18:53His mouth opened a second time, but he was only able to utter a single word. Shit. All at once, the mannequins started to move, beginning to converge on us. Get us out of here, I yelled. Caleb was already a step ahead, turning his wheel as far as it would go. This was a narrow street. I thought about my car attached to the back of his truck. It would impede us. Fuck, there isn't enough room to turn. Oh, fuck it. His foot slammed against the gas pedal. Half the truck ran over the sidewalk. There was a clattering of plastic and fiberglass as mannequins hit the front bumper of his truck. Limbs went flying. When an awkward angle blocked him from going further, Caleb stomped on the brakes. I flew forward, catching myself with my palms against the dashboard. He pulled into reverse, and I balled my seatbelt into a fist.

19:55Then there was a shattering explosion, and I jumped, turning to realize that the back of my car had penetrated the glass window of a shop. But the damage was irrelevant now. Caleb flew into drive once more, speeding back the way we came. I thought we were safe as we passed beneath the entrance arch, but a spike strip stretched across the road ahead. Oh, shit! We swerved. I thought we might narrowly avert the trap as we veered off road. But then there was a loud bang, followed by a flapping noise. I used my free hand to grip the handle above my seat as the vehicle vibrated and shook. From there, friction slowed us to a halt. Lights flashed in the rearview mirror. I could hear the murmuring of voices outside,

20:56but couldn't decipher how many people were out there. A man in a dusty police uniform with three gold stars across the shoulders appeared next to Caleb's window. There was a sheen to the authoritarian face, something artificial. His eyes were fixed open and glossy. A hard finger tapped the glass. Clank, clank, clank. Open up! He barked. We both flinched. Witnessing the unnatural way the officer s jaw moved when he spoke was jarring to my core. Caleb, are you going to roll down your window? He looked at me, and when he did, I imagined his blanched expression mirrored my own. He s a doll. They're all dolls. I know, but do we have a choice?

21:57We couldn't go anywhere. The truck was totalled. I think we do have a choice. We can still get out of here. I've got spare tires in the back. Of course, we'd have to ditch your car. That doesn't matter. How would we hold them off? Open the glove compartment. His jaw clenched. I complied, opening it. My mouth fell open. There was a pistol inside. I looked at him incredulously. Seriously? Handed to me. They might have guns too. It doesn't matter. I'll pop them off one by one. Take them by surprise. Starting with this guy. He sounded confident. I could have handed him the gun. Let him do it. While he was fighting them off, I could have changed the tires. I'd seen my dad do it before. I think I could figure it out. Caleb had a jack in a wrench in the back of his truck.

22:58I'd have to be fast. With only seconds to act, my thoughts raced. What if the mannequins weren't stopped by bullets? What if they swarmed Caleb and killed him? I winced at the thought. Though he was still a stranger to me, I couldn't live with myself if I let him get hurt. No, Caleb, there are way too many of them. The one dressed as a police officer knocked on the window again. You have to the count of three to open your window, or I will break it. Let's just do as they ask, I said. The officer began counting. One? Caleb's brows narrowed, casting a shadow over his eyes. Two? I cupped my hands over my mouth and nose, willing myself to be anywhere on the planet, but here. Until this point, I'd questioned why no one else signed up to house sit for Molly.

24:04Now, I was asking myself, why the hell did I? Okay. Before the officer could say three, Caleb rolled down his window. Well, what happened back there? The officer's voice was harsh, demanding. He was yelling at us. A pinkish flush looked spray-painted on his alabaster cheeks. But apart from that, his skin contained zero warmth. I cringed. You tell me. You broke a store window. Thankfully nobody's hurt. Nobody's hurt? I almost wanted to release a nervous, derisive laugh, recalling the arms and legs smacking against our windshield. I bit my lip to stop myself. As though sensing my confusion, the officer added. The others can be easily repaired, a few dislocated limbs,

25:06nothing a little superglue can't fix. But you are lucky you didn't hit some of our glass citizens. Superglue? To repair severed limbs? Glass citizens? Was I in some sort of convoluted nightmare? Did I take a hallucinogen instead of a Xanax? I rubbed my fingers along my temple, taking a deep breath, trying to compose myself. What kind of town is this? Seriously, I'd like to know, is this some sort of sick joke? I don't know what you mean. The officer said. Bullshit! What the hell are you? Sir, you need to calm down. The officer's voice contained a threat. But like someone with too much Botox, his face didn't move. Calm down! No, I need answers. I tapped Caleb's shoulder.

26:06Deep breaths. I told him. He looked at me. He was drawn together. Just do as he says for now. The officer spoke again. Both of you, step out of the vehicle please. Caleb gestured to me with his eyes, flashing a fleeting glance at the glove compartment. I furrowed my brows. Just in case. I nodded. Albeit reluctantly. As he released his hold of my hand, I slid the gun inside my purse. My flip flops scraped against the asphalt, slick with sweat, as I made my way from the passenger side of the truck to stand beside Caleb. I scanned my surroundings. To my right, I could see where the road transitioned to dirt. To my left, in the not so far distance,

27:06was the town archway. And... Oh no. This could not be happening. I looked on with horror, as spectators made their way toward us, shuffling stiffly, with their blank, glossy stairs. The scene was reminiscent of a zombie movie. Breathe. I told myself. Don't panic. A couple of police cars were parked on the road, while a small group of other mannequins huddled together in law enforcement uniforms, wearing holsters. Perse on the ground. Our officer said, I'm not stupid. I dropped my shoulders with an exhale of defeat, complying. He strode forward and grabbed it. His knees made a creaking sound with every step he took.

28:08But he was able to bend his legs better than the others. He tossed my bag back to his partners, and they immediately pulled the gun out. Caleb stomped his foot. Damn it! The officer threw my bag back to me. It landed on the ground by my feet. Then, his head spun to glance back at his group. While doing so, his body remained fixed in place. My free hand flew to my mouth in horror. Tell Molly they're here, he said. Molly, that's who hired me. What? She hired me too, I said. One of the mannequins climbed into a police car and drove off. Our nameless officer's head whipped around again, completing a full rotation before resting back on us. I jumped.

29:08Caleb and Jenna, you're both in big trouble. What, because of the property damage we caused trying to escape your creepy town? The officer shook his head. No, because you tried to leave our town after you both agreed to perform jobs here. The officer directed his attention to me. You, Miss Gaines, agreed to house it from Molly. So you must stay the full week that you agreed to. My stomach plummeted. Caleb's eyes flashed to me. House it, I thought you were painting a mural. I pulled the scrunchy from my hair, letting the strands fall freely to frame my face. A mural, the officer asked. That's what you told him? I met Caleb's gaze with burning cheeks. I'm not painting a mural, I'm house sitting. Why did you lie about that?

30:09My thoughts raced. I nearly said, because you're too handsome and I stumbled. But instead, I told him I didn't know. I turned away to scan the sea of expressionless faces as the crowd of dolls continued rolling in. They were creeping around us, closer and closer. Their presence was suffocating. I reached up to loosen my collar, even though I was wearing a V-neck. Wait a second. Wait a second. So she has to stay here for a whole week. But that's not right. When she agreed, she couldn't have known. The officer's neck creaked as he shook his head. Doesn't matter. His unblinking, powdery blue, glass eyes focused on mine. Did he have any pupils? If he did, I couldn't see them.

31:09Here at Shady Palms, we believe in honoring our commitments. You made a commitment to Molly, didn't you, Jenna? That was the first major strike to my resolve. My eyes swelled. I wasn't sure I could speak without crying. I did. The officer went on. And you wouldn't want to disappoint Molly. Would you, Jenna? I whimpered. No. I don't want to disappoint anybody. But I also really want to go home. I clapped my palms together as if in prayer. Please? Can I just go home? The officer shrugged. After the week is up, you may. I winced. That was the second strike. He turned to Caleb. And you were hired to repair a roof link.

32:10Some of us been better than others, but still, it can be a challenge to get certain jobs done without outside help. He flexed his fingers, which made a cracking sound like joints popping out and back into place. I cringed. Of course, he continued. You will also have to replace the store window you broke. But I imagine it shouldn't take you more than a day or two if you work fast. After you're done, you may leave. That hit me like a bombshell. The third strike. My knees buckled, and I slumped against the pavement. My hands draping limply over my knees. I thought my chest might cave in on itself right then and there. I gazed down toward the tiny pebbles along the black top. This couldn't be happening. I couldn't stay here alone.

33:11I squeezed my eyes shut, wishing for a higher power to smite me where I sat, thunder roared in the distance. And I mentally calculated my odds of being struck by lightning. I would have preferred it. Caleb knelt beside me, rubbing my back. I opened my eyes, lifting my chin weakly. His touch was soothing, but not enough to give me strength now. Surely, he would leave as soon as he was granted the opportunity. I certainly would. He couldn't want to stay here with me. Especially not now, after I lied to him about what I was doing here. No. He said it to the officer. Through my peripheral vision, I noticed his bobbing Adam's apple. I heard a swallow. The next words out of his mouth caught me unexpectedly.

34:14I'm staying with my girlfriend. Outside her beach house, Molly greeted us. Her hair was made from fiery red yarn, tied in braids. Golden freckles sprinkled across her polished face. Her eyes were jet black, the kind that were soulless and jarring to look at. Oh, good! Her voice rang like a bell, upbeat and bubbly, which was why I liked the sound of it when I initially spoke to her over the phone. If only I had known who, or rather, what, I was talking to back then. She smiled at us. They told me you guys were here. How is the commute? I don't want to talk about it, I said.

35:16There was a pause before she responded. Well, you made it. Come on inside, both of you. I looked at her once, hesitating. Those black eyes were devoid of life, focusing on nothing. After a second, I put on a brave face and stepped forward into her beach house. The floor plan was spacious, with the kitchen, dining and living area occupying the same room. There was only one bedroom, which we'd need to figure out. The lace curtains were pulled to the sides of the windows, and rain beat heavily against the glass. On the floor, in the corner between a recliner and an accent table, there was a doll. I flinched.

36:16It looked like Molly, except it was made a fabric instead of porcelain. I pointed to it with a trembling finger. What's with that? Is that going to come alive too? On closer inspection, I recognized it as a raggedy and doll, with a triangle nose. Molly looked where I was pointing and laughed. Oh, that? No, don't worry, that's a real doll. She snorted, then, correcting herself. What I mean to say, is that doll isn't alive? Are you sure? I asked. I'm positive. She replied. Caleb also took a moment to pause at the doll in the corner. In one swift motion, he rotated it, so it faced the wall with its back to us.

37:16I bit my lip to stifle a laugh. The decor contained many pastel colors. It was largely beach-themed, with seashell cushions along the sofa. There was also a painting occupying a huge portion of the wall, featuring a pier, with seagulls flying across a blue sky. You really loved the beach, I observed. Too deflated to feign real enthusiasm. Molly spun around. Her butterfly dressed twirling over her hips. Oh, yes! She replied. The hardwood floor creaking beneath her hard steps. Beaches are so cheerful, don't you think? I didn't answer. A chorus of thunder echoed from the distance. Molly spoke again. Okay, well. Well, I have some business to take care of. If you need anything, my number is listed on that sticky note.

38:18She pointed to a little yellow square on the fridge. Ta-da! She waved on her way out the door. I stared after her. Caleb waited until the door shut behind her before joining me in the kitchen. He yanked the sticky note off the fridge and shredded it into tiny pieces that sprinkled across the floor. The act shouldn't have felt so satisfying to watch, but it did. Why'd you do that, I asked? I hate that woman. He turned to face me, and I noticed his eyes were still as red as before. Except now, they were also watery. I didn't want to confront him. At this point, I hated her too. We don't need it. I have her number stored in my phone. At any rate, I don't think we need her, so it doesn't matter.

39:19Should we call the police? I asked. Who? Like that fake officer with no name? What about just styling 911 and seeing if there's anything they can do? He shook his head, weaving in place. It won't do any good. I mean, how are they even going to get here? There's a storm outside, so the road will be impassable. And if the dolls find out we called for help, they might converge on us and... I don't know. He opened the fridge. It was stocked enough to last a day or two. God, I need a beer. That's real food, right? I asked, wanting to make sure. Yeah, it looks legit. There's no booze, though. What do you feel like? I don't have an appetite. Neither do I.

40:19Hey, Jenna, don't worry about the room situation. I can sleep on the couch. It's okay. Hey, why did you tell them I'm your girlfriend? I was curious. He rubbed the back of his head, ruffling his hair. I'm not sure. I guess I assumed they wouldn't let me stay with you otherwise. Oh. I probably should have been flattered, but I was too emotionally numb at this point. Still, I tried to show some appreciation. Well, thanks. You don't have to keep thanking me. But I really need a moment alone, if that's okay. There was a crinkle between his eyes, and I wished I could smooth it down with my thumb. Yeah, sure. Do whatever you need to do. Is it okay if I use the bedroom for a minute? Go ahead. I didn't feel like unpacking right then anyway.

41:23Settling in would mean rooting myself here, and beginning my week of hell. Living out of my suitcase would at least grant me the perception of freedom, even if it was a false one. Caleb left the kitchen, trudging into the corridor. I watched as he found the bedroom. And then, his sudden outcry made me flinch, a piercing whale blared through the barrier of the walls. I ran to figure out what was wrong, and found him slumped onto the bed, groaning into a pillow. His hands were in his scalp, gripping his hair, and tugging like he wanted to pull the strands out by their roots. By the looks of it, he was either letting off steam, or having a mental breakdown. Either way, I left him to it. Once the initial shock of my circumstances wore off, I wanted to call my mom.

42:34Rain pounded against the roof, and I could hear it through the ceiling. The foundation of the house shook, and the walls creaked with the howling winds. I reached for my purse, which had been flung over the arm of the sofa, and grabbed my cell phone. When I clicked to dial her number, the call didn't go through. There was no service here. I tried calling emergency services, but that number also didn't go through. Back in the kitchen, I picked up the landline from its receiver on the wall. And that device didn't work either. Feeling curious, I pulled up Molly's number from the contact list on my cell phone, and dialed. It started ringing immediately. I hung up before she could answer. Looking up at the popcorn ceiling, I shook my head despairingly.

43:36A phone called to Molly was the only one I could make. My mouth was dry, so I grabbed a glass and filled it from a dispenser on the fridge. I took a sip, then made my way back to the living room, placing my glass on a coaster with a starfish design. A collection of old magazines spread across the coffee table. I turned on the television, trying to ignore the raggedy and doll. But I couldn't. It just made my skin crawl. Its presence was gnawing at my sanity. What separated that doll from the life-size animated ones? What mechanisms of action allowed the others to move? And if they could do it, what stopped this one? I shuddered at the thought. I reached for another sip of my water. The smooth coaster was sticking to the damp glass.

44:36And as it dropped off, it flipped to the other side. Scrawled across the slick plastic were letters written in black sharpie. They were blurred slightly from condensation. It read, Stay calm. When my nerves had finally settled, my eyelids grew heavy. I needed to get some sleep. With the bedroom still occupied, I settled in on the sofa. As part of my nightly ritual, I counted my supply of pills to make sure they were all accounted for. At first, I assumed drowsiness was causing me to miscount. So I tried again. Oh no, five of them were missing. Maybe I was more exhausted than I thought. Maybe I was still miscounting after two tries.

45:38On the third attempt, I still ended with the same number. Five less than I should have. I yelled out to Caleb, storming into the bedroom. He was still lying in the bed. Hey, not to accuse you of anything, but did you take any of my pills? I shook my bottle once. He looked downward. Um... Oh... That? Um... Yeah, yes. I placed my hand on my hip. You did? Why? He met my gaze. He said they were for nerves, and I was super stressed. I'm sorry. Why did you take so many? He bit his lip as he reached for something, and then pulled out his hand and showed me four pills in his palm. I sort of grabbed myself a stash.

46:39I thought you wouldn't mind. There was one more. Did you already take it? He had. I swiped the other four out of his grasp. That is my medicine, Caleb. Why are you being so selfish? I'm being selfish? You knew I was freaking out, but you didn't offer me any. I could leave tomorrow if I finished my job fast enough, but I won't. I am choosing to stay longer for you. What the hell? Caleb, my doctor prescribed these for me for legit medical reasons. I have a medical condition. Can you wrap your head around that? Yeah, yeah, okay. I get it. I'm sorry. It's not okay. If I run out, it could be very bad. I get panic attacks, Caleb. Don't take my medicine again. As I left, I heard him mumbling to himself.

47:39She's gotten the fight steel all of a sudden. I tossed and turned so much throughout that night that when I woke up, my night gown was backwards. Beads of sweat had collected along the surface of the silk fabric. Sitting up, I adjusted my gown and rubbed the crust from my eyes. Sleeping in this house had not been easy. I was spooked a couple of times, thinking about that raggedy and doll, half wondering if it would suddenly come alive. Paranoia made me feel jittery, and now, though the sun was rising through the windows, I did not feel refreshed. My back was sore, and my hips were tight as I walked to the kitchen. Caleb snoring was loud enough to stir the house,

48:42but I ignored it, and brewed a small coffee in the curigh. After relaxing at the counter with my mug, I poured myself a bowl of fruit loops for breakfast. Wanting to eat in front of the television, I took the bowl with me into the living room. I switched on the TV, and then, Jesus! I yelled, dropping the bowl of cereal. The bowl clattered against the wooden floor, spilling milk. Fruit loops scattered everywhere. Caleb must have heard the commotion, because he ran over, wearing only his boxers. What? What is it? I pointed to the corner. The raggedy and all. It was facing us. Oh shit. I glared at him, livid. You did that just to mess with me, didn't you? Because I got mad at you last night for taking my meds.

49:44What? No, I swear I didn't do that. Are you telling me it moved by itself? I don't know. Maybe it did. I swear it wasn't me. I scoffed. The genit, you gotta believe me. His forehead wrinkled, and he looked sincere. Could the doll have moved by itself? It was certainly a possibility, given the lack of logic in this town. I could feel the blood drained from my cheeks. My hands curled in and out of fists, feeling clammy. Caleb approached the doll, lifting it. What are you doing? I asked, but he didn't answer. Instead, he got to work. I chewed my fingernails, worried the doll would suddenly grab hold of his arm while he was examining it.

50:44Caleb found a seam and started picking at it, pulling it apart. Cotton stuffing accumulated across the floor. Then, he pulled out a tiny black square. Staring at it, he gritted his teeth. Is that? A hidden camera. Yeah. They're watching us, I asked. Apparently. He collapsed onto the sofa, looking dumbfounded. I picked up my cell phone and dialed the only person I could. Molly's voice chimed like a bell on the other end of the line. Hello? I can't stay here. I blurted. There was a short pause before the doll replied. Jenna?

51:44Please. I paced back and forth from the kitchen to the living room while I spoke. I'm begging you, I need to go home. The doll sighed. Jenna, you can't. Do other people know that this town is full of dolls? I continued. Rushing through my words as I spoke. Is that why no one else responded to your ad in the newspaper? Molly responded. Her words slow. Patient. Jenna, you're the only one who saw the ad. That hit me like a bomb. What? What do you mean I'm the only one who saw it? She groaned like I wasn't getting it. It's too late. You're already turning into dolls. What do you mean I said into the phone?

52:45There was a click. Molly? Hello? But it was no use. She hung up on me. I lifted my own hand, examining it. My knuckles were tight, but other than that I didn't see anything unusual. Yet, I glanced at the back of Caleb's head. His pine straw hair was flattened, as though it had been smoothed down. Did, uh, did, uh, did you do something to your hair? My voice came out edgy. No. Why? Maybe I needed some food in my system. Peanut butter and jelly could be a breakfast meal, right? I spread the peanut butter in the jelly with a butter knife, and then slapped the two pieces of bread together.

53:45I took a bite. That's when I noticed the television. The sound of a show was playing, but the screen was fuzzy. Caleb? What are you watching? Then, his head whipped all the way around. A blob of jelly slid from the bottom of my sandwich, dripping down my arm. My body froze. I started to speak, but I couldn't get the words out. One word went through my mind. Run. But, I couldn't. I stumbled and fell forward, landing flat on my chest. My body was stiff. Too stiff. When I bent my arms, the noise was jarring, like bones clacking together.

54:46Still, there was no pain with the movement. I urged my arm to extend forward in front of me. The appendage had to pop out and back into the ligament to comply. At once, I examined my hand, noticing the smooth sheen of my skin texture. Plastic. Stay calm. Thank you for joining us for this episode of 13. If you like what you heard, stop what you're doing and leave a five-star rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. This has been Stay Calm. Written by S.J. Walker. Narrated by me, Brooke Jeanette. Caleb was Mace and Amadeus.

55:47Music and dialogue editing by Caleb Richie. Audio and video editing by Brooke Jeanette. Additional assistance from Bridget Freeman and Ian Everson. Hear more from Mason and myself on our daily morning talk show, The Bug and Moss Morning Telephone Show. Click the link in the show notes to learn more. Our producer-level patrons are Tattooed Fox, Jessica Yara Milo, Riannan, Sean Geary, Anthony Diaz, Amy Harper, Jackie K, Shantelle Payne, Jake R, Jennifer Gatlin, and DogMom DVM. Thank you guys so much for your support. Click the link in the show notes to learn more about joining us on Patreon. And check us out on social media. You can find us most places under pod 13. And you can join the Facebook group for 13 Podcast. Just look for the logo and you'll find links in the show notes. Need some 13 swag? Visit imaginary.click slash merge. Or click the link in the show notes.

56:47If you'd like to submit a story to be performed on the show, or if you'd like to contact us about anything else, you can get in touch at info at 13podcast.com. You'll find submission guidelines and other info on our website, 13podcast.com. You can find that in the show notes too. Bridget is watching you from the corner. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you soon.