You are listening to the fourth story for the Clarks World magazine podcast. I'm your host and

narrator Kate Baker. Welcome. I hope that this podcast is finding you as well as can be all things

considered. And thank you because this story has been brought to you by your ongoing support.

Whether you have bought a subscription from us, you've gone to patreon.com forward slash

Clark's World. That's where most of the podcast

listeners go to support the magazine, or checked a few bucks our way via donation. Every little bit

counts to help us bring you these stories each and every month. Now this story is titled

Eternity in Their Hearts and is by K.J. Khan. K.J. Khan is a writer, artist, and mom from Indiana, though she

currently lives in Rhode Island. Her short fiction has appeared in Clark's World and Mysterian.

When she's not writing, painting, or reading, she enjoys the chaotic company of her children.

She always enjoys evenings when they are asleep, and she and her husband actually get to finish their sentences.

And if you like what you hear, you can go back to, Our Father.

So, my dear listener, I hope that you can sit back, relax, and let me tell you a story.

It's the second Thursday of the month, so I spend the evening regenerating my skin.

The procedure is painless but dull. I often fall asleep. It's fine to do so. The machine stops itself. I like my skin, but sometimes I find myself thinking of days to come

when I can opt for a more low maintenance covering. That's likely a long way off. Right now, I have

clients, and clients prefer skin. At breakfast, Liam tells me his sister is coming to visit. He grunts the news into his coffee

cup, deeming it unworthy of a pause. Ah, I reach over and subtly wipe up the spots of coffee

he has spilled. It'll be nice to see her. A snort.

It will, I insist, carefully balancing my levels of reproach and humor.

Liam chuckles.

You're a peach, Val.

...