Hello, gentle listener, and welcome to nocturnal transmissions, the fortnightly podcast that brings you spirited renditions of dark tales both old and new,

performed by voice artist Kristen Holland.

Episode 10 already, eh?

How the Time Flies.

Many thanks to all you dark souls out there in the ether who have journeyed with us thus far.

If you're joining us for the first time this episode, welcome.

Sorry about the mess.

We weren't actually expecting you, but we're certainly glad you're here.

If you enjoy what you find here in the dark realms of our humble production, please subscribe

and join the fold. Also, if you take the time to give us a review on your podcast provider

and share us with your friends, you will be advancing from the position of mere passive listener

to valuable active co-conspirator.

Heavens, you may even go so far as to consider yourself a pernicious influence.

If you'd like to take that influence of yours even further, please feel free to contact us here at Nocturnal Transmissions

through our website's contact page and share your thoughts and suggestions with us.

Perhaps you have a favorite tale of terror or author you'd like us to pursue for inclusion

in an upcoming episode.

Please, don't be shy. Messages from the other side are always welcome. That website address, nocturnal transmissions.com.aU. Now to the matter at hand, this one's going to ruin bath time for you.

Nocturnal Transmissions is proud to present Martin Smith's Animal Cruelty.

Up and animal cruelty up and away from the evening murmur of north hollywood a shadow clung to a dull green apartment building and with great caution and short explosions of animation approached the open window of Henry and Tabitha Herman.

At the window, Henry visited himself with sketches and plans at his desk. The blue-pencil ghost of a new indoor shopping mall stared back at him, but Henry's hands had become still of late. Nothing was finished, but he had nothing more to wear.

His shirt stuck to his back.

...