Hello, gentle listener, and welcome to Nocturnal Transmissions, short stories and mutterings from the wrong side of midnight.

This episode will be featuring another story from Patrick Meagan. You may recall his

story hierarchy from episode nine, a zombie apocalypse tale with a dark Lovecraftian twist. Mr. Meagin's

ability to marry his horrific imaginings with exquisite pathos and humanity makes for wonderful reading, and we are absolutely thrilled to be sharing yet another of his stories with you.

Now, what exactly is a shooting star?

Prepare to have that question answered in Patrick Meehan's.

The Steeple Chase Flourish.

Can I stay up a little longer to watch?

Mark frowned at the boy.

Sorry, Andrew. Time for sleep.

Ah.

Andrew turned from the bedroom window and climbed into bed,

pushing aside the top sheet, which bore the emblems of all the Major League Baseball teams.

"'But it's summer, Dad!'

"'Mark paused at the window as a streak of light flashed across the night sky,

"'then went to his son's bedside.

"'That may mean sleeping late for you, but I still have to go

to work tomorrow. If I have to go to bed, so do you. He tussled Andrew's hair. That's not fair. Mark pulled

the covers up over his son. I agree. Hmm.

Well, I guess as soon as you finish school, you can go to work and I'll stay home.

Deal?

Andrew crossed his arms.

...