You are listening to another Clark's World podcast. I'm your host and narrator Kate Baker.

Greetings, Clarkville citizens. Welcome to the fourth story for the month of December, issue 231.

It's our fourth story of the month as we sail to the end of the year. And these stories,

along with all of our future stories for 2026, are brought to you by your support.

So if you've gone to patreon.com for slash Clarksworld, Clarkswitizens.com purchased a subscription

or checked a few bucks our way via donation.

You allow us to keep doing this for you each and every month.

So thank you.

The piece is titled The Whole and is by Varenk Somsa.

Varenk Somsa writes speculative fiction from Canada surrounded by birds.

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

You see, we are making a bargain. You give me a dream.

I give you joy.

Only Barbus.

It was an excellent performance, but over too fast.

There, slotted for 20 minutes, but it was done in 17.

As the staff began the preliminary task of disposing of the pieces, the stains would require harsh chemicals after we, the audience,

had vacated the premises. I was tempted to discuss it with the other patrons. Why had she become

so excited? Had the gollum miscalculated?

I held temptation at bay.

The other patrons had faces of simple delight,

though the aura of the house's rows of lights can exaggerate any expression.

...