This episode may contain content that is not suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised, especially for those under the age of thirteen. Welcome to Into the Night. I'm Nari, your guide on to day's excursion down a twisted path. Be careful not to get lost. Be it dark or light, It's easy to lose your way. Are you ready, then let's begin Spring Peepers Part two. I hadn't thought about this for years, but I know that feeling. There were times as kids when my cousins and I had that
same sensation. On some nights, Grandma would just tell us not to go outside. When we'd ask why, Grandpa would just say, just don't. We never went against their word, but sometimes even the darkness outside our windows gave us the creeps. Both women sat quietly for a moment, and the waitress came by to take their orders. Cassandra finally spoke. I hadn't even thought about that in all the excitement to buy our family farm back. As you know, your father and I went to school together. He and my
twin brother Cal were best friends from the time we started elementary. I knew Paul very well. The waitress brought their orders and filled their drinks. After she walked away, Kay continued, My point is that your father was like part of my family, and strange things happened when he grew up on that place too. Really, Cassandra stopped her fork in mid air and placed it back on her plate without taking a bite. Yes, that same feeling that
something watched them. Cal experienced it too, Kay looked down. I hope you aren't angry with me. Why would I be mad at you because I didn't tell you all this before you bought the place. Kay, it's not your fault. I contacted you. Remember, I was so excited and it was so long since I thought about that feeling. But it's not as though I didn't know about this on the farm. Thank you for understanding. Besides, it's probably just our imaginations getting the best of us. That's what I
thought too, until Tony played me the recording. What recording? Well, Tony's brother lives out of state and he wanted to hear what the spring peeper sounded like that Tony told him about. He asked Tony to record for him. Tony did, But the peepers weren't the only thing on that tape. Go on When he sent the recording to his brother in Milwaukee, the guy rope back to Tony, asking what the hell is that? So Tony listened, Kay paused, there were these low voices, like a voice sounds when
the speed is slowed down on a recording. Could there be a malfunction in the recording? The peepers came through like normal. He played it for me, Cassandra, and it wasn't glitch. It wasn't natural. Neither said a word. They picked at their food in silence. I shouldn't have said anything. I've ruined evening out. I'm sorry, cass you haven't ruined anything. Dad should have told me years ago. I guess he didn't want to scare us because he knew how much his parents loved having us out there. After
he died. There wasn't anyone else in the family who said anything either. I feel like you should know, just so you can be more aware. I will be, Kay. Let's finish this meal up, and if you're up to it, let's do some window shopping or around the shops. That sounds lovely, cass Let's do that. As they walked around the downtown shopping area, they saw a woman walking a little dog. Oh, I've always wanted a dog. The homeowners association didn't allow pets in the condos, though.
Well, you have your own farm and you can have whatever you want. I know some people who raise dogs, so I can put you in touch with them. If you'd like a dog or two would be good company for you. Cassandra's eyes lit up. That would be wonderful. I've wanted a dog for so long, maybe even two, cass you can have twenty dogs now if you like. No homeowners association around here, You're free to do what you want. Cassandra hugged her. I'm as excited as a kid
on Christmas morning. I'll let them know you're interested in one or two. Cassandra laughed, yes, in one or two. The women walked and talked for over an hour. At the end of the evening, Cassandra asked Kay the question that had eaten at her for hours. I need to know is Tony's still in this area? He is, He's living down south of town. Why could you put me in touch with him. I'd like to talk to him, and I'd like to hear that recording if he still has it.
Kay pulled her phone out of her pocket. Here is his number. He is a nice man and I'm sure he will talk with you. I'm not sure if he kept the recording or not. Cassandra created a new contact for Tony atwhile on her phone. Thanks, Kay, we'll have to do this again soon. We will, and next time I'll try not to drop big surprises on you. It's a deal. See you soon. On her drive back home, Cassandra's childhood memories of the feeling that something lurked in the
dark flooded back to her. So that has to be why there were times Grandma and Grandpa wouldn't let us go outside at night. They had to know something was out there. Has this been a secret no one talked about for years? Just what is going on out there? In twenty minutes she arrived home. The porch light glowed and the house looked so welcoming. Maybe there's nothing to all of this talk of creatures in the dark. Still, the night was dark, almost darker than usual, Cassandra thought, and she briskly
walked from her car to the illuminated porch. She didn't even pause to listen to the din of spring peepers belting out a chorus of their tiny frog song. She hurried in the door and placed her purse and keys on the small oak table lining the wall to her left. Maybe a dog or two isn't such a bad idea. I'm out here by myself, and protection and company would be nice. She messaged, Kay, don't forget to talk to the
people with the dogs. I'm interested and hope they have some available her phone it was Kay, I already did they have a few litters ready for you to choose from? When I told them you're Paul Carmichael's daughter, they said you can have the pick of the litter. Susan and Gregg went to school with us, and Gregg played ball with your dad. Kay sent her the phone number and wished Cassandra a good night. The next morning, she awoke
to a beautiful blue sky and the sounds of songbirds outside her window. She drew back the curtain and watched as robins hopped around the yard searching for meals. Robbins spring has officially arrived. As a girl. She sat at this very window watching the seasonal birds. Her grandmother kept feeders full for them, and Cassandra added bird feeders and seeds to her mental list of things she needed to buy in town. Checking her phone notifications, she saw a new message
from Kay. Good morning. If it works for you, Susan and Greg Hartman can meet with you today. They have beautiful dogs and I know you'll find the right one for you. Looking around the house, she realized just how still and quiet it was. I do need a companion. I'll stop in town on my way to the Heartman's and pick up dog food, toys, beds, and whatever else I'll need for my new friends, and something from my wild bird companions too. She arranged to meet the Heartman's at eleven,
and when she arrived, they gave her welcoming hugs. We haven't seen you since you were a little girl, but your parents were dear friends of Oz. I think I remember you and this place. I remember the big weather vane on top of your barn. Yes, that's been up there for ages. Come on in and meet all puppies. Are you looking for a big dog or a small dog? Maybe one of each. Let's see what you have first. They brought in the small puppies. These are sheepoos.
Mama is a Shitzu and Daddy is a poodle. Cassandra sat on the floor and was warmed by a litter of six of the cutest puppies she'd ever seen. Oh gosh, I want all of them, she laughed, as one puppy climbed onto her lap as if to claim Cassandra as her own. Well, hello, little girl, it looks like I have a puppy. The puppy, as if it knew it was going home with Cassandra, gave her multiple kisses on the chin. Okay, that's settled. Greg, bring in
the English Shepherd puppies for her. Turning to Cassandra, Susan said, we can't say enough good things about our English shepherds. They are loyal and versatile and just what you'll need on your place. I've never heard of them before. There aren't many around here. They come, though. Eight exuberant puppies ran into the room and greeted Cassandra. One sable boy ran to her and sat patiently for his turn to be petted. Look at you, you have
such good manners, she looked up at the heartman's I'll take him. She paid for the puppies, and as she carried her new best friends to the car, Susan and Gregg brought out the registration papers and shot records. Soon she was on her way home with Sadie and Ike. That night, she brought her new companions onto the porch. You want to listen to the frogs with me, wagging tails, answered her. She sat on the swing with Sadie on her lap and Ike by her feet, in the darkness, just
outside the glow of the porch light. However, she swore, she sensed a presence. What Kate told me is messing with my head. I shouldn't let that keep me from enjoying a beautiful evening like this one. Just as she shook off the idea that something watched her, Ike let out a low growl while he nestled closer to her leg and stared out into the dark.
Sadie whimpered in her lap and climbed to hide under Cassandra's chin. Suddenly, she felt like it was more than just an overactive imagination fueling her It's okay, babies, let's go inside. She stood and opened the back door. Sadie clung to her, and Ike backed his way into the house, keeping himself between Cassandra and whatever lurked in the night. Unsettled Cassandra brought the dogs into her room. Let's all sleep in here tonight. I'm glad I have
you sweet puppies. The next morning, she contacted Tony Atwell. She called and explained who she was. Would you mind meeting me? And do you have that recording still? Ah? Do, I'll bring it with me. Do you want to meet tonight after work six o'clock at Miller's Dinah, I can do that. I'll see you then. Thank you for joining me for Into the Night, an anthology series written by Caroline Giamanco, narration by Nari Quok, Theme music by Nico Rodriguez. All original music, sound design and
editing provided by Flyboy Entertainment. You can find our links in the show notes. Please remember to like and subscribe, and if you enjoy what you hear, please leave us a five star review to help other excursionists to join us. You can find us on your favorite podcast directory. See you next time, and remember, whether in the shadows or in the daylight, All Twisted Paths take you into the night. Into the Night is a creative Typo Entertainment production