This show features original and real vocal performances. No synthetic or AI technology was used in this production. Cryptic Radio presents Close Your Eyes Written and produced by John Rolfe Thank you. Okay, come on in. It's all clear. How do you have the keys to this place? Oh, I used to work here, before the nursery. I still have my spare. What are we doing here, exactly? You said let's get a bite. I meant the cafeteria. No, no, this is better. But it's pasta night. Trust me, you'll like this. Feels a little sneaky. Oh, that's half the fun. You just sit right here and let me handle everything. Now let's see here. Okay, and... Oh wow. Are you sure you know what you're doing? Oh yeah, like I said, I used to work here. Mm-hmm. Just don't burn the place down. How much longer? I don't know. I don't like this floor. How come? It's too quiet. It's meant to be peaceful. That's how the circle prefers it. Why? So they can focus, meditate. Why? I don't know. Because they're important. Did you really used to be in the circle? I was. Why? I... I don't know. I guess that's what the origin wanted. Why? Lily, let's just sit quietly and wait here, okay? Okay. When we talk to the circle, can I ask them about me? About you? Yeah. I want to know why I don't have a provenance. I want to grow up like you. Can we ask them? I... Please? I don't know, Lily. No. Shh. He's coming back. They're ready for you now. Thank you. But only you. The child will wait here. But I want to come too! Lily, it's okay. I need to do the rest on my own, okay? Yeah. Okay. Wait here for me, alright? I will. Alright. Let's go. Uh, you sure you don't need help over there? No, it's fine. Almost done. And... Here we go. This is my world famous grilled cheese sandwich. Complete with five kinds of cheeses. Thank you. You're not having any? Not hungry. But go on, try it. Okay. Well, how is it? Mm, mm-hmm, mm-hmm, mm. Mmm. Uh, oh yeah. You can really taste those cheeses. Is one of them blue cheese? I used everything I could find. Ah. Uh-huh. Great. Seriously, have as much as you want. Thanks. Marsha. Hmm? Earlier today, in the nursery... No. What? We're not supposed to talk about what happens on those floors. Even with each other. I know, but it's about... Sedona? No. But she took baby Theodore! Shhh! And she didn't come back. He didn't come back. It's like a reunion Like I said, the parents are traveling When they finish, the children are returned Do the children ever come back? No Have you ever seen babies on any other floor? No Marcia, how does that make any sense? How many families are in Ignoda? It's not like that kind of thing is encouraged here I know But now there's an entire nursery on a forbidden floor of the tower? You know something. Tell me. Marsha. I don't know anything, okay? I don't know everything. We used to have a sweet little boy in the nursery. His name was Elliot. All the babies are special to me, but he was different. Extra special. He was so sweet, the way he'd snuggle with me. Well, when Mrs. Midnight said it was time for him to reunite, I begged her to let me come too, if only to hold him for a little longer and say goodbye. She agreed to let me go as far as the blue door. The blue door? On a different part of the floor hidden away there a strange door It doesn look like the others I don know how to describe it It wood maybe Painted blue What on the other side I don't know. When we got to the door, Mrs. Midnight took Elliot and told me to go back to the nursery. Elliot was crying for me when I left. That walk back was hard. I'm sorry. You don't think the parents are really behind that door, do you? It's just easier if I believe they are. We really shouldn't be talking about this. These are the secrets the origin has given us. It's our task and responsibility to do as he asks, not to question. Maybe. Don't say that. Not even that. Not everyone I've met in Ignoda is kind. There are bad people here too. What if something is going on the origin doesn't know about? Like what? I don't know. What about Mrs. Midnight? She's a cold one, don't you think? She's strict, yes, but that doesn't mean anything. All I'm saying is it's not wrong to make sure the children, Ignota's children, are safe, right? Maybe you're right, but look, you can't tell a soul I told you this story, all right? No. No one. Cross my heart. How's the grilled cheese? Oh, it's good. So good. We only had a few bites. It's very filling. Here. Stop. Before you enter, you must wear this. A hood? Darkness is their medium. Since when? Since the origin commanded it. Splendid. Good. Now, come. I will take your arm to lead you. Don't be startled. Fine. Stop here. Yes. Do you feel the curtain? I do. Good. Now, listen carefully. On the other side of this curtain, you will find a cushion. You will seat yourself and wait. When you hear a bell, your audience has begun. You may speak your piece. When the bell sounds a second time, your audience is over. The circle may speak or they may not. Say what you wish. If you don't receive an answer, so be it. Do you understand? Yes. Good. You may go. Stop... You are okay? YouリアスYD turns the switch spannender hola Hello? It's strange to speak to you like this. sisters. I would have liked to see each of you again, to see your faces, to tell you everything I've learned since I left, and to benefit from your guidance, your wisdom. Still, I'm grateful for this opportunity. I came to speak to you, directly to you. because there's no other way. I've been prohibited from speaking to the origin, refused an audience. I'm told I should accept my place, but I don't know how. I feel as though he shuns me, and I don't have any way to gain his favor, his forgiveness. Won't you say something? It is good to hear your voice again, Olivia. It's only because we once called you sister that we listen now. But we're disappointed. Yes, disappointed by your malcontent. Your lack of gratitude. No. It is a critical time for us. Alignment is near. This reality is coming to its conclusion. The Origen works tirelessly to ensure our work can be completed before the ends unravel. And you complain that he does not entertain you? That's not fair. I call him father. Many do. Not many know him like I do. Like I did. Are you certain this is all that troubles you? Is this really why you came to speak with us? No. No, I'm worried about one of our travelers. Dylan Hall. There was a mistake. An accident. I'm told the Circle has forbidden my facilitation. We have. Why? You've lost perspective. I realize I've become close to Dylan. It's true. And maybe it's made me cautious in facilitating his travel, but I worry he's not ready. If we continue to push, we'd put him at risk. There is little time for caution. The very fabric of this timeline is wearing thin. It's clear you've become conflicted in your facilitation. It's weakened you. All I've ever wanted was alignment. Don't forget I was born into this, unlike any of you. There's nothing I want more. Then you should sacrifice your friendship. Does the origin want him to die? If he does, then you should want the same. And if I don't... Think carefully on this. If facilitation is not allowed, then at least let me monitor his travel. Please. Dillon Hall will not travel. What? What do you mean His importance is being reassessed How is that possible What about his brother What about his brother? I don't understand. If Dylan's not important, why was he taken to floor 73? Why is he being monitored? Floor 73 is strictly for ascertainment. His status is in limbo. Limbo? Marcus didn't say. I didn't know. If this is true, then please, please let me see him. For what purpose? He's my friend. There might be something I can do. Please. We will defer to the envoy and his recommendations in this matter. For now, separation will be for the best. No, I... just let me see him. Please listen to me. Please just... No, no, wait. Just listen to me, please. Sisters? Please. They have gone. Come. The child is waiting. Hey. Dylan. Dylan. No. Please, stop. Dylan? No more. Shh. It's alright. It's over. Over? That's right. No more pain. Are we done? Almost. Why did you do that? I know it was hard, but you've done so well. You've been so strong. You should be proud. I... I don't understand. There is a hot bath for you already in the next room. And a bed. I know you're tired. Yes. Can you sit up? Oh, good. Follow me. You're still weak from the shock therapy. Take it slow. Here, I'll bring a wheelchair. No, no, I can walk. Save your strength. Let me help you. Where are we going? You'll see. Right through here. There. Isn't this nice? A little more comfortable. Yeah. Nice. Let me wheel you here. By the fireplace. Cozy? Yeah. Can I have some water? In a moment. We have a few more questions. No. Please, not the machine. Not the machine this time. You and I are gonna sit here and have a conversation. That's all. All right. Dylan, why are you here? What do you mean? I don't even know where I am. No, why did you come to Ignota? My brother. He contacted you. You already know this. And you believed him outright? You believed you were part of a different timeline? Another reality? Yes. Doesn't that seem a bit... silly? What? You have no doubts. I did. But not anymore. Do you trust the origin? Yes. Would you really follow him anywhere? No matter what. No matter what he asks you to do. If it means fixing things, saving my family, yes. Interesting. Very interesting. You're bleeding. What? Your nose. Oh, it is. Mmm, the air must be dry Are you alright? Please, wait here I'll be back in a moment What the fuck Where's that goddamn phone? Could someone please get that? Hello? Adeline? Adeline? Where did she go? Hello? Anyone there? Hello? Hello? Where is that coming from? Who's there? Adeline? Morgan. Hey. Sorry to drop by. Yeah, I wish you'd texted. I would have met you. Yeah, but I wanted to come to you. I felt bad about things yesterday. My place was trashed, and that plus the murder scene. and I was not in a good place. Yeah, don't blame you there. And I, but I probably said some things which were not cool and were not true and were mean. You were stressed out I get it That not an excuse I pretty much said you were not important to me and that a lie Look you don have to explain if you Ellie just let me get this out and apologize All right. Can I at least come inside? Um, yeah. All right. Olivia? Olivia? Olivia? Hmm. Olivia! What? Were they witches? What? Were they witches? Not right now, Lily. But what did they say? Did they help? Did they tell you about me? Lily, stop. Hey. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I yelled. It's okay. No. No, it's not. Do you want to know what the circle said? Yes. They said that... They said... You are a brave little girl. And that you are really special. You'll grow up to be an amazing person. And the reason you don't have a provenance is because you have nothing to regret. And that's a good thing. They said all that? Of course. No, they didn't. They did. And they also said that you should always listen to me no matter what. But what about Mr. M? Mr. M? They said he... He's confused. Oh. Did they help your friend? I don't know. I don't think so. I hope he'll be alright. We should go and see him. That's the problem. He's someplace I can't go. Where? A forbidden floor. I'll take you there! No, I don't think that will work. I'm not allowed. But I know another way. A secret way. You do? Mm-hmm. I told you! I can go anywhere I want. I hope you like green tea. I don't have much else. Oh, that's fine. Um, I also have vodka or Diet 7-Up if you want something stronger. No, no, no. Tea sounds great. I love your record collection. You never told me you collected vinyl. Oh, yeah. Feel free to put something on if you want. Oh, you have some classics here too. Most of the good ones came from my dad. It's a great collection, but a total bitch to move. For sure. Wait, you have a taser? This is so badass. I found it at a garage sale when I lived down in LA. Ah! I can't believe you've never had me over before. No, you've been here. Not inside. I don't know why. Your place is way cooler than mine. Looks like you follow the same filing system as me. What's that? Chaotic piling? Yeah, sorry about that. I would have put some things away if I knew you were coming. Oh, I have this book! What's that? Morgan? Morgan, everything okay? Callie, what's this? Why do you have my notebook? Morgan? Why do you have this? How do you have this? When did you... I can explain. Where were you the other day? I was... It was you? You, broken? Were you in my apartment tearing up my stuff? You... You're with them. I think you should leave. I'm not going anywhere and neither are you. You're going to tell me what's going on. No. Yes. Please, Morgan... No! Hey, stop! No! Let go! Let go of me! Let me... The Circle was performed by Other voices by Sound design and engineering by Katherine Stanley The theme music is Sacrifice the Pawn by Emmett Cook. Shows like this aren't possible without the support from fans. If you've enjoyed listening, please take a moment to rate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Good Pods, or whichever pod platform you prefer. A rating only takes a moment and goes a long way to helping us reach other listeners. all of our shows are completely independent productions if you have the means and would like to support independent audio drama consider doing so through our patreon members receive early access to new episodes ad-free versions of all cryptic radio shows and other exclusive content you can find the link in our show notes you can also follow us on instagram or x at crypticradiopod to get news and updates about the show. We'd love to hear from you, so please reach out. Thank you for listening.
