Audible Voice Test 1 –
The beginning of a short story
I wrote this gruesome little piece over a decade ago.
The concept was a prequel to assist a friend’s project, but I never did get around to full immersion of the story. All I have is the beginning and several pages of notes…
It described a predatory creature from my friend’s novel; a monster from an alternate reality that fed on humans and had the ability to ‘shapeshift.’
I won’t be completing this short story in this lifetime, but I’m using it here as an opportunity to test the two-hundred plus words with my ‘audio-book voice.’
Changing Places
By Stephen L France
“…matricide, patricide, murder, and cannibalism. The suspected assailant is said to be eight years old…”
I opened my eyes.
The muffled voice of the news-reader on the radio, meandered beneath the static as it lost reception.
I blinked as the radio resurrected focus.
“…authorities are both bewildered and horrified at this discovery, that emerges years after the crimes are alleged to have been committed.”
I removed the covers of my bed, rolled on my side, and sat up. A smile painted my face. I couldn’t help but shake my head, and raise my eyebrows. I reached out and switched off the radio.
The London Underground running below my apartment-building, roared through shaking my naked room like a child rattling for the last coins in his piggy bank.
The glow of the moon through the window was a glorious spectacle of night’s temporary victory over day.
I felt hunger. I wanted something with a mixture of flavours. Something simple. Something that would keep me satisfied for a very, long time.
I stepped into the bathroom, grabbed the cylindrical tube of paste they use for teeth, and the instrument they call a toothbrush.
I’d never brushed the teeth before this; simply didn’t care to, but it was an unusual experience, making the mouth feel as if someone was blowing cool, clean air into it.
I looked at the new face in the mirror. The blue eyes sparkled, the blond hair shined, and the cheekbones were so well chiselled.
I flexed the biceps and brushed the hair back.
I returned to the bedroom, putting on a tight, black pullover, blue, wide worker jeans, heavy black Caterpillar boots, and a black anorak.
Walking outside, the season they called winter slapped against my jacket.
The cold air held no scent….
Leave a Comment