Good evening, I'm Alabaster Catz and it's time for another tale to tell in the dark. Welcome to the show. I'm so glad you decided to invite me into your home this evening. Most people wouldn't open their doors after dark. But then again, you aren't most people. And that brings us to the focus of our story tonight, what we should and shouldn't do. As you know, fables are intended to teach children about morality. That despite their best intentions, one bad decision can lead to horrible consequences. So what better way to teach them than by placing adorable animals in mortal peril? Therefore, tonight, we risk the lives of the cute and cuddly solely for your entertainment. So if you haven't already, grab a drink, dim the lights and cuddle with your favorite animals stuffy. The show's about to begin. Tonight's tale is a fable written by yours truly. It's a story about a mechanical boy who learns just how delicate his heart really is. The boy with a clockwork heart, a fable by Alabaster Catz There once was a boy with a clockwork heart. Who sat in a field falling apart. He didn't know friendship, hope or despair. For the cogs in his chest, were all that was there. Then along came a mouse as white as the dawn that hopped on his leg to sit down upon.
The Mouse (Zavi):Boy made of metal will you be my friend? I have no one else whose time I can spend.
Alabaster Catz:I know not of friendship, said the boy with a frown. For I cannot move from the spot on the ground. My body is metal my limbs have all rust. But stay for a while and chat if you must.
The Mouse (Zavi):Thank you dear friend
Alabaster Catz:said the mouse with a sigh,
The Mouse (Zavi):perhaps I can find some oil nearby.
Alabaster Catz:Then quick as a wink he ran to a barn and brought back a can to squirt the boy's arm. The boy took the can and three times he pressed then stood on his feet and thumped on his chest. Thank you dear friend for what you have given for you were the key to the gates of my prison. For miles they walked the boy in the mouse and happened upon an old crooked house. It's windows were boarded its roof top awry not a whisper of life save the crow in the sky. The mouse crept across the cobblestone floor and peered through the cracks that split through the door.
The Mouse (Zavi):Boy made of metal could this be your home? Is there someone here waiting, someone you've known?
Alabaster Catz:I know not of hope, said the boy with a shrug. For I cannot recall the touch of a hug. My arms are hardened and chilled to the touch. But inside I'm warm when needed is such.
The Mouse (Zavi):Thank you dear friend
Alabaster Catz:said the mouse with the yawn.
The Mouse (Zavi):In here I will sleep till evening is gone.
Alabaster Catz:And fast as a blink the mouse crawled through a gap, climbed up to his heart and curled for a nap. The boy cranked his arm three times with glee and lowered his chin, his back to a tree. Thank you dear friend for all that you share. Without you in my chest only cogs would be there. In darkness of night, the boy laid asleep while into his ear, a whisper did creep. He sat up alarmed from the sound of a voice and listened intently as it gave him a choice. It came from a crow as black as the dusk that wrapped on the frame of his tin metal husk.
The Crow (Kathryn):Boy made of metal Would you like to fly? There's nothing to lose should you wish to try.
Alabaster Catz:I know not despair, said the boy with appeal. For I've never had dreams for someone to steal. My heart holds no wishes it's gears simply turn yet eager am I for something to learn.
The Crow (Kathryn):Then climb up this tree.
Alabaster Catz:Said the crow with a grin
The Crow (Kathryn):Leap from its branches and soar on the wind.
Alabaster Catz:And so the boy climbed the tallest of ash, jumped from its branches and fell with a crash. The wicked bird laughed three times amused. The boy lay in pieces, the mouse hadn't moved. I'm sorry dear friend, I knew not the cost. I could have been happy, but now I am lost. That concludes our show for the evening. Thank you for joining us and be sure to leave an open window for me to visit you again. Next time, a man recalls his childhood and the nightmare that forced him to share his toys. If you'd like your story to be read on the show, or you just want to send me a message from the beyond, you can reach me at alabastercatz.com. Also, if you liked what you heard tonight, subscribe to the Alabaster Catz podcast for some more borrowed time. Once again, thank you for joining us. I'm Alabaster Catz. And remember, the best stories are the ones we tell in the dark. Special things to tonight's voice actors, Zavi for his role as The Mouse and Kathryn for her role as The Crow.