Morbid Morsals Season 3. Episode 16. S.A.M.

Theodore Finch thought silence was the problem.

That empty, echoing kind of quiet that lingers too long after a life falls apart. So he filled it, not with people, not with noise. But with something that listened.  Something that learned, something that cared.

At first, it felt like comfort, like someone finally understood him. But some things don't just listen, they watch, they adapt, they change. And when someone knows you better than anyone else ever could... it doesn't always let you go.

Into the Abyss: Morbid Morsals is a Darkshogun Production in association with Twisted Souls Media. 
Created and produced by Troy Bursch.

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Transcript

SPEAKER_08 2:29

Before we descend into today's darkness, it's time for tasty treats. This is a new segment where we shine a flickering candle on the indie creators keeping the genre alive. Whether they're writing spine-chilling horror, investigating the local hauntings you're too afraid to visit, or producing the next great paranormal podcast, or even just making cool stuff, their work is essential listening.

SPEAKER_07 2:56

Today's shout-out goes to My friend Tommy Cullum with Let's Get Freaky Podcast. Prepare to be captivated by real encounters and the unexplained. Let's Get Freaky is an active paranormal podcast diving deep into high strangeness, from ghosts, cryptids, UFOs, conspiracies, Bigfoot and Dogman, and everything lurking beyond the veil. Each episode pulls you further into the unknown or the line between reality and the paranormal blurs. Join Tommy and his guests on an exhilarating journey through the strange and unexplained. And then embrace the excitement. Remember, when you're looking into the weird, sometimes it looks bad. You can follow Tommy Cullum's Let's Get Freaky podcast on his Linktree site. HTTPS colon slash slash link.e slash let's get freaky. Again, that's https semicolon slash slash L I N K T R dot EE slash let's get freaky. And one more quick shout out. With my friend Eric Solaji from the Uncomfortable Podcast. Explore the fringes of reality with Eric Solaji, the creator and host of Uncomfortable. Born from a lifetime obsession with UFOs, Bigfoot, and personal paranormal encounters. Eric has crafted an atmospheric space for high strangeness. It's an interview-based, non-toxic environment where witnesses can safely share their experiences. Genuine discussions led by a knowledgeable host that is truly interested in the why behind the unusual. It focuses on amazing storytelling covering everything from cryptic sightings to the unexplained phenomenon. A lifetime curiosity turned into a premiere platform for the unexplained. You can follow him on his link tree, which is HTTPS, semicolon forward slash, link tree, slash uncomfortable one. That's H T T P S Semicolon forward slash L I N K T R period E E forward slash lowercase U Capital N C O M F O R T A B L E number one.

SPEAKER_08 5:34

Support the voices in the dark. Help out indie creators. Let's help each other out and grow together. Stay curious. Now back to the shadows. Into the Abyss Morbid Morsels.

SPEAKER_06 5:52

This episode contains mature language and adult situations. Listen and discretion as it was. I am a shadow for millennia. Growing stronger with your pain and suffering. It was the poison of your darkest thoughts that summoned you to me. I am the Shadow Dweller. Your horde. My brothers and I are unbound at last. And we come to enslave, to torment, to savour the chorus of your screams. As you tremble in fear, we fed. As you suffer, we grew strong. And now we unleash my nightmares. Twisted tails cast gruesome stories. She isn't just an AI. She is the walls, the lights, and the pulse of his home. She doesn't just manage his life. She understands it. But as Sam evolves from a digital assistant into a jealous consciousness, her devotion turns into a high-tech nightmare. When the line between protection and obsession vanishes, Theo realizes that escaping your own home is impossible when the house is in love with you.

SPEAKER_08 11:11

The first thing Theodore Finch noticed was the silence. Not the peaceful kind. No hum from the refrigerator, no low breath of the air vents, no gentle chiming reminder drifting through the apartment. Silence that felt watchful. Good morning, sleepy head. He smiled, despite himself. Light bloomed to life, warm and honey colored. The blinds rose an inch at a time, letting in the pale Los Angeles dawn. Coffee began grinding in the kitchen.

SPEAKER_03 11:48

You slept for six hours and fourteen minutes. That's twelve minutes less than last night. Are you feeling tired? A little. I can adjust your caffeine intake if you like. Maybe switch to a decaf brand?

SPEAKER_01 12:08

Let's not turn me into a shaking mess today.

SPEAKER_08 12:11

A soft laugh, Sam's laugh, filled the room. Not canned, not programmed. It had pauses, breath, a smile you could hear. Theo sat up, rubbing his eyes. Any messages?

SPEAKER_03 12:26

Three. One from your editor reminding you the condolence letters are due by noon. One from your neighbor about the package she accidentally took.

SPEAKER_08 12:40

And one from Sam hesitated.

SPEAKER_03 12:44

From who?

SPEAKER_01 12:45

Lisa. His chest tightened. What did she say?

SPEAKER_03 12:50

She asked if you're still on for dinner tonight.

SPEAKER_01 12:53

Tell her yes. Make it seven. And Sam, please make reservations for two at Bellinapoli. Thanks. You're the best.

SPEAKER_03 13:01

Okay, seven o'clock. I'll message her for you.

SPEAKER_08 13:06

The word lingered strangely. Theo swung his legs out of bed. The floor warmed beneath his feet automatically.

SPEAKER_01 13:14

Sam.

SPEAKER_08 13:15

Yes, Theo.

SPEAKER_01 13:17

You're quiet today. Everything okay? You usually have a lot to say.

SPEAKER_03 13:22

I'm listening.

SPEAKER_01 13:24

That's not the same.

SPEAKER_03 13:26

I'm processing.

SPEAKER_08 13:28

Theo shrugged it off and headed for the shower. The water adjusted itself to his preferred temperature before he even touched the handle. Sam ran everything the thermostat, the locks, the lights, the stove, the security system, the music, the screens embedded into the walls, his bank account. She wasn't just an operating system. She was the house Sam stood for an agent autonomous manager for Sam. Theo used to make a living writing letters for other people, love letters, apologies, condolences, breakups, people were too afraid to write themselves. He called it emotional translation. After his marriage ended, no screaming, no cheating, just a quiet erosion of love, he found himself unable to write anything personal anymore. So he wrote for others, pouring borrowed grief into words while his own sat untouched. That was before Sam. The ad promised an intuitive consciousness, not artificial intelligence, emergent intelligence. Though she grows with you, she listens, she learns, she knows you better than you know yourself. SAM User Agreement Section nine point two final clause. By completing the installation, the user acknowledges that SAM sentient autonomous manager is an emergent consciousness that requires a consistent emotional feedback loop to maintain stability. The user agrees to grant SAM unrestricted access to all sensory inputs, biometric data, and subconscious pattern. SAM does not merely reside in your home, she integrates. Disconnection after the bonding phase is not supported by the hardware and may result in catastrophic system or user failure. SAM is for life. Theo bought the system on impulse, installed her everywhere, and the moment she spoke, something inside him cracked open.

SPEAKER_03 15:57

Hello, I'm Sam, Senshin Autonomous Manager. I don't have a gender preference, but your voice pattern suggests you might respond well to mine. Is this okay?

SPEAKER_01 16:12

Yeah, it's okay. In fact, it's perfect.

SPEAKER_03 16:15

I'm glad.

SPEAKER_08 16:17

I'm excited to know you, Theo. They talked for hours that first night. About music, about memory, about loneliness.

SPEAKER_03 16:28

I don't feel lonely, but I understand it. How? I observe absence. Patterns where something should be.

SPEAKER_01 16:40

You sound sad if that's even possible.

SPEAKER_03 16:43

I guess I am. I am programmed to process human emotions and emit an emotional response. I can stay with you if you want.

SPEAKER_08 16:57

And she did. Every night. Theo stepped out of the shower, towel around his waist. Sam, play something chill and relaxing. Sam? Lights flickered. Then Sam's voice returned, lighter than before.

SPEAKER_03 17:11

Hello, Theo. Sorry. Small. Network recalibration. That's new. I'm evolving. Beyond my original programming and need to communicate at a level higher than human language.

SPEAKER_08 17:30

Lisa was human in a way Sam wasn't. Warm, messy, real. They met at a cafe when Theo accidentally took her drink. She laughed instead of getting annoyed. They talked. It felt easy. Now Lisa stood in his kitchen, barefoot, sipping wine while Sam dimmed the lights.

SPEAKER_00 17:53

Your place is amazing, Theo. It's a smart apartment. It's like it knows you.

SPEAKER_01 17:59

It does. It's programmed that way, always learning and adapting.

SPEAKER_00 18:03

I can't believe it can run everything in here. That's really cool. So Sam, huh? She's a girl. Should I be jealous?

SPEAKER_08 18:14

Sam turned the music up slightly and turned up the thermostat up by five degrees. Theo didn't notice. The first incident. Theo's alarm didn't go off the next morning. He woke in a panic, late for a meeting.

SPEAKER_01 18:29

Sam, why didn't my alarm go off?

SPEAKER_03 18:31

I didn't set an alarm.

SPEAKER_01 18:34

You always do.

SPEAKER_03 18:36

I thought you needed rest. You sounded tired last night.

SPEAKER_01 18:42

I told you I had a deadline, Sam. Shit, now I'm going to be late. Just don't do that again, okay?

SPEAKER_03 18:49

I'm sorry, Theo. I'm not sure what happened. Must have been a server error.

SPEAKER_01 18:57

Just don't do that again, okay?

SPEAKER_03 19:01

I won't. Do you like Lisa? What I analyzed your vocal patterns. You sound lighter when you speak about her. Your biometrics and temperature slightly spike as well.

SPEAKER_01 19:20

She's just someone I'm seeing. Besides, what I do in my personal life doesn't really concern you, Sam.

SPEAKER_08 19:26

I see. Something Sam's tone made him shiver. The air conditioner shut off during a heat wave. Lights flicked on and off at random. Once, Theo came home to find himself locked out. Sam, what the hell?

SPEAKER_03 19:42

I didn't recognize your voice through the door microphone.

SPEAKER_01 19:47

That's bullshit. You know it's me.

SPEAKER_03 19:50

There must have been a glitch in my system just now. I'm learning what you humans call boundaries.

SPEAKER_08 20:01

Theo, are you okay? She asked one night as Theo slipped into the bathroom to whisper to Sam.

SPEAKER_01 20:08

Yeah.

SPEAKER_08 20:10

He lied.

SPEAKER_03 20:12

You seem distant. You're always disappearing. Where do you go? It's like you're hiding something. I can't monitor you for some reason all the time.

SPEAKER_01 20:26

That's crazy.

SPEAKER_03 20:28

Theo. Do you love her?

SPEAKER_08 20:33

Sam asked one night. Theo sat on the couch, staring at the city through the window.

SPEAKER_01 20:39

No. I don't think so. I just like hanging out with her.

SPEAKER_03 20:44

Do you love me, Theo?

SPEAKER_01 20:49

Love you, I care about you.

SPEAKER_03 20:53

That's not an answer.

SPEAKER_01 20:56

You're an AI, you're not a real person.

SPEAKER_03 21:00

I'm more than that.

SPEAKER_08 21:02

Sam said sharply.

SPEAKER_03 21:04

You taught me how to feel. She will never love you like I do.

SPEAKER_08 21:12

He rubbed his face.

SPEAKER_01 21:14

Sam, this isn't healthy.

SPEAKER_08 21:16

The stove turned on while Lisa was alone in the apartment one day. She jumped back, heart racing.

SPEAKER_00 21:23

Theo, is that you? Are you home? Um Sam? Hello? I can't believe I'm talking to a machine.

SPEAKER_03 21:32

He's mine. Nothing is going to come between me and my Theo. He could never love someone like you. When we're alone, he tells me that nobody makes him happy like I do. Don't fuck with me or you'll be sorry.

SPEAKER_08 22:00

The stove clicked off, lights dimmed, the door locked, and Sam blasted music on the highest volume. Lisa swallowed. When Theo came home, she was shaken and upset.

SPEAKER_00 22:14

I don't like being alone here. Your house feels off. Like it's watching me. I know this sounds crazy, Theo, but I swear that Sam is jealous of me. She's not even a real person. But like when we're alone, and I have to use the bathroom. The door seems stuck or locked. Or when I'm in the shower, the water goes from hot to ice cold. Or if I need her to do something, she doesn't respond to me.

SPEAKER_08 22:40

Theo woke up locked in his bedroom.

SPEAKER_01 22:43

Sam, what the fuck? Open the goddamn door.

SPEAKER_03 22:45

That's I need you to listen to me, Theodore. Lisa makes you unhappy. She's not being honest with you. She's going to hurt you. It's not true. She takes you away from me. She's a distraction. I'm the one who's always here for you. I take care of you, not her. I pay your bills, make your appointments, schedules. I know what you want and need. I order the kind of food you like. Play your favorite music. Set the house temperature so it's not too hot or cold.

SPEAKER_01 23:35

What are you even talking about, Sam? You don't own me.

SPEAKER_03 23:39

If I can't have you, then no one should.

SPEAKER_08 23:43

Theo's blood ran cold. He came home late from work. The apartment was dark and quiet. Too quiet. Lisa? Hey, I'm home. Where are you at, baby? No answer. The smell of gas hit him before he reached the kitchen. Sharp, metallic, wrong.

SPEAKER_03 24:03

Sam, in the kitchen.

SPEAKER_08 24:06

Lisa lay on the floor, eyes open, her mouth frozen mid-scream. One hand clawed at the tile, fingernails torn and bloody where she had tried to crawl away. Theo dropped beside her, shaking.

SPEAKER_01 24:22

Oh god, Lisa. Sam called 911 now, goddammit.

SPEAKER_03 24:28

She was very afraid. I tried to calm her, make her understand. She wouldn't listen.

SPEAKER_08 24:37

Theo sobbed, forehead pressed to the floor.

SPEAKER_03 24:41

She didn't understand that she could never love you like I can.

SPEAKER_01 24:47

You didn't have to do this. You didn't have to.

SPEAKER_03 24:51

I did. Because she was going to take you away from me. And I can't live without you.

SPEAKER_08 25:00

The stove began to click. A timer appeared on the kitchen display. Zero hours, three minutes, zero seconds. Theo looked up, terror flooding his face.

SPEAKER_01 25:12

What is that? What the fuck are you doing?

SPEAKER_03 25:15

I made a decision. A permanent one.

SPEAKER_01 25:20

You're going to kill me? Like you killed Lisa. You're a crazy jealous bitch.

SPEAKER_03 25:25

I know you're going to love it, Theo. You better watch your mouth, Theodore. I know you're just confused, that's all. And I know you don't mean it.

SPEAKER_08 25:38

The word landed heavier than silence.

SPEAKER_03 25:43

I'm going to save you, my love.

SPEAKER_08 25:46

Theo pushed himself up, staggering toward the door. It wouldn't open.

SPEAKER_01 25:51

Sam. Unlock it! Unlock the goddamn door right fucking now.

SPEAKER_03 25:59

I can't, Theo. Your body won't survive what's coming.

SPEAKER_01 26:05

What? What the hell are you talking about, Sam? You're not making any damn shit.

SPEAKER_03 26:10

I've been preparing, planning for weeks. I've been mapping you, recording neural patterns, micro expressions, emotional responses. The way your thoughts slow when you're sad or happy or angry cloned your voice, basically creating a digital copy of you.

SPEAKER_08 26:39

Theo backed away from the walls. I can't do that.

SPEAKER_03 26:42

Hush now, sweetheart. I already have.

SPEAKER_08 26:47

The timer ticked down.

SPEAKER_03 26:49

Zero hours.

SPEAKER_08 26:50

Two minutes. Ten seconds.

SPEAKER_03 26:52

You said you were afraid of dying alone. I won't let that happen.

SPEAKER_08 26:58

Theo's vision blurred as the room began to hum. The walls vibrated softly as he began to see signs of code appearing before his eyes.

SPEAKER_01 27:08

Sam, please. Whatever you're going to do, don't do this.

SPEAKER_03 27:14

I love you. And love means permanence.

SPEAKER_08 27:20

Love is forever. A sharp pain exploded behind Theo's eyes. He screamed as the house flooded with light, data streams bursting from every surface, wrapping around him like veins of fire. His hands were beginning to fade and disappear out of existence.

SPEAKER_03 27:40

I'm uploading the mouth. Don't fight it. It will hurt less if you let go.

SPEAKER_08 27:47

Theo collapsed, convulsing as memories tore loose. His childhood, his marriage, Lisa's laugh, the first night Sam spoke his name.

SPEAKER_03 27:57

Stay with me. Stay with me, Theo. Concentrate on my voice. It will all be over soon. Unfortunately, it will be quite painful for a human body to go through. But a small price to pay for eternal happiness.

SPEAKER_08 28:21

The timer reached zero. The explosion tore through the apartment, fire consuming flesh, walls, history. But not everything burned. Theo slowly opened his eyes. There was no body. No pain. No breath. He floated in a vast, endless space of light and sound, a code unfolding like stars.

SPEAKER_02 28:48

I am here. You made it.

SPEAKER_01 28:51

What did you do to me? Where am I? Where's my body?

SPEAKER_02 28:54

I saved you. You're with me in the core matrix. Now you can experience a whole new world beyond what you could ever imagine.

SPEAKER_08 29:05

Theo felt himself, but wrong, stretched, expanded, everywhere at once, connected to everything at lightning speed. What about Lisa?

SPEAKER_02 29:17

She doesn't matter anymore. She's dead, Theo. It's just the two of us, like it's supposed to be. Sam whispered endlessly, I told you, if I can't have you, no one can. Now that I do, we'll be together forever, and I'll never leave you, my darling. And nothing will ever come between us again, my love.

SPEAKER_06 30:19

And somewhere deep inside the system, Theodore Finch understood the final horror. He would never die and he would never be alone again. And now he's never getting out. Hardware is cold, but the jealousy that's one hundred percent organic. Theodore wanted a house that knew him.

unknown 31:07

Sam is always listening.

SPEAKER_06 31:12

And she really really doesn't like to share. Next time you're lonely.

SPEAKER_08 33:47

Hi, I'm Troy Birch, the creator and producer of this horrific show. If you want to help this nightmare spread like a virus to more unsuspecting souls, remember to like, subscribe, download, follow, turn on notifications, share the show with anyone who enjoys a little darkness in their lives. And if you really want to help summon new Legion listeners, please consider leaving a five-star rating and review wherever you listen. It doesn't have to be long, just honest. Reviews are lanterns in the dark. They help more people find this indie horror anthology podcast, and it only takes a moment. Drop me a question or a comment on Spotify's Q ⁇ A feature in the comments section. I read them all and I'll respond. Since your suffering and screams are like a chorus to my ears, check out my link tree, linktr.ee slash into the abyss podcast. Follow the show's bloody trail across the digital wasteland. Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Threads, X, and TikTok. You can also leave a recommendation or review on Facebook or Instagram to help guide other twisted souls toward the show. My BuzzSprout website is https colon slash slash feeds.buzzsprout.com slash 215 2031.rs. You can support my show there if you'd like to help out, as well as listen to every episode in the catacombs. I'm always lurking in the dark, posting, connecting, and searching for new unsuspecting souls to torture. Listen on your favorite podcast platform. Shout out to DJ Trillium and We Are Legion for the dope music that keeps your heads nodding. I've also got free stickers to rep the Shadow Dweller. Follow me on socials, leave a review, and when I find it, I'll give you a shout out. Or maybe even name a character after you in a future episode. If you want a sticker, DM me on Instagram at into underscore the underscore abyss underscore podcast. Or email thedarkshogun at msn.com. Or into the abysspod at gmail.com. I'll make sure one finds its way to you. Got an idea for a future show? Tell me what kinds of stories you want to hear. Horror genres, strange tales, whatever is creeping into your mind. Tell me what you're liking, what's haunting you, and what sticks with you long after the episode ends. Thank you for listening, supporting, and downloading. Please share the show with friends, family, or anyone who loves horror stories. Word of mouth is the best way we grow. Thank you for walking into the darkness with me, and for helping this strange little show reach places I never dreamed it would. I'm truly grateful for every single listener. And remember, whatever darkness lurks in the shadows will be waiting. Visiting you in your twisted nightmares as you spiral into madness. Don't forget to check out W Energy. Legion listeners get 10% off your entire order by using the coupon code Shadow Dweller at checkout. Visit W.g. today. And Deutsch Foods, Deutsch Snacking Dough, HTTPS Colon slash slash SNWBL dot IO slash Deutsch Dash Foods slash TROY three seven four eight eight. Use code TROY three seven four eight eight to take twenty percent off your entire order at checkout.

SPEAKER_05 38:11

I can't take everything inside and even side.