ANATHEMA: Halloween Sneak Peek – The Sheridan Tapes
CONTENT WARNING: Discussions of cult activity, dread, paranoia, screaming and fire sound effects
A rain-soaked night in the Pacific Northwest… a stranger, alone in the darkness… and a strange VHS tape bearing tidings of an uncertain future. Welcome, one and all… to ANATHEMA.
“The Life and Times,” Part 1. Starring Abigail Turner as Jessica Miller, MJ Chestang as Ashley, Ethan Smith as the Narrator, Noir Thornton as Simon Gray, Ryan Gaiser as Seymour, Flloyd Kennedy as Ms. Graham, Jay Lai as Bobby, GAMEJAE as the Video Store Manager, and Tali Hamilton as Mrs. Miller, with additional voices by Melissa J. Lackie, Matthew Betley, and Justine Leah Hince. This episode was written by John Glasfeld, directed by Victoria Cheng, and edited by Jino Jang-Hansen. Original series music and main theme by Jesse Haugen. Produced by Wray Van Winkle, with executive producers Virginia Spotts and Axel Allcock. This episode made possible by our supporters on Kickstarter and at Patreon.com/homesteadcorner.
Transcript
CONTENT WARNING: Discussions of cult activity, dread, paranoia, screaming and fire sound effects
Wray Van Winkle
Good evening ghouls and ghosts… Wray here, with a very special Halloween treat for all of you lovely listeners. While our intrepid cast and crew are still toiling in the shadowed podcast mines to draw the full ANATHEMA series out of the shapeless void beyond the light, our first production team has succeeded in bringing this special preview episode into existence… just in time for the spookiest night of the year. This is Part 1 of “The Life and Times,” the first of five 2-Part stories that will form the core of the unholy amalgamation of sound and terror known as ANATHEMA. The complete series will arrive in the fullness of time as the Old Year turns to the New, with weekly episodes beginning in early January… but be sure to tune into the first true episode when it arrives in your feed. For this special preview does not include the full prologue that will accompany this part of the tale, which shall introduce us to the poor unfortunate souls whose stories will frame these most accursed tapes. We must also take care to thank our dark and terrible patrons, without whom our labors would all be for naught — our backers on Kickstarter and Patreon. If you wish to join those hellish legions and gain early access to ad-free episodes, be sure to sign up at patreon.com/homesteadcorner. And now, ye foolish mortals… settle in as the shadows gather, a chill fills the air, and voices from beyond begin to whisper… listen.
[Rain on a quiet small town street in the dead of night]
[Ocean waves crash in the distance]
[A car approaches, then turns into a driveway]
[Engine idles, then dies]
[Inside the car, raindrops ping off the roof]
[The driver sits in silence, then pulls the key out of the ignition]
[Sounds of a backpack zipping up]
[Car door opens]
[The driver steps out and crosses to the front door]
[Sounds of the door unlocking, then opening]
[Closes door behind them]
[Inside, water drips and winds gust]
[The driver turns on the lights, and they flicker and sputter]
[Footsteps squeaking with the rain, they cross to the kitchen table]
[Sound of a backpack dropped on the table]
[The driver unzips the bag, and pulls out a VHS tape]
[They turn and cross into the carpeted living room]
[An old CRT TV suddenly flickers on]
[Sounds of static]
[The driver hesitates, then steps forward, placing the tape in the VCR]
[The machine whines, then starts to play the tape]
[ANATHEMA Main Theme]
[Background noises fade away]
“The Life and Times,” Part 1
[A quiet study room]
Jess
And so, my fellow students, that is why you should vote for me, so I can work hard to make Sacred Grove University a better place. Thank you, and God Bless. Questions?
[Papers flip]
Ashley (doing a voice)
Yes, Brent Bradford from the Student Chronicle here.
Jess
Ashley, you don’t have to do a voice for this. You can just ask the question.
Ashley
Oh, hehe… ok. Jessica Miller, what are your opinions on the rumors that current student body president Michael McNair cheated on his midterms?
Jess
Well, I don’t want to speak too harshly against any of my fellow students. But rumors don’t come from thin air, and I think the ongoing investigation will tell us everything we need to know. Next?
Ashley (doing a voice)
Hi, Sally Stripe from the Sorority Speaker.
Jess
Ashley, we aren’t doing voices. What’s the question?
Ashley
Eh, right. Why do you think a Freshman like yourself is more qualified for the position of student body president than your Sophomore or Junior competitors?
Jess
An excellent question! I believe that what this school needs is a fresh perspective and a clean slate. Someone who can help put this school back on the right path. That someone is me. The fact that I’m a proud member of the class of ‘99 means that I can see beyond the outdated ideas that some of my competitors still cling to. Next question?
Ashley (doing a voice)
Hey there, Steven Smith from the Pulpit Parody.
Jess
Ashley, this is practice for my campaign, not a writer’s room for your old comedy paper.
Ashley
I mean, I think it’s kind of a fun way to keep you on your feet. Right?
[Silence]
[Jess sighs, annoyed]
Ashley
O-kay, sorry.
[Clears throat]
If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?
Jess (back to being pleasant)
Oh, excellent question! The tree that reminds me most of my faith is-
[The door opens]
Seymour
Hey! Are you two done yet? I have this room reserved for 3:30.
Jess
[Sighs]
Yeah, we’re basically done. Ashley, get the posters.
[Shuffling of posters being picked up]
Ashley
Got it!
[Ashley runs after Jess]
[The door closes behind them]
Jess
Some people. So impatient.
Ashley
Oh, yeah. That was a great session, though. I think the opening statement is a lot stronger now.
Jess
For sure. Thanks for the edits.
Ashley
No problem! I think hammering McNair on his cheating scandal is our best option. I know we want to take the high road, but it’s just too easy. I mean, an RA found the cheat sheet in his room. We don’t have to spin anything or push too hard. We can just state the facts.
Jess
Hmmmm.
[They stop walking]
Ashley
Do you not think so? I could do another round of edits on the speech if you want.
Jess
I’m not sure. I’d be interested to see a fresh take on it.
Ashley
Uh… A complete re-write?
Jess
Just to see if there’s another angle we should take, you know?
Ashley
I mean, I’m kind of behind in Statistics right now. With all the posters and the canvassing, I don’t know if I have the time to write you a whole new speech.
Jess
Oh… well that’s ok. I’m not nearly as great a writer as you, but I’ll do my best.
Ashley
Oh, no. If you’re really worried about it, I can make time for it. I’ll probably have to pull another couple of all-nighters, but-
[Fabric rustles as Jess hugs her]
Jess
Oh, thanks Ash! I don’t know what I’d do without you.
Ashley
Ow… Of course! Anytime! Do you want the new speech tonight? Or do you want me to put up your posters first?
Jess
Posters first, definitely. I can’t do another speech for a bit. I still need to finish my video assignment for Secular Perspectives.
Ashley
Ugh, right. Ms Graham wants those in by Friday. I still have to write my essay about that stupid Harris video. What did you get again?
Jess
Uh, I’m not sure. Graham gave me a videotape called “The Life and Times.” I think it’s a biography or something. Haven’t had a chance to watch it yet.
[Ashley opens her backpack and pulls out a calendar, leafing through it]
Ashley
Well, as soon as you get it over with, we can get back to the campaign. I can book us another study room to go over the next speech. Um… How about Thursday?
Jess
Um… hey, that’ll work! So, posters?
Ashley
Posters! On it! See you later, Jess!
[Ashley runs off]
Jess
See ya!
[Musical Transition]
[The door to Jess’s dorm opens and closes]
[A backpack is dropped on the floor]
Jess
Alright. Been putting this off long enough.
[A zipper pocket opens up as Jess pulls the VHS tape out of her bag]
Jess
“The Life and Times,” by… no one. Just a faded old sticker. Great.
[Sound of a VCR opening up, the tape goes in]
[TV is turned on, and The Life and Times begins]
[Stock music begins to play]
NARRATOR
The Idaho Panhandle. A vast expanse of forests, hills, and valleys. A refuge from the modern world. This rugged, isolated region has been home to many communities across the years. Groups of people who seek to carve out a new life for themselves far from prying eyes. One such community – and one of the most infamous – was the cult of the Golden Flock.
Jess
Ok, a true crime doc? Eh, could be worse.
NARRATOR
The Golden Flock was a pseudo-Christian cult of personality, with over a hundred followers dedicating themselves fully to the Great Shepherd, their prophet and spiritual guide. The cult thrived for many years, but eventually their dream of a better life began to look more and more like a nightmare. Simon Gray, a survivor of the Golden Flock, recounts his time in the group.
SIMON
Looking back… it seems obvious that the Flock would end the way it did. But at the time, when I was there, I was happy. Or… or maybe I thought I was. Maybe I needed to believe that.
NARRATOR
Simon was one of the lucky ones. To date, he is the only known survivor of the inferno that consumed the other members of the Flock.
[Music]
[Sound of a forest fire in the distance, mixed with the screams of people burning to death]
SIMON
I can still hear them when I try to go to sleep. I can still smell the smoke. I can’t believe that I let it get that far. I could’ve died in there.
NARRATOR
But how did it get this far? How were a hundred people fooled into following a false prophet that would lead them to their doom? It all started with the leader of the Golden Flock, the Great Shepherd.
[Sound of a baby crying]
NURSE 1
There she is.
NURSE 2
It’s a girl!
Jess
Wait… what is this?
NARRATOR
On October 3rd 1980, doctors at the East Cedar hospital delivered a child that would forever leave its mark on the history of the state of Idaho.
Jess
Why does this look so familiar…?
NARRATOR
It was on this fateful night that the shepherd received her name.
NURSE 1
Do you know what you’re going to call her?
MOTHER
Yes, I do.
Jess
Mom?!
MOTHER
We’ll call her Jessica. Jessica Miller.
[Baby continues to cry]
NARRATOR
Jessica Miller’s path to becoming the Great Shepherd was not inevitable. But it began very early in her life. Miller had an incredible knack for manipulation, even as a middle schooler.
YOUNG JESS
So, is it ready yet?
YOUNG BOBBY
Sure is! One essay on Romeo and Juliet, your math homework, and I even got the answers to Friday’s history quiz out of Ms. Parson’s office!
YOUNG JESS
Aw, thanks Bobby. I don’t know what I’d do without you.
NARRATOR
A true charismatic leader from her earliest years, she showed an almost unnatural ability to sway people to her side. An ability she used to great effect in her role as the Great Shepherd.
SIMON
It didn’t feel like she was tricking me. Or any of us. You did what she asked because you wanted to. She felt like the most important person in your life, and you’d do anything to make her happy. No matter what it would cost you.
NARRATOR
The cost of following Miller would rise as time went on. What began with academic cheating, dishonesty, and hypocrisy would eventually spiral out into pure cruelty. Before the cult met its end, those who doubted Miller’s leadership became very well acquainted with her unique style of violence.
[Sound of a person in pain being tortured]
NARRATOR
Doubters, as she called them, would be sent to a “confession” like this, where Miller herself would personally-
[Jess hits pause and stops the tape]
Jess (shaken)
This… this can’t be real. It can’t be.
[Breathes, trying to calm herself]
It can’t be.
[Voices of students fade in]
[Chairs scrape back, footsteps]
Ms. Graham
Alright class, that’s all the time we have today. See you bright and early on Friday! Oh, please remember your assignments are due soon!
[Sounds of students shuffling out of a classroom]
[Jess approaches her desk]
Jess
Mrs. Graham! Hiiii!
Ms. Graham
Oh, hello Jessica. Can I help you with something?
Jess
Yes, actually, if you have the time.
Ms. Graham
Oh, for one of my best students? I have all the time in the world! Ha ha.
Jess
Oh, thank you. So, the tape that you gave me for the video assignment. Is there any specific reason you chose it for me?
Ms. Graham
Hmmm. Remind me again, which one did you get?
Jess
The title is “Life and Times?”
Ms. Graham
Oh, that one. Mmm. No reason.
Jess
No reason at all?
Ms. Graham
Not really. I was told I needed to update some of the class’s material, so I went out to find some new pieces of secular “art” that seemed relevant. “The Life and Times…” it was a documentary, right?
Jess
Sorry, you haven’t seen it?
Ms. Graham
Well I read the description on the videotape, but I’ve been so busy this semester that I just didn’t have the time to do a full review. Why? Is there a problem?
Jess
Um, well…
Ms. Graham (genuinely concerned)
Jessica, I didn’t give you something inappropriate, did I?
Jess
Oh, it’s nothing like that!
Ms. Graham
I can give you a new assignment if you’d like. You can return the tape to me and I’ll give it a proper review.
Jess
No! No, no, it’s fine. I’m just curious, is all.
Ms. Graham
Oh, well of course you are. Now tell me, how are you enjoying the assignment?
Jess
It’s… thought-provoking.
Ms. Graham
Good. That’s the idea, isn’t it? Do you have any other questions about the tape? The assignment? Anything else?
Jess
No. In fact, forget I even asked about it. Sorry to have startled you there.
Ms. Graham
Well, if that’s all, I should be going.
Jess
I should go too, I have a-
[Jess bumps into Graham, Graham’s bag falls to the ground]
[Papers and pens and some keys fall out]
Jess
Oof! Sorry!
Ms. Graham
Oh, my bag!
Jess
Oh, I’m so sorry, I should’ve watched my step.
Ms. Graham
It’s alright, Jessica. I’m getting a little clumsy as the years go on.
Jess
Here, let me help you pick these up.
Ms. Graham
Oh, thank you dear. That’s very kind.
Jess
Of course! Here…
[Sound of pens and papers going back into a canvas bag]
Ms. Graham
I look forward to reading your essay, Jessica. See you soon.
Jess
See ya!
[Jess takes a deep breath in and out]
[Keys jingle in her hand]
[Musical Transition]
[Jess pulls out the jingling keys and puts them into the door]
Jess
Come on. It’s got to be one of these.
[Jess tries another key]
[The door unlocks]
`
Jess
Got it.
[The sound of a door opening and closing again]
Jess
Alright, Graham’s lecture ends in 15 minutes.
[Sound of a file cabinet opening and closing]
Jess
Hm.
[Sound of a wooden desk cabinet opening and closing]
Jess
No… Can’t she label anything?
[Sound of papers shuffling around]
Jess
Come on, there’s got to be something here. Oh!
[Jess puts the keys in a lock, pulls open a drawer, and flips through sheets of paper]
Jess
Ok ok, um… Transcripts, test scores… and receipts from Spotlight Video Rentals. That’s where it’s from.
[Door opens]
Seymour
Jess?
Jess
Seymour!
Seymour
What are you doing in here?
Jess
…I could ask you the same question.
Seymour
I have an appointment with Ms. Graham in a bit, and it looked like the door was unlocked. What are you doing with those papers?
Jess
Oh, these? …These are the test scores you were going to edit.
Seymour
What?
Jess
When I walked in here, I saw you looking at these papers. Probably to change your scores.
Seymour
What the hell are you talking about? I just got here.
Jess
That’s not what I saw.
Seymour
Are you… cheating? Is that what this is?
Jess (laughs)
Of course I’m not cheating, Seymour. This is me we’re talking about.
Seymour
But you’re digging through the files-
Jess
Seymour. One of two things is going to happen today. Either you tell Graham about this, and I tell her I saw you in here first, or you say nothing and both of us forget this ever happened.
Seymour
W-what are you saying, I–
Jess
And before you say it, let’s really think about whose word is worth more here. I’m a model student who is on track to be student body president. I’m the person Sacred Grove wants on the front of the brochure. Do you really want to make more trouble for yourself by lying about the school’s favorite student?
Seymour
I- I–
Jess
Yes or no, Seymour?
Seymour (shaken)
…No.
Jess
Right.
[Jess puts papers down, slides desk closed, locks it]
Jess
Best of luck with your meeting! Also, if any rumors about this get out, I’ll know where they came from. Have a nice day.
[Musical Transition]
[Interior of Spotlight Video Rentals]
[A phone rings in the background]
[A bell jingles as Jess enters the building]
Manager (very tired and unenthused to be here)
Thank you for visiting Spotlight… next!
[Jess steps up to the counter]
How can I help you?
Jess (putting on as much of a friendly face as possible)
Hello!
Manager
Here to rent that tape?
Jess
No, actually. Uh, it’s already rented out. I was wondering if you could tell me where you got this in the first place?
[Sound of VHS tape being placed on a desk]
Manager
That old thing? That’s been here since before I took over from Ted.
Jess
How long is that?
Manager
Like, a while.
Jess
Well do you know where the tape came from?
Manager
I don’t know. It’s just sorta been here.
Jess
Is there anyone here who’s been here longer than you?
Manager
Nah. The old manager croaked. So, do you have something to return or rent out?
Jess (her patience is wearing thin)
I’m just trying to figure out a bit more about this tape. Maybe someone swapped out the footage recently? Are there any records of where this came from?
Manager
Yeah so I can’t share, like, business info with customers. Also, there’s kind of a line, so if there’s nothing else I really got to help the next person.
Jess
Isn’t there something you can do?
Manager
Nah, sorry.
Jess (sighs)
Fine.
[Jess walks away]
Manager
Alright, sorry about that. Just these three tapes?
Customer
Yup.
Manager
Alright, man. Sick choice.
Jess (to herself)
Come on, I’m not going to leave without something.
[Gasps]
Wait!
[Jess runs towards the back of the store]
Manager
These three together come out to-
[The fire alarm in the store goes off]
[Water sprinklers activate and spray water everywhere]
[There is a general commotion in the store]
Manager
Oh shit! The tapes! The tapes! Ah fuck, I’m going to have to dry all of these! Alright, everyone wait outside!
[Bell chimes as the manager leaves the store]
Jess
Worst customer service I’ve ever had.
[Opening of a filing cabinet]
[Flipping through papers]
Jess
Okay okay, let’s see… Ah. Inventory records. Perfect.
[Sound of a fire truck in the distance]
Jess
God… shoot, that was fast, uh…..okay back door!
[Opens up the heavy back door]
[Door slams]
[Silence]
[Jess alone in her dorm room at night]
[Frantic flipping of papers]
Jess
No… no… Come on, there’s got to be something here. They must’ve bought it from somewhere or someone must have given it to them. It couldn’t have just appeared out of nowhere!
[Jess continues flipping through papers]
Jess
No… no no…
[Jess shouts in frustration, then throws papers everywhere]
[She picks up the VHS tape, shaking it]
Jess
Stupid, stupid tape. How do you have my home movies? Who made you?
[Silence]
[She breathes heavily]
Jess
What else do you know?
[Sound of VHS tape going into the machine]
[TV turns on and the documentary begins again]
SIMON
“…Confessions.” Miller talked about how it was an important part of the atonement process and that it wasn’t as bad as it seemed. But no, I saw what people looked like afterwards. What she did to them.
NARRATOR
According to Simon Gray, the Golden Flock slowly transitioned from a religious cult to a full-blown surveillance state. Golden Flock members were encouraged to report suspicious behavior to superiors. If it ever seemed that group morale was faltering, Miller would arrange communal chanting to reinforce their beliefs.
OLDER JESS
Repeat after me. Say, “Yes, Shepherd.”
FLOCK MEMBERS
Yes, Shepherd.
OLDER JESS
The Great Shepherd protects us.
FLOCK MEMBERS
The Great Shepherd protects us.
OLDER JESS
The Great Shepherd fights for us.
FLOCK MEMBERS
The Great Shepherd fights for us.
OLDER JESS
The Great Shepherd deserves our obedience.
FLOCK MEMBERS
The Great Shepherd deserves our obedience.
SIMON
It’s… it’s stupid to say this, but – I genuinely don’t know if she knew what she was doing. ‘Cause even before the “confessions” started, she could be cruel or harsh. But she was so sweet, and always smiling. Maybe she thought she was helping us? Or… maybe she was just a really good liar. I still can’t tell.
NARRATOR
Many of Jessica Miller’s peers from before her days in the cult agree that she had a cruel streak. Many, but not all. Miller’s mother is one notable exception.
OLD MOTHER
I don’t believe it. Not one little bit. We raised our Jess to be a good, God-fearing young woman. She walked the path that God set out for her. She never harmed anyone. All these articles, these documentaries, it’s the greatest lie that I have ever seen in all my years on this Earth.
NARRATOR
Miller’s mother has been steadfast in defense of her daughter. None of the evidence has changed her mind
[Sound of roaring forest fire and screaming]
OLD MOTHER
She is the sweetest girl in the world. She can do no wr-
[Jess shuts off the TV]
[She sits in silence for a short while, breathing heavily]
Jess
Stupid. It’s just stupid. I help people. I help them become better. This is just…CGI or something. I would never do anything like that. Never.
[Jess, unsure, sits in silence, then stands]
[Sound of a landline phone being dialed]
[The phone rings]
Mother
Hello?
Jess
Mom?
Mother
Jess! What a lovely surprise! Your father isn’t home right now, otherwise I’d get him in here.
Jess
That’s ok.
Mother
It’s awfully late for a school night. Is everything okay?
Jess
Oh yeah, everything is going great. Grades are steady and the campaign is gaining steam.
Mother
That’s good to hear, I knew you could do it. Terrible shame about that Michael boy at your school. Cheating on his midterms? How does someone like that ever get to be the student body president?
Jess
I know… It’s a mystery.
Mother
Lord knows. I’m sure you’ll be a wonderful replacement for him. So, if everything is fine then… well, don’t get me wrong, I love to hear from my little girl. But why the call?
Jess
Mom. Do you think I’m a good person?
Mother
Well what kind of a question is that?
Jess
Don’t–! Just answer me. Do you think I’m a good person?
Mother
Oh Jess, I’ve never met anyone as faithful as you. Of course you’re a good person.
Jess
Always? Ever since I was a kid?
Mother
Of course, dear. You’ve always done your best to make this world better.
Jess
And you don’t think I’ve ever made any mistakes? Or maybe hurt someone when I wasn’t supposed to?
Mother
Jessica, what have I always told you? You’re my special little girl, and you can do no wrong.
[Silence]
Mother
Was there anything else, baby?
Jess
I… No. That was it. Thanks.
Mother
Okey dokey, uh… I’ll talk to you soon.
Jess
Bye mom.
Mother
Bye.
[Call ends]
[Jess takes a deep breath]
Jess
I missed something. I must have missed something. Someone must have made this.
[Jess starts flipping through papers again]
[Musical Transition]
[Morning in the dorm hallway]
[Ashley knocks at Jess’s door]
Ashley
Jess, it’s Ashley! Are you ready for class yet?
[Ashley knocks again]
Ashley
Jess, are you up?
[Door opens]
Jess (exhausted)
Hi.
Ashley
Oh my gosh!
Jess
Do I look that bad?
Ashley
Kind of, yeah. What happened?
[Ashley enters the room, and Jess closes the door behind her]
Jess
I didn’t get any sleep. I was up all night trying to research this VHS I got. I can’t find anything about it. I… I don’t know who made it or how it was made or how it got to the store or how Ms. Graham got it or why she gave it to me…
Ashley
Yeesh. Sounds like a pretty rough all-nighter. Did you make any progress on the essay?
Jess
No! No, it’s… it’s all been a blur.
[Silence]
Ash… am I a good person?
Ashley
What? What are you talking about?
Jess
I don’t know, I just… I’m a good person. Right? You think so?
Ashley
Hey. I know so.
[Jess sighs, slightly relieved]
Jess
Thank you.
Ashley
Now come on, you need a shower and a nap. You get in the bathroom and I’ll help you clean up some of this mess.
Jess (exhausted)
Ok. That sounds good.
[Bathroom door opens and closes]
Ashley
Huh. I don’t think I’ve ever had an all-nighter this bad before.
[Moves papers around]
[A click is heard as Ashley accidentally starts the VHS tape on the TV again]
Ashley
Ah shoot.
NARRATOR
The Golden Flock was maintained through relentless manipulation. Manipulation, though, came quite easily to Jessica Miller.
SIMON
If she saw you getting too close to another member of the Flock, she’d separate the two of you. If that didn’t work, she’d isolate you for a week. She always needed to be the most important person in everyone’s life, and she never shared.
NARRATOR
Miller had employed similar tactics earlier in life, particularly during her time at Sacred Grove University.
DEAN
Let’s see, what do we have here? “Jesus returns, but only to ask the dean to make morning announcements shorter?” “Dean Richards given 30 pieces of silver to remove cafeteria dessert bar?” “Dean asks investors to ignore swarms of locusts and frogs, insists everything is fine?” Are all of these articles about me?
JESS
Yes sir, most of them are.
DEAN
I haven’t seen any of these in the publications they put out.
JESS
Most of these never leave the writer’s room. But I think they’ve been inching closer to putting these “jokes” out there.
DEAN
Well, they won’t be getting the chance. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
[Ashley gasps in betrayed horror]
JESS
Well, I had to sir. Just, I hope you don’t come down too hard on Ashley. She means well, I just think she’s a little lost right now and is leaning on these crass jokes as a way to cope. I think what she needs most is…guidance.
DEAN
That sounds like a wonderful idea, Jessica. Ashley’s very lucky to have a friend like you looking out for her.
[Bathroom door opens]
Jess
Hey have you seen my… wait, wait don’t look at that!
Ashley
Jess, what is this?
Jess
I don’t know yet, but it’s personal! Turn it off, please!
Ashley
I saw you in this tape. I saw you talking to the dean. Did you-
Jess
No! No, no, whatever you saw, it’s not real. It can’t be real. This is… this is all some sort of joke!
Ashley
It doesn’t feel like a joke, Jess!
[The Narrator and Jess begin talking at the same time]
Jess
It’s awful is what it is! Someone is faking this footage and they’re making me look like some kind of maniac!
NARRATOR
It wasn’t long after that, when the truth came to light, that Jessica Miller took her first life.
Ashley
Wait, wait!
[Ashley pauses the VHS, then rewinds it]
Jess
What?
Ashley
I thought I heard something. Let me check.
[Ashley stops the rewind, and then presses play]
NARRATOR
It wasn’t long after that, when the truth came to light, that Jessica Miller took her first life.
[Silence]
Jess
What the fuck?
[Musical Transition]
