About this episode In 'One-Sided Stories: Secrets Unspoken on the Line,' listeners are immersed in compelling narratives told exclusively from one side of a phone call. Through masterful narration, the stories reveal hidden emotions, unresolved tensions, and concealed truths, demonstrating how silence and choice of words craft powerful stories. This series offers a unique perspective on human connection, reminding us that sometimes, what remains unsaid speaks volumes, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
0:00 Chloe?0:00 It's me.0:01 Don't hang up.0:02 Please.0:03 I was just listening to this story… you know that show I like… about secrets unfolding on a phone call.0:12 And all I could think about was you.0:15 About the secrets we're not supposed to talk about, the ones everyone sees but nobody names.0:24 I saw you today.0:25 At the farmer's market.0:27 You were by the flower stall, pretending to look at the peonies.0:33 You thought I didn't see you, but I did.0:37 You were wearing that big wool scarf, the grey one.0:41 It's seventy-five degrees out, Chloe.0:45 And sunglasses.0:46 Inside the pavilion.0:48 I almost called out to you.0:50 But then he came over.0:52 And I saw it.0:53 He put his hand on your arm, and you… you flinched.0:58 Like you’d been burned.1:00 Don't.1:01 Don't you dare tell me it was nothing.1:04 I saw your face.1:06 No.1:06 No, I didn't come over because I didn't want to make a scene.1:11 For YOU.1:12 I didn't want to make it worse.1:15 But I'm done with that.1:17 I'm done being quiet.1:19 What happened to your eye?1:21 You walked into a door.1:23 Again.1:24 My god.1:25 How many doors are you going to walk into before you realize you're living in a house with no exits?1:34 Remember when we were kids?1:36 You were the tough one.1:38 You broke your arm falling out of that big oak tree in the backyard because you were convinced you could fly.1:48 You didn't even cry.1:50 You just held your arm and told Dad you’d almost made it.1:55 Where did that girl GO?1:57 The one who wasn't afraid of anything?2:01 He's taking her.2:02 He's taking her from you, piece by piece, and you're just… letting him.2:08 What do you mean, what do I want you to do?2:12 I want you to leave!2:14 I want you to pack a bag and walk out that door and never, ever look back.2:21 I know.2:22 I know you love him.2:23 Or you think you do.2:25 But love isn't supposed to hurt.2:28 It's not supposed to make you hide from your own sister in the grocery store.2:35 It's not supposed to leave marks that you have to cover with scarves in the middle of summer.2:43 He's sorry?2:44 He's always sorry.2:46 His apologies are just the space between the bad things.2:51 They don't mean anything.2:53 Don't cry.2:54 Please don't cry.2:56 Or do.2:56 Cry.2:57 Let it out.2:58 What was that?2:59 Oh, god.3:00 Is he there?3:01 Is he home now?3:02 Chloe, don't say anything.3:05 Don't say a word.3:06 Just listen to me.3:08 I have a bag packed for you.3:10 It's in the trunk of my car.3:13 It has clothes, some cash, your favorite tea.3:17 Everything you need for right now.3:20 I'm getting in my car as we speak.3:23 I can be there in ten minutes.3:26 Chloe, if you can get out, just… just knock once on the phone.3:31 If you can't, do nothing.3:34 I'll understand.3:35 Just one knock if you're coming.3:38 Okay.3:39 Okay.3:39 You're so brave.3:40 You are the bravest person I know.3:44 Listen to me.3:45 Put the phone in your pocket.3:47 Don't hang up.3:49 Just put it in your pocket.3:51 Go to the front door.3:53 Say you're taking out the trash.3:56 Say you're checking the mail.3:59 I don't care.4:00 Just walk outside.4:01 Don't run.4:02 Just walk.4:03 I'm on my way.4:04 I'll be parked two blocks down, at the corner of Elm and Second.4:10 A blue sedan.4:11 You'll see me.4:13 Just walk.4:14 I'm coming.4:15 I love you.4:16 I'm on my way.4:17 Just keep walking.
