Original audio on a cassette tape found in an old church amid a number of others. Held a sticker with faded writing: ‘Ereni, Dusk Vampire’
Alright, it’s running. Are you sure about this?
Listen, kid, I’m dying. I can feel it. Might as well pass the time talking, right?
I mean, I guess?
Is that your first question?
No, I wanted to ask how you became a vampire? Or rather where?
Domus. I was turned a long, long time ago. Probably before you were even alive. Before we knew to worry about things like your Earth, your problems. We knew it was going to be rough but… They say you can never really run from your problems, they always end up chasing you. We brought our calamity with us, it just changed shape along the way.
Do you really believe that?
Maybe? I don’t know. It’s nice to imagine that there’s a reason for the horrible things that happen, right? You can imagine there’s some conspiracy or plan rather than just the inevitability of it all going to shit.
Do you regret coming to Earth?
Now that’s a tricky one. If you’d asked me yesterday, I’d have said no. Because regardless of how bad things were, I was still alive, right? Not sure I can use that one anymore. I think I’ll still say no. Got a couple more years.
Is there anyone you want me to find? Send a message to?
No, not for a long time. People are anchors, they drag you down, gotta let them loose to sail free. Maybe that’s why I’m here. Don’t have anyone to live for.
I could get help, I-
Don’t. I’m tired. I’ve lived too long. I can feel how weak I am, how much weaker than I was. Don’t get funny ideas, I could still rip you apart in an instant. It just might take me a minute to catch my breath.
Does it hurt?
Probably. Can’t feel much right now. Probably for the best.
Will you tell me what the Exodus was like?
What’s there to say that hasn’t been said a million times before? The air turned cold as death, I felt the wilds around me screaming out, felt it in my blood that I had to run. Didn’t even know where to, I just ran till I found other people running. It was like suddenly becoming prey. Becoming hunted. It was all the old wounds in my head and my heart re-opening at once as the ground froze beneath my feet. There was no time.
What was it like arriving on Earth?
Painful. I came during the day, had to immediately run for cover. Your world is so bright and you barely have any trees to hide beneath. The sun always hated us but yours despises us. Hates us more than anything I’ve ever felt.
The sun hates you?
Yup. We offend her, I think.
You’re not looking good.
You should leave.
Are you-
Go. Now. This isn’t something you want to see.
Thank you, for this.
Thanks for talking. Letting me talk.