The Skylark Bell Melissa Oliveri

The Man with a Storm in His Eyes – Volume 1
Happy holidays dear listeners. I know it’s been some time since I released a new episode of The Skylark Bell, but I believe you’ll feel it was worth the wait as you listen to what I have in store for you over the next few weeks. 
Over Thanksgiving I spent a few days house- and cat-sitting for a friend. The moment I met Russell the cat I was completely charmed by the milky cloudiness of his eyes. What fascinated me most was that he appeared to be able to see just fine... to the point where sometimes he appeared to be seeing things that I myself couldn’t see. I found myself inspired and fully credit Russell with breaking through my writer’s block. 
And so begins the first of 4 installments of what was supposed to be a short story, but ended up being much longer, and far more meaningful than I could ever have imagined.

NOTE - This story is available in written form in its entirety exclusively to Patreon Supporters, visit the link below to join.

Contact: theskylarkbell@gmail.com
The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com
The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell
Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com
Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri
All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com
Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

FULL TRANSCRIPT
Things with Wings Productions presents: The Man with a Storm in His Eyes - A Skylark Special Miniseries written exclusively for The Skylark Bell podcast. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  
Happy holidays dear listeners. I know it’s been some time since I released a new episode of The Skylark Bell, but I believe you’ll feel it was worth the wait as you listen to what I have in store for you over the next few weeks. 
Over Thanksgiving I spent a few days house- and cat-sitting for a friend. The moment I met Russell the cat I was completely charmed by the milky cloudiness of his eyes. What fascinated me most was that he appeared to be able to see just fine... to the point where sometimes he appeared to be seeing things that I myself couldn’t see. I found myself inspired and fully credit Russell with breaking through my writer’s block. 
And so begins the first of 4 installments of what was supposed to be a short story, but ended up being much longer, and far more meaningful than I could ever have imagined.
So, dear friends, it is my pleasure to suggest that you get settled in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… because we’re getting started.

I was standing on the brink of the holiday season with nothing but my own company to look forward to. Off work, no family or friends to visit, not enough money to whisk myself away from my mundane life... things were looking rather bleak. Then I saw the advertisement in my town newspaper: “In search of responsible adult to assist elderly man Dec 22nd-27th”. I stared at the phone number on the listing, and let the scenario run through my head: Christmas with a stranger... what could go wrong?! I laughed out loud, then dialed the number. I had nothing to lose... or so I thought.
A pleasant woman answered the phone with a jovial, “This is Florence!” 
“Hello Florence, my name is Marie. I saw your advertisement in the paper looking for someone to help with an elderly man over the holidays...” My voice sounded insecure; I wasn’t entirely sure I’d dialed the right number.
“Ah, yes...” Florence’s voice took on a more somber tone. “Our upstairs tenant is quite elderly, my sister and I check in on him daily to help with tidying up and cooking, but we’re going out of town for the holidays and don’t feel comfortable leaving him alone.”
“I see...” I replied, curious about the dynamics of the two sisters and the old man living upstairs. “Are you looking for someone to visit a couple of times a day or...”
Florence

The Man with a Storm in His Eyes – Volume 2
NOTE: If you have not listened to Volume 1 of this 4-part miniseries, please pause this episode, and go listen to the first installment, otherwise the story won't make much sense.

Over Thanksgiving I spent a few days house- and cat-sitting for a friend. The moment I met Russell the cat I was completely charmed by the milky cloudiness of his eyes. What fascinated me most was that he appeared to be able to see just fine... to the point where sometimes he appeared to be seeing things that I myself couldn’t see. I found myself inspired and fully credit Russell with breaking through my writer’s block.

This story is available in written form in its entirety exclusively to Patreon Supporters, visit the link below to join.

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

Contact: theskylarkbell@gmail.com
The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com
The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell
Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com
All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com
Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

FULL TRANSCRIPT:
Things with Wings Productions presents: The Man with a Storm in His Eyes - A Skylark Special Miniseries written exclusively for The Skylark Bell podcast. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  
Before I begin, if you haven’t listened to the first installment of this story, I strongly suggest you hit pause on this episode and go listen to volume 1 or the story won’t make much sense. 
In last week’s episode, we met Marie, who agreed to take on a job house-sitting for twin sisters Florence and Winifred over the holiday weekend and will help care for their elderly tenant, Mr. Holcomb who lives upstairs. When we left Marie, she had just exited Mr. Holcomb’s apartment after Christmas Eve dinner went awry as a thunderous storm rolled in. 
Now, get settled in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s dive back into the story, shall we?

I must have fallen asleep at some point because the next time I glanced at the fire it had been rendered to a pile of glowing embers, and a small stream of sunlight was coming through a crack in the floral chenille fabric of the drapes. I got up, neatly folded, and piled the blankets, and pulled the drapes open to let the full force of the sun shine into the room. A cloud of dust lifted from the drapes and swirled into the air before slowly settling onto the surrounding surfaces. In the bright light of day, the space didn’t seem nearly so threatening, and I began to feel ridiculous about overreacting to the phone call the night before. The line was crackly, I probably misheard. In all likelihood it was a wrong number, or a prank call. 
“Merry Christmas, Marie,” I said out loud to the empty flat as I padded down the hall to the kitchen. I cooked some eggs and toast, poured myself a glass of orange juice, and put the kettle on for tea. I eyed the tea canisters on the shelf above the cookbooks but decided to save that for the evening. I washed up my dishes, changed clothes, brushed my teeth, then decided to go upstairs to check on Mr. Holcomb. 
I climbed the narrow stairs and was about to knock on the door when it swung open, revealing Mr. Holcomb’s silhouette in the hallway. “I told you my hearing was good,” he uttered before I could ask how he knew I was there. “Merry Christmas,” he added without any merriment in his voice. He looked exhausted.
I opened my mouth to ask what had happened the night before, but he had already started walking down the hallway on velvet feet. I followed him to the kitchen where two cups of steaming coffee and a plate of biscuits sat waiting on the table. “How did you...” I let the question trail, unable to wrap my brain around his impeccable timing.
“My senses are above average, I knew you were coming upstairs before you did,

The Man with a Storm in His Eyes – Volume 3
NOTE: If you have not listened to Volumes 1 and 2 of this 4-part miniseries, please pause this episode, and go listen to the first two installments, otherwise the story won't make much sense.
Over Thanksgiving I spent a few days house- and cat-sitting for a friend. The moment I met Russell the cat I was completely charmed by the milky cloudiness of his eyes. What fascinated me most was that he appeared to be able to see just fine... to the point where sometimes he appeared to be seeing things that I myself couldn’t see. I found myself inspired and fully credit Russell with breaking through my writer’s block.
This story is available in written form in its entirety exclusively to Patreon Supporters, visit the link below to join.

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

Contact: theskylarkbell@gmail.com
The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com
The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell
Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com
All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com
Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

FULL TRANSCRIPT:
Things with Wings Productions presents: The Man with a Storm in His Eyes - A Skylark Special Miniseries written exclusively for The Skylark Bell podcast. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  
Before I begin, if you haven’t listened to the first two installments of this story, I strongly suggest you hit pause on this episode and go listen to volume 1 and volume 2, otherwise this episode won’t make much sense. 
In last week’s episode, Marie rescued a kitten named Jones, and made the startling discovery that Mr. Holcomb had been labeled a missing person decades prior.
Now, get settled in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s dive back into the story.

I didn’t need to worry about waking the next morning as Jones took it upon himself to serve as an alarm clock when he felt it was time to be fed. “You little rascal, you’re just loving this aren’t you?” I teased as I placed a bowl of turkey pieces with a strong pour of gravy in front of him. I was about to go take a shower when the phone on the kitchen wall rang so loudly I was sure the neighbours three houses away could hear it. I grabbed my chest with my hand and waited a moment to catch my breath before lifting the receiver off the hook. “Hello?” I asked tentatively. 
“Oh, hello Marie dear, this is Florence,” came the voice on the other end of the line. “I was simply calling to let you know we plan on returning home early tomorrow morning. I trust things are going well?” she asked.
I could still feel my heart beating out of my chest, but I managed to compose myself enough to reply. “Yes, everything is great. Mr. Holcomb is quite lovely. Oh, I should probably tell you, I found a stray kitten that I’m caring for, I hope that’s okay?” I figured I should probably make mention of the fact that I’d brought an animal into their home.
There was a moment of silence at the other end of the line, and I grew nervous that Florence was displeased. “That’s quite alright dear. I’m sure Jones is thoroughly enjoying spending the holidays with you,” she eventually replied, and I heaved a sigh of relief. “Right then, we’ll see you in the morning,” she added before promptly ending the call.
I put the phone back in its cradle. Something about the conversation was bothering me... I stood barefoot on the cold ceramic kitchen floor running the conversation through my head again, then it finally hit me: How did Florence know the kitten’s name was Jones? On cue, Jones wandered into the room and rubbed up against my legs. I picked him up and held him at arm’s length. Of course! Jones had a name tag, perhaps Florence had seen him before, maybe he even had a reputation for visiting neighbourhood homes and getting a few ex

The Man with a Storm in His Eyes – Volume 4
NOTE: If you have not listened to Volumes 1, 2 and 3 of this 4-part miniseries, please pause this episode, and go listen to the first three installments, otherwise the story won't make much sense.
Over Thanksgiving I spent a few days house- and cat-sitting for a friend. The moment I met Russell the cat I was completely charmed by the milky cloudiness of his eyes. What fascinated me most was that he appeared to be able to see just fine... to the point where sometimes he appeared to be seeing things that I myself couldn’t see. I found myself inspired and fully credit Russell with breaking through my writer’s block.
This story is available in written form in its entirety exclusively to Patreon Supporters, visit the link below to join.
Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

Contact: theskylarkbell@gmail.com
The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com
The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell
Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com
All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com
Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

FULL TRANSCRIPT:
Things with Wings Productions presents: The Man with a Storm in His Eyes - A Skylark Special Miniseries written exclusively for The Skylark Bell podcast. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  
Before I begin, if you haven’t listened to the first three installments of this story, I strongly suggest you hit pause on this episode and go listen to volumes 1, 2 and 3, otherwise this episode won’t make much sense. 
In last week’s episode, Marie broke the sisters’ one rule and brewed a cup of the forbidden tea for herself, but she was interrupted by their early return. Disgraced and embarrassed, she returned home... only for the twins to appear outside her window a few days later.
Today we conclude this wild and eerie tale... fair warning, the ending made me cry the first time I re-read the story in its entirety.
Lastly, I’d like to thank Lauren and Rachel for the use of their apartment over the Thanksgiving holiday. The opportunity to house and cat sit for them gave me the calm and space I needed to to start writing, and in the end, their cat, Russell, provided the inspiration for the story I wanted to write. The spark has grown into a flame, and there are more stories to come in the future, so stay tuned.
But for now, it’s time to get settled in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink... perhaps a handkerchief, just in case… and let’s read the conclusion of The Man with a Storm in His Eyes.
 
The spell broken, I shook my head and scurried down the stairs and out the front door to collect the book they had left behind. I ran my hand over the smoothness of its cover, and noted the leather was embossed with a collection of odd symbols. I clutched the book to my chest and hurried back up to my flat as quickly as my fuzzy slippers would allow, completely oblivious to the neighbours gawking at the sight of me outside in the cold wearing only a short frilly nighty. 
I threw myself onto the sofa and placed the book on my lap, puzzling over the symbols on the cover before unbuckling its leather strap and cracking it open. I flipped through the book haphazardly and was met with page upon page of tight cursive handwriting. Every so often I would land on a carefully drawn illustration with labels and notations. About halfway through the book I found a folded piece of paper tucked between the pages. I gingerly pulled it out, the ornate handwriting was different than the one filling up the pages of the book. I squinted in concentration as I began to read:

Dearest Marie,
You must have endless questions about the goings on at 51 Dimly Court. We did not mean for you to get pulled into the vortex of our stormy existence, and I apologise for our poor handling of the situation the day you left. 
Winifred and I hav

In today’s episode we read the chapter 1 – The Fabric of Nature, in which we are introduced to Farfalla’s vibrant childhood at meadow lane.

The Haunted UK podcast: https://linktr.ee/hauntedukpodcast

The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com
The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell
Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com
Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri
The Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbell
Melissa on Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@melissaoliveri
All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com
Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music
Official Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/store

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:
Things with Wings Productions presents: The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  
Skyedive is the third and final book in the Skylark Trilogy, and in it we will be revisiting the story from the perspective of Farfalla, and gaining insight on her life, and her motivations.
In today’s episode we read the chapter 1 – The Fabric of Nature, in which we are introduced to Farfalla’s vibrant childhood at meadow lane.
Today’s podcast partner is fellow Boopod Network member The Haunted UK podcast – you may recognize the name from collaborations we have done in the past.  The Haunted UK is now in its 3rd season of exploring a variety of fascinating, and sometimes terrifying topics. Be sure to check the shownotes for a link.
Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

June 24th, 1919
Papa’s name is Nathaniel Shearwater. He’s a large, loud man, and I think sometimes people are a little bit afraid of him, but once they take a moment to get to know him, they realize he’s kind and fair. He loves Mama and Paloma and Me more than anything in the world. Papa is a hard worker; he’s gone before we wake up most days and comes home just as Mama is serving dinner. I’m sure he’s tired when he comes home, but he always takes the time to ask about our day and tell us a funny story. My favourite thing about Papa is his big, strong hands. His skin is rough from years of handling construction materials, but when he holds my little hand in his I feel safe and loved, like nothing bad could ever happen.
Mama’s name is Evelyn Anne Shearwater. Such a pretty name, isn’t it? Papa says Mama is a sensible and practical woman. Even her straight, dark brown hair is sensible. Not at all like my wild wavy bright red locks, those are about as sensible and practical as I am! Mama grew up near the city, she doesn’t love nature and animals like I do, I think she just doesn’t understand. She loves to cook and entertain, throw parties, and have guests over for dinner. She likes to make everything perfect, cooking elaborate meals and lighting the candles just so, placing the pillows on the couch in exactly the right spot. I think that may be why she likes to volunteer at the library, too, because everything is so organized. Mama and I are very different, but I love her dearly.
Then there’s my sister, Paloma. She is two years younger than I am. Paloma is a dreamer; she wants to be an artist and move to the big city. She’s not so interested in the beautiful world outside, the leaves, the animals, the clouds… she’s more interested in the world inside her head, or inside whatever book she’s reading. We don’t play together all that much, but we do love sitting by the fire while Mama reads us stories, or hopping on Papa’s lap when he comes home from work and telling him all about our day.
Then, of course, there’s me, Farfalla. Farfalla means butterfly. Did you know that already? Papa says I was aptly named since I flutter about outside all day. Mama says I muddy up my ski

In today’s episode we read the chapter 2 – The Nightmare, in which we learn more about Farfalla’s strange and frightening reoccurring dream.

Paranormal Exposed: https://linktr.ee/paranormalexposed

The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com
The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell
Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com
Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri
The Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbell
Melissa on Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@melissaoliveri
All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com
Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music
Official Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/store

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:
Things with Wings Productions presents: The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  
In last week’s episode, we were introduced to Farfalla as a child growing up at Meadow Lane back when it was a magical, vibrant place.
In today’s episode we read the chapter 2 – The Nightmare, in which we learn more about Farfalla’s strange and frightening reoccurring dream.
Today’s podcast partner is fellow Boopod Network member Paranormal Exposed – you may recognize the name from our past collaboration about haunted objects released for Halloween of 2022. Paranormal exposed takes a look at eerie and unexplained events from a sceptic’s point of view. Be sure to check the show notes for a link to their show.
Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

November 11th, 1920
It happened again. The Dream. The Nightmare. It’s the same one every time. I close my eyes and fall asleep and within minutes I’m under water. At first, I panic, thrash around and whip my head from side to side, as if looking for someone, anyone, to help me. Then comes the peaceful feeling. It’s very strange, but all of a sudden, I look up through the water and see the sun shining, its light undulating as it filters through the water. I let myself sink deeper and deeper, the water wrapping around me like the comforting embrace of a blanket. I drift all the way to the bottom, stretch out my hands, and feel the sand run through my fingers. That’s when I find it. I don’t know what it is, but first the tips of the fingers on my right hand brush against it, then I manage to grasp it. I clutch it tightly and pull it to my chest, and just as I’m about to hold it up to see what it is, everything goes dark.
I don’t always wake up at this point, which is the most frightening part. Often, I’m aware that I’m dreaming but everything is complete darkness. I battle and plead with myself to open my eyes, to make sure I haven’t drowned, to make sure I’m still me and I’m still safe at Meadow Lane, but sometimes it takes what feels like an eternity. I fear one of these times I won’t wake up at all…
~~~~~~
“Falla! Falla wake up!” Paloma can feel the panic rising in her voice. It’s never taken so long for Farfalla to wake from her dream, and she’s never wandered this far from the house before. Thankfully the full moon provides plenty of silvery light, and Paloma was able to see Farfalla wandering across the vast field in front of the house. They are both standing outside now, Farfalla barefoot, as a gust of wind swirls dry autumn leaves around their feet. Paloma can feel the slickness of the frost that is nipping at the grass under her boots, and she shivers, her nightgown not offering much protection against the blustery cold. “Falla, please!” she cries, tears threatening to spill down her cheeks.
At long last Farfalla’s sightless eyes come into focus. “Paloma? What… where are…?” She stumbles, confused, and catches herself on the trunk of a tree. Farfalla immediately rec