Teaser – Nearly two years ago, Chris Rowe went looking for a better life and found one. Since leaving Hunterdon County in New Jersey, the teenager has worked in a restaurant and begun meeting friends. But Chris will receive information that forces a choice between staying in the new life or giving it up.
Full Transcript –
Remembering, Episode #5: Terms and Conditions
Original Date: 13 May 2020
Hello. This is . . . The Three Fifty-seven.
[The 3:57 Theme plays]
My name is William Spear and I am the Host of The Three Fifty-seven. The current series is titled REMEMBERING.
And this episode is called TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Nearly two years ago, Chris Rowe went looking for a better life . . . and found one. But the teenage will receive information that forces a choice between staying in the new life or giving it up.
And now Episode Five of REMEMBERING.
[Remembering Theme plays]
For nearly two years, Chris worked at the diner. When people heard where the teenager was from, gifts and greetings were offered for friends and relatives back home.
One day, in early December, after Chris and the Odyssey had finished driving, the car said, “We must talk.”
But Chris was heading off to meet friends for a holiday lunch and did not have time.
When the teenager returned, the car started again, “You know, we left almost two years ago.”
Chris interrupted, “And it’s been two pretty good years.”
The car agreed, “Yes. You’ve done well. But there were terms and conditions.”
The teenager said, “And I lived up to my part of the bargain. I play music for you.”
“Well, yes,” said the car. “But-“
“-And don’t forget everything piling up in the trunk and back seat.” The car reminded Chris the gifts and the greetings were for people back home.
Then the teenager added: “I left to find a better life and I have one.”
The Odyssey pushed back hard: “You agreed to visit as many towns as possible.”
Chris began to have an uneasy feeling about the conversation: “What are you saying?”
The car replied, “It’s time to move on.”
The teenager roared, “I am not leaving and there is nothing you can say to change my mind!” Chris left for work and walked through the snow.
The car mumbled to itself, “Kids.”
The teenager’s work was fueled by a fury to forget the Odyssey’s words. Chris worked without stopping until the diner closed, then slept in a cushioned booth, got up, and worked another full day and evening. The teenager staggered home exhausted and fatigued.
But the Odyssey was waiting to continue the conversation. “It’s time,” said the car. “To leave.”
“What could be so important?” Chris begged to know.
“You are leaving to help someone,” said the car. “Everybody I know is here,” replied the teenager.
“THE PERSON KNOWS YOU,” roared the car. “You can save her.”
“Oh come on. You are talking about me. I am on the Mount Rushmore of Nobodies,” said the teenager. “There’s nothing I can do.”
The car spoke softly, “She’s dying.”
[Remembering Theme plays]
You’ve just listened to Episode Five of REMEMBERING. The series music, What A Way – The Prelude, is through the courtesy of Semaphore.
The Three Fifty-seven is an anthology of comedy, drama, and supernatural stories. Theme music is Not On The Bus . . .
[The 3:57 Theme plays]
. . . by U. S. Army Blues.
The Three Fifty-seven is Written and Produced by William Spear.
Thank you for listening.
The 3:57 by William E. Spear 
Bill,
I love this….really great what you’ve done here, will continue to follow along.
Joe, Thanks for listening. Best . . .