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Drama Horror

A tall and towering distinguished-looking man with hypnotic eyes stood on the stage of the Great Hall.

He titled himself the Professor and his close colleagues often referred to him as 'The Prof'.


It is after 3am in the morning but due to the urgency of events he has summoned his three closest assistants to learn about how he would soon reveal to all in this auditorium and to the world about a dreadful incident.


"My friends," he said, pausing to stress that the group's diverse political affiliations didn't matter because they were all now working together for the greater good of their country and their world.


"My friends," he said again. "We've gathered here at this hour because something monumental has happened in the past few hours."

The solemn way these words were delivered left none of the group in doubt about the serious way they needed to react to what they were about to learn, and the distinct possibility that their whole fate and that of humanity was in the balance.


The Professor continued:

"In the last few hours or so contact has been made with the key Ambassadors in our country and they have been told to get here now....and I learn that most of them and their entourages are awaiting outside to enter the Great Hall to hear the earth-shattering news that I am about to reveal....

Sure enough, right now as you can see my staff are setting up tables in front of this stage so that everyone may know the news— which will come from me alone—...."


At that moment one of the group on the stage raised his hand for permission to speak and the Professor nodded that he could do so:

"Thank you, sir, for informing us about this. I believe I speak for everyone when I say...the rumors are buzzing about, particularly on social media, and I was hoping you might right now tell us what is going on as all sorts of stories are flying around already?"


The professor took a long breath and said:


"The events that has just happened will cause I believe great upheaval. And change to us all and forever.... ...I feel that this so crucially important...... but right now I can't say it..."


As the group came to terms with the gravity of the situation, they fell into a stunned stillness. Because the group knew the professor was a courageous and fearless person, they could tell that something enormous was about to happen as it is clear the Prof is emotionally affected by what he will soon reveal....


Without further delay the Grand Hall doors were opened and the invited ambassadors and their entourages entered the place solemnly yet speedily. Anxiety was etched over all the faces of those who entered.

They were led to tables in front the stage and each table had a microphone.

The Grand Hall's doors were securely locked. With only a few of absentees, every table was full and there was great excitement bordering on chaos....

As the professor welcomed the audience, an immediate silence descended upon the room. As he was about to reveal what has happened the US ambassador jumped up, shouting:


"Tell us now as we are hearing rumors that a UFO has landed in your capital city...is that right?!"


Everyone in the auditorium burst out screaming that was with a mixture of dread and foreboding.

The Prof raised his hand to try to mute them as he said, "I can't say that is what happened".



Yet the audience continued their delirium of noise and then the Ukrainian representative spoke firmly into his microphone and said, "Is it true that your country has used a nuclear weapon today against Moscow?" 


With that sensational suggestion another enormous din filled the room with people standing and shouting at the stage and at each other.

 "I can't say that is what happened" was the response, which was scarcely a denial. 


The entire room fell into disarray with that comment. When the gathering seemed like it was going to explode, the UK ambassador snatched at a microphone and roared, "well is it the case that COVID-19 has again been detected here and is about to spread throughout the world with no sign of any more cures?!"

People were yelling and demanding answers, when the Professors sole reply was:


"I can't say that is what happened."


At this point, the whole crowd was on the verge of rioting, but things calmed down when the Italian ambassador stepped onto the stage and snatched the professor's microphone, asking, "So, it is that there is news that Jesus has returned?"


In the face of the shocking revelation, numerous individuals in the room knelt down, clasped their hands in prayer, and cried out for forgiveness. However, the sole response they received was: "I can't say that is what happened." 

As if that weren't enough, the professor leaped to the edge of the stage and yelled:


"Keep Quiet!

I shall now without any doubt describe what has just transpired."

Suddenly, the entire auditorium froze and became deadly silent.

Raising his voice to dramatically describe the awful news, he began to move his lips to articulate the events, but what he was about to say was so terrible that he could not utter a word.

His voice had disappeared!


 Nothing came out of his mouth despite his exhausting attempts to create a sound.

No words were uttered as the audience observed in complete quietness now, but nevertheless seeking to decipher his message.

 By using sign language, the professor then indicated to a staff member to procure a marker and a sizable white board for him. Once provided he wrote on the board in large letters, and after he completed it he held up the board for all in attendance to see it.

Almost everyone who read the message gasped in astonishment before trembling in fear and literally shaking with dread. Some even fell to the floor in fits of utter terror.

A contented grin spread across the professor's face, indicating that his written words had the intended impact.

But then suddenly a door on the other side of the room swung open, and a group of sturdy nurses in white tunics sprinted over to the professor, rushed at him before strapping him into a straight-jacket and whisking him away.


An authoritative figure stepped onto the stage, his clothing bearing a tag with the words "Head Consultant Compulsive Disorder Dept." He then proceeded to inform the audience that, for the next month, their privileges would be revoked, and their medicine dosage raised.

 "I have warned you before do not give in to the temptation of a fellow in-patient who often tries to manipulate you into a state of intentional hysteria."

As these in-patients retreated back to their wards in shame, yet sheepishly for their ham filled and overdone performance, the head consultant looked down at the words on the white board which read:

"SOMEONE STOLE MY TOOTHBRUSH".




February 20, 2024 05:42

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7 comments

Rajendra Basnet
22:47 Feb 25, 2024

Hey? Can i upload your story in youtube? I’ll make sure to give you credit

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Robert Radcliff
03:05 Feb 26, 2024

sure you can

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Rajendra Basnet
06:13 Feb 26, 2024

Thanks man!

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Debbie Archibald
01:58 Feb 25, 2024

Very clever, Robert. I fell for it hook, line and sinker. I recommend others to read and enjoy it.

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Robert Radcliff
05:13 Feb 25, 2024

Thanks the kind words!

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Unknown User
18:31 Feb 27, 2024

<removed by user>

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Robert Radcliff
02:31 Feb 28, 2024

Glad you liked it

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