00:00I found the town by accident. My car broke down just after midnight, on a road, that wasn't on my map.
00:07No signal, no lights, just fog, and silence.
00:11Then, through the mist, I saw it a small town glowing softly, like it was holding its breath.
00:16The streets were clean, too clean. Every house had lights on, every window.
00:22A man sweeping his porch, looked up at me, eyes bloodshot but alert.
00:26You shouldn't be here, he said quickly. And whatever you do, don't fall asleep.
00:31I laughed nervously. Is this some kind of joke?
00:35His face didn't change. Sleeping is how it happens.
00:39Inside the diner, people sat quietly, drinking coffee after coffee.
00:43Some were shaking, some were crying softly.
00:46A woman stared at the wall, whispering a name over and over.
00:50I asked the waitress when the last time she slept was.
00:53Seven years, she said.
00:56My husband closed his eyes for just a minute.
00:58We buried an empty coffin, the next day.
01:01I felt exhaustion crash over me like a wave.
01:04My vision blurred. My head dropped.
01:06Suddenly, hands grabbed my shoulders.
01:08No, someone screamed.
01:10Keep him awake.
01:11They slapped my face.
01:13Poured cold water on me.
01:14I gasped awake, heart racing.
01:17Outside, the sun never rose.
01:19As I ran back to my car, I saw someone asleep on a bench.
01:23Peaceful, smiling.
01:25Then his shadow stood up, without him.
01:27The engine finally started.
01:29I never looked back.
01:31But some nights, when I close my eyes.
01:34I swear, I hear that town calling me back.
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