Listen Read Online Free Page B

it.”
    “All right, fine. I tried.”
    “It’s practically part of our yearly tradition now.”
    “Speaking of traditions, let’s get War started.”
    Frank hopped up. “Hold on. I gotta show you something. Follow me.” He led Damien downstairs to the basement, where his computer was.
    “Aw, man. No, no. Let’s not do this tonight. I was in such a good mood,” Damien moaned.
    “It’s not what you think.”
    “That’s what you always say, and then the next thing I know, you’re showing me how to install a webcam or a wireless device. And although I appreciate the coolness of GPS, I just don’t want it.”
    Frank sighed. “How do you even live in this world? Honestly. It’s not like you have to program anything. I think you must be still scarred from the early days of the VCR. Computers are easy to use.”
    “You’re not going to be saying that when they take over the world and start hunting us for food.”
    “Funny. If that happens, they’re going after you first because you don’t even know how to turn one off.”
    “Now you’re being mean.”
    Frank laughed. “You’d score huge points with Hunter if you showed him you were at least open to the idea of computers.”
    “Computers are doing nothing but dumbing down our society.”
    “Well, at least you’re keeping the resource department open at the library.”
    “You should darken the door of a library once in a while. You might like it.”
    “Yes. The Dewey decimal system is infinitely fascinating. Pull up a chair.”
    Damien sighed as Frank yanked the string on the lightbulb. “I promise I’m not going to try to sell you on anything. But I found this on the Web and thought it was interesting.”
    “Of course the Antichrist is interesting. That’s what makes so many people fall for him.”
    Frank rolled his eyes. “No matter how many ways you spin it, www does not add up to 666. Now, stop fearing Armageddon and check this out.”
    Damien leaned in. “What is it?”
    “It’s called a Web site.”
    Damien cut him a look.
    “Just read it for a second.”
    Damien moved in closer and silently read for a minute or so. “Okay, not really getting it. Is this a blog? Because it seems like endless nonsense.”
    “I’m not sure what it is,” Frank said. His tone seemed a little more subdued. “It appears to be people’s conversations. They’re typed out, like transcribed or something.”
    “What people?”
    “That’s the question. But look at the top of the page. It’s a warning to our town. It specifically says Marlo.”
    Damien squinted. “I’ve got to get glasses. What is that type, eight point?”
     
I have listened to you for a long time now, Marlo. Longer than I should. I have tried not to listen, to tell you the truth. I’ve covered my ears, but your words are like flaming arrows. They pierce through anything, including, maybe, my good judgment.
I have hoped for more from you. I have given you the benefit of the doubt. I have stood near you and watched your faces, hoping to see light. Goodness. Anything.
But there are only words. So many. Too many. Or maybe not enough. I’m not sure. All I know is that they hang over all of you like the eye of the storm. It seems peaceful, doesn’t it? Like blue skies and calm winds?
The storm is coming, and it will sweep you away. The destruction will not end. Even when you call for help, it will not come. Because you have not listened.
My words are finished here. I will not speak again.
From this day forward, all you will hear are your words.
     
Life and death are in the power of the tongue.
     
www.listentoyourself.net
    “It seems like somebody in Marlo is going around randomly recording conversations and then posting them to this Web site.” Frank looked at Damien as if waiting for him to say something.
    “Terrific. I’m going to eat more wings.”
    “Wait.” Frank grabbed his arm. “Seriously, this is weird.”
    “There is no normal on the Web. It’s where every freak in the