Being a Cloud: Recent Episodes
Jesse
Jennifer goes on an investigation to find out the truth. Did Junior really steal his award-winning design or has Jennifer lost her mind?
This story uses words from '3000 most common words in English'.
When Jennifer got home that day, she called her grandma. They caught up on the essentials: the move to the new city, the teachers at her school and if she liked her new bedroom. But then Jennifer got down to business.
She explained how this guy called Junior won a gardening award for most innovative design, being the youngest winner in the ceremony’s history. Jennifer’s grandma was supportive of this boy, the way grandparents are always supportive of any accomplishment, big or small. But Jennifer insisted that he was treated like an otherworldly superstar and that it didn’t seem right.
Jennifer finally just said it. “I think Junior violated the competition rules by copying someone’s design, but I can’t prove it.”
“Oh, my dear, that’s cute, you’ve always loved coming up with adorable little theories. Do you
remember your friend, Samantha? You two were always playing detectives. Sometimes I see her—”
“—Yes, grandma, but could you help? Take a photo of your neighbour’s garden, please. I think Junior copied her design.”
“Oh, sure thing, dear, I’ll take it after our call and send it straight away. So, tell me more about your new friends…”
Jennifer ended the call by ranting about the truth and how when people manipulate reality, they distort our ability to be authentic individuals. Her grandma kept repeating that’s sweet, dear.
Moments after the call ended, Jennifer received the photo. She compared it to Junior’s. They were identical.
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Bobby is a photographer who is looking for inspiration. When he finds it, how will he deal with those who want to stop him?
It was 10am on a cloudy Friday when Bobby was struck by inspiration. It was a day like any other. Bobby was sitting on his bed, curled up in a ball and Afsane was nearby reading a new book.
Bobby was deep in thought. His eyes were closed but his mind was active. His little tail was wagging softly. Occasionally he got up, turned around and sat back down again. This was part of his creative process.
Then Bobby’s eyes shot open. “Yes! That’s it! I’ll… I’ll…” Then he rested his head again on his paws. “No… it’s gone.”
Asfane turned her attention back to her book and turned the page. The book was called, How to Live with An Extraordinary Dog. She wanted to better understand Bobby’s gift.
“You’ve done so many projects,” said Afsane. “Why don’t you revisit an old idea and explore it from a different viewpoint?”
All over Bobby’s room were his photographs. They were all in special frames. He had taken photos of almost everything: parks, sports, markets, transportation, roads—whatever Bobby saw, he snapped a photo. But he didn’t know what to do for his next photography project.
Bobby needed to refresh his mind. He jumped off the bed and walked over to his food area. On the wall in front of his red drinking bowl was a picture of his previous drinking bowl, a blue one.
“I’m looking for a special subject, Afsane,” said Bobby after drinking some water. “Something which speaks to my soul. Something which lifts my spirits.”
Afsane shrugged her shoulders and put down her book. “That sounds very serious, Bobby. Why don’t you just take a photo of… oh, I don’t know, that.”
Afsane pointed to the open window.
Bobby felt curious, so he jumped up and looked out the window. He didn’t see much. He watched the traffic and the dark clouds. But then, something caught his eye.
Bobby barked and howled! “That’s it! That’s it!”
“See, I told you. There’s nothing boring about windows,” said Afsane.
“No. There! Children!”
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Today's Story:
This is a clean and tidy office. A photo is displayed on the wall. It shows the Memory Stationery staff standing proud in front of a new warehouse. Everyone’s face is full of optimism. But today the company atmosphere is tense. A4, the CEO of the company, is at his desk and on the phone; he is facing out the window at the sky. His facial expression is timid.
“I hear you, Mr. Scissors,” says A4. “But it’s impossible. I can’t take our prices down that low. You’re asking me to sacrifice our entire profit margin.”
A4 sits in silence as he listens to the response. A bead of sweat runs down the CEO’s face. The voice on the other end is frightening him.
“Sir, last month I discounted our products to the bottom line… Yes, but, please, sir, I’m just an
honest wholesaler. I promise I’m not trying to take advantage of you… Other retailers are happy to pay market rate—”
A4 suddenly pulls the phone away from his ear. The voice is furious and aggressive. It is blasting out the tiny speaker. When the harsh noise calms down, A4 puts the phone back to his ear.
“No, please, don’t cut me. Please, sir. You’re right, okay? You’re right. That was rude of me, I’m
sorry… I know. I’m a scrap. You’re right. I’m no better than a tissue. You’re right…”
A4 changes his tone. He isn’t pleading anymore. He sounds like he has given up.
“Mr. Scissors. I’ll look at our margins and call you back. There might be some way we can go down lower…”
A4 hangs up the phone. He leans back in his chair. His eyes are glazed over. He is deep in
contemplation. He imagines the brutal scenario of Mr. Scissors cutting him into a thousand pieces.
Throughout this entire time, A4 has been recording the conversation onto his paper body. This is his natural ability. A4’s unmistakable memory is the reason why he is the CEO.
A4 picks up the phone and dials a number. Life returns to his eyes.
“Backpack, get everyone together in the meeting room. I have an announcement.”
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Today's Story:
TV NEWS music plays and introduction animations fly across the screen. A reporter is standing on the street. Behind her is a loud group of protesters. They are holding signs and chanting. The reporter is yelling to be heard over the noise.
Reporter: I’m here in front of the Ace’s Chicken Company factory. As you can see behind me, protesters have gathered to take down the chicken giant. They are chanting Down with Ace and other slogans. They have set up a sound system and are playing loud hip-hop music—which, as insider sources have speculated, is Ace’s most hated genre of music. Let’s now speak to the leader of this movement, Sally. Why are you all out here today?
Sally: We’re not going to stand for the propaganda that Ace has been spreading. He’s published lies about me and is trying to manipulate the public perception of his slaughterhouse. The truth must be known. Ace’s chicken is killing people!
Reporter: And what do you have to say to the opposition? As you know, there is a vocal group of employees who have publicly commented that Ace is a kind leader who only wants what’s best for public health.
Sally: They have been paid off! My sources have told me that Ace personally approached every one of them and offered huge amounts of money, and if they declined, he said he would have their careers destroyed. Ace is only interested in how people perceive him. He isn’t a genuine manufacturer. He’s a powerful baby!
Reporter: You heard it here, folks. Sally, an ex-employee, claims that Ace is spreading propaganda and paying employees to pretend. Sally, what is it that your group wants?
Sally: We want to see that evil dictator fall!
Reporter: Strong words. Back to you in the newsroom.
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