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August Heiland's hometown is not what it seems.
In this queer sci-fi audio drama, a girl in 1986 Rhode Island gets a cassette recorder for her 17th birthday, where she logs her daily life, beachside happenings, and conversations with her best friend Toni. But when the cute new girl at school, Lorena, asks her out on a date, August slowly starts to learn that Willowdale isn't what she thinks. Fans of stories like Gravity Falls and San Junipero, this one's for you.
These are cassette tapes from August. As in, the month of August, and August from Willowdale. Season one and Vol. II now streaming.
Welcome to Willowdale.
207 Cassette Tapes From the Wellfleet Facility
INTRO
August: My name is August. I’m not sure when it is you’re listening to this. My friends and I moved into our dorms at Bryant University when a giant blue floating orb appeared out of the ground and hovered over the campus lawn. Claude's old assistant Armanata Nicolosa, the new head of Skyler Labs, is the head researcher of the orb. Meanwhile, a guy named Rick Randall rescued Esmond and I from being kidnapped from Armanata. He took us to Wellfleet, Massachusetts, where he has a secret training ground for those who gained powers from scientific incidents.
Lorena: This is Lorena. Gerald and I are on the way from Effie's office - we, uh, stopped at the lab to get weapons so we can help mom and Toni fight at the Orb.
Theo: It's Theo. Hi. It's been four days since this package of cassettes arrived. My best friend Iris and I have been trying to think of a way to contact August, the owner. She'd know what to do.
Lorena: These are cassette updates for August-
August: As in, the month of August, and me-
Theo: August, if you can hear us… help.
II. WELLFLEET
August: Rick! Rick!
Rick: August? What’s the matter?
August: Rick! Rick, it's Esmond! He's, he’s, I don't know, having an anxiety attack!
Rick: Where?!
August: This way!
Rick: What happened?!
August: Esmond, he, he started to scream, he fell to the floor, and, it looks like he's hyperventilating!
Rick: Esmond, Esmond! Can we get a medic! Here, lift him up… here you go… take him to the med bay. OK to stay here?
Cassandra: C’mon, August.
August: I’m fine.
Rick: It’s your brother, you need to-
August: I said I’m fine.
Rick: Medics, let’s go.
Cassandra: August, I-
August: I want to be alone for now.
Cassandra: Got it. Um, we can start your training in the morning?
August: No. In an hour.
Cassandra: It’s almost 11 pm?
August: Then meet me at midnight.
Cassandra: To train?
August: I have to be back home soon.
iii. WELLFLEET
August: Hi, again. It's been so long since it's just been... us. I'm in my room - or as Rick and Cassandra say, my “quarters”. I can't believe this is all real. And just before classes began. I miss Lorena. And Toni. But would it be another adventure if I didn't somehow escape Willowdale? Wow, I'm glad I still have my lightheartedness. And my cassette recorder. My... spare recorder. I always keep a spare. If I had to guess, Lorena or Toni are both recording now, waiting for me to return so that I can hear everything I'm missing. Gee, what am I missing?
Rick: August, he's gonna be OK, we got a run of his vitals but... listen, in my research, I... I started to notice that every time Esmond has had an attack, it's been linked to the orb. So I think-
August: Something's happened at the Orb. Oh. Wow. I've gotta... I've got to tell Lorena. Do you have a phone?
Rick: We've got no cell service out here. But, if you're ready to train…
August: Yes! Yes, absolutely.
Rick: I'm glad you're eager, but first… to train your powers, we must understand the source of them.
August: I see. Well, when Esmond and I were kids, Claude tried to erase our memories. And he bonded us by mistake. We were able to add to his simulation and now, to the real world. We focus and things, I dunno, appear. I'm a maker.
Rick: I see. That's called a detached-dependent power style. You need your brother to create things. But, I think there's a way to do this on your own.
August: Really?
Rick: Of course. I mean, earlier you created rain. You felt sad because of Esmond.
August: I see.
Rick: August, close your eyes. Now, search deep. What do you feel?
August: I feel… heavy. There’s a heavy feeling. Anxiety. Fear.
Rick: Fear of what?
August: That… I’m not loved. By… Lorena.
Rick: Midge's daughter?
August: You mean child. Midge's child.
Rick: Apologies - What about Esmond? How do you feel, now that he's OK?
August: Good. Better.
Rick: Does this ease the heaviness?
August: A little.
Rick: Good. Focus on this.
August: OK, OK…
Rick: Now, what if I told you I... I could also do things? Control them?
August: Really? Like… powers? Like what?
Rick: Close your eyes, August. Well, I can sense the auras of others. I can also sense where those auras are coming from.
August: Wow... so... where’s-
Rick: Lorena Skyler. Lorena is sitting in a parked car with a boy. He's got blondish hair.
August: Gerald.
Rick: They are in Willowdale. I hear the sea. There's a woman yelling at them, she's got long, brown hair and pale skin, she’s-
August: Effie Vianne. She's Esmond’s therapist.
Rick: Lorena is holding a manila folder with your brother's name on it.
August: How can I tell Lorena to check on the orb?
Rick: There's condensation on the window. You could... write to them?
August: How do I do that?
Rick: Focus on your love for your brother.
August: OK?
Rick: And do what you would do if he were here.
August: OK, OK. I'm focusing…
Rick: Now make. You're a maker, aren't you? Reach out and make a note for Lorena. In the glass.
August: OK… August here... I'm OK... Check on Orb... quick. Heart... August. Did I do it?
Rick: I can see them now... Lorena is starting the car.
August: Holy shit! We did it! Thanks, Rick! What else is there to learn?
Rick: Whoa, now. Let's get to your brother, first.
iv. WELLFLEET
Esmond: August!
August: Esmond!
Esmond: Easy there, sis.
August: Sorry. I just didn’t know if I’d hear you call me sis again.
Esmond: I’m OK now.
August: Esmond, I know this is a big ask, but…
Esmond: But what?
August: Esmond, I… want to start our training. Soon.
Esmond: Tomorrow? That’s so… immediate though. Why can’t it wait?
August: That’s the thing…
Esmond: Please tell me you meant tomorrow.
August: Esmond!
Esmond: August, please, I’m-
August: I know I'm being selfish right now, but listen... it's Lorena.
Esmond: August…
August: Lorena, they need me. Toni needs you.
Esmond: How do you know that?
August: There's a link. Between you, and the Orb.
Esmond: Huh?
August: Every time you've been hurt, it’s done something to the Orb. And every time something has been done to the Orb, it's hurt you.
Esmond: I don't... I don't get it?
August: Well, it's a theory. But it's a plausible one. Think about it Es.
Esmond: If that's true, then why does it mean we have to rescue Toni and Lorena?
August: Well, you were just hurt. Which means something is going on at that Orb. It’s-
Esmond: You think the Orb is being hurt?
August: I don't know! Toni and Midge and Gerald and-
Esmond: Gerald's there?
August: Yes, I... believe so, but-
Esmond: He lived.
August: Huh?
Esmond: He jumped in front of that blast for me, remember?
August: Oh... so much has happened since then that I almost forgot about that.
Esmond: We should go, I... I owe it to Gerald. And Toni, and Lorena and Midge.
August: Really?
Rick: You kids ready? We gotta get started if you two wanna kick ass.
v. LORENA’S CAR
Gerald: Lorena! Slow down! Where are they?!
Lorena: Mom said they were in the science building!
Gerald: Lo... Lorena, what's that?
Lorena: Holy shit! They're some kinda Orb monsters, they…
Gerald: They kinda look like Maskers! From that video game you showed me!
Lorena: Come on, let's get back to the car!
Gerald: We have to rescue your Mom! And Toni!
Lorena: I stole weapons from the lab! Come on, they're in my trunk!
vi. WELLFLEET
Rick: Lesson one: center yourself. You both have seen many things. I sense that surrounding you both. You're anxious. Broken. But that doesn't mean you're finished. You aren't done for. Reach out within yourself. Do you feel love? Harmony? Are you interested in yourself only when you're situated in sadness? Do you know that you can be interesting when you're perched in love? Esmond… focus.
Esmond: I am focusing!
Rick: But on the wrong things. You think you’re only ever going to be sad.
Esmond: I’m focusing!
Rick: Focus on the love! Your sister, your parents! Toni! The love within you, the love that you have for yourself!
Esmond: I can’t! I can’t do this! I’m sorry August, I can’t.
August: Esmond… it’s OK.
Esmond: Give me ten minutes.
Rick: Fine.
Esmond: I’m sorry, August…
vii. WOODVALE APARTMENT
Iris: What are you proposing?
Theo: Come with me… there! Bryant, Iowa!
Iris: Iowa?! Who the heck lives in Iowa!
Theo: August said that an orb appeared at Bryant!
Iris: Usually people say "at" when they’re talking about a building or a store or something! "In" is a town or state or something. You said it yourself, "in" Iowa.
Theo: Then Bryant where? We need to find a way to get a hold of her.
Iris: Wait, the menus! They said Willowdale Diner.
Theo: So?
Iris: Back to the drawing! Come with me!
Toni: Yes, can I get the menu with the crayons please?
Lorena: So is Esmond on the way?
August: Yeah, he should be here any minute.
Iris: “247 Main Street”.
Theo: And look! Outside!
Iris: That must be the Mound!
Theo: Which would place this at… 246, 244, 242… 242 Main Street!
Iris: So now what?
Theo: I’m gonna write a letter to 242 Main Street, Willowdale, Rhode Island!
Iris: Why? They don’t live there?
Theo: I just have a feeling it will reach them.
Iris: Boy that's the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard!
Theo: I know, I know, but… we made it this far. It’s worth a shot.
Iris: Fine. But I'm writing my own letter to the diner. One of them will have to reach them.
Theo: Let’s go.
ix. WELLFLEET
Rick: Let’s try something… easier, what do you say?
August: Sure.
Rick: Esmond?
Esmond: Why not?
Rick: OK. You two, focus on your bond. Sit here, hold hands, and both of you visualize... I dunno, a flower.
Esmond: That was easy.
Rick: OK, now... a field of flowers.
August: This is kinda harder…
Rick: Focus, August.
August: Peonies. My favorite.
Rick: OK, now do it... without holding hands and this time... Esmond, what’s something you want?
Esmond: I dunno, a... board game?
Rick: Very well. Focus. Shut your eyes… picture it… You got the dice... keep going… Focus, Esmond… Strangely violent from the sky, but... oh no. Esmond, you've summoned a whole rainfall! August, do something!
Esmond: Dang it…
Rick: It’s OK. Let's try again. OK Esmond. This time, imagine the board. Clear your mind.
Esmond: Focusing… focusing…
Rick: Cast your doubts aside, Esmond. Good, Esmond…
Esmond: No way!
Rick: You did it Esmond! Nice, that’s it.
August: Es!
Esmond: What's next?
x. BRYANT UNIVERSITY
Lorena: They’re set to stun, which would leave a human stunned!
Gerald: But these digital figures?!
Lorena: It should knock them dead!
Gerald: But... wh... where are they?
Lorena: Over there! At the science building! Hey Maskers! Over here!
Gerald: Lorena, help!
Lorena: Gerald, behind you! Who did that!
Armanata: Lorena Skyler, what are you doing here?! This is a restricted area that has become a warzone!
Lorena: Where’s my Mom?!
Armanata: In the science building, which is where these… things… are all trying to get into because of her!
Gerald: Lorena! Over there! They're about to break in!
Armanata: These things keep coming out of the Orb, we have to destroy it!
Lorena: You can't! My friend-
Armanata: Esmond Heiland, he's linked to it! I know! But we can't keep holding these things off!
Lorena: No, just- wait a second! More are at the science entrance!
xi. THE SCIENCE BUILDING
Toni: This way! Up the stairs!
Midge: We should be safe in here!
Toni: Should we barricade the door?!
Midge: Grab those desks! Grab that desk over there, too! In the corner!
Toni: Are we safe here?
Midge: I hope so, Toni. I hope so.
xii. WOODVALE APARTMENT
Theo: Thanks… Woodvale... Meadow... Apt 905... Chicago... IL.”
Iris: Nice... shall we go down and put these in the mailbox?
Theo: Yeah, but... isn't it terrible that we have to wait for this to arrive all the way there and get all the way back?
Iris: We've made it this far, we can wait 3 days.
Theo: Fine. Let's head down.
xiii. WELLFLEET
Rick: Now, let's conjure spaces. Picture… your space of choice. Close your eyes, picture a place that you feel connected to…
Esmond: Rick, I... all I see is Claude's lab!
Rick: Good! So bring it here now!
Esmond: I can't do that Rick!
Rick: You can, Esmond!
Esmond: I can't do this! I'm not stable enough, I'm not... I'm not enough.
Rick: You are, Esmond! You are. You think you're only interesting to others when you're sad! But you're most interesting to yourself when you feel love. What do you prefer?!
August: Esmond! I can help-
Rick: No August! Esmond, you have a choice. All of the things those people did to you… Claude... Armanata... they can continue to define you, or you can choose to define yourself, and forge your own path! One that's not limited to what others say! What do you say you are, Esmond Heiland! Let your demons out!
Esmond’s Manifestation: I am every person… who chose myself… over you.
Esmond: Enough!
Rick: How will you cut your demon down, Esmond?! Yes! Create a blade, Esmond! You, Esmond, the boy who could save his sister and her town from the villain, and now himself! Don't let it win! Get up!
Esmond: I am not damaged goods… I am not going no where… And I... am not the opinion of someone who doesn't know a thing about me! Not Claude! Not my monster! And not you!
August: Esmond, are you... ?
Esmond: Peonies.
xiv. SCIENCE BUILDING
Toni: Midge, I think they're gone!
Midge: Quiet, Toni! Listen, we don't leave this building until Armanata or someone else comes to get us.
Toni: Uh, Midge?
Midge: Yeah, Toni?
Toni: Well, it's just that... the Maskers, they're coming out of the Orb, right?
Midge: Yes?
Toni: So wouldn't it help if we... I mean, it's right there, out the window.
Midge: What are you proposing?
Toni: Well, we have a clear shot of the belly of the Orb here on the third floor. What's the harm in trying to puncture it?
Midge: Toni, I don't even know if it can be punctured. It looks to be like some sort of uncrackable digital egg. But then again... we can try.
Toni: Then help me open this window…
Midge: OK, let's set this to stun?
Toni: It's no good.
Midge: Fuck it.
Toni: WHOA! It's no use.
Midge: Then let me set it to… Blast. Darn it!
Toni: Maskers! From in the hall!
Midge: What are we gonna do? Think, Midge, think… Dang it! They're gonna get in!
Toni: Wait. I have an idea.
Midge: What's that?
Toni: Stand back.
Midge: Toni, the blasters are obviously useless with the Orb!
Toni: I don't need a blaster. I'm made of electricity.
Midge: Toni! If you have a plan, now's the time to act! Get back, you blue son of a bitches! Toni! You're talking like you can shoot electricity out of your hands!
Toni: I'm made of it, woman! Midge, stand back! Let me... just...
Midge: When did you learn to do that?
xv. WELLFLEET
August: Esmond! You did it!
Rick: Way to go, kid.
August: Esmond, I'm so proud of you.
Esmond: Thanks, sis.
August: Hug?
Rick: I can't wait to see what you do next, Esmond.
August: Me, too. Wait until the guys see you do that!
Esmond: August, I…
August: What is it?
Esmond: I don't feel OK... something's...
August: Esmond! Esmond, he's-
Cassandra: Esmond?!
Rick: He’s being electrocuted!
August: Rick, we have got to get me and my brother home.
Rick: But your training-
August: Will have to wait. Do you think your ability to see elsewhere could teleport us?
Cassandra: I can form a portal, Rick, you can re-route it?
Rick: We’ve never tried that before, it’s too risky-
Cassandra: It’s time for the teacher to become the student. Focus, Rick.
Rick: OK, OK...
August: Where is Toni?
Rick: He’s... in a classroom.
August: Cass?
Cassandra: Rick, take my hand.
August: Now Cassandra, what do you...? See? Or, or feel?
Cassandra: I feel... electrical currents… and fear.
August: Focus…
Armanata: August Heiland!
August: Armanata! Esmond... come here, into my arms, I can… Armanata! Help me! It's Esmond!
Armanata: Where are you?! How are you doing this!
August: With the help of some friends.
Cassandra: August, wait! I'm coming with.
August: Huh?!
Cassandra: Just go!
August: Thank you, Cass.
xvi. BRYANT UNIVERSITY
Toni: The Maskers! It worked!
Midge: You did it, Toni!
Armanata: How are you here?! This is inexplicable by the laws of all science!
August: Armanata, listen!
Toni: Huh? August!
August: Toni? Toni!
Toni: August! I'm comin', girl!
xvii. BRYANT UNIVERSITY
Gerald: The Maskers... they’re disintegrating!
Lorena: How?
August: Toni!
Lorena: Wait... is that-
Gerald and Lorena: August!
August: Lorena! Gerald!
Lorena: August! How are you here?!
August: There was this, this portal!
Lorena: I got your message! How did you do that? Wait, a portal?!
August: Esmond, he's... oh God, Esmond! He needs help!
Armanata: I can get him to the hospital across the street.
August: Armanata, you are not to be left alone with-
Lorena: It's fine, August. She's not out to hurt him.
Armanata: I appreciate that, Lorena. I need a shuttle to North Providence ASAP!
Skyler Tech Goon: Yes ma'am!
August: Wait! Esmond! Get him water!
Armanata: On it!
August: Esmond, are you OK? Why is this happening to you?
Esmond: I'm fine... I'm... OK...
Gerald: How did you form a portal!
August: Cassandra!
Cassandra: Oh, hi!
Lorena: Hi?
August: Cassandra is a student of Rick Randall.
Lorena: The researcher?
August: I am also a student of Rick. He’s, uh, well, he trained mine and Esmond's powers.
Lorena: Holy- The science building doors open.
Toni: August! Esmond!
August: Toni!
Toni: I can't believe you guys left me!
Toni: Gerald and I KISSED! And then these blue guys who look like Maskers from Rolling Thunder emerged from the Orb. When all hope was lost, Midge and I escaped to the science building where we stood face to face on the third floor with the Orb! I, the ever-resourceful Toni used my electricity to shoot the Orb and destroy all the Maskers! God, I missed you and your perfect cheekbones!
August: I can explain! Rick Randall kidnapped Esmond and I, and then took us to Wellfleet? He has this training ground there and he showed Esmond and I how to make flowers and Esmond fought his inner most demons! I met this girl Cassandra who can make portals to other, like, realms! But then Esmond got electrocuted and Rick and Cassandra summoned us here and now, I'm back!
Toni: Wait, Esmond was electrocuted?
August: Wait, you electrocuted the Orb?
Midge: Just as I suspected... Esmond created the Orb. It's an extension of him.
Esmond: How could I have...
Toni: If that's the case, if you're OK again, then that would mean-
Lorena: Toni...
Toni: They're back!
Midge: Kids, get behind me.
Armanata: Let's do this.
August: Alright buddy look I'm on my vigilante shit again! Toni, behind you!
Lorena: Eat my FLAKEs, mother fucker!
August: Where did you get that!
Lorena: Broke into a lab while you were gone. The sound of Cassandra opening a portal.
Cassandra: Into another realm... you... go!
Armanata: Hey, Midge, you're not such a bad blaster.
Midge: You're pretty OK yourself.
Armanata: Thanks. Maybe we can talk more about it over coffee?
Midge: Or at the lab I helped build.
Esmond: Come and get me, Masker! Actually, I'm behind you! Over here! Over here! Over here! Over here! But seriously... I'm right here.
Toni: Gerald! I'm so glad you're OK!
Gerald: You, too; hey, how long have you been
able to do that?
Toni: Electrocute stuff? I dunno. Thirty minutes?
Armanata: That was the last of them.
Cassandra: Wow, we did it!
Gerald: Not too bad after all.
Lorena: Gerald! Behind you!
Toni: GERALD! No! Gerald, Gerald... please be OK, please be OK.
Gerald: I'm... OK...
Toni: Gerald... stay with me.
Armanata: Get me a fucking shuttle.
Skyler Tech Goon: Yes ma’am!
Toni: Gerald...
Gerald: I'm with you Toni...
Toni: Good, good, stay right here with me...
Gerald: I'm... I'm right here...
Toni: What do you see?
Gerald: I... I only see you.
Toni: Gerald?! Gerald! Gerald no!
xviii. BRYANT UNIVERSITY
August: I know... I know… I'm here for you, Toni...
Toni: I'm OK, I'm OK.
August: You sure?
Toni: I will be...
August: I know...
Lorena: Wait... OK, sorry, I know this is terrible timing, but... what's that?
Esmond: It looks like-
Toni: It came out of the top of the Orb. It's a letter. To the... the Mound? And it's from-
Midge: The Orb! More Maskers!
Cassandra: ENOUGH!
Esmond: Cass... what did you just do?
Cassandra: Opened and closed a portal for each Masker?
Toni: Then where's August?
Armanata: Lorena and Midge... they're gone, too.