Sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt were Rani’s favourite form of sleepwear in the autumn. The chill in the air was a pleasant break from summer’s unrelenting heat. 

Two large screen monitors sat atop of a large pine desk that dominated an entire wall of Rani’s bedroom. A pale pink keyboard laid next to neatly placed mouse pad. Everything on the desk was neat and well ordered. Pens sat precisely in a penholder, along with some pencils, notebooks and knitting needles. A bag of yarn and other crafting supplies sat under the desk. 

Ding!

The pleasant notification sound came from her phone, which was resting on spotless pastel pink bedsheets. Startled, Rani glanced up from where she had been lounging on the bedroom floor, idly doodling in her bullet journal. 

“Yikes, I’m old,” Rani said as she stood to pad over to the bed. “Sucks to be almost 30, huh, Pipper?”

Pipper, Rani’s 5-year-old black and tan Yorkie, snorted her disagreement. Yawning wide, Piper gave her human a well-practised side eye before placing her head on her paws and returning to sleep. 

Amused, Rani considered the notification that had popped up on her screen; Ọya, the brand new immersive storycast is waiting for you!

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“Hmm,” Rani clicked on the notification, intrigued. “I hope this one is actually immersive, Pip.” Too often, Rani had discovered that ‘immersive’ simply meant the occasional bit of background noise and rain sounds. 

A picture of lush green grass appeared as the artwork on Rani’s phone, along with the description. 

Ọya is a brand new storycast with the first of its kind surround sound immersion. Quality headphones are a must! Ọya is a ten-part series set in a beautiful world full of wide open grasslands and ancient castles. Become part of the magical city of Ribacou and explore the local sights. Encounter the Wizard, and make friends with the charming and mysterious Akachi. 

“I dunno Pipper, should we give this one a try?” Rani glanced at the time and winced. It was well past 1AM. “I guess that decides it.” 

Making quick work of putting the journal away in its proper place on the desk, Rani slipped under the covers, snuggling down deep, earphones ready to experience this new ‘immersive’ storycast.

“This is not a podcast.” There was a seductive tone to the voice of the announcer, one that sent a shiver of pleasure down Rani’s spine. “This is not a radio show, or storycast. This is real.” 

Rani sighed, sinking deeper into her pillow, her face framed by her curly black hair. Real my butt, she thought to herself with a laugh. Cute gimmick though. 

“By listening to this - immersive experience, you are agreeing to my control.” The voice was practically purring‌, the words laced with an undeniable smirk. “Forever.”

“Mhm,” Rani agreed, eyes fluttering closed. “Okay, sure.”