"Hell Is Empty" by J.R. Dawson + "Saint Zero of the Hollows and the Eagle Knight" by V.M. Ayala

The episode opens with 'Hell is Empty' by J.R. Dawson, a haunting short story narrated by Nan McNamara. Set in a world where a hellmouth has opened in downtown, the story follows two women, Millie and the unnamed narrator, as they navigate daily life amid the looming threat of devils. Despite the apocalyptic landscape, they continue routine errands—getting dog food, going to the gym, delivering meals—highlighting a quiet resilience and the human tendency to normalize horror. The story’s emotional core lies in the quiet intimacy between the two women, their shared fear, and the defiant act of continuing to live with love and purpose. The second story, 'Saint Zero of the Hollows and the Eagle Knight' by V.M. Ayala, narrated by Janina Edwards, is a powerful sci-fi fantasy tale of rebellion, identity, and love. Zero, a non-binary warrior from the Hollows, enters a deadly tournament to avenge their sister and challenge systemic oppression. Their complex relationship with Sylvie, the privileged Eagle Knight, becomes a central emotional thread. In a final, tragic joust, Zero chooses to die alongside Sylvie rather than win alone, sacrificing themselves to free the Hollows. Both stories explore themes of endurance, love in the face of annihilation, and the quiet heroism of everyday survival.