God’s of Rock & Rain: Where is Parchville Now?
Reports were gathered this morning from our reporter Enuff Proof, who’s spoken again with locals of Parchville on their latest newcomer. This small town has recently become the neighbour to a giant data centre owned by Matter. “Its looming grey walls can be seen from every part of town”, Mr Proof describes, “you can’t escape it”.
When Mr Proof first visited Parchville 8 weeks ago, it was to investigate the effect that was had from this data centre on the residents of Parchiville.
Because data centres use such vast amounts of water to cool their servers, in the case of Parchville, it’s caused a total drought. Clean drinking water no longer runs from their taps'; they’ve been left with mere drips, the colour of sand.
But, Mr Proof has returned to Parchiville, but now to report on part two of this data centre drama - the mysterious tears that have started falling from the eyes of an equally mysterious statue that has appeared in the town centre.
Three weeks ago, just 5 weeks after the data centre opened, the stone statue that usually erect in the town square disappeared - and in its place, a new one has appeared.
This new statue looks like a scarecrow, of sort, appearing to be made from straw, with a large rock for a head. Placed beside it is a long wooden pole with a tiny house atop it, and beside it on the ground are horse figurines.
The statue has become a gathering spot for the locals - including, strangely, various owls. Ornithologist Robin Blackwood describes the owls presence as peculiar, given that they visit the statue during the day, despite being nocturnal animals.
Seeing the hand-made statue in person, “I truly can’t believe what I’m seeing“, our reporter Mr Proof told us, “it’s not raining in the slightest, and yet, the primitive looking figure is leaking water from its eyes“. Speaking with locals, Mr Proof reports that at first mere drops appeared under the make-shift eyes of the statue, which are simply painted black dots, but now it’s like a tap has been turned on low. “The gods have come to save us“, says townsman Ashley Ember.
Mr Proof has been speaking with locals today who have started gathering in a line in front of the figure, each holding an empty container in their hands. They are waiting their turn to collect some tears, believing that drinking or using the water from it will save their towns water issues. Mrs Bucket, the towns librarian, speaks to the generous nature of the humanoid effigy, “We must do what we can for it, and it’s horses. I’ve been leaving plates of crackers and apples as a thank you for it’s gift of water“.
What can we assume?
We know that that water emanating from the eyes of the statue is not coming from the skies above as it has not been raining in Parchville. One explanation could be that the water is teleporting from the data centres back to the residents via this statue. Another being that we are simply witnessing a miracle - the gods have heard their cries.
Who could the statue be of, and who made it?
The statue could relate any gods or spiritual figures, but I believe it could in particular relate to Athena, Greek goddess of wisdom and protector of cities. She too is depicted with horses, and is often seen with owls. And perhaps also Nantosuelta, Celtic goddess of nature such as rivers, and of the home.
My theory is that a student from the local school, who we have been informed have recently been studying the Greek gods, has created this form, although no one has come forwards claiming its creation. Leave it to the children to inspire hope in Parchville.
What next?
Our reporter Enuff Proof will be staying with the locals of Parchville for a while longer to see what happens next. For the residents’ sake, I hope the water they’ve been collecting truly holds magical properties that keep their crops growing and their taps full. Stay tuned for updates on this phenomena.
Written by Miss Tique
Dubbed a “must-read columnist in the world of the weird and uncanny” by Strange Media. Winner of the prestigious 666 award for her documentary on ‘The Ghost Writer”, 2006.
This blog post is part of an ongoing series where I write and illustrate a fictitious story written in the style of a news article, inspired by the writing inside ‘Phenomena: A Book of Wonders’, a book by John Michell and Robert J.M. Rickard.
If you’d like to hire me to create some editorial illustrations or any other creative projects, please get in touch.