CURSED CONTENT - Prologue

 

The chat window was frantically moving up. Donations after donations popped up on the screen, just so that viewers could ask out of concern. The robotic voice of the text-to-speech was constantly reading out one dono after the other. They are all genuinely worried.

Why? Because on the screen, Stephanie Dayer was sharpening a knife. While smiling to the camera.

Stephanie Dayer was a genuine bona fide entertainer slash content creator. A rare breed these days. She is a true diamond among the trashy contents online. The videos on her channel “The Dayer Zone” are not only entertaining, but also cover a multitude of topics. From cars to cooking to tech, she did not just do it to get her channel subscribed by viewers of different tastes, but she was truly interested in it. 

And it shows. And people loved watching her videos because of it.

Unfortunately, the internet is a crazy place. With crazy people.

Stephanie stopped sharpening the knife. She took out a piece of paper. Use the knife and slash the paper in twain. The blade travelled easily through the sheet of paper. Like hot metal piercing through ice. Satisfied with the sharpness of the knife, she turned her attention to the camera.

‘Sorry for that guys. Had to do something. Look how shiny it is. Pretty right?’

The chat was a little bit relieved. Stephanie’s voice is back to her cheerful tone. They’re still concerned though. But they thought perhaps Stephanie was trying out new content. Maybe this was all just a bit. Or maybe Stephanie will challenge herself yet again and try bushcraft or something.

They soon learned that hope is a liar.

‘So anyway, let’s begin from the beginning shall we? Hello guys. Welcome to “The Dayer Zone”.’

Chat was now almost rid of the worry. They started to do their usual banter. Praising how beautiful she is. Some inside jokes here and there. A few hateful comments here and there. And don’t forget the hardworking ads bot.

‘Today, we are making history. I’m not gonna reveal what it is jusssstt yet. I wanna tell you guys the full story first.’

Chat is now almost all said Stephanie is about to go bushcrafting or something. That’s why she needed the knife. They knew Stephanie was an avid fan of the Youtube channel “Kara & Nate”. They remember the channel recently posted about going survival camping in a deserted island. So, she must want to go there as well.

Stephanie took a deep breath, and began telling her story.

‘As you know, ever since I started being a content creator, I never thought I would turn this “hobby” of mine into a full time paying job. I am so lucky to have you guys supporting me. I am truly indebted to all of you. I can’t offer enough thanks to you guys.’

The chat began to say how touched they are. There are some weird creepy comments but let’s not let horny virgins on the internet to ruin these touching moments shall we?

She continued.

‘But, unfortunately, there are some of you who are not quite nice. You are mean to me. Bullied me. Spread lies and false rumors. Some of you even stalked me. I had to move homes so many times.’

Chat showed Stephanie that they are also angry. Others are expressing their concerns. Stephanie was still smiling. But her eyes are red. Glacial. Small stream of tears began flowing down the corner of her eyes.

Stephanie turned on the large 50 inch Surface Hub 2S behind her. She wrote on it, “HAPPY NOW? YOU'RE NEXT!” on the white digital canvas. Then she picked up the knife, and stood at the centre.

“I am tired. I hope this will make you happy. I tried everything to make you guys happy. This will be the closing act. Let’s go out with a BANG shall we? THE DAYER ZONE signing off.”

With that, she sliced her throat in one swift motion. Blood sprayed everywhere. Even on the camera. All that’s left on the screen was the final words she wrote a moment ago:

HAPPY NOW?! YOU’RE NEXT!