The Street That Wasn't There

Clifford D. Simak's "The Street That Wasn't There" weaves a haunting tale of obsession and the inexplicable, following Jonathan Chambers, a reclusive former professor who completes the same ritualistic evening walk without fail, every single day at precisely seven o'clock. For twenty years, his route remains unchanged—two blocks down Maple Street, a stop at the Red Star confectionery for a cigar, then a careful path through the town's familiar streets, always returning home by 7:45. But something extraordinary lurks beneath the surface of this mundane routine. Chambers, once a professor of metaphysics whose controversial teachings earned him an academic scandal and cost him everything, carries secrets that the townspeople can only guess at. His meticulous walks hide a purpose far stranger than mere habit. As reality begins to unravel, readers will discover why this mysterious figure has isolated himself from society and what forces drive him to retrace the same path night after night. Co-written by science fiction pioneer Simak and Carl Jacobi, this captivating short story blends literary fiction with mind-bending science fiction elements. It's ideal for listeners drawn to psychological mysteries, vintage science fiction, and tales that challenge the boundaries between the real and the impossible. Perfect for those seeking a thought-provoking story that lingers long after the final page.