The circus arrives at the Hilltop. After BIG BEN escapes in search of blueberry pie, the commissioner leads a lynch mob to the doors of the Bronson Building in the dead of night. The day brightens with a loony game of Donkey Ball. But tuberculosis soon plagues the Hilltop, keeping the gravediggers busy around the clock, as a deathly toll is taken on the patient population. A supernatural occurrence happens before all eyes, leaving Sarah perplexed by a lurking crow. As she watches the patients plucking petals from the flowers, she considers splitting the crow’s tongue, asking, “What’s to be sane in the garden of madness?”

Dedicated to Dr. George Anthony Zeller (1858-1938 ), whose vision and journals inspired this tale.

Written & Narrated by Cory Zim

Produced by Radio Verté

Executive Producer, Cory Zim

https://radioverte.works

Cor Zim is the executive producer of Radio Verté and the author of two fiction novels, THE WILD WIND and AHOOGA!, each of which has been adapted into an audio podcast series. He is the author of two nonfiction novels, SPOON RIVER GOTHIC: Narrative of a Double Homicide and DEATH RIDES THE HIGHWAY: A Thrill Ride Fueled by Murder & Terror, both of which have also been adapted into audio podcast series produced by Radio Verté.

Sarah feels safe amongst the insane and learns the simple joy of walking in circles, marching in place, spinning around, skipping, hopping, crying, lying, and laughing. She meets footloose patient Fannie in the rose garden, who teaches her to "swing it in that way that makes the boys go wild.” Sarah falls in love with Fannie and puts her newly acquired skills into practice, never forgetting to peek ever so slightly over the shoulder and batting her lashes, not once, but twice, to "get’em hooked" because "that’s how you get him to kill for ya!”. In turn, and feeling neglected by her father, young Sarah attracts the attention of the Wild One in the rose bushes.

Dedicated to Dr. George Anthony Zeller (1858-1938 ), whose vision and journals inspired this tale.

Written & Narrated by Cory Zim

Produced by Radio Verté

Executive Producer, Cory Zim

https://radioverte.works

Cor Zim is the executive producer of Radio Verté and the author of two fiction novels, THE WILD WIND and AHOOGA!, each of which has been adapted into an audio podcast series. He is the author of two nonfiction novels, SPOON RIVER GOTHIC: Narrative of a Double Homicide and DEATH RIDES THE HIGHWAY: A Thrill Ride Fueled by Murder & Terror, both of which have also been adapted into audio podcast series produced by Radio Verté.

Doctor Zola commemorates a new monument and has a standoff with the COMMISSIONER over his progressive management of the Hilltop and the shocking amount of freedom he provides his insane patients. As reporters flock to the asylum, the doctor introduces them to Rose, whose toad-like figure is startling. And her unrelenting spirit leaves GOVERNOR PIERCE inspired with compassion. and a new generation with an increasingly humane philosophy on caring for the mentally ill--if even for a time.

Dedicated to Dr. George Anthony Zeller (1858-1938 ), whose vision and journals inspired this tale.

Written & Narrated by Cory Zim

Produced by Radio Verté

Executive Producer, Cory Zim

https://radioverte.works

Cor Zim is the executive producer of Radio Verté and the author of two fiction novels, THE WILD WIND and AHOOGA!, each of which has been adapted into an audio podcast series. He is the author of two nonfiction novels, SPOON RIVER GOTHIC: Narrative of a Double Homicide and DEATH RIDES THE HIGHWAY: A Thrill Ride Fueled by Murder & Terror, both of which have also been adapted into audio podcast series produced by Radio Verté.