THE WATER EATER

Episode #66 · Written by Winston Marks · Narrated by Scott Miller

A harmless kitchen experiment turns into a terrifying discovery when a jelly-like substance develops an unstoppable thirst. As it grows, the question is no longer what it is — but whether it can be stopped.

It starts with a kitchen mess and a curious mind. A normal guy, a broken oil burner, and a pan filled with cleaning compounds. He mixes a few things together. He waits to see what happens. And what happens feels funny at first, then strange, then frightening.

In “The Water Eater,” Winston Marks builds tension slowly. The main character discovers a jelly-like substance that absorbs water, refuses to dissolve, and behaves almost like it is thinking. It drinks. It creeps. It shows direction and purpose. What begins as a harmless experiment becomes a long weekend of fear, obsession, and sleepless study. The question shifts from “What is it?” to “How do you stop it?”

This story works because it stays grounded. The voice feels real. The humor is natural. The details of everyday life make the horror feel possible. That mix of domestic normalcy and scientific curiosity makes the final implications hit even harder, especially when the consequences grow far beyond the kitchen sink.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Winston Marks was part of the rich world of mid-century science fiction magazines. His stories blended homespun characters with clever ideas. He liked exploring the dangers of curiosity, the limits of control, and how an innocent discovery could reshape the world. He may not be as widely known as some giants of the era, but his fiction sticks with readers because it feels human, playful, and quietly unsettling at the same time.

If you love classic science fiction that sneaks up on you, keeps you guessing, and ends with a lingering unease, “The Water Eater” is a must-listen.

LISTEN TO THE STORY

Listen to this eerie tale of curiosity gone wrong in Winston Marks’ classic science fiction story, The Water Eater — vintage sci-fi suspense at its best.

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The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast is the most listened-to vintage science fiction podcast in the world. Ranked #1 in 33 countries and heard in more than 190 countries, the show has surpassed 3.2 million listens, introducing classic science fiction to a global audience of devoted fans.

Each episode features carefully selected stories from the Golden Age of science fiction, professionally narrated. Timeless storytelling the way it was meant to be heard.

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