The Exorcist: Introduction and Sounds

Introduction

• The story begins with an ominous tone, hinting at a horror that is about to unfold.
• The house is described as "brooding" and "tight," creating a sense of unease.
• This story is set in Georgetown, Washington D.C. with a connection to Georgetown University across the street.

The Mysterious Sounds

• Chris hears strange rapping sounds coming from Regan's bedroom.
• The noises are described as "muffed" and "profound."
• Chris dismisses the sounds initially but later investigates.
• The rapping sounds stop abruptly as Chris enters the room.
• Chris assumes the sounds are from heating pipes or plumbing.

Regan's Sleep

• Regan is asleep and cuddles a stuffed panda named Pookey
• Chris dismisses the sounds as a joke by Regan.
• The scene then describes the events that led to the discovery of the rat.
• Chris hears faint scratchings, which she concludes are from rats.
• There is a sudden change in temperature, the room becomes icy, while the radiator is still hot.
• Chris is reassured by the explanation of rats and kisses Regan goodnight.

Chris's Thoughts and Dreams

• Chris is working on a musical comedy film about campus insurrections, a topic she finds "dumb."
• Chris is starring in the film as a psychology teacher who sides with the rebels.
• The film's interior scenes have been completed in Hollywood, and they now only need to film exterior scenes on the Georgetown University campus.
• Chris's director is described as chewing up the edges of scripts when he's stressed.
• While she’s falling asleep, Chris has a vivid dream about death, characterized by ringing sounds and a feeling of dissolving.

The Phone Call and the Dream

• Chris wakes up to a ringing telephone.
• She answers the call from the assistant director who informs her that filming starts at 6 AM.
• Chris mentions her dream, which she describes as a "thought in the half-life of waking."
• The dream involves a "terrible clarity" and visualizing "non-being."
• She says, "God, it can't be!" but ultimately acknowledges its reality, saying "But it is."

Breakfast and the Rats

• Chris has breakfast in the morning with Willie, the housekeeper.
• Chris notices a rose on her plate, left by Regan.
• The scene then shifts to Chris's previous experiences with death, mentioning her deceased son Jamie.
• Chris discusses the rats with Karl, their other housekeeper.
• Karl initially dismisses the existence of rats in the attic.
• Despite Chris's insistence, Karl continues to refuse to buy traps because he claims that the attic is clean.