The narrative follows George, a man who finds himself at the center of an inexplicable phenomenon: little red frogs raining down from a clear sky. This bizarre occurrence is linked to his wife, Myra, who is fascinated by the ideas of Charles Fort, a writer known for his theories on strange phenomena. Myra believes George is a "catalyst" for these events, and their summer at a secluded beach bungalow becomes a testing ground for her theories. As the frogs fall, George grapples with his discomfort and embarrassment, especially as Myra revels in the spectacle. Their dynamic is strained by Myra's enthusiasm for the Fortean ideas, which George finds ridiculous. However, the situation escalates when a mysterious figure, Arl, appears in their living room, claiming to be a king from the world of the red frogs. He explains that he has come through a fourth-dimensional portal, triggered by George's unintentional call. Arl's presence complicates George's life further, as he learns that the frogs and other strange occurrences are manifestations of interdimensional travel. Myra is intrigued by Arl, and George's frustration grows as he realizes he is caught in a bizarre power struggle between his wife and the king. Arl reveals that his wife, Narka, is a powerful queen who can manipulate objects from the three-dimensional world, leading to a series of humorous and chaotic events. As Narka begins to materialize treasures in George's apartment, the situation escalates into a comedic confrontation with a police officer, who is bewildered by the strange happenings. George's initial reluctance to send Arl and Narka back home turns into a battle of wills, culminating in a humorous showdown where George asserts his newfound confidence and authority. Ultimately, George learns to stand up for himself, leading to a shift in his relationship with Myra. The story concludes with a resolution that emphasizes the importance of balance in their marriage, as George embraces his role as a husband while navigating the absurdities of interdimensional encounters. The narrative blends elements of fantasy, humor, and social commentary, exploring themes of power dynamics in relationships and the absurdity of life.
By Stephen Marlowe · First published 1997 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Humor