The Vanishing Garden Gnome: a mystery chat story script
A garden gnome goes missing and sends postcards from different cities. A thirteen-message original script, about 33 seconds as a video, ready to open in the editor.
The full script (13 messages)
Shown in neutral bubbles. The editor draws it in the Messenger style. The first four messages open on the Free plan; the rest need a paid plan.
About this script
A garden gnome goes missing and sends postcards from different cities. thirteen messages, Messenger style, about 33 seconds as a video, and Hal kicks it off with "The gnome is gone.". The cast is Hal and Isla, all invented. Two people, so every plan can show the full cast. This look starts at the Standard plan, which is worth knowing before you plan a batch of stories.
Pacing it beat by beat
Start slow with "The gnome is gone." and "Which one?". The longest line is message 3, "Gerald. The one with the red hat.", at 7 words, so it needs extra screen time.
Speed up at message 11 ("There is a second postcard."), keep "From?" short on screen, and let "Our own kitchen." sit. Three lines in the script are questions.
Making the video
Open The Vanishing Garden Gnome in the editor and the Messenger look is already chosen. Extras in this look: typing dots, read marks, reactions and an online status. Typing dots ahead of the final message make it feel live.
Four messages load on a Free account (the last is "He was there this morning."), nine more on a paid one. Add a fiction label to the caption.
Part two hook
Next episode: Gerald is found in the kitchen with a tiny suitcase. Close this one on "Our own kitchen.", write Part 2 in the caption, and answer the first comment with a hint, not the answer.
Tips
- Time yourself reading "Gerald. The one with the red hat."; cut words until it sits easily.
- Let "Our own kitchen." hang for a beat longer than the other bubbles.
- Swap Hal and Isla for new invented names to make a version that is yours.
- Aim to release Part 2 within a day or two of this one.
- Place "Which one?" on its own for a full second after the opener.
Questions
Is The Vanishing Garden Gnome free to use?
Yes, the script is free to read and to load. The editor opens the first four messages on the Free plan; the full thirteen need a paid plan. Exports on Free carry a visible ChatsRat watermark, and every export carries an invisible mark the verify page can read.
Is this story based on a real event or a real person?
No. It is original fiction with invented characters. Do not present it as a real conversation, and put "fictional chat" in your caption.
How long is the mystery script as a video?
About 33 seconds counting thirteen messages with a short beat between each. Add a second or two for the typing indicator and the ending card.
Can I change the names and lines?
Yes. Open it in the editor, replace any line and any name, and export your own version. Keep the characters invented and adult, and keep the content free of real people, minors and anything sexual.
Original fiction. This script and its characters are invented. It is not based on a real event or a real person. Do not present it as a real conversation, and label what you publish as a fictional chat. See the Acceptable Use policy.
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