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#Humanity and #Hope

Updated: Mar 6

#Storyshowing #Storytelling

Episode - 1 * 26.06.2021*

#Simon and #Samantha

Simon , of wavy curly hair neatly trimmed in a ,hair-cut that looked youthful and boyish , towered at 6 ft wearing dessert brown combat trousers , white , V-neck, t-shirt ,cascaded in an athletic frame , his ensemble looked complete with timberland moccasins of dessert brown, while the brightness of sunny spells gleamed on his milk chocolate skin , his hazel brown eyes offered a sensual male gaze, it was his day off work and he was just preparing to shop for the dinner he was making for his belle. Samantha of creamy olive skin and a moderate petite stature waved off a lady bird, tickling at the side of her sandy brown hair held in a bun, Samantha looked like the charm of summer in a yellow dress dotted with peach patterns as she beamed, her kind ice- blue eyes held a longing that said ‘see you later’ as her moderate fingers waved goodbye to Simon after finishing her shift at the Leeds General Infirmary.

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#Simon and #Samantha

Episode - 1 *26.06.2021*

Samantha had her navy blue scrubs in her bag and sighed, relief after another day’s work was over . She was looking forward to catching up on her favourite soaps and dinner.

How was your day?

‘Well , I had a long day at work’ Samantha said with a sigh.

How come? , 'Simon shot back with a look of interest'.

‘We’ve been swamped with so many patients and we are understaffed as usual.’

Anyway ,I thought medical school was hard.

‘I bet slugging it out in the real world appears much more of a nightmare than I anticipated’. 'Samantha said with a groan'.

'Sometimes, I wish I never ever bothered to become a medic'.

'People think because one is a medical doctor, one cures every disease common to man and knows everything like google does. I guess people believe we carry a magic wand that cures everyone who happens to be unwell'.

'One of our patients passed away today and I cried my eyes out.

Unfortunately, there was nothing we could do to block his inevitable exit from this wicked world .

 

2.

#Simon and #Samantha

Episode - 1 *26.06.2021*

Mr Sable came to our ward with a high fever and complained of severe breathing problems and was coughing for most of the time he was with us. He was accompanied to the hospital by his beautiful wife of smooth milk chocolate skin, in fact Mr Sables wife was pretty much lithe with a very petite stature, she had a lovely pair of brown eyes, Mr Sable also had two adorable children who would melt your heart with delight. Late Mr Sable's twins were absolutely gorgeous of bright caramel smooth skin and bright hazel eyes, neat curly hair wearing yellow and orange pedal pushers and dessert brown sandals.

At one point we just about managed to stabilise Mr Sable's critical condition. We were beginning to feel that there were promising signs of his recovery only to find out that he took a turn for the worse as his heart weakened and his breathing became seriously laboured. We moved him to the intensive care unit and monitored his vital signs very closely for these four weeks until it was painfully obvious that letting him go peacefully had to become a tear-jerking reality we came to terms with.

3.


 

#Simon and #Samantha

#Episode - 1 *26.06.2021*

Simon held out his arms and Samantha blushed adoringly into Simon’s loving embrace for a hug inhaling his aftershave mixed with sweat. Samantha cried briefly as Simon cuddled his ‘belle’ with tenderness so affectionate in their magnolia furnished sitting room.

‘Darling’

What’s for dinner?

‘I made grilled Salmon in a ginger glace , herb infused new potatoes , sautéed asparagus with a white wine sauce.’

Oh dear ! Thanks, I’m starving.

Simon and Samantha settled at the dinning table and tucked into dinner and wolfed down the sumptuous meal with relish. Simon later on served home made Vanilla ice-cream for dessert afterwards. Samantha sprawled on the settee to watch ‘Emmerdale’ and cuddled up to a medium sized - beige teddy bear .

‘Honey’, By the way,

How was your day?

Stressful, as always

‘A young woman gave birth. We almost lost the baby and the mother in the process.

4.


 

#Simon and #Samantha

#Episode - 1 *26.06.2021*

We were pretty much fortunate that we stopped the mothers bleeding and undid the umbilical cord wrapped around the baby’s neck very carefully. Thanks to our quick-thinking nurses and colleagues; otherwise only God knows what we would have told the woman’s frantic husband if the situation went otherwise.

Samantha , Are you ready?

'Ready for what?'

I guess know what I mean.

'Oh! yesterday was my time off and I promised you today'.

I've been looking forward to this all day.

ha ha ha , you are always looking forward it .

‘I’ll be ready in a bit.’

Samantha and Simon had a shower in the bathroom and cuddled up to each other afterwards. Samantha unwrapped her night-gown while Simon massaged Samantha's full breasts gently, it was not long before they began to explore each other’s bodies as sodium skies emerged with a constellation of shiny white stars dotted around a crescent shaped moon , they were sated and catching their breadth by time both of them came to a climax. Samantha squealed with delight and caught her breadth as she came. Samantha whispered in a silky voice, ‘I love you’, Darling, I love you too. Both husband and wife held tight for a snoggle and snored the night away.

5.


 

#Simon and #Samantha

#Episode - 1 * 26.06.2021*

Simon and Samantha said a prayer after they awakened to the brightness of a cool and crispy morning that was perfumed with the of fragrance fresh flowers and grass .

The intercom bleeped just as Simon and Samantha were about to head for the door.

Simon picked the intercom and uttered the words

'Hello' ,

'who's this ?’

'How can I help you?'

Right, I'm your neighbour, ‘Fisher’; please can you come to our place quickly.

‘What’s up?’

I need your help.

‘What Happened?’

My wife doesn't look right .

‘Okay, I’ll be at yours in a bit , I won't be long , matey’.

Sorry to bother you, Carlie’s been poorly since last night, I thought she had the 'FLU' but when we woke up this morning , she was literally boiling with a temperature that read 41*C . I actually did a thermometer check on her , she also complained that she has pains all over her chest and could hardly breath .

Oh my word! , what a pity , poor 'Carlie'

6.


 

#Simon and #Samantha

#Episode - 1 * 26.06.2021 *


'Fisher' , I am on my way to work .I can give 'Carlie' a lift to the hospital .I'm going to St- James to pick up a few things before I head off to the Leeds General Infirmary.

Carlie's Husband , Fisher was a burly man , creamy skin , salt and pepper hair , a ring fence of bald , he wore a sky-blue hooded top with a pair of faded blue jeans and black suede loafers. Mr. Fisher ran his own private courier business and travelled across the UK and had known Simon and Samantha for five years. Fisher choked on a sob as he muttered the words ‘thank –you’ profoundly and wiped tear drops streaming down his cheeks as he held his palms together and prayed from the depth of his soul desperately ,hoping his wife of thirty years would pull through her precarious ordeal.

Simon got 'Carlie' to the St James , Hospital and placed her in a wheelchair so that she could lean back slightly upright whilst she seen by a nurse and doctor immediately.

Dr Gilad, a respiratory disease consultant of Jewish heritage wearing light - blue scrubs with a thick moustache , sharp brown eyes and light honey skin took vital information from Carlie and spoke with a distinct cockney twang .

Shortly after seeing Dr Gilad, Carlie was subsequently placed on a mobile bed and wheeled to a specialist ward for patients suffering from respiratory related illnesses pending the outcome of the various tests she had undergone after blood samples and saliva swabs were taken from her by one the Nurses assigned to her .

7.


 

#Background - #Simon

#Characters Journey - 11.08.2021

Clusters of Dark clouds in patches of grey mingled with sprinkles of a blue skyline appeared as billows of gale force winds whistled ferociously . An angry fall of tropical rain flogged its way with the help of easterly winds that continued to roar through the luscious green forest 5kilometres from the border between Liberia and Sierra lone . Troops dressed in green camouflage , red berets and black boots matched in unison and gathered like a row of checker squares. Troops were armed to the teeth as they held their AK-47 assault rifles across their arms chanting songs of war . Moral appeared to be high as the Warlord ,Charles Taylor of fair chocolate skin , hazel sharp eyes, curly dark brown hair looking the part a rebel leader dressed in a military camouflage t- shirt and dessert brown combats, Charles gave his day customary briefing with fervour and enthusiasm as sodium skies revealed the onset of dusk and the beginning of night fall .

Cecil , of creamy brown mulato skin, long dark curly hair made in plaits under a green beret , a moderate athletic build wearing combat camouflage as per trousers , long -sleeve shirt , beamed through sharp hazel brown eyes , as she cleaned up her rifle and magazine and made sure she had enough bullets in her cartridge. Sheldon of milk chocolate skin , bright brown eyes, small moustache tightly curly short- hair , medium athletic build , wore a leafy green camouflage shirt and combat looked totally lost in the task at hand as he carefully checked his weapon to make sure his ammunition was ready for action when duty called.

Cecil , What the hell are doing here?

'Excuse me!'

'What are you doing here?'

Cecil shot back.

Your guess is as good as mine. Sheldon said with a smirk on his face.

Cecil by the way , I see you in the house and that is annoying enough.

Hmm , look who’s talking .

Sheldon , just look at the kettle calling the pot black .

Cecil , guess what’s happening today ?

It's Simon's birthday .

Nope , Sheldon .

Guess again.

Our wedding anniversary .

Oh shoot ! I forgot!

Anyway ,Today marks ten year’s we’ve been married , silly.

“I’m so sorry , time flies”.

Ha! Ha! Ha !, Cecil , where's my kiss.

Sheldon , just go away , you’re driving me crazy.

8.


 

#Background - #Simon

#Character Journey - 11.08.2021

Two hours after Cecil and Sheldon shared a quick kiss . Troops lay parallel in the trenches and made a spider web shaped ambush having heard shots fired 750metres north-east of from their current location .

Cecil back - off ! now !

May day! May day ! we’re under attack!

Frankie shouted and , Daley , field commander messaged the other troops .

Cecil fired a couple of shots as well as Sheldon . Heavy exchanges of deafening gun fire and artillery continued as the intensity of fierce fighting raged on relentlessly.

Gradual advances were made as Charles Taylors faction gained some ground but as time progressed casualties began to mount .

Frankie , I’ve been shot was all Cecil could say as her fellow trooper pulled her into a more secure location while she winced in pain in the thicket of the forest where enemy fire was close to non-existent. Cecil received first aid for her injuries and frantic attempts to curtail her bleeding made progress as tourniquets were applied , hoping her haemorrhage would subside.

Sheldon fought back with every ounce of strength as he fired volley after volley of artillery and struggled to curtail the insurgence of Government troops , within hours, he was hit below his left rib, waistline and back .

Sheldon grimaced in pain and was soaked in blood from his waistline as he managed to roll on his back to a trench , barely able speak after the heavy fighting subsided.

Cecil and Sheldon were driven to a medical centre by a British red cross ambulance who happened to be giving supplies to an orphanage in a town called Careysburg.

9.


 

#Background - #Simon

#Characters Journey - 11.08.2021

Cecil asked for a pen despite her shaking hands as she lay in pain , Cecil had lost so much blood and the bullet wounds she sustained were around her right shoulder , lower rib cage and her waist , her camouflage shirt and trousers were soaked in blood.

Cecil was given a dose of morphine injection which made her feel woozy and slightly dizzy. Cecil managed to gather some courage to continue her fight to stay alive as her breathing appeared pretty much laboured.

I thought I asked for a pen , Cecil asked again with pleading eyes in a voice that sounded hoarse .Please it is important that I have something to write and a piece of paper ? Cecil appealed.

‘Why do you need a pen and paper when you are in so much pain , besides you can barely hold a pen steady?’ , One of the nurses attending to Cecil inquired .

Nurse, I need to send a message to ‘Simon’, my son ‘ he’s my only child’ . It is important I reach him quickly .

‘Okay , here you are , I’ve just about gotten a green pen and an A4 white paper and an envelope too. ‘

Thank you so much , you’re a star. Cecil replied to the Nurse.

“Simon, my prince and warrior , my one and only treasure beyond measure .You have always been a gift to motherhood . I am proud to be your mother any day any time , even though I went to hell and back to give birth to you , I would do it again if I had the chance. Ever since I nursed you with my breasts , you have been such a joy to behold and look after. I want to you to know that no matter what happens, my love for you is unconditional and priceless. Sammy boy , you will always have a special place in my soul. I don’t think I’m going to see you grow up to become a successful man because right now I am fading away gradually despite my valiant fight to live , my wounds have taken its toll on my body which is unfortunately in pieces , thanks to this horrible war we are fighting as per Samuel Doe’s evil government. However , I pray that all will be well with your soul no matter what life throws at you. I will be with you wherever you go , even though I am in the land beyond .I wish I can take you there with me but sadly that’s not going to be possible because my days on earth are over. Good night my dear, till we meet again”.

10.

 

#Background - #Simon

#Characters #Journey - 11.08.2021

Sheldon , Cecil’s husband was still breathing faintly as he managed to hold on to life by a thread , Sheldon had sustained several bullet wounds to his backside including his waist and was grimacing through as much pain as he could endure . Medics gave him a dose of morphine to alleviate his suffering , Sheldon looked subdued as he asked for his brother Mr Sawyer to come and see him in the hospital at Careysburg , Liberia.

Mr Sawyer of short curly hair` , smooth honey skin , electric blue eyes stood tall in a slim frame , arrived at the hospital wearing a simple blue denim shirt and jeans with loafers . Mr Sawyer spoke in a distinct Americo -Liberian accent , a mixture of the language 'Creole' and 'American English'. Mr Sawyer began to weep once he saw the state Sheldon was in.

Mr Sawyer brought some rice and chicken stew for Sheldon who could barely eat the food but managed eat some of it.

Brother , I am sorry to bother you .

Sheldon don’t be daft .

I am here for you .

Sheldon “How are you feeling?”

'Pain' was all Sheldon could say in a hoarse voice.

11.


 

#Background - #Simon

#Characters Journey - 11.08.2021

Sawyer , I am desperately fighting to stay alive for ‘Simon’ my prince of a son whom I love to bits , however , I don’t think I will make it till tomorrow no matter how much I struggle to pull through this ordeal. Right now , I feel grey . My hands are pale with a strange anaemic feel that makes me feel dizzy ; Uncle Sawyer , I am giving you these keys to go to my house and open the safe where I have £3000.00 stashed away. I guess you are the only man I can trust .

I request to have ‘Simon’ be given the amount of £3000.00 so that when he migrates to ‘England’ as an ‘Orphan’ ,Hopefully , he can escape this precarious war and start a new life. I hope one day that these 'bastards' , 'Samuel Doe' and his evil cohorts would pay for the destruction of our beloved country ,'Liberia' . Send my love to ‘Simon’ . I earnestly pray that 'Simon' becomes a medical doctor one day . Tell ‘Simon’ , I love him dearly. Uncle Sawyer please kindly do everything to show that Simon is valued and cherished as if he is your own son . Sheldon closed his eyes and looked peaceful as he gave one last jerk and final breath. Sawyer tried to choke back tears and failed as he wept like a baby . Now Sawyer was shouldered with the responsibility of conducting funerals for his sister-in-law ,Cecil and his brother ‘Sheldon’ in addition to planning and organizing ‘Simon’s’ journey to ‘England.

12.


 


#Background #Simon

#Characters Unfolding - 05.12.2021

Simon , smallish statue , hazel brown eyes , skinny athletic frame , milk chocolate baby skin, wearing dessert shorts , coffee brown t-shirt , 9-year-old ‘Simon’ looked mischievous as he revelled in the art of catching frogs at the back garden of a simply built village house with a thatched roof made of palm tree shavings.

Lizzie , a childhood friend of Simon , bright grey eyes , a lithe frame , honey brown skin , curly long brown hair done in plaits , wore a yellow dress with peach polka dots and a pocket on each side. Lizzie was building a sandcastle with her tiny hands and suddenly felt a moving lump on the side of her left pocket.

Lizzie put her hand in her left pocket to see what was moving.

Simon chuckled as Lizzie pulled out her hand very quickly and screamed .

Mary a close friend of Cecil who looked after Simon , was a tall fair skinned lady, bright brown eyes, rotund build wearing a sky-blue dress barged out of the house .

Lizzie, what is it ?

Someone put a frog in my pocket .

'Simon’ was it you ?'

No , I didn't do it .

'Then , who did it ?'

‘Simon , are you the cat who swallowed the canary?’

‘Seriously , I am not the one , Simon responded with a cheeky smirk’ .

Mary wasn't buying what Simon was saying to her.

I don't know. Simon responded ,looking blank.

'A frog can’t just find its way into Lizzie's pocket just like that'.

'Simon, tell me the truth, otherwise forget about dinner tonight.'

Okay , I was only playing a prank on Lizzie.

'Simon, how can you be lying ?'

'Did you think I was born yesterday?' Mary responded as her eye's bored into Simon’s.

'Say sorry to Lizzie and behave yourself.'

13.

=========================================================================

#Background #Simon

#Characters Unfolding - 05.12.2021

Knock , Knock

Mary asked , 'Who is it ?'

I am Mr Sawyer .

Can I come in?

Sure , come in , Mr Sawyer .

Mr Sawyer asked that Simon be excused.

Mary served Mr Sawyer some apple juice and both of them sat on the brown settee as they enjoyed small talk .

Mary , I have something to tell you .

Mr Sawyer , I'm listening .

What is it?

Mr Sawyer looked grey and his countenance ran cold for a moment.

Tell me what happened , Mary jerked Mr Sawyer by the palm of his hands.

Its Cecil and Sheldon , Mr Sawyer lowered the tone of his voice and looked sombre as his eyes met with Mary's.

Please don't tell me Cecil and Sheldon are gone , Mary asked Mr Sawyer with a look of desperation.

14.

 

#Background #Simon

#Character unfolding - 05.12.2021

Unfortunately , I dread to say .

Cecil and Sheldon died today .

Oh my God !

Mary started sobbing uncontrollably and was in a flood of tears . Mary screamed and hugged Mr Sawyer tightly.

Mr Sawyer how did Cecil and Sheldon die ?

Gunshots wounded sustained from heavy fighting with forces loyal to Samuel Doe.

Simon , walked in and saw Mary crying as she sat beside Mr Sawyer.

Where’s mummy and Daddy ? Simon asked with curiosity written on his face.

'Mummy and Daddy have gone to heaven.' Mary responded .

Aunty Mary , What do you mean my mum and dad have gone to heaven ?

Mummy and Daddy died because they were killed by bad people during the war.

Mr Sawyer cried and held Simon close and for a long moment .

Both Simon , Sawyer and Mary held tightly to each other as they cried and prayed afterwards.

Simon , I want you to know that your mum and dad loved you to bits and really hoped to be alive for your sake but sadly they are gone. ‘Simon’ you have a letter from mum and dad .

Mr Sawyer partnered with friends and family and organized a befitting funeral for Cecil and Sheldon who had earlier requested that their remains be cremated, and their ashes were to be buried near their home. Guests were entertained very briefly despite the war and Simon relocated to live with Mr Sawyer .

40 days after Cecil's and Sheldon's death , Mr Sawyer liaised with some ECOMOG Generals who put Simon on a military aircraft heading for Lagos , Nigeria. Simon was later placed another plane to London after securing a visa and plane ticket .

Mr Sawyer partnered with friends and family and organized a befitting funeral for Cecil and Sheldon who had earlier requested that their remains be cremated, and their ashes were to be buried near their home. Guests were entertained very briefly despite the war and Simon relocated to live with Mr Sawyer .

40 days after Cecil's and Sheldon's death , Mr Sawyer liaised with some ECOMOG Generals who put Simon on a military aircraft heading for Lagos , Nigeria. Simon was later placed another plane to London after securing a visa and plane ticket .

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#Background #Samantha

#Character #Journey - 06*03*2022

Calm Sunny spells littered a distinct skyline , a canvass of light blue smattered with flaky clusters of white , the air smelt of freshly trimmed grass and wildflowers , Roundhay park was basking in the glories of spring transitioning to summer . Butterflies were having a good time as they feasted on the pollens of florals of peach and purple.

Fred of dark brown curly hair , bright hazel eyes , milk chocolate skin , moderate build , and 10 years of age , wearing a navy-blue denim short and sky-blue t-shirt with matching blue canvas shoes , beamed as he caught a brown creature of a prickly presence . Fred smirked and the look of mischief coloured his countenance as he cheekily slipped the creature in Solomon’s bag.

Solomon , 10 years of age , bright grey eyes , chocolate fluffy curly hair , smooth caramel skin , and a slim athletic frame , wore a black pair of jeans shorts , and a yellow t-shirt got to where his bag was kept after arriving from the toilet. Solomon rummaged through his bag looking for the bird feed he saved for the Swans paddling along waterloo lake .

Ouch! Solomon yelled as he threw out the hedgehog .

Fred turned away from looking at Solomon and tried to suppress a chuckle but failed . A wicked bout of laughter got the better of Fred .

“Fred!”

“You’re an Idiot”

It’s not me , I swear!

“Liar”

“Then who”

16.

 

#Background #Samantha

#Character #Journey 06*03*2022

#Solomon , I guess you found it funny when you slipped a frog in my bag the other day .

“Fred , “I’m gonna to get my own back. Trust me!”.

Really , maybe we can bet on who wins and who dishes out the most revenge .

“Fred , you must be having a laugh”.

“Seriously , Solomon , I take no prisoners”.

Solomon! Wait! , I can hear a strange noise ,

“Fred , I think the noise is right across the park . “

Solomon , I can see a brown basket wrapped across the handle with a pink cloth. Let’s go and check it out.

#Fred, the noise sounds like a puppy whining .

“Solomon , we can’t know unless we find out , guess work doesn’t make sense”.

A tiny vivacious presence of distinct blue eyes and creamy pink skin appeared , a tiny face moistened with tear drops .The infant appeared steady and was lying down and toggling tiny fingers and wearing a yellow one-see .

Fred ,it’s a baby not a puppy , silly.

“What are we going to do ?”

Seriously , Solomon , I don’t know .

“We can’t leave the poor thing on its own . “

“Fred , we must help this poor thing”.

Like what

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#Background #Samantha

Character Journey - 06*03*2022

“Scream help”

There’s nobody around to hear us.

“Solomon , do you have your mobile on you?”

Sure.

“ Let’s call an ambulance at once”.

You reckon it won’t take long .

“Hopefully , they’ll arrive in 5 to 15 minutes at most.”

Solomon , what if someone left the baby and they come looking for it.

What are we going to tell the owner ?

“Fred , we can’t take chances , besides if someone shows up , then we’re off the hook.”

Solomon , it looks like there’s something that resembles a pipe attached to the baby . It looks as if the baby was born recently.

An ambulance of yellow and green