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#Humanity and #Hope






02*04*2024


Simon and Samantha glanced up from their sandwiches as they sat in one of the huts at Roundhay Park . Suddenly  a  commotion caught their attention. Samantha's eyes followed the trajectory of a  football as it accidentally struck the young lass , chocolate skin , blue eyes , dark  long braids , slim build. Concern etched on her face, Samantha nudged Simon, gesturing toward the scene.

"Should we go check if she's alright?" Samantha asked, her voice filled with empathy.

Simon nodded, setting down his sandwich, and they both made their way over to where the young woman stood, rubbing her arm where the ball had made contact. As they approached, Samantha offered a reassuring smile.

"Are you okay?" she asked gently, her concern evident.

The young woman looked up, surprised by their sudden appearance. She nodded, though her expression remained slightly pained. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just caught me off guard, is all."

Simon glanced at the group playing football nearby, noticing a mix of apology and concern on their faces as well. " Sorry ,it was an accident," one of the players  said, trying to alleviate any lingering tension.

The young woman offered a small smile in return, appreciating their kindness. "Thanks," she replied softly, before turning back to rejoin her friends.

Samantha and Simon watched her walk away, then exchanged a glance before returning to their bench. As they settled back in, Samantha couldn't help but reflect on the importance of kindness in unexpected moments, even in the midst of a simple day at the park.

61.


 

02*04*2024


“Why are you looking at me like that ?”

Like what.

“An idiot”

What’s wrong with you ?

“I saw your wondering eye flirting with that girl ”.

Which girl ?

“The one wearing  blue yoga legging and a  pink tank top”.

What’s your problem?

“Is it  a crime to see someone walk past?“.

Off course its not a crime but your eyes were staring .

Sam , you’ve gone bananas .

“Simon , just shut up .”

62.


 

02*04*2024

Samantha gnashed her teeth as the  coldness of  air  breezed through her face  followed by goose bumps smothering her skin. It was hard for her to face her new normal , however she managed to muscle up   courage and unburden herself from the hospice she had been accustomed to visiting. Samantha mumbled a few words in a hoarse voice mingled with tears dripping down her porcelain cheeks. The   nurses who looked after “Sherry”  over the past 12 months fought back tears and failed.  Samantha ordered a taxi and with a heavy heart she gave a hug to the nurses who looked after “Sherry”. As the silver  Toyota Camry  parked  , a  tall man with salt and pepper hair , olive skin , kind blue eyes wearing brown denims and a  blue denim shirt waved at “Samantha” who looked   sullen . Samantha was bracing herself for the longest night of her life as she slid into the  owner’s corner of the taxi and gave the driver her post code. For the first time “Samantha” felt the full weight of “Sherry’s” departure and the monster of loneliness crept into her embrace  ferociously.

Samantha paid the driver  leaving a generous tip after he dropped her off at her red brick duplex .

63.


 

02*04*2024

Samantha's heart weighed heavy as she navigated through the familiar yet haunting spaces of her home. The absence of her mother, "Sherry," felt like a void that threatened to swallow her soul. The memories of laughter, warmth, and love seemed to reverberate in the silence, mocking her with their absence.

In the bathroom, as the warm water cascaded over her creamy porcelain skin, Samantha let herself succumb to the tears that had been threatening to spill since she left the hospice. Each droplet mingled with the stream, a physical manifestation of the grief that clenched at her chest.

After drying herself off, Samantha wrapped her hands around a steaming cup of hot chocolate, seeking solace in its warmth. The familiar taste offered a fleeting comfort, but the questions and doubts continued to gnaw at her mind.

"Mum, are you in a better place?" she whispered, the words barely audible over the hush of the house.

The emptiness echoed back at her, offering no answers, only a cold reminder of the irrevocable loss she now faced. How could she go on without her mother, her anchor in a world that suddenly felt so uncertain?

"What am I going to do?" Samantha's voice wavered as she voiced the question aloud, the weight of responsibility settling heavily on her shoulders. The future stretched before her, a vast expanse of unknowns that seemed daunting in its ambiguity.

But amidst the despair and uncertainty, Samantha knew she had to find the strength to carry on. For her mother, for herself, for the memories they shared together. With a deep breath, she steadied herself, determined to navigate the tumultuous sea of grief and find a way to keep her mother's spirit alive in her heart.

64.


 

02*04*2024

As Samantha strolled through her garden, the morning sunlight danced through the leaves, casting playful shadows on the path she walked. She couldn't shake off the astonishment of the letter she had just read. Sherry, her darling mother  had meticulously planned her own funeral down to the last detail, leaving Samantha completely dumbfounded.

Pondering over the contents of the letter, Samantha felt a mix of emotions swim round her mind. It was as if Sherry had reached out from beyond the grave to ensure everything was taken care of. The gesture was both touching and surreal.

As Samantha refilled the nut case for the squirrels, her mind wandered to the lawyer mentioned in the letter. What could Sherry have left for her? What secrets or surprises awaited her at the end of this unexpected journey?

Lost in thought, Samantha made her way back to the house, the cool breeze gently rustling her hair. She resolved to honour Sherry's wishes and attend the funeral, knowing that there was more to uncover once the formalities were over. With a sense of curiosity and a tinge of sadness, Samantha prepared herself for the day ahead, eager to unravel the mysteries that lay ahead.

65.


 

02*04*2024

Samantha's heart raced with a mixture of fear and awe as she tried to comprehend the surreal situation she found herself in. The being escorting her, towering over her with an air of otherworldly presence, seemed to emanate both power and compassion.

With each step on the golden pavement, Samantha's senses were overwhelmed by the sheer magnificence of her surroundings. The opulence of her surroundings seemed almost too extravagant to be real, prompting her to question whether she was truly awake or trapped in a dream.

Yet, as she looked into the gentle, hazel eyes of the towering figure beside her, she felt a sense of reassurance wash over her. Despite the overwhelming strangeness of it all, there was a warmth in the being's gaze that eased her nerves, a silent assurance that she was safe in its presence.

With a trembling hand, Samantha reached out to touch the golden surface beneath her, half-expecting it to dissolve like mist at her touch. But to her amazement, it was solid and real, gleaming under the ethereal light that bathed this celestial realm.

Lost in wonder and disbelief, Samantha couldn't shake the feeling that she had stumbled into a place beyond the realms of ordinary existence, where the boundaries between dreams and reality blurred into one. And as she walked alongside her enigmatic guide, she couldn't help but wonder what other mysteries awaited her in this extraordinary place.

66.


 

02*04*2024

The "Angel" held Samantha's hands with tenderness and care, akin to a father guiding his child. Within minutes, Samantha calmed down and began to relish the freshness of the cool air around her. She gazed upon a surreal sight: a sea of glass mingling with what appeared to be white smoke and fire. Squinting against the beams of light piercing her eyes, she beheld a host of people, filling the space like a thousand packed stadiums. Each person wore pure white robes that shimmered from head to toe, radiating happiness as they sang symphonies that filled the air with joy.

Suddenly, two more "Angels," adorned in white robes adorned with white feathers and ice-blue blazing eyes, approached Samantha. They exchanged joyous pleasantries and guided her towards a vast room enveloped in white smoke. Samantha was awestruck as she struggled to comprehend the presence of a massive being, clothed in a robe whiter than snow. Seated upon a throne crafted from the purest gold, which sparkled like the sun, the being commanded attention and reverence.

67.


 

02*04*2024

Samantha tried to look at the celestial beings face but the brightness of the light in the room was too intense for Samantha to look into the eyes of the being.

Celestial spoke to Samantha in a voice that was like waterfalls of Niagara and walked    Samantha round the garden  where Samantha met with Sherry and her adopted father , the people Samantha saw appeared peaceful , happy, and radiant .

“What’s your name?”

Why do you want to know?

 “I’m curious”.

 Celestial is my name.

Tell me your name.

“Samantha”.

“Where am I?”

I can’t tell you.

“Why can’t you tell me?”

I have my reasons.

“Please tell me “.

Samantha , just enjoy the moment .

“How come my mum and dad are here?”

That’s a story for another day.

68.


 

02*04*2024

Samantha saw Sherry from a distance wearing a white dress that shimmered with a glow as she smiled  and was having a conversation with a child wearing a white robe. Sherry looked ageless and happy as Samantha called her name .

“Can I speak to my mum?”

Unfortunately, you can’t speak to “Sherry”.

“Why?”

Your time has not yet come .

“What do you mean by that?”

Samantha , you still have work to do on earth , besides the people you see here are no longer on planet earth .

“So why am I here ?”

Samantha ,  #Hashem permitted you to come on a visit so that you can have some hope when you get back to planet earth.

“What are you telling me?”

Samantha , there is so much you have been assigned to accomplish and you  need to go and fulfil your destiny and touch lives for the better .

You also need to build a   legacy ;hence I am  going to close the curtains on your visit and send you back .

69.


 

02*04*2024

Samantha knelt on the cold, hard ground, tears streaming down her cheeks like rivers of despair. Her heart heavy with sorrow, she reached out to the celestial being, her voice choked with desperation.

"Please," she whispered, her voice barely audible amidst the tumult of her emotions, "I have nowhere else to go. Please, grant me shelter, even just for a night."

But the celestial being remained unmoved, its ethereal form shimmering with an otherworldly glow. Its eyes, filled with a sorrowful wisdom, met Samantha's pleading gaze, yet it did not yield to her plea.

With a solemn shake of its head, the celestial being gestured towards the horizon, where the first light of of dawn began to break through the darkness.

70.


 

02*04*2024

"I'm sorry, child,"

Samantha , there is so much you have been assigned to accomplish and you  need to go and fulfil your destiny and touch lives for the better .

You also need to build a   legacy ;hence I am  going to close the curtains on your visit and send you back .

its voice echoed like the whisper of the wind, carrying with it a sense of finality. "But your journey lies elsewhere. Farewell."

As Samantha watched, her heart sinking with the weight of rejection, a wave of resignation washed over her. She knew she had to continue her quest alone, braving the unknown with nothing but her courage and determination to guide her. With a heavy sigh, she rose to her feet, wiping away her tears as she prepared to face the challenges ahead.

71.


 

02*04*2024


Samantha rubbed her eyes and pushed herself up from her bed, her pink nightgown clinging lightly to her damp skin. Tears still glistened on her cheeks, remnants of dreams that lingered like shadows in her mind. With a sigh, she reached for a tissue to dab away the moisture, feeling the cool air of the morning against her skin.

The sunlight streamed through her window, casting a golden glow across her room, while outside, the day promised to be fresh and invigorating. Samantha stepped closer to the window, peering out at the scene unfolding before her.

In the gardens below, squirrels darted among the trees, their bushy tails flicking in excitement as they searched for breakfast. A few foxes prowled around, their sleek forms moving gracefully through the dewy grass. Samantha watched with interest, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she observed the creatures going about their morning routines.

For a moment, she forgot her troubles, lost in the simple beauty of the natural world waking up around her. With a deep breath, she resolved to face the day ahead with renewed strength, knowing that even in the midst of her own struggles, there was still so much wonder to be found in the world outside her window.

72.


 

02*04*2024

Moreno James, aged 55, descended from the train at Oxford Circus. His face, chiseled by time and experience, carried the weight of years spent in conflict zones. His once-brown hair, now disheveled, hinted at a life lived on the edge. Grey, sleepy eyes spoke volumes of the horrors witnessed; the memories etched deep within his soul.

Clad in tattered blue jeans, a uniform of sorts, he moved with staggered strides, as if each step carried the burden of his past. The winds, blowing fiercely from the west, tugged at his coat, a shield against both the elements and the demons that haunted him.

Moreno was a man of medium build, his porcelain skin a canvas marked by scars unseen. A veteran of the army, he had seen action in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the echoes of war reverberating in his mind long after the battles had ceased.

But perhaps the heaviest weight he carried was that of loss. A widower, he bore the ache of a heart shattered by grief, a loneliness that threatened to engulf him at every turn. And underlying it all, a long history of PTSD, a silent companion on his journey through life.

As he walked the streets of Oxford Circus, Moreno carried with him the invisible wounds of war, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Moreno's black sneakers, worn and weathered, bore the scars of countless journeys with patchy holes peeking through their edges. Nonetheless, Moreno seemed unperturbed by their worn appearance as he strolled down the bustling sidewalks of Oxford Street, a familiar tune escaping his lips in a soft whistle. He carried an olive nap sack casually slung over his left arm, a silent companion to his urban adventures.

The man, drawn by the sight of the red phone booth, found himself captivated. With a distinctive Cockney accent, he proceeded to make a couple of calls. Each conversation seemed animated, filled with the characteristic slang and intonation of the East End of London. However, as he attempted one final call, he was met with the impersonal beep of a voicemail recording.

73.


 

02*04*2024

Moreno  vanished into thin air  and what unravelled next was the sound of an explosion ripping violently.

The black lightning crackled ominously, casting jagged streaks across the darkened firmament. Intermingling with it, bolts of yellow lightning burst forth, their brilliance cutting through the gloom like fiery tendrils reaching out from some ethereal realm. And amidst this surreal display, the coppery red inferno danced with a fiery passion, adding a mesmerizing hue to the chaotic symphony playing out above.

Each blast seemed to possess a life of its own, lashing out with raw power and unrestrained fury. The turbulent roar of   the explosion echoed through the landscape, reverberating with the primal energy of the elements unleashed.

Against the drab monotony of the grey skies, this explosion of colour and light was a stark reminder of the untamed forces that lay beyond human comprehension. It was a spectacle both awe-inspiring and terrifying, a reminder of nature's unyielding power and beauty.

People ran north , east , west, and south as   emergency services rallied to help the #wounded and drive survivors to the nearest hospital .

74.



 

 

02*04*2024

 

The tranquillity of the afternoon was shattered as chaos descended upon the unsuspecting city. What had once been a typical Friday afternoon transformed into a scene of horror and devastation. From the depths of evil, turmoil emerged, spreading its dark tendrils throughout the streets.

Screams pierced the air as panic gripped the hearts of those caught in the midst of the unfolding madness. Buildings trembled, their structures threatened by the force of the unleashed fury. Smoke billowed into the sky, obscuring the once serene horizon with its ominous presence.

Innocent bystanders found themselves thrust into a nightmare, forced to confront the harsh reality of a world turned upside down. The streets, once bustling with life, now lay desolate and strewn with debris, a testament to the havoc wrought by the forces of darkness.

Yet, amidst the chaos and carnage, there flickered a glimmer of hope. Brave souls emerged, rallying together in the face of adversity, determined to reclaim their city from the clutches of evil. For even in the darkest of hours, the human spirit perseveres, a beacon of light amidst the encroaching shadows.

75.


 

02*04*2024

Samantha, clad in a pair of green jeans and a denim yellow shirt, with green sneakers, arrived at the scene which resembled a scene from a horror movie. Without hesitation, she sprang into action, pulling the remaining injured people towards the pavement and delivering crucial first aid. Her quick thinking and compassionate actions made a significant difference in the midst of chaos and distress.

Shortly after the atmosphere calmed down ,Samantha’s android was ringing .Sam answered on the second ring.

"Hello?" Samantha's voice was still slightly shaky from the recent events, but she tried to sound composed.

"Hey, Samantha, it's Simon," came the voice from the other end of the line.

Simon felt a wave of relief hearing Samantha's familiar voice.

"Oh, hi Samantha. How are you?"

"I'm good, thanks. Just calling to check in on you. I heard about what happened earlier, and I wanted to make sure you're alright."

Samantha sighed. "Yeah, it was a bit intense, but I'm okay. Thanks for checking in."

"Of course. Anything I can do to help?"

"I think I just need some time to process everything," Samantha replied. "But I #appreciate you reaching out."

"Alright, well, I'm here if you need anything. And don't forget, we still have that dinner planned for next week."

A small smile tugged at the corners of Samantha's lips. "I haven't forgotten. Looking forward to it."

"Great. Take care, Samantha."

"You too, Alex. Bye." Samantha ended the call and set her android aside, feeling grateful for the support of her friend during such a tumultuous time.

76.


 

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