Goo's write a day challenge: What happens now?
Okie so Goo has thought up a way to help me work on my writing and to get me into the habit of writing every day. Today after I got home from work he asked me to write him a short story from a random idea that popped into his head. Here is what i was able to spit out before bed. Please note that I will be altering this later and that I plan to write more thus giving it a kind of ending.
Enjoy,
Adalia
Edit: I've come to a satisfactory conclusion, I changed some things and really wrote more. Goo wants to read it and edit it and so it might very well go through more changes. We'll see what happens. Enjoy.
“Sir? Why have you called? I don’t mean to be rude, but it’s three in the morning.”
“Yes Sir I have been watching.”
“No, I have no clear idea of what to tell them, though I‘m sure most of them are drawing their own conclusions.”
“I’m not sure Sir, that is how you managed to catch me awake at such an odd hour.”
“Well yes if you really want to Sir I would be humbled to have you here.”
“I’ll be expecting you, be safe.”
The tired man hung up the phone and went about cleaning himself up for his very early start to the day. He turned on the television, a newscaster sprung to life, mid sentence, yelling at someone he could not see at the moment. He turned back just in time to see the face of the man being accosted, the poor person was garbed in the traditional clothing of an Islamic male, before the screen went to a commercial. After some deliberation he realized that he would not be able to stomach anything resembling breakfast yet.
He wondered not for the first time what was taking so long and what the man on the phone had wanted with him. He had a small number to watch over. Paltry really, when compared to the responsibility that his caller was yoked with.
For some unknown reason he had arranged his Spartan furnishings in a way to accommodate more than two people in a discussion. He had only had a request for one visitor, and was not sure what it was that made him feel compelled to expect more. So now he sat in front of his small television, it having since changed channels, watching a more sedate recounting of this month’s events. Interspersed during the young woman’s monologue were short versions of the videos and footage that she spoke of, as well as photos of witnesses and some other people that where involved.
“At the beginning of this month many police stations across the world received what we now have learned where simultaneous reports of missing people. Some of whom the witnesses claimed disappeared in a flash of light right before their eyes. One or two people where able to capture such incidents on cellular phone cameras and spread it over the internet via social networking sites. A few days later several of the worlds prominent religious leaders where claiming that this was the start of the end of days. Only a week ago copies of footage taken by a researcher studying untouched African tribes, depicting a young man preforming miracles, was sent to the major news networks all over the world. It is this footage and the additional scenes of this young man dying in a small tribal war that have caused an outcry for the video to be verified. Many are claiming that this young man was the messiah while many others say that this is all an elaborate hoax. Whatever your individual belief maybe, we are now able to confirm that this footage is one hundred percent authentic. Much of the world is looking to religious leaders for answers.”
A soft knock on the front door startled him but he quickly shook away the images that had been haunting his mind these past few days. Getting up he made his way to the door to answer its summons.
“Thomas? Are you there?” Thomas sighed, it appeared his guest was nervous and had not heard his shuffling around.
“Yes Sir I’m right here.” He said as he opened his door.
“Good I was afraid that in the time it took to get here you might have fallen asleep. It being such an ungodly hour.” The man before him spoke with a slight accent that Thomas couldn’t place. But that was not an unexpected thing considering this man was the Bishop of the dioceses in the area, and could have been sent here by the Vatican from anywhere. What was odd was the number of men behind his guest.
“I’m guessing that my expanded guest list is the reason for your delay Sir?” He could not help the teasing tone of his voice, it was one of the reasons his congregation had requested he stay longer than he had originally planned to.
“Yes Thomas you are quiet right that is the reason, but please allow us to come inside before I dispense the introductions.”
“Of course Sir.” The young Reverend moved aside and allowed the other holy men to enter his home. “Anyone want a cup of tea?” Was more of an after thought than an actual offer but he saw the other two hands go up and made his way to his kitchen.
“They just confirmed the footage?” The Bishop’s voice floated to Thomas’ ears, which resided in the small kitchen.
“Yes Sir, I was a little shocked myself to tell you the truth. I’m surprised my phone has not started ringing yet.” Thomas answered as he and the other men walked back into the room; they had thankfully gotten up to retrieve their drinks.
“Then this situation has become even more dire than it was before.” Announced a man seated to Thomas’ left.
“Why do you say that um…. Sorry we never did get to those introductions. I’m sure you all know by now that I’m Thomas Bradshaw.”
“Reverend Bradshaw. Don’t down play your role son. I’m Bishop Carasoni.”Said his original guest. The man to his left spoke next.
“I am Rabbi Emil Kauffman.”
“Pastor Simon Phillips.”
When the introductions finished Thomas was left in his seat still wondering.
“Once again gentlemen I don’t wish to be rude, but why have you all come here? Why have you come to meet with me of all people? “ Asked Thomas. He looked around at each man expectantly.
“Why son you are in the same boat as the rest of us.” Said Pastor Phillips, with a fatherly air to his tone. Thomas resisted the urge to feel absolutely comforted though and a pressed on with his reservations.
“I only have a small number of families in my church, the rest of you have many more responsibilities.” He said in a matter of fact tone not bothering to hide his embarrassment. To his amassment Bishop Carasoni spoke in a kind but authoritative voice.
“None is greater than the least of them, Thomas, your flock will want answers the same as ours’.” The simple meaning of the phrase put Thomas’ mind at rest, at least for a time. These men it appeared, respected him and seemed to need his help. He would be honored and happy to oblige them.
“Considering things didn’t exacting turn out like any of us expected, we thought that a meeting of all of our minds and hearts would benefit everyone.” Explained Rabbi Kauffman. He looked over at the television and sighed.
“I feel as though I have lead my people down the wrong path.”
“We are all feeling that to some degree Emil, you are not alone in this. But now is the time for us to work together and try to lead them the best we can.” Carasoni reassured the Jewish holy man with a small pat on the shoulder.
“Are you saying that you intend for us to merge our teachings and beliefs Sit?” Asked Thomas both shocked and curious. He didn’t know what to make of this proposal, he felt like this was a wonderful idea but part of him was terrified. These were all very similar religions but could they really over come their differences?
“Yes Thomas, I am proposing just that.”
“But won’t the Vatican frown upon that idea Sir?”
“I would not doubt, but this has happened and we have been left here.”
“Carasoni, many people don’t believe that this is really the end. It seems too mundane and normal; people are going to work as though it was a regular Thursday. They see nothing different around them and might not feel the need for any change.” Simon said morosely. He seemed very frustrated as though he was talking about certain souls he could not help.
“But they need to change that must be the reason so many of us remained here.”Carasoni’s voice took on a weary tone as he spoke and Thomas could suddenly see the exhaustion that was over taking the older man. His eyes had dark circles around them and he kept rubbing at his knees. Thomas could now imagine the old Bishop kneeling for hours in prayer for guidance and answers as to why he had been left behind. The young Reverend saw a great sadness hit the two other holy men, as they realized that the same hope of salvation had been dashed for the Bishop as well. Such a great man that they all admired, brought to such despair. How could they have hoped to find peace when this man they all respected could not?
Silence suffocated the small room as all four men fell into hopelessness. The being they had believed in had come and gone, had left them in this world of pain and war. Things were has they always had been.
Thomas looked towards the television once more. The scroll on the bottom of the screen gave no comforting news; violence seemed to be many peoples’ answer. But the closed captions that cut the screen from side to side hinted at a fate that all mankind intrinsically longed for, peace of mind. The news anchor had switched stories at some point and was now talking about what the faithful of the world’s population seemed to be doing. Gathering and banding together in comfort and hope, the people they had served were still out there. Still there waiting for hope and something to believe in.
“Wait Sir, what if it is just a second chance? What if we are still here to help them? Not because we have done any worse than they but because we could all use some help from each other?” The other men looked at him blankly. “A church is not a museum of Saints but a hospital for Sinners!” Thomas had stood from his seat quickly in his joyous exclamation. The older men stared up at him, small smiles slowly spreading across their faces as the thought bloomed in their minds and hearts. There was hope, always hope. They could continue as before but there was now concrete evidence for their faith. Some would not believe, as before, but more just might.
“This is why I felt the need to come here Thomas, your mind is young and much quicker than an older mans’” Said Carasoni, a smile played across his face as he tried to remain dignified. He shook Thomas’s hand as he stood and looked to the other men.
“We should continue on as we were, but I believe with a bit more tolerance and acceptance of each other’s views. That might be the key to saving us. We should strive to make our home a beacon to others, a picture of what we can do together. Others will follow and maybe Rome will as well.” The men nodded in agreement, rising from their seats.
Rabbi Kauffman and pastor Phillips made for the door, their steps lightened of a heavy burden. As Bishop Carasoni followed them out Thomas stopped him with a hand on his arm.
“Do you think we can make this work Sir?”
“Yes Thomas I think we can, if we help each other. We can see from the list of people taken that they where from all different faiths. Maybe that was the message, that none of us alone has the answer. But that all of us together in a form of harmony is what it takes.” Said the older man sagely with a serene smile lighting his tired face.
He took his leave then, Thomas was left in his home to ponder those last words with his own serene smile on his face.
Enjoy,
Adalia
Edit: I've come to a satisfactory conclusion, I changed some things and really wrote more. Goo wants to read it and edit it and so it might very well go through more changes. We'll see what happens. Enjoy.
“Sir? Why have you called? I don’t mean to be rude, but it’s three in the morning.”
“Yes Sir I have been watching.”
“No, I have no clear idea of what to tell them, though I‘m sure most of them are drawing their own conclusions.”
“I’m not sure Sir, that is how you managed to catch me awake at such an odd hour.”
“Well yes if you really want to Sir I would be humbled to have you here.”
“I’ll be expecting you, be safe.”
The tired man hung up the phone and went about cleaning himself up for his very early start to the day. He turned on the television, a newscaster sprung to life, mid sentence, yelling at someone he could not see at the moment. He turned back just in time to see the face of the man being accosted, the poor person was garbed in the traditional clothing of an Islamic male, before the screen went to a commercial. After some deliberation he realized that he would not be able to stomach anything resembling breakfast yet.
He wondered not for the first time what was taking so long and what the man on the phone had wanted with him. He had a small number to watch over. Paltry really, when compared to the responsibility that his caller was yoked with.
For some unknown reason he had arranged his Spartan furnishings in a way to accommodate more than two people in a discussion. He had only had a request for one visitor, and was not sure what it was that made him feel compelled to expect more. So now he sat in front of his small television, it having since changed channels, watching a more sedate recounting of this month’s events. Interspersed during the young woman’s monologue were short versions of the videos and footage that she spoke of, as well as photos of witnesses and some other people that where involved.
“At the beginning of this month many police stations across the world received what we now have learned where simultaneous reports of missing people. Some of whom the witnesses claimed disappeared in a flash of light right before their eyes. One or two people where able to capture such incidents on cellular phone cameras and spread it over the internet via social networking sites. A few days later several of the worlds prominent religious leaders where claiming that this was the start of the end of days. Only a week ago copies of footage taken by a researcher studying untouched African tribes, depicting a young man preforming miracles, was sent to the major news networks all over the world. It is this footage and the additional scenes of this young man dying in a small tribal war that have caused an outcry for the video to be verified. Many are claiming that this young man was the messiah while many others say that this is all an elaborate hoax. Whatever your individual belief maybe, we are now able to confirm that this footage is one hundred percent authentic. Much of the world is looking to religious leaders for answers.”
A soft knock on the front door startled him but he quickly shook away the images that had been haunting his mind these past few days. Getting up he made his way to the door to answer its summons.
“Thomas? Are you there?” Thomas sighed, it appeared his guest was nervous and had not heard his shuffling around.
“Yes Sir I’m right here.” He said as he opened his door.
“Good I was afraid that in the time it took to get here you might have fallen asleep. It being such an ungodly hour.” The man before him spoke with a slight accent that Thomas couldn’t place. But that was not an unexpected thing considering this man was the Bishop of the dioceses in the area, and could have been sent here by the Vatican from anywhere. What was odd was the number of men behind his guest.
“I’m guessing that my expanded guest list is the reason for your delay Sir?” He could not help the teasing tone of his voice, it was one of the reasons his congregation had requested he stay longer than he had originally planned to.
“Yes Thomas you are quiet right that is the reason, but please allow us to come inside before I dispense the introductions.”
“Of course Sir.” The young Reverend moved aside and allowed the other holy men to enter his home. “Anyone want a cup of tea?” Was more of an after thought than an actual offer but he saw the other two hands go up and made his way to his kitchen.
“They just confirmed the footage?” The Bishop’s voice floated to Thomas’ ears, which resided in the small kitchen.
“Yes Sir, I was a little shocked myself to tell you the truth. I’m surprised my phone has not started ringing yet.” Thomas answered as he and the other men walked back into the room; they had thankfully gotten up to retrieve their drinks.
“Then this situation has become even more dire than it was before.” Announced a man seated to Thomas’ left.
“Why do you say that um…. Sorry we never did get to those introductions. I’m sure you all know by now that I’m Thomas Bradshaw.”
“Reverend Bradshaw. Don’t down play your role son. I’m Bishop Carasoni.”Said his original guest. The man to his left spoke next.
“I am Rabbi Emil Kauffman.”
“Pastor Simon Phillips.”
When the introductions finished Thomas was left in his seat still wondering.
“Once again gentlemen I don’t wish to be rude, but why have you all come here? Why have you come to meet with me of all people? “ Asked Thomas. He looked around at each man expectantly.
“Why son you are in the same boat as the rest of us.” Said Pastor Phillips, with a fatherly air to his tone. Thomas resisted the urge to feel absolutely comforted though and a pressed on with his reservations.
“I only have a small number of families in my church, the rest of you have many more responsibilities.” He said in a matter of fact tone not bothering to hide his embarrassment. To his amassment Bishop Carasoni spoke in a kind but authoritative voice.
“None is greater than the least of them, Thomas, your flock will want answers the same as ours’.” The simple meaning of the phrase put Thomas’ mind at rest, at least for a time. These men it appeared, respected him and seemed to need his help. He would be honored and happy to oblige them.
“Considering things didn’t exacting turn out like any of us expected, we thought that a meeting of all of our minds and hearts would benefit everyone.” Explained Rabbi Kauffman. He looked over at the television and sighed.
“I feel as though I have lead my people down the wrong path.”
“We are all feeling that to some degree Emil, you are not alone in this. But now is the time for us to work together and try to lead them the best we can.” Carasoni reassured the Jewish holy man with a small pat on the shoulder.
“Are you saying that you intend for us to merge our teachings and beliefs Sit?” Asked Thomas both shocked and curious. He didn’t know what to make of this proposal, he felt like this was a wonderful idea but part of him was terrified. These were all very similar religions but could they really over come their differences?
“Yes Thomas, I am proposing just that.”
“But won’t the Vatican frown upon that idea Sir?”
“I would not doubt, but this has happened and we have been left here.”
“Carasoni, many people don’t believe that this is really the end. It seems too mundane and normal; people are going to work as though it was a regular Thursday. They see nothing different around them and might not feel the need for any change.” Simon said morosely. He seemed very frustrated as though he was talking about certain souls he could not help.
“But they need to change that must be the reason so many of us remained here.”Carasoni’s voice took on a weary tone as he spoke and Thomas could suddenly see the exhaustion that was over taking the older man. His eyes had dark circles around them and he kept rubbing at his knees. Thomas could now imagine the old Bishop kneeling for hours in prayer for guidance and answers as to why he had been left behind. The young Reverend saw a great sadness hit the two other holy men, as they realized that the same hope of salvation had been dashed for the Bishop as well. Such a great man that they all admired, brought to such despair. How could they have hoped to find peace when this man they all respected could not?
Silence suffocated the small room as all four men fell into hopelessness. The being they had believed in had come and gone, had left them in this world of pain and war. Things were has they always had been.
Thomas looked towards the television once more. The scroll on the bottom of the screen gave no comforting news; violence seemed to be many peoples’ answer. But the closed captions that cut the screen from side to side hinted at a fate that all mankind intrinsically longed for, peace of mind. The news anchor had switched stories at some point and was now talking about what the faithful of the world’s population seemed to be doing. Gathering and banding together in comfort and hope, the people they had served were still out there. Still there waiting for hope and something to believe in.
“Wait Sir, what if it is just a second chance? What if we are still here to help them? Not because we have done any worse than they but because we could all use some help from each other?” The other men looked at him blankly. “A church is not a museum of Saints but a hospital for Sinners!” Thomas had stood from his seat quickly in his joyous exclamation. The older men stared up at him, small smiles slowly spreading across their faces as the thought bloomed in their minds and hearts. There was hope, always hope. They could continue as before but there was now concrete evidence for their faith. Some would not believe, as before, but more just might.
“This is why I felt the need to come here Thomas, your mind is young and much quicker than an older mans’” Said Carasoni, a smile played across his face as he tried to remain dignified. He shook Thomas’s hand as he stood and looked to the other men.
“We should continue on as we were, but I believe with a bit more tolerance and acceptance of each other’s views. That might be the key to saving us. We should strive to make our home a beacon to others, a picture of what we can do together. Others will follow and maybe Rome will as well.” The men nodded in agreement, rising from their seats.
Rabbi Kauffman and pastor Phillips made for the door, their steps lightened of a heavy burden. As Bishop Carasoni followed them out Thomas stopped him with a hand on his arm.
“Do you think we can make this work Sir?”
“Yes Thomas I think we can, if we help each other. We can see from the list of people taken that they where from all different faiths. Maybe that was the message, that none of us alone has the answer. But that all of us together in a form of harmony is what it takes.” Said the older man sagely with a serene smile lighting his tired face.
He took his leave then, Thomas was left in his home to ponder those last words with his own serene smile on his face.