The Queen

 

She’d done it... she had created an apple that would remove her enemy from the world and now, Snow White, would face her doom for daring to be more beautiful than her. She knew that this was right and just, for she had given everything to gain control of the kingdom and her beauty had kept her in power. Enemies surrounded her and by ending Snow White she knew she would solidify her reign over her people and strike fear into those who sought to bring about her downfall.

Her first attempt had failed, and Snow had been saved by those wretched little men, but mark my word, her end was near. The queen’s hatred bubbled like lava inside her flesh. She would not be stopped, and she would ensure her power was unchallengeable and known through every kingdom.

Once, she had been foolish enough to love the girl as a daughter. Yet, with every year, her beauty had remained the same while Snow's had grown more and more beautiful, which was unfitting for a queen to witness. This apple would rid her of the obstacle in her life and remove it from the world forever. All she needed to do was to get it to her.

She tore through the pages of her spell book knowing the spell she needed was hidden in its depths. How was she going to make it to the cottage in that form was the last thing on her mind?
A gasp as she looked at the page she was hoping to find and busied herself collecting what she needed to make the second spell. The energy required would be huge, but worth it. She chanted the incantation and felt her body morph: her back curving and her flesh crinkling like paper.

Finally, she cackled to herself. She grabbed the basket and placed the beautiful cursed apple on the top.

She began the long and arduous walk to the cottage of Snow White, where she found the 'ugly peasant girl' cleaning once more. In the light she looked more angelic and beautiful than ever and the Queen's rage grew more powerful. She walked forward and offered the girl an apple from her basket claiming it was a wishing apple.

Snow knew it could be a trick but hated to upset an old lady with a weak heart and so raised the apple to her mouth and took one bite of the red layered skin.

Suddenly, the old lady fell to the floor screaming as she transformed back into the Queen. It was working, she saw that now. The person who had brought her doom, was herself for allowing hatred and jealousy to reign.

As she screamed, she felt a hand touch hers. The warm tears fell from her stepdaughter and instantly the pain vanished from her and the screaming ceased.

She looked up into the eyes of the person she had hated for so long and saw the truth. True beauty lies inside as well as out.

The Maze of life.

 A Mindful Story.

In my teenage years, I got lost in the biggest maze I’d ever known. Every time, I thought I would get out, I ended up lost again and it caused me so much worry and strife.

One day, I deliberately got lost, through random choices, in directions and chances taken to find a new path. I was lost, I knew it but I was not afraid. I had found myself here and I would escape to safety.

I embraced the condition and situation. I’m still lost in the maze of my life but I will find my way.

A message for the lost!

 

A message for the lost!

 

A long time ago, I found myself lost and alone. The sky filled with clouds and my heart sang a mournful tune.  The more time that passed the more lost I became. Every new scene brought new feelings of woe and loneliness.

Nothing familiar could be seen and confusion threatened to swallow me up like a monster from a fairy tale world. My world passed by and each time it did I felt alone and more lost than ever before.

I searched everywhere for something familiar, but nothing appeared.

That is when I stopped! I calmed myself down and controlled my breathing.

I became aware of where I was, who I was and my presence in both. I realised the time that had passed was not retrievable but my eyes now open could see the path ahead. I was not alone and was where I was always meant to be surrounded by those I love, who tried to find me but seemed unable.

When I looked around, I saw my friends, my family and they were all staring at me with tears streaming down their cheeks.

I blinked, they reacted instantly, smiling and as one in perfect unison stated, “You’ve come back to us!”

Though this feeling overcame me many more times, it could never settle long because those I love found it easier to find me and guide me home.

Those feelings reoccur but I know I am a mountain and know life throws storms to weather me, I will not wither away. I will never be lost for all can see. I will last!

Elara

Elara was an elephant – grand, imposing, beautiful yet she had a problem… she was so forgetful. The other elephants feared to let her out of their sights. 

The elephant’s memory is legendary they will demonstrate this by returning each year to the place their ancestors died. Bones laid testament to their everlasting memories, but Elara was different.

She would forget things in the short- term memory everything since the traumatic escape from the poachers.

She had hidden those feeling (PST) deep down because she couldn’t cope with the onslaught of emotions, they created inside her. She had locked them so deep that it appeared she’d forgotten but it had scarred her inside. She now forgot everything she did.

Her family consisted of Elena her mother, Elliot her father and Ellard her brother and they constantly lived in fear that she would disappear or get lost again and something terrible would happen due to this problem. 

This feat was manageable for many years as the family roamed the African desert not stopping and rarely leaving each-others sight.

One day, Elara went for a walk and slipped down a hole into a cavern black and dark. Fear began to take root and when she heard the screech and the flutter of a wing before I touched her flesh, she fled towards the light barely visible in the distance. 

She stumbled and tripped but would not be stopped. But nearing the hole she fell and slid out the cavern plummeting to the river below screaming for help. Her last sight was of her family staring over the edge of the cliff way above her head.

When she woke, she was once again in a cage locked inside a van that belonged to poachers. This sent her into frenzy as she began to remember what had happened before. A sound of absolute terror escaped her, and the world went silent. Suddenly, the van was barged and tilted on its side. 

Elara fell and screamed but immediately got up as her brother ripped the door of the cage. The poachers had been barged into the river and had been swept by its current.

Elara looked at her family and said, “Thank you, I am home.” With that they returned to their wandering. One unit…one family…one restored elephant amongst them.

When Granny wasn't knitting!

When granny wasn't knitting, she worked as a spy! I know, I know I have a bit of a hard time believing it to. What you don’t know is that she is the number one spy for MI6. I mean who would believe a nutty, frail, old lady could be an undercover operative of such prowess.

She has stopped Baroness Europa from trying to assassinate Barton John and Charles Windpipe from stealing the throne. She is the number one spy in the world, and I am lucky enough to call her Granny. Though, I have to say, the day I found out what she was, not her best moment!

We travelled to London as my parents were away, she had won us tickets for our favourite band at a famous concert hall. We were staying at famous hotel chain in Park Lane, and it was stunning.

On arrival she started arguing with the concierge about his rough handling of her bags and that if she wanted the hotel to see her drawers, she’d be parading herself around in them. Then while getting her keys she began to comment on some of the jewellery.

“Well, that’s clearly a fake!” She said loudly looking at a woman showing off her jewellery, “you can see its chipped! That one there with the big gold signet ring is overcompensating for something.” She chuckled to herself as the man stared daggers at her. “I hope the room is on the top floor so I can get a better view of the nutters in the Serpentine”.

Most of the people in the foyer were laughing quite violently except for the manager who she commented, “Looked like a sour prune!” And of course, the overcompensating man.

I adore and love my Granny but at this point I moved her to the lift and set us on our journey to the seclusion of the lift as laughter sang like a church chorus though the ground floor.

“I wonder why they’re laughing?” Granny winked at me.

When we got to the lift, the lift operator asked for the floor and pressed the button and the doors closed and we started to rise.

“Well, that was fun! I bet the manger could cook eggs on his forehead after that show.”

The three of them burst into rolls of laughter and Granny tipped the lift operator handsomely as they left.

Cursed by love!

In Germany, 1885, the first automobile was created. It was a mechanical marvel and it was credited to Karl Benz, a genius and intellectual god some say. There is some truth I suppose, the car was created by an intellectual god but it was bestowed to the human as a gift, but with many stories about god’s giving gifts, one should err on the side of caution.

The idea came to him in dreams, after seeing plans created by the inventor Leonardo Di Vinci the Italian designer. His designs revolutionised travel many years later, but they were to be a curse for humanity created through jealousy and hate.

Karl was a poor child, but he was incredibly determined to make something of his life and having wit and genius he strove for something more. From the moment he was born he drew the attention of one god for his mechanical mind and so he was gifted the stimuli to engineer fantastic inventions.

He grew up and went to University, later creating the finest vehicle known to man, a wonder of the modern world. It would have been wonderful if Hephaestus had not discovered what had brought Benz into the world.

You see Aphrodite had one of her many affairs with a mortal and it led to the birth of a child who Aphrodite absolutely loved. After birthing him she switched him with a mortal who died tragically in an explosion. Aphrodite feigned mourning knowing that her husband had caused the explosion to rid the world of another one of her illegitimate children.

He marveled in knowing he had hurt her as shed hurt him and she had left the boy alone to give him a chance bestowing gifts that she hoped Hephaestus would covet and protect. In secret they both showered the boy with love as he grew and bestowed gifts only gods could grant.

Unfortunately, a mother can never give up her child fully and when she told the truth Hephaestus flew into a rage. He could not switch his love for the boy of and wanted to continue to be his benefactor, but he had to do something to the human world that once again caused him pain.

The curse was made, the boy would be successful, and his invention would hold a place in time, but it would cause death, pain, disease and poison the world that accepted it as a gift. The boy would be loved in his own time, but he would be a victim of his mother’s cheating ways and in the future his name would be a blemish on human history.

Rome

I’m haunted every night by him. My brother and I grew up protected by Lupa, she cared deeply for us and wished us well in life and now she plagues my dreams too.

Father is happy, as he basks in violence, but I fear I have left a legacy of murder that will build an empire only to see it fall.

I am sorry for what I did to my brother and I know now that I will be punished in the next Life. I only hope that my brother can forgive me and maybe that will grant me peace.

As my eyes close, I once more am reminded of what I have lost. Its starts with the howl of mother’s grief, she knows what has happen what I will do as she looks at the child forms of my brother and I. She knows and yet she loves me still though it saddens her and as her eyes fall on me a lone tear cascades down her cheek and hide my head in shame.

Meanwhile father laugh on his throne of bones and their next to him is my brother gagged and bound due to his weakness. “You must free your brother,” I hear Lupa whisper as I scream waking from my slumber.

A letter to a queen!

Dear Elizabeth,

I understand your decision, I must apologise for my error in courtship with Bessy. You were  beautiful...magnificent and I turned from you, though I fear this was destined to be. For your love was for your country and you are enamoured with it. 

Our trysts were committed in secret; it drove me wild, as it would with any man. My vexations were worsened when you teased me in front of others. Pray, I must confess,  I acted in great dishonour. 

I should have shown you more loyalty, given you my favour and then waited until you were ready. 

Now, I fear I may have lost your trust and love forever. I pray that you allow me an opportunity to once more; gain your trust, love and loyalty. 

All the best my love...I hope your reign continues to be as prosperous as you deserve it to be, a triumphant monarch ensuring her place in history. 

I once more plead for your mercy and forgiveness my Queen, the ruler of my heart.

Regards,

Sir Walter Raleigh.

Drowning

The Drowning!

 How had it come to this? 

What on Earth had he done, the day he made the wish, that had doomed the world? 

An act of kindness and altruism, which had bought about this destitute and dying world. 

As he sat on the beach outside, he’s pilot cottage on the Moray Firth, whilst looking at the beauty of his home city of Inverness, a tear fell down his face and his life began to flicker through his mind. His breathing became laboured, and exhaustion began to set in as he remembered the error he'd made.

He had loved he’s world but hated the devastation caused by war, religion, famine, and politics. He had seen them as constant threats, battering the world into submission and bringing about a disastrous future, that would bring annihilation to every living thing on the planet. 

He’d travelled the world, hoping to find a solution, and realised he was better off at home, living a life filled with love, rather than hoping for something that would never change. 

Perhaps that is what had drawn the beautiful bird to his side. An eagle of some description, yet mightier in its appearance and song. 
Immense in power and oozing an aura of comfort and calm; it stared at Aled and seemed to read his mind. 

“I know,” Aled said quietly, “I wish that this world had no conflict. That all people could live happy lives in coexistence and peace; never having to experience a world of hardship.” 

The eagle looked at him and cawed, as if weeping at what he had said. It then transformed into a strange but beautiful being of light. 

“Your wish is granted – I’m sorry for what will follow,” it uttered in defeat before fading from sight. 

                                                                   ******

The world was different the people were kind... caring and helpful, but in time, it became overpopulated, and the effects of global warming swelled with the increased population. Rivers ran with litter and the air became extremely poisonous and deadly. Acid rain began to fall from the sky and food began to grow scarce. 

 

Nature tried to fight back, but the world would not heed its call and no matter how many fires, floods, earthquakes, or eruptions occurred the population grew until it reached saturation and the world broke. The land was swallowed by the sea and the whole world began to dim and suffer for humanities sins.

 

With nothing to quell the population, its surface became worn and weighted and now it was close to total submission to the sea. Poseidon would be in heavenly bliss I’m sure, at seeing the downfall of a race who had destroyed his beautiful world, as would Demeter.

 

Bodies littered the oceans, unable to sink below the rubbish, which had been dumped into its depths. Its pungent smell permeated the air and burned at the survivor’s throats. 

 

Seas had risen due to the sheer volume of people and began to claim back the land that had kept it apart for so long. He looked at the world he had wished for and began to weep profusely; each breath becoming more difficult and laboured. His heart began to slow, and dizziness knocked him to the floor. This was it!

 

His wish had done this and as the last breath left him, he wished he had never made that boon. 

                                              *******

That’s when the alarm sounded, and he woke from the terrible nightmare. The sun shone on the Moray Firth, Aled thanked God for the world he lived in. 

 

Chaotic, dangerous, deadly and the most beautiful thing in existence. He knew it was better to have conflict and strive for peace, than take the easy route of wishing free will away.

Writer

He completed the writing course, beginning to write again after years of strife and turmoil. 

He had loved reading and writing, but events in his life had taken a bad turn, he had spiralled into despair and hopelessness. 

He had lost faith in the good of the world, deciding instead to withdrawal from its beauty and grace. He had found nothing in the world he loved but disappointment, it had shaken him so viciously he could not comprehend its wonderous gifts. 

Now, two years later, he was writing again, all thanks to one wish he’d made. 

“I wish I could help people to cope with the horrors life can throw at them.” 

Though he may not be a great writer, he's stories will move the hearts of their audiences.

If he could reach just one person and change their life, it was worth it. 

It was worthy everything he'd been through.

Selfless wish!

He’s wish had been the perfect epitaph for a selfless man, who had left the world a better place. He had been given a chance to save he's own life, but instead had given it to a young boy who he saw great potential in. 

In the final days of his life, he sat watching the boy across from him fading in and out of consciousness, remembering his own family, all the drawn looks on their faces. 

The whispers around both beds by family and friends, who thought he had been sleeping, caused him pain. 

He was just a man, though he had always helped those in need, they were unable to help him now when he needed help more than ever. 

He didn’t mind, it was beyond their control, they all came to visit to share in their love of each other and reminisce about their memories. 

                                              ********

One night, Alan lay in bed writhing in pain, when a stranger appeared to him. Beautiful and iridescent, in the pale moon light, the beauty of her aura, overwhelmed he's senses momentarily. 

“You have helped so many, now I offer you this wish. You can do what you will with it, use it to help change your plight.” The mysterious angel said. 

Alan looked at the stranger, then cast his eye to the boy pretending to be sleep opposite his bed (Alan had long since recognised false sleepers by their body language). 

In that moment...he cast the wish.

“I wish...for Johnny...to live a long, happy and content life.”

Johnny rose up in his bed and pleaded, “No! Please help him...it was his wish not mine.”

But the die was cast, Johnny felt his body begin to heal.as the pain resided and he flew to be at Alan's side, to hold his hands, so he wouldn't die alone. Tears cascaded down both their cheeks as they stared at the light. The angel wept too, at the selfless act she had witnessed, the loss the world would know. She also smiled, seeing hope of the future, in the young boy, he had saved that day. 

“Live for me Johnny.” Were the last words of a man, who had always put the need of others before himself. 

Johnny became a doctor, a healer, in the hopes he could repay the gift of a man he had never known, but yet had changed his life irrevocably. 

He lived by the last wish of a local hero, a man who saw the world in terms of what he could do for others, not what he could do for himself.

He’s grave was a testimony to this, always covered in flowers and it read: 

“For the man who gave so many hope and love, who with his last breath sought to save one more person. May the angels welcome you as you continue to help guide others.” 

To the NHS staff who put their lives at risk. Thank you! This story talks of a selfless man but it is dedicated to all of you who would risk all to hold the hands of someone who may soon depart. Thank you for doing the work of angels in this time.

Library Of Alexander the Great!

Library


A place of knowledge and learning, I walked through the marble pillars lining the exterior of this sacred building. At its entrance, stood the statue of Athena Goddess of wisdom; brave, cunning and glorious. Athena guarded knowledge and this was the most sought after in the Persian Desert.

“Daniel… look… we’ve found it… finally. The Library of Alexander the Great.”

As she walked up to the statue, she glanced at what she thought would have been doors but it was merely stone alcoves.

Daniel walked forward exploring both yet unable to find a way in. He couldn’t find a lever or a special lock and was becoming increasingly frustrated by it. Alexa found it extremely entertaining especially as she already knew how to enter the library.

Daniel walked out and began strolling the length of the Library and that’s when Alexa withdrew the vinegar bottle and poured a little bit onto the plinth Athena stood on.

Silently, she rose up to show a hidden entrance to a corridor lined with burning torches. Without thinking she dashed inside and stroked the owl perched on a golden branch and the wall sealed just as Daniel came into view - a look of fury appeared on his face as she waved goodbye.

She had loathed him so much for his instance that he’d found the location and he knew how to enter the library and would find the epicenter of past and present knowledge. Yet he knew nothing that had shown them the way here like she did. 

Like when Alexander used vinegar to dissolve rocks, which Hannibal later copied; the vinegar made a passage to the library.

She walked into the central atrium and saw the magnificent statue of Alexander - the Greatest King in history, loved by his people except his elite, who had poisoned him because of this room.

In its depths was every book ever written, blessed by Athena to grow and constantly build its stock for all time.

At Alexanders feet stood the book she wanted. The book of life. She walked slowly up to it reached out a hand gently biting her lip.

Nerves filled her core as she caressed the cover and she was pulled inside to meet her idol the dead king and the patron of the Library.

“Welcome Mortal to Olympus home of the Gods.” Said the beautiful and radiant Goddess.

“Yes! Welcome to our home and thank you for finding the library for it needs a new protector and who better than an ancestor of an Amazon…”

“A what!?” Said Alex shock etched on her face.

By Sam Luxton

Jack!

Jack was poor,

He wore old clothes.

He lived in a shack,

In an unkept grove.



His mother one day,

Had a terrible row,

To the market he fled,

To sell his old cow..



A magic bean,

That’s all you got.

Mum was so cross,

“THAT’S NOT A LOT!”



The beans were thrown,

On the unkept grass.

Jack slept so badly,

Nightmares did pass



When he awoke,

His mum gave a shout.

Jack jumped up,

“What’s all this noise about?”



A strange beanstalk,

Reached to the sky.

As Jack looked up,

The birds flew by.



“Up you go.”

“I don’t like heights.”

“Up you go.”

Jack couldn’t fight.



He climbed to the top,

And looked over the edge.

He saw a great castle,

He made a new pledge.



“In he would go,

Searching for loot.”

So off he traipsed,

Stealing a flute.



Jack clambered down,

It wasn’t enough.

Mum sent him back,

The climb was so tough.



As he entered the castle,

He heard a great roar.

“Fe, Fi, Fo, Fum,

I’ve smelt that before.”



Jack tried to hide,

In a hole by the door,

Seconds later

A foot hit the floor.



The giant searched,

He looked round the hall.

The giant went back,

To the televisions call.



He soon fell asleep,

As he sat by the fire.

The television showed,

A heavenly choir.



He grabbed a small chest,

He ran to the door.

He noticed the giant,

Watching galore.



He glanced behind him,

Seeing red eyes.

Fury took over.

The giant grew high.



His foot got caught,

In a hole he had caused.

Jack took the time,

To flee without pause.



He reached the edge.

He descended its stalk.

He heard the giant coming,

He heard the bird squawk.



Jack quickened up,

Reaching the ground.

He grabbed an old saw

That was laying around.



He cut it away,

The stalk shook and shook.

As it was felled,

Killing the crook.



Her house was a mess,

The lawn was distraught.

Mum began to cry,

Misfortune he’d bought.



Then Jack showed her,

The goods in her hand,

A flute of magic,

To heal the land.



As well the giant himself,

Dead as can be,

Offered entertainment,

For the nearby towns to see.

A flicker of peace.

The animals, had long ago, decided who was fastest and bravest and most cunning amongst them. The Jade Emperor, from the steps of his palace, had provided a test in the form of a race, allotting each of the twelve animals a year, based on the order they finished.

The animals chosen, had competed, the order of the zodiac was created. 

Then, the animals that had failed to meet the race criteria formed a legion against the Jade Emperor. All the animals in the Zodiac called their kin to help in the battle against these misguided foes. As the inevitable clash grew closer, the Jade Emperor, being passivist and learned man, simply flicked his wrists and fireworks soared into the sky. 

These were the first ever to be seen or heard in the cosmos, which stared at the beautiful flashes that appeared in the sky and celebrated peace.

Every animal in their armies turned and stared at this beautiful display in the darkening sky.

‘These twelve may be the signs of the zodiac, but every animal is important, let us honour you all at the New Year, but welcome our winners as the champion of animals. 

Each year they will stand as a model for character and moral guidance and will show people what can be accomplished when we work together.’

With that every new year housed a great party and the celebration was a reminder that all are equal and just as important as each other.

Romford Wish!

He had lived in Romford all his life, passed the same shops and streets, and watched as the historic market dwindled into nothing. 

 

The glory and beauty of the place had been whittled down to nothing more than a few simple stalls. The new buildings raised stripping it of historic significance, which demonstrated their very little love for nostalgia. 

 

He had watched small businesses grow and fade and the footfall decrease over the passing decades. Westfield, had taken so much from this little town, causing it to become far less than the place he had known and loved. This made him weep wildly.

 

The worst was yet to come. His business had been successful, and people had always come in, yet the steep rents had made it difficult to keep the business going and with its loss came everything else.

 

Eventually, his home was under a tunnel pestered by kids, abused by the people he had once served. Every night, he curled into a ball within his blankets and cried at his misfortune. 

 

One day, as he sat with a vacuous stare, he failed to notice the lady in white. Beautiful and dazzling, yet beyond his vision. 

 

“Andy, is that you?” She said, with a deep sense of sadness, which somehow felt out of place in her voice. 

 

The world slowed and he was brought back to its harsh reality, casting his eyes back to the  

 

Eventually, he could bare it no longer and he looked up at this lady. Recognition dawned on him. She had been at school with him, attended college and then travelled the world seeming to forget about him. 

 

Tears cascaded down his face, as he buried himself in his blankets, ashamed of what he’d become since they last met.

 

Angelica knelt in front of him, as people watched, and she delicately drew back the covers and stared into those lost puppy eyes. 

“Why do you hide from me dear friend? Don’t you know that I’m here to help you?”

 

He looked at her, those beautiful eyes denoting truth, sincerity, and love. He sensed hope once more but could not possibly believe this was true. 

 

“How can you help me?” He asked as once more tears fell from his face and the loss of everything came back to him. “I’ve lost everything, and I wish I had a second chance.”

 He his hands to his face and cried heartbroken at the person he had become.

 

He felt so embarrassed, especially as this woman had once held a very special place in his heart. How could she bare to look at him when he disgusted himself? 

 

Realising she wasn’t going to go away, he once more looked up and light framed her body, showing what looked like an aura of the most dazzling degree. 

 

Her smile became brighter, as she offered out her hand and sweetly said, “I’m here to help!” She preceded to lift him up and bring him back to the world he had long since departed. 

He couldn’t explain why but she was telling the truth and that’s when he noticed who had been waiting silently around him. The people who he thought were just the usual public, who would mock and abuse him now came into focus. 

 

There were the boys he had coached at football many years ago, now grown men and beaming with affection for the man who had taught them so much. He went to hide his face, but the boys gently shook their heads and warmth flowed through them. They cared, they cared, and they were here to help him, to breathe a little more life into him. His back grew taller and he felt hope enter him once more. 

 

His eyes looked at the person next to them, who’s eyes sparkled where once they had been dimmed. This was the homeless man he had passed each day and bought lunch for; now clean shaven and well-kept, smiling at him. 

 

The people next to him were healthy and smiling, radiating love for him, as he recognised where he had met them and once more was brought to tears. Though these tears were happy tears of understanding, knowing what they had been through. These people were survivors! They were from the cancer ward, where he had read after work twice a week. His colour began to change, as he looked at them and the hope that shined through dazzled him. 

 

The children he had given their first job to and who he had donated his time and money to ensure they had made it in the world. Each stepped forward to draw him back to the world and show him he was loved and that he had lived a worthy life. 

 

“Why are you here to see me at my worse?” He asked trembling. 

 

“Silly fool! You can never be at your worse when you helped so many and now, we are here to help you. “Came a jovial voice. 

 

The voice was familiar and full of love, and he couldn’t....no wouldn’t believe it. Tears fell from his eyes, as a figure wove its way out of the gathered crowd. It was him...it was his best friend, who he had introduced to his wife and set up for a new life in Australia, a place of dreams. Behind him came Elaine and the twins (his goddaughters) Sara and Jane, who ran up and hugged him before returning to their dad's side. Every eye was flooded with tears, as the two best friends walked forward to face each other once more.

 

Their embrace was long and a true reflection of their friendship. Tears rolled down and both men wept openly, publicly without any concern for their ego. All around onlookers wept at such a display of long-lasting friendship. 

 

“I’m sorry I took so long, but I needed to get here and gather those whose life you had changed, to help return the life I knew you had lost. We have been looking for you everywhere and it was only when I spoke to Alan (he indicated the man he had walked past every day and who had fed him twice a day for the whole time he’d been here) that we found you. Only someone who had disappeared from the world could see what so many others couldn't."

 

This man had kept him going with promises it will get better and to hold in there. They had played chess, read books, and just stood looking out at the world as it drummed past. A smile that shined through time, once more irradiated his face as he stepped forward to hug him. “I told you to hold on. Well done my boy! well done!”

 

Andy was overcome. All these people, these beautiful people, who had once been part of his life were here now by his side. They hugged and embraced, and they shared many more tears, as life came back to him. He was given fresh clothes and he was standing tall and proud. 

 

“Come, let us return you to the man we all love, and all aspire to be.” With that, they lifted their hands to clap and walked him to a new better life full of love. 

 

A week later, they were once again together, as they opened, he's new endeavour to the: 'Andy Cole Crisis Centre'. 

 

This is where he would spend the rest of his days helping others to find their place. 

 

He cherished the picture of all his dear friends, who had come when he needed and stayed with him while he got back on track. They were his benefactors, but it was so much more than that. It was a mutual respect, which made his wish come true. 

 

The picture hung on the wall in his office, surrounded by the success of those he had helped. 

 

A small gold plaque read, “To those that granted my wish and helped me see the good this world can offer.”

 

Songbird Opera

The Songbird Opera was an amazing event, that almost every bird in the Musical Forest entered. 

 

For the last two years, Contessa Crow, had wished she was brave enough to enter this prestigious competition. She was shy and naive and feared she wasn’t good enough. 

 

One day, a friend entered for her, knowing it was secretly her dream. Her friends flattered her, but she believed this was only because they were her friends.

Finally, they all convinced her to accept the invite to participate in this magnificent concert held at ‘The Royal Avery Music Hall’. 

While she was practicing for her glorious night, she spotted a large portion of cheese lying on the forest floor. She swept down to collect it and just as she took it in her beak, she heard the snap of a dry twig and took flight back to the safety of the trees. 

Fox was annoyed at his misstep, but was convinced he could trick crow easily, after all his conniving over the years. 

He walked on to the path observing the wood – taking in its beauty.  His eyes wandered from the floor in panoramic view, up into the trees, where he feigned surprise at spotting the Contessa. 

 

“Oh my! Oh my! Is that the wonderful Contessa, whose voice rivals that of angels.” The fox initiated in a suave and gentlemanly manner. 

 

The countess hid her face under her wing, faking coyness.

 

“Oh, wonderful lady! Please shower on me, the heavenly music only you can create.” Fox could tell he was starting to break her down from the way she looked back.

 

The Contessa, could not resist and opened her beak, closing her eyes briefly. The cheese forgotten, at the new audience, who had requested her to perform too. 

 

As she opened her eyes, she saw fox gobble the cheese in one bite and dash off. 

 

She was overcome with frustration at her own stupidity. She wished pride had not overtaken her common sense as she burst into tears and began to weep. 

 

A robin, flew into sight and landed on the Contessa branch and simply said, “Beware of those that flatter, for it’s often disingenuous, a true friend will always offer honest critique.”