PayPal

For people who do not have a paypal account, I would recommend that they get one for making online purchases, etc. Especially good for merchants. So, if you are interested please join with through the banner below. Many thanks.
Sign up for PayPal and start accepting credit card payments instantly.
For all my myLot friends - I would like to share some advice that some of my friends on myLot told me about. I thought I'd share it with you, since it can really multiply your earnings on myLot. I have been informed that, when you post/reply to discussions, if you write at least six lines, you will be paid a higher amount for that, than if you were to just write one or two lines. If you can keep your sentences short, then six lines is not a lot ! So friends, try to keep this advice in mind for your future discussions and the money start to add up quicker than it was before.


Friday, April 29, 2011

Turn the page

    Today was one of those days which I had been eagerly waiting for as it meant reuniting with relatives whom I thought were long lost. Packing a few items in the suitcase, I headed off to what seemed to me like distant lands which I have not visited in many long decades. It seems like this forgotten particular stretch of land beckons me now and from what I have heard, it’s an old house sits on the edge of a hill overlooking a forest that seems to stretch from one horizon to the other. The house itself is many centuries old yet others say that it’s old as time itself. It was passed from one generation to the next without fail even through the hard times and no one really knew who actually built it. It’s been whispered in hushed tones that the original owners fled the northern lands and settled here to start afresh.
    As I drove out of the familiar lands and into the uncharted areas, I looked up and saw that the wind was picking up and the sky clouding up. It seemed like rain was imminent and I wanted to reach the safety of my destination instead of being stranded on some lonesome highway in the dead of night. These long drives on long dusty back roads always wore me out and the unexpected car problem in some back road surrounded by a corn field will probably add to my woes. During my journey, the sky cleared up a bit and looking up I saw a full moon disappear behind a cloud and a sickly yellow full moon emerged which seemed to be leering back at me. The lonely stretch of land where nothing could be seen for miles upon miles made me wonder when my journey would end. The moon still seemed to glare at me through the clouds and at other times through the tops of houses as I drove through the field looking for the house hoping that the folks were still awake. I felt like a leaf caught in the gently flowing river called time which gets swept along vainly struggling to find it own path as it gets swept along at ever increasing rate until all control is lost.
    The moon lit grassy plains soon turned into a lightly wooded one. As I drove further down the winding road, the lightly wooded plains turned into a dense forest. It seemed like an old forest and if it could talk, it might have a tale or two to tell the passerby. Driving through the deep dark woods, nothing could be seen except for some odd flickering lights that seemed to draw me like a moth to a street light. A soft breeze started to rustle the leaves and ruffled my hair ever so gently, yet died down as quickly as it had risen. In this enchanted forest, it seemed like a thousand voices talking to each other and I could not name the source. The voices seemed everywhere. As I drove deeper into the woods, my uneasiness grew in the near total darkness broken at times by the moon peeking through the tree canopy every so often. I heard the sound of water gently flowing down some creek and the sound of a startled deer hoping away.
    Driving through the total darkness which is intermittently lit by moonlight, I eventually come across a creek. My water bottle is nearly empty and the river some distance away calls me out to quench the thirst that seems to overpower me. As if mesmerized, I step out of the car and keep on walking through the bushes that seem to bite and scratch. The strange gurgling sound draws me closer and I kneel down to wash my face and fill my water bottle. A shrill cry emerged and the forest was till once more. Startled by the site, I drop my water bottle into the stream. The flowing water seems so black even in this dim moonlight. The splashing and rippling caused by the water bottle subside soon yet I hesitate to pull it out as I see strange lights in the water of what seems like reflections of star constellations even though the sky is clear above of any stars and only the moon is visible.
    The black top road soon turned into a dirt track and after what seemed like an eternity and I discovered myself at the end of the forest. An old house with stuttered window loomed ahead. The road leading up to the house was dimly lit except for a few pools of lights that seemed to flicker every so often. On each side of the road were numerous light poles. Some lights were not working, others flickering on and off and others seemed like they had been smashed into a pile of debris. I eventually found my way to an old wooden door with a heavy brass knocker near the center and a brass handle on the right edge. Two monstrous cement figures which looked like gargoyles sat on each side glaring down the road. Pulling up to the front door, I stop the car and warily step out not knowing what to expect. The door opens just as I was about to knock and out of the shadows appeared a huge bearded burly man emerges. "Master is not at home yet he told me to expect your visit. Come inside and unwind in the library over there. I'll bring you food and drinks and put your luggage away in the bedroom upstairs" was all he said as he wandered off into the dark hallway.
    Through the old wooden partially open door, bright yellow light was spilling out. As the door creaked open, a startled bird flew out making me gasp out loud and fall backwards. Looking inside, I saw cobwebs everywhere and a thick layer of dust covering everything. I started to cough as a thin layer of dust started to float as I started to walk across the floor. In the distance I saw a dust covered table with a table light. Walking over I flipped on the study light on the desk. It was a large room with a blazing fireplace at the very far end. Wooden book shelves lined one end of the wall while there was a large window at the opposite end. It was still dark outside.
    One the floor, there was a lush carpet and behind the bar was a huge wine rack filled with numerous bottles. This place seemed timeless and older than time itself at the same time. Standing in the flickering shadows, I wondered about the content of the book. As I brushed my hands along the walls, I got the sensation that the walls were smooth, rough, and alive as it seemed to move and pulsate under my hands. Wiping the dust off the desk, I picked up an old crumbling book. It seemed like it was a diary of someone who had passed by this place long back and left his story behind.
    Opening the book, an apparition seemed to hover between the covers and started to recite the two deaths that he had been cursed with. As he started to speak, the images seemed to come alive and I saw the past unfold before me. The yellowing crumbling page flipped on its own. As the images unfolded before me, I felt myself being drawn into the scene until I was submerged in it and saw the world through the unfortunate mans eyes. A lonesome dirt road led to a deserted town where the creaking, swinging board at the entrance said Welcome to Mile High town and it showed a barren land where the harsh winds refused to die down. The town seemed deserted except for the stray dog that was asleep under the front porch grocery store. It seemed to be lost in some dream as it let out a growl and then a bark before quieting down once more.
    Shielding my eyes, I looked up at the sky. It was high noon and I realized that the dusty road of this town was being watched. The glint of metal was seen, the rustle of feet was heard and a rifle which poked out from a window seemed to give a hint of what was expected to the unwary visitor. Wiping the sweat from my forehead due to the blistering heat radiating from the door, I guided my weary eyes down the dusty street seeking some place where I could find an answer to the empty town. Looking around I finally found my way into what seemed to be the sheriff’s office. The pages of the log book were flapping in the wind. It listed the crimes and the punishment meted out to the criminals in this town that seemed so lifeless. The last few entries were of loot, murder, coaches being waylaid by robbers. I looked out the window and the town seemed as dead as before.
    The sound of horses and a dust cloud drew me closer to the window and I wondered what it all meant for me. For a moment I could see faces hiding behind the shutters and the fear of these strangers was shown in their eyes. I drew up a chair on the patio fully aware that all eyes were on me. Propped my feet on the wooden rail in front of me and put my rifle on my lap. No use running out of town and end up with a bullet in the back when I can go down fighting and die like a man. The roar of hoofs drew louder and I could hardly see anything in the dust cloud. Soon a group of men appeared and called out to me. They were not the towns’ men I could tell right away. I walked down to the one in the middle, spat on the ground in front of his horse and said “ You gonna get down yourself or do I have to drag you down.” A gasp went up and they drew their guns.
    As the sun went down, the last of the gunshot were heard. Many town folks had died yet the town has been cleansed and the fear was gone. No more raiders from the dusty badlands to haunt the folks. Rising out of the ground from where they had buried him, he looked up to see the sun was way high in the sky. Lifting his hat just a bit and wiping his forehead out of habit, he went looking for his horse to say the last good bye. The horse sensed where he was followed to a shade of a tree and started to clean and oil his guns knowing that his job was done in this world. Saying his last goodbye, the gunslinger left this world for the next.
    **************************
    A soft moan went up into the air as the pages ruffled past and the diary momentarily stood still. A coyote let out a lonesome howl somewhere in the distance. One could feel the tension building up in the room as if something wanted to release the pent up energy upon this room. The tension flowed out of the room and I heard a soft sigh.
    The pages started to ruffle once more as one chapter ended and another opened. It revealed a vast field which might have been a corn field. A dirt road ran through it with a dead car lying somewhere in the middle. Lightning flashed in the sky and one could hear thunder all around. The sky had turned jet black and it seemed like a tornado or an electrical storm might happen anytime. A man was hollering in the distance looking for his dog while it was barking in return and it started to rain heavily. All the power lines were knocked out and none of the houses showed any sign of activity. The once dry dirt road had turned muddy and anyone using it would sink deep into the mess than the one they were in already.
    A figure got back in the car and tried to get it out. The wheels spun yet it remained stuck in the ditch. A dash across the muddy fields was my only hope and it had to be done before it was too late. I looked up to the sky seeking some salvation, yet none was coming. I was on my own once more as I made a mad dash across the corn fields.
    Banging hard on the door, I wondered if anyone was home. I could not see my car anymore in the growing darkness. The rain had died down, yet it seemed like there was another storm brewing. I turned around to pound the door once more when I saw a pair of eyes looking at me. I realized that I was being watched. The glint of metal was seen and the rustle of feet was heard and a rifle which poked out from a window.
    The next morning, a head popped out of the engine after he was sure that the engine was all dry and started smoothly. The smell of breakfast broke the spell he was in and he was grateful when the plate of food appeared on the table. Not a soul was in sight and he seemed to have forgotten all about the last night events as he finished off the food in a jiffy. He went off o the farmers market leaving behind an unmarked grave at the edge of the cornfield.
    The book started to quiver and shake and I felt hypnotized, lost in the strange mesmerizing room. My hands dropped the book as if it was hot piece of burning charcoal and I heard someone recite the names of long lost and forgotten Gods. The wind began to howl and thicken around me. A sudden flash of light made me shield myself. Wisps of smoke started to rise from the old tattered diary, broke away and started to gather in the far corner. Turning its head towards me, it told me of the curse placed upon it by the wizard for whom it worked for. Entrapped in this diary and the release only granted if someone pulls the book out and reads the two deaths cursed upon him.
    Its job was done and told me that it was time for it to leave. A soft moan was heard which slowly turned into a howl. As if released from a curse, the apparition started to float away slowly and glided out of the house and into the space above. There was a soft knock on the door and a gentle cough. Turning around, I saw a dark skinned old man standing near the door who started to move swiftly towards me. Air was knocked out of me as I felt a fist and then a swift kick strike me in quick succession.
    As I started to lose consciousness, I looked up to see the old man walking to the far end off the room. After what seemed like many eons, the darkness began to clear as I groggily regained my senses and claw back from the nameless horror pits which I had been dragged to. As I regained my senses, my eyes focused on the dark skinned man near me. He seemed to sense that I had regained my senses and turned his head towards me.
    He lit four candles and placed them at each end of the table to which I was tied. He opened an old leather bound book which was starting to fray at the edges to the desired page and started to recite some long forgotten spell. Wind stated to pick up even though no windows were open and the candles started to flicker wildly. The pages of the leather bound book starts flap wildly. My body starts to ache, groan and then I don't feel anything. I look around to see that I am slowly rising from the ground. Startled, I look down to see a disintegrating body and the old man holds out his claw like hand and draws the wisp of smoke into its cavity. Looking through the cracks of his fingers, I saw a leather bound book pulled off the shelf and with a spell forced into an open leather bound book which shuts forcefully.
    A door opens in the distance once more and out of the shadows appeared a huge bearded burly man emerges. Looking around he sees the old man and says "Master. The man you told me about had arrived some time back. I have put his personal belonging upstairs and told him to wait here. Shall I go and look for him?" The old man growled back "No need to. I've met him and the matter is settled. Put that leather bound book on that shelf over there and the vase with the rest in the next room." The servant leaves as the dark skinned old man looks around a last time and leaves the room. In the dark room, s book starts the shake and a soft moan is heard as if waiting and seeking some relief from the prison that it’s been trapped in. Read more...

      Saturday, April 23, 2011

      The lone house

        A neglected dirt road led to a deserted town where the creaking, weather worn swinging board at the entrance said Welcome to Indian Wells and it showed a barren land where the harsh winds refused to die down. A coyote let out a lonesome howl somewhere in the distance. The moonlit town seemed deserted except for the stray dog that was asleep under the front porch of the towns’ lone house that stood out like eyesore on a barren landscape. It seemed to be lost in some fleeting dream as it let out a growl and then a bark before quieting down once more.


        It was a lonesome Sunday night as the old woman sat on her porch, smoked the last of her cigarette and finished off her beer. Looking upwards, one could see nothing but a few stray clouds as they floated past the full moon and seemed to mesmerize the viewer with its light. Tilting the hat back and wiping the sweat off her brow, the old woman looked down the valley, heard the rumble, rattle of some vehicle that sounded like it was about to fall apart and saw a dust cloud approaching. It might either be the hired help that was overdue or someone who might be just passing thru this barren landscape. Hardly anyone ever stops at this place as it seems all but forgotten unless it was hired help or if they wanted something from the Smith folks over at the other side of the hill.

        The seasons had flown by and it was already early spring. Age had taken its toll as the youth had slipped through the tightly clutched hands like swiftly flowing grains of sand and an ageing woman now stood in her place. Her only faithful companions now were the moon and stars which lit her path. The coyotes had gone quiet as they had their fill and would the farm alone this night. Looking down at the field now overgrown with weeds, wild grass and shrubs, she wondered if it was possible to keep on farming in these inhospitable lands all by herself.

        The shrill cry of the winged creatures which circled over the fields ebbed and rose seemed never ending, yet seemed to break the deadening monotony of the silent field. The over grown field needed to be plowed, leveled, seeded and fertilizer spread evenly so that another bountiful harvest could be harvested, yet the hired help hasn’t arrived yet. Shaking her clenched fist at the sky while squinting her eyes, the aging woman grumbled about the slim chance of rain and how it might ruin the harvest if the drought continued much longer. Looking across the field and into the barn, she decided to check the harvester, tractor and the trucks to see if they were up to the task.

        Firing up the harvester was easier than the tractor which refused to cooperate. The starter coil needed to be replaced and pistons were worn out. After loading the truck with drums for diesel, she hollered at the man sitting in the shadows that the hired help might arrive at time soon and that she needed to head off to town to see what can be done about certain expected guests. Grunting back an acknowledgment, the giant beast hobbled down the dusty path to light the lanterns near the entrance of the farm and wait for the hired help to show up. Driving down the road towards town excited her since trips down there were rare and it gave her an opportunity to stock up on essentials and get in touch with what was happening in town. Time flew by and the huge farm fields came to an end and the truck soon started to follow a lonesome river. Looking over her shoulder, Nancy realized that the river looked so cool and refreshing and she wanted to walk barefoot on the green grass. The river looked so free and untamed and it seemed to call her out so strongly that truck seemed to hesitate for a moment.

        Time started to move on ever so slowly like thickening molasses in a cold winter day. The meandering river throws her back in time to an era long forgotten. Gasping for breath she started to drown in time. One after the other, memories start to sweep past her. The dark thoughts flowing like a raging thought sweeping her into the hunt looking for the fish for whom the net is cast.

        The sound of a truck horn barreling past like demon on a hunt drew her out the dark thoughts she was floating in. She slowly came to the senses like a snake waking up from deep sleep. The bone deep weariness fell off her and she slowly started to felt refreshed. She slowly drove on and on and the remaining part of the journey was uneventful as the town grew nearer. Electricity poles, town lights and small houses started to dot the moving landscape.

        It was getting late, the moon would soon start sinking lower into the horizon and the sun would follow behind and it was time to get ready before the town appeared. Nancy found her way to the edge of the stream and took a moment which seemed like an eternity to wash off all the dust, grime and sweat off her. Looking at the reflection in the water while the water dripped off her head and face made her realize where once stood a young woman now stood a white haired wrinkled woman who had the haunted look in her eyes. She sat awhile under the outstretched limbs of the tree and realized how lonesome her life was and wondered where she had gone wrong. Time flew by and by the time she started to look around once more; countryside replaced the dry dusty lands. The river had disappeared off into some other direction and heavily populated roads were seen running near the dusty road from which the lonesome traveler emerged. The sounds of long haul trucks were heard humming nearby and a lonesome train horn went off somewhere in the distance reminding her how far from home she was.

        This old ladys life seemed like one of those never ending journeys which had been long and hard. The gentle swaying lulled her down the oft travelled memory lanes and all she could see is a dusty winding road broken every so often by an oasis. The hard journey has taken its toll on her as she tried to carry the burden which seems too much for it. Sometimes she felt like she was another one of those mules which people sometimes run across in some nameless town whose inner fire had died while navigating this parched land.

        A town square emerged and the dusty truck pulled into the only rest stop. Emerging from the shadows, a large burly man stepped up to the cab door, yanked it open and started to drag the wildly thrashing woman inside. A soft hiss and then a cough from one of the kitchen guys who was taking orders for dinner brought her out of the thoughts she was in. Light spilled onto her face from the high intensity torch as one of the gargoyles who had occupied this timeless eateries stomped impatiently once more to hiss at her that the slop was ready and asked if she was heading off to the eating section or not. With a loud curse, the infuriated woman headed off down the hallway and into the eating area.


        Nancy was pacing back and forth across the train platform waiting for the new arrival which she had requested. The train finally arrived though very late. The train was dead empty as none of the boxes had any passengers in it except the very last one. Realizing that they had reached their destination, the boys started to dismount the train and made their way to the exit near the side. The small group checked their bags once more to see if everything was unloaded from the train before it was put them in the trunk of the car. The constant chatter of the boys kept the old ladys mind away from the grim thoughts. The oldest of the boys introduced himself as Tom who talked just about everything under the sun and everyone really seemed to enjoy the monologue which consisted of how awful the town was doing, the mysterious disappearance of people, the food joints, who bashed whom last night at the bar and how his girlfriend always gave him an ear full for coming home late. Pretty soon, the wandering group fell asleep one by one and the only sounds heard was the occasional snore or some deep sleep mumble as if someone was plagued by some bad dream.

        The passing trucks horn made the woman realize that they were well out of town and nearing the farmlands once more. The old abandoned boarded up farmhouse located next to the meandering river loomed ahead and it seemed no different than the others in the area. The moon was lazily moving through the sky, yet it seemed like the old woman’s hunger was growing stronger by the moment. She tried to shrug it off till she reached her own farmlands, yet its hold on her was getting stronger with each passing moment. She sat awhile gripping the seat tight, yet the vortex was dragging her deeper into itself. A strange hypnotic trance was overtaking her and she felt the urge grow stronger with each passing moment while darkness grew upon the land.

        Her malevolent eyes roamed around till it focused on the blood soaked driver seat. The eyes started to rove around the small front area until they suddenly stopped on man who seeing the gaze fixated upon him started to hyperventilate and become wide eyed. The deep red stains on the floor in the far corner of the left hand side door made her slowly let out a long throaty growl and the hunger grew in her stronger with each passing moment. Squirming backwards, the only surviving boy kept begging her to let him go while he started looking for an escape till he reached the very edge of the cab while his fumbling hands tried to unlock the door. The only response he heard was harsh laughter, a snarl and a swift slap which snapped his head around till it slammed into the windshield. Not being able to back any further, he started to push himself up with his back towards the windshield while grimacing in pain. The last sounds that were heard before abandoning the cab after pushing it into dense undergrowth was the gasping breath of a man on his last leg. It was only a matter of time till they came home and she’ll be waiting like she did for the rest.

        An old pickup truck slowly rumbled past the wooded area as if searching for something. A giant beast of a shadow leaned out and whispered the old ladys name. A few leaves rustled as a shadowy figure emerged from the woods and rushed into the waiting vehicle. A moment of silence and then the rumbling truck switched off its headlights, backed into the wooded area. A door was heard opening, truck swayed a bit and grunting sounds as if something heavy being lifted and dropped. A door slammed shut and the engine roared to life once more. Without a sound, the truck wound its way around the bend and into the dusty hills.

        As the truck slowly wound its way back to the farm, a shadowy figure on the passenger side whispered “Have they arrived yet?” A momentary silence and then “Yes master. I’ve lodged them in their rooms and I’ve put their luggage in their as well. They are waiting for you to return and then they’ll start their work.” Was the reply. Fiercely glowing lantern lit the entrance of the farm and the truck took a turn into the barren farm and finally stopped in front of the porch. Yellow light spilled out of the partially open door and in its light revealed not the stooped aging woman but a vibrant, youthful woman who had seen it all. “Back the truck into the barn and dump it all in the back. Make sure u tie them all down to the pole in the back. Don’t want them wandering off till they are ready” barked the woman. The night was drawing to a close as the moon was sinking deeper and deeper into the horizon. Walking inside, the woman shut the door waiting till the darkness covered the land once more. Read more...

          Friday, April 15, 2011

          Using those corporate gifts to impress others

            The big day for which you have been waiting for is almost here. Yes, it is almost your corporate get together day and you still have not decided on what you will wear or who to invite nor what to give to the people. It is difficult to find what you are looking for at the last moment and a generous amount of help is needed at times like this. One of my friends was in such a situation and I volunteered to help out with some offbeat ideas as I owed him a lot of favors and this seemed like a good time to repay one off. It is always good to start off this big events with some professional help as the people who work in this area might have new ideas to make things exciting. So, I logged onto the net and I was desperately searching the net for unique ideas as to differentiate it from others. Each and every wedding should be as different from others or else no one will remember it. During the search, I discovered that certain corporate gifts which can be used to really impress your guests as well the lucky people who have reached the top dog position.

            Yet, I was looking for Corporate Gift Ideas might not seem an important to a layman initially. A proper one will make a great impact on the big day. No one will be able to forget it and they will constantly ask you where you got all these fantastic items which make a memorable event even more worth remembering. From a simple one to a fantastic workmanship, today's corporate gifts offers a wide variety of options. Choose the correct items depending on the persons personality that are classy yet priced just right to make the right impact on one and all. The right gift for your big day is worth the trouble are worth the extra trouble a person goes through as it has to come from the heart, and everyone is sure to be touched by your thoughtfulness and generosity. Read more...

              Monday, April 11, 2011

              Death in the warehouse Part 2

                Time flew by and it was getting late. I had to hit the road once more. The logs in the small fire place had burned down to cinders and cold was creeping back into the room. A soft cough jerked me away from the half sleep I had fallen into. The tobacco in my own pipe had burned to ashes and it was just barely hanging from the edge of my lips. I suddenly realized how quiet the room had gotten silent and the guys who had been having a lively chat a moment back seemed to have quieted down. The darting uncertain eyes soon acquired a spark in them like some decision had been made. One by one, they started to get up out of the chair. I saw a few spots of red on one of the heavily built man whom I had called my friend which I assumed was food until he got closer. The red stains on the floor in the far corner wall made me wonder and despair about the mess I was in. Squirming backwards, I kept begging them to let me be as it will bring only ill tidings to all while I started looking for an escape till I reached the very edge of the room. The only response I heard was harsh laughter, a snarl and a swift kick in the abdomen. Not being able to back any further, I started to push myself up with my back towards the wall while grimacing in pain. Like a pack of hyenas, the circle of predators drew smaller and smaller. With a gasp, I toppled backwards wide eyed and sweat started to soak my shirt. The eyes turned hard, gritty and started to sparkle with an evil glint.

                The grandfather clock down in the hallway boomed as the hand had struck twelve. The phone in the shipping department was ringing off the hook yet no one answered and the familiar sounds were gone. Pulling a shotgun from the shoulder, the burly man started to insert shells one by one into the twin barrel while grimacing at me. “Hi. You already know my name. Yet take a good long look at me, because your end is near. It’s been a few months and you forgot to make the truck payments. We’ve come to collect in full.” Was all he said as he snapped the gun and flipped the safety off. With sweat running down my neck and soaking the shirt, I started to crawl out of the room and into the hallway. A door creaked open somewhere and I heard heavy footsteps running towards me. A shotgun rang out and the pellets left their marks on my ankles and lower legs. Air was knocked out as someone kicked me swiftly in the groin. As I started to lose consciousness, I saw the burly man and a pair of loan sharks which had been sent after me staring down at me. Taking a brass knuckle out of the jacket, one of them raised his hand and started to pound the gasping figure on the ground repeatedly leaving a stream of blood flowing down the sidewalk. Floating in a haze of pain and darkness, I heard a truck horn somewhere in the warehouse and the strong diesel as I heard a truck start to rev up. I felt a sharp stab of pain as a shoe struck my abdomen over and over again. With a sharp gasp, I opened my eyes and tried to sit up yet fell back down on the floor once more as a sharp jolt of pain rang through my body. I felt a nudge and heard a curse. “This is the end. How long did you think you could run and hide? We’ve made arrangement for you. No more deliveries to worry about.” was whispered as I was dragged across the warehouse. I tried to resist yet was too weak. The last sight I saw was the cold vibrating steel beam under my back, a bright light which seemed to be getting closer and closer and the sound of a train in the distance.


                As I opened my eyes, I saw white florescent light lining the ceiling. Looking around, I saw that I was lying in a bed with wires, IV lines connected to my arm and the sound of a heart monitor behind me. A soft whisper, a rustle of curtains and a nurses head poked through which quickly disappeared once more. A man in a white coat with a manual blood pressure machine and stethoscope appeared followed by a man in plain clothed man with a diary in hand. “Hello, I’m Dr Ryan. How are you feeling today Jim?” as the cuff of the BP machine was inserted into my left upper arm, blood pressure and heart rate checked. “Where am I and how did I get here?” I asked in a rasping voice. “You were in a bad shape when you were brought in. Some homeless bum found you on a train track and pulled you off just before a freight train passed by and brought you here. Do you remember anything and who did this to you?” Asked detective Sam as he showed me his badge.

                Glancing over my shoulder, I looked out the window and saw that summer was in full swing. Startled, I asked how long it has been and I was told that I was out cold for three full months. “I’ve got to think and I’ll have the nurse ring you up if I remember anything.” I mumbled as the plain cloth officer walked out of the room. Time flew by as seasons changed and soon it was autumn. The random visits of the police were the only thing that broke the monotony of the room yet they went away empty handed. I had other plans as my diary started to fill up and phone calls were made. The day finally came when I limped out of the room with a walking cane as my only companion.

                The diary which through which I constantly flipped through started to fray at the edges yet kept on reminding me of the past and the score I had to settle before the youth was snatched away from me. Time had moved on as I moved through nameless towns, settling old scores one after another looking for the elusive peace from my troubled past. It seemed like the ones who had tried to kill me had forgotten about me as I recuperated and went their own way. Bill and Tom were the only ones left. Tom was untraceable and Bill was found by sheer chance. On the way back from Broken Wheel town, I wandered into a road side diner to grab a sandwich. In the dead of night, the place was as dead as a cemetery. Wandering in, I asked for a coffee and a sandwich from the man behind the counter. Turning around, I gasped as if seeing a ghost as it was unexpected that I’ll be seeing anyone in these parts whom I knew from before. Making small talk, coffee was taken and gladly taken as we exchanged stories of our travels around the country once more. Curiosity got the better of Bill and he had to ask how he was located even though he tried my best not to leave any trace behind. I told him how he was asked about in every bar, highway stops and any other places that served travelers. I met a dead end at every place until I chanced upon him here. Like a shark on a kill, I started to inch closer and closer. The last sounds I heard while leaving the store after pushing the limp body under the counter was the blaring sound of the cb radio near the cash counter demanding to know why Bill hadn’t called in yet for the cash collection. Holding my hat firmly with the blood stained gloves, I got out of the store and ran down the steps towards the city bus that was heading out of town.

                I jingled the ice cream truck bells to wake me out of the half sleep I was in as I realized that the end of the road that I had embarked upon was drawing to a close. Looking upwards, I saw that it was late afternoon already and the activity in the park just down the street was in full swing. Alot of kids always used to come to the park to play baseball, football or any other sports activity which caught their fancy. Sometimes families used to come to the park for a picnic. You could always tell when a picnic was going on because the delicious food smells used to waft through the residential area tempting people to venture out and mingle with the picnic crowd.

                Looking down the street, Tom saw the city life was in full swing. A city bus slowly wound its way through the streets and turned left at the intersection to head off to the towns main center. People were in a rush to reach their destination and they either hurriedly chased the bus like mad dogs or waited for the next one. Tom really didn’t know how long he was lost in thought, yet a feeling of dread started to bother him. No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn’t pin point the reason why nor shake this feeling off. There was something out there and he could feel it in his bones. Not eaten anything since the early lunch, Tom stopped off at the deli located just down the street before going back to his room. As he got off the bench and into the black top road, he saw a sight which not only startled me but took his breath away. It seemed like a ghost from his past had returned to haunt him once more. The man he thought was long dead was driving an ice cream truck leisurely towards him. As the truck pulled up, he heard it purring and humming just like a brand new machine. “I’ve been waiting just around the bend for you and would you like to go for another ride.” was all that was said as coffee was handed over.


                Time flew by as the afternoon turned into evening and finally into night. John went through all the room to make sure all were asleep in their rooms. All were asleep except for one room which was empty. Yet, no matter how hard he tried he could not find Tom anywhere and no one remembered where he had gone off to. Giving up his search, he turned off the room light, closed the door and went to his room hoping that Tom will be back by morning. A siren was heard way down yonder and he guessed someone needed help.

                On a park bench in front of the old people home, a crowd had gathered in front of a bench where an old man who was sprawled like he was fast asleep with the head sitting next to him. A lone policeman making his rounds notices the large gathering and makes way through the crowd to see what the matter was. Something looks odd about the posture, yet he tries to wake up the sleeping man up so that the he can shoo him away. A coffee mug and a sandwich falls out of the old man hand as he rolls off the bench and onto the grass with the head rolling off into the tall grass under the bench. The paramedics soon arrive and declare that this old man died many hours back, possibly in the late afternoon. As the paramedics wheel away the body into the ambulance, the detective who handled these cases flipped through the wallet as he walked up to the retirement home for old folks to see if they could identify the body and shed some light on who Tom was.

                With the passage of time, I had all but forgotten my previous life until this morning when I had run across the old tattered diary which had names of the people whom I had settled the pending scores. I had come here to wrap up one loose end and I had never intended to wander a little further down this long forgotten road which had drawn me like a street light draws a moth. At one time, I used to meet fellow truck drivers at this ill fated warehouse whom I considered friends for many years until one fateful night when they had turned foes at a moments notice and everyone was dispersed to far flung areas. Lying on the hospital bed, it was decided that it was time to pay back in the same coin as was dealt to me. Time had moved on....we grew up and went our own ways, made new friends along the way. But this warehouse still holds a special place for me. Sometimes when I look back, it always pops up in my mind and brings back some fond memories and I am reminded of how much carefree fun I had when I was younger. Read more...

                  Friday, April 8, 2011

                  Technorati Claim token

                    J8JZT89E9M4H Read more...

                      Death at the warehouse Part 1

                        It was a cold wintery day I remember. The mother of all storms was upon us and everyone was stocking up for the long haul. The winter chill seemed to seep into my bones no matter how hard I tried to keep warm. I guess it had been snowing since early morning. It had started with a light flurry and by the night rolled around, it had turned into a medium strength blizzard. The icy cold winds from the north were already rocking the city and hardly anyone was venturing outside. The streets and the shops wore a deserted look and most of the shops were closed even though shops it was the holiday season.

                        Taking a deep drag from the cigarette, I started to flip through the old diary I had found while cleaning out the old steel trunk tucked away in the attic. Most of the names had been crossed off. Nearing the end, I saw an old forgotten page which seemed to call out. Shutting the yellow crumbling book, I got out off the chair and walked out of the room.

                        I once worked for Transcontinental shipping corporation for almost a decade. It was hard, back breaking work and I used to be on the road throughout the year. I remember the event like it was yesterday. I think I had to make a delivery to the company warehouse somewhere in the middle of Idaho. The all familiar interstate highways wound its way through the hills and soon I found my way driving down a long lonesome highway in the middle of nowhere as the engine was humming out the same old song. I turn up the radio and start to hunt the stations to drive the boredom away. Finding nothing of interest, my mind tries to find anything to latch on to drive the boredom away. I guess it had been snowing since early morning. It had started with a light flurry and by the time I reached some nameless town, it had turned into a medium strength blizzard. The icy cold winds from the north were already rocking the truck and I could feel it sway back and forth. A full scale storm was predicted for tonight and the truck was already groaning under the strain.

                        After travelling what seemed many long hours, my weary legs seemed to give out yet I drove on as the distant town lights grew brighter with each passing mile. The tank was near empty when I pulled into what seemed like another deserted gas station. I wandered into the bar and a smoked filled dimly lit room greeted me and I could hardly see the crowd inside. The tiredness slipped out of me as I heard the boisterous sound emitting from one corner of the room. The smell of the food made my mouth water and the stomach grumbled demanding its share.

                        While waiting for my food and drinks, I looked around the room. In one corner, they had giant old fashioned juke box which was belting out some Willie Nelson song and at the other end was an empty stage. While turning towards the bar, I noticed someone was sprawled across the table in one of the booths while two people were having an argument about who ate whose food. The sound of overturning chairs and tables had woken the man out of the sleep. Upon seeing me, he warned me that the hard times that will soon be upon us, people who we think are friends yet will turn foes and the trust that shall be broken before wandering down the room falling back asleep near the exit door. With a scrowl and a curse, I made my way to the nearest table.

                        Finishing off the last remnants of the food and gulping down the drink before it got warm, I found myself heading upstairs to wash off all the dust, grime and sweat off me. The sounds of long haul trucks were heard humming by below and a lonesome train horn went off somewhere in the distance reminding me how far from home I was. Sleep was overtaking me and I fell asleep as soon as I hit the sack.



                        Waking up from a deep sleep, I got out of the bed. My body was stiff and muscles sore from the long journey. I ran my hand across my face and thought of getting a shave and a bath before heading down to see what the daily special was. Heading down I got myself some lunch as it was late in the day and the place was dead empty. A few flies buzzed around and the food was as listless as the place. Pulling out of the joint, the truck ate up the miles as quickly as the swift winds above. The tow trucks were seen pulling the cars out of the ditches and the dead cars to the service centers. A few sirens were heard on the highway and I guess someone needed some help. The snow plows were lazily plowing and salting the streets. The icy roads in some areas slowed down my journey and I was getting sick of the constant slipping and swaying of the semi. The radio blared out some song as the weather man moaned about the snow storm which might hit the town in the night.


                        Time flew by and the morning soon turned into evening. The old warehouse loomed ahead and it seemed no different than the others next to it. One of the dock gates was open and light outside was burning bright. Each warehouse had two docks and a side entrance. Pulling the cap down firmly with the warm woolen gloves, I got out of the warm interiors and ran towards the steps. My body became stiff with the cold as soon as I stepped out. Heading off to the shipping department, I asked them how soon the stuff was going to be unloaded as I had to hit the road once more. Pretty soon, the semi was backed into the now empty dock for it to be unloaded.

                        The warehouse was dimly lit except for a few pools of lights that seemed to flicker every so often. I eventually found my way to the sitting area where I was pleasantly surprised to see a few others which I had not seen for many months. Coffee was offered and gladly taken as we exchanged stories of our travels around the country. I always loved going on long hauls for the company and had been coming here for many long years whenever the opportunity presented itself. It had become a routine habit which I had never skipped no matter how bad the weather. We spent our time telling old man’s stories that seemed so surreal and maybe it might be due to the fact that this place seemed older than the hills. Read more...

                          Tuesday, April 5, 2011

                          The dead end

                            The shattering sound of glass woke me out of the deep sleep I was in. The old house was groaning as the heavy winds buffeted it and it seemed like it might crumble any moment. Groggily I got up and took a look out the window and saw that the sky was jet black and lightening flashed all around. The sound of rolling thunder was everywhere and I wondered if this house would last the storm or not. The winds buffeted me as I opened the door to move the animals to safer areas. The cows were herded into their pens and the tractor and trucks into their sheds. The hay stacks in the back of the open trailer covered with covered with plastic sheets yet the horses were nowhere to be seen. Time flew by faster than the swiftest winds as I got making the rounds, the barn door and before heading off to safer areas. It seems like it was morning till a few hours ago, yet the sun was gone already. The bright ball of fire was hidden behind thick black clouds and the darkness was getting thicker with each passing minute.


                            Looking at the darkening sky, I felt the wind pick up, lightning flashed in the sky and one could hear loud booming thunder in the distance. As I was running across the land and up the hill, the wind died down suddenly and there was a growing darkness that did not seem like a good omen. There was utter silence all around and I heard a herd of horses neighing as they galloped further into the valley and into the mountains seeking safety amongst the ravines.

                            The sudden downpour soaked me to the bone and the dirt field turned muddy. It was no use sinking deeper into it while despairing about the mess I was in. All the power lines leading to the house as well to the town down in the valley were knocked out and none of the houses down there showed any sign of activity. Not a soul was in sight and even the stray dogs were nowhere to be seen. The rain died down as quickly as it had started, yet it seemed like there was another storm was brewing just over the horizon. You could feel it building up and in the bones which seemed worse than this one.

                            The old stone house at Smiths place was the only safe house in these parts and I headed off to the tractor shed to fire up Betty. Time seemed to whiz by as the ever faithful truck managed to snake through one muddy field after another. An old weather beaten stone house loomed ahead in the darkness and lightening flashed lighting it up for a moment.


                            I eventually found my way to an old wooden door with a heavy brass knocker near the center and a brass handle on the right edge. Two monstrous cement figures which looked like the creatures I had left behind sat on each side glaring towards the road which I had come from. I tried to turn the handle, yet it refused to turn. The handle was jammed and I kept hammering it till it creaked open. The rain died down as quickly as it had started, yet it seemed like there was another storm was brewing which seemed worse than this one. Upon entering the room, I felt like I had stepped into a room that seemed familiar yet different. As the door forcefully shuts itself behind me, I saw that it was a dimly lit bare room except for the old wooden table with a chair near the window and a fireplace near the center. Looking around, I saw that there was a thick layer of dust everywhere, the room was full of cob webs and each wall was identical to the other. Each wall had a door with an old wooden table and chair near the window in which the shades are drawn. There was a broken door lying at the very far end as if some intruder had broken into the room long time back. Walking up to the broken door, I looked out and saw a never ending dimly lit hallway with identical doors on both sides.

                            I lit a lantern hanging on one of the walls, shed my wet clothes as quickly as possible and hung them by the fireplace to dry. The fire seemed to have died down long ago yet the ambers still smoldered brightly under the ashes. Throwing a hand full of twigs and some straw, I stirred the ambers and kept fanning till the twigs and straw caught fire. Bit by bit, I kept adding the logs till it was a roaring fire and started to wander around to find a clean dry set of clothes. Not finding any, I pull up a chair and sit my tired body down. As I ruffle my hair, I wonder where I am and what should I do?

                            Not knowing what to do, I started to wander around once more. Off in one corner, I noticed a small hallway which led to what seems like a kitchen. Searching the almost bare cupboards, I managed to find a pair of drinking glasses, a packet of coffee, sugar and an old tin pot. Using a bit of water from my water bottle, I set it on the burning logs to boil. Settling near the fireplace with some coffee and a few biscuits, I sat down to gather my thoughts about the events that happened and the situation I was in.

                            A soft knock broke me out of the thoughts I was in. I wondered who it was as I walked towards the door and started to turn the handle. The door opened just a bit and looked out to see a small child like figure staring back at me. Looking past the figure, I saw that the storm was still out there. It was a mighty one as the lightning flashed and thunder still rolled across the sky. The Gods above must be really angry at our follies to send such a storm.

                            The child seemed to light up every time lightening fell and I started to notice a slight glow. The smell of ozone grew stronger and it seemed to grow larger. The elongated jet black eyes drew me and I could not take eyes off them. A strange kind of fatigue slowly overtook me as I felt my body shaking and my vision began to blur. I tried to break free and escape a certain death, yet I stumbled on the wooden floor board and the last thing I heard was the shattering of the glass I was holding as it hit the floor. I turned to face the door and I saw a creature staring down at me. Floating a few feet above the ground, it effortlessly hung in the sky. I felt hypnotized, lost in those bottomless pits which seemed to draw me deeper inside.

                            The alien figure slowly faded out of my vision and I saw a large room with a blazing fireplace. Wooden book shelves lined one end of the wall while there was a large window at the opposite end. It was a dark moonless night. One the floor, there was a lush carpet on which a huge dark skinned man sat. The face could not be seen as a hood was covering the face. There was a low table in front of him with a deck of Tarot cards with one dark thick lit candle one each corner of the table which seemed to flicker and waver back and forth even though there was no wind in the room. This place seemed timeless and older than time itself at the same time. Hiding in the flickering shadows, I hoped he would not see me while I searched for a door to leave this place. As I edged along the walls, I got the sensation that the walls were smooth, rough, and alive as it seemed to move and pulsate under my hands.

                            He seemed to sense me in the room and turned his head towards me. He beckoned me with his outstretched hands and motioned me to sit down facing him on the other low stool. I felt hypnotized and drawn by the deep dark well of darkness that lay within the hood. Even at this close range, I could not see his face as it was shrouded in total darkness. No words were spoken, yet thoughts appeared in my mind. I was teleported to a pocket/bubble within my own time. No time existed here and the faceless one will deal and decide my future. The wind seemed to pick up and something was scratching at the window. I hoped it was just the tree shadow I seemed to see outside and the sound was from a branch rubbing against the glass.

                            Breaking away from the deep pool of darkness, I turned around and started banging hard on the door wondering if anyone else was home. Looking out the only window in the room, I could not see my car anymore in the growing darkness. The rain had died down, yet it seemed like there was another storm brewing. I turned around to pound the door once more, the door creaked open and I saw a pair of eyes looking at me. I realized that I was being watched. The glint of metal was seen and the rustle of feet was heard and a rifle which poked out from the crack of the door.

                            The next morning, a head popped out of the engine after he was sure that the engine was all dry and started smoothly. The smell of breakfast broke the spell he was in and he was grateful when the plate of food appeared on the table. Not a soul was in sight and he seemed to have forgotten all about the last night events as he finished off the food in a jiffy. He went off to the farmers market leaving behind an unmarked grave at the edge of the cornfield. Read more...

                              Sunday, April 3, 2011

                              Fixing up the tile floors

                                When one of my family members shifted to another town recently, the first thing she did was buy a house close by to the office where she had just gotten a job. After filling it up with all types of furniture, it started to look just right. We went through once more through all the rooms with different furniture combinations and went through all types of ideas and finally we realized that everything was just was not quiet right. After looking at all the different setups at other people houses to get some ideas, we all realized that the one thing which was missing from his place was a new set of floor tiles and get in touch with someone who did carpet removal to make it look like a home.

                                But we encountered some problem while exploring all the options. It seems like the previous owner had used wrong type of floor tiles for the flooring. While doing some in depth research on it, I discovered that these can easily be remedied with a little help from Wood floor installers.

                                Since it was not just any type of tiles, I decided to get in touch with a company which had extensive experience in handling this type of material. The company which provides this service offers the best quality workmanship and it is one stop shop for all of your flooring needs. The clients are able to save a bundle of money as the company gives good price to the end user through the online store or a phone order.

                                We had never realized how convenient and versatile this service was until the salesperson explained all the different uses it can be used for. We really loved the sales force as it was really helpful and well versed on all the products offered. Read more...

                                  Resolving complications made easy

                                    In the wake of pregnancy complication, I felt like that there is nowhere to turn and find solution to my problems. In this hardest time of mine and an experienced lawyer probably will assure me that no matter what and how severe my situation is, they will be there to help me out. Complications due to negligence can happen anytime and at the most inappropriate time and no one has the potential to stop or avoid them at times. God forbid you face a big or even a small situation you should know that you can get the compensation due to you from the other party if the right action is taken immediately. For these situations, not any kind of lawyer is needed. I was wondering where to get help. Since I had just moved into town and did not know anyone who might help me, someone mentioned topamax lawsuit 2011 will be able to help me out.

                                    What are probate lawyers and how do they help the clients out? Probate lawyers deal with the legal process during which the matter is looked into thoroughly; the aggrievied party given options on the next course of action; claims (including applicable lawsuits) sent against the other party are made. Then, once it is determined who is entitled by the probate proceedings, the remaining assets that were left in the compensation are distributed to the named beneficiaries and heirs. Probate attorneys and probate lawyers must understand that the probate process is generally overseen by an executor, or by a court, and a court appointed personal representative. Probate can take anywhere from four months to a number of years to be completed, depending on state laws and varying circumstances.

                                    I really did not know how to get this process started until I should get in touch with and have a talk with him. I have visited his office and set up an appointment for tomorrow when he will take a look at the will and let me know what kind of solution can be performed on them. I am really looking forward to it and let’s see what happens. Read more...

                                      Saturday, April 2, 2011

                                      Death at the fireplace – Revised (Version 1.1)

                                        The dreamless sleep in which I was lost in was shattered by the radio alarm which blared out some song as the faceless man moaned about the changing weather patterns and sudden storm which might hit the town in the night. The constant chatter of the radio jockey started to push the bone deep sleep ever so slowly away. He talked just about everything under the sun and I really seemed to enjoy the monologue which consisted of how awful the weather was, the food joints, who bashed whom last night at the bar and how much the town had changed in the last ten years. Still half asleep, I started to mumble Jane’s name and started to extend my arm to drag her a little closer. An empty bed, wrinkled bed sheet and an empty pillow yet no warm body. My hand started frantically run back and forth as my mind became agitated and sleep lost its hold on me. The sound of a train screeching to a halt while blaring out its whistle drew me out the dark thoughts I was floating in. I slowly came to the senses like a snake waking up from deep sleep. The bone deep weariness fell off me and I slowly started to felt refreshed. The sounds of long haul trucks were heard humming by below and another lonesome train horn went off somewhere in the distance reminding me how far from home I was.



                                        Waking up from a deep sleep, I got out of the bed. My body was stiff and muscles sore from the events of last night. Looking at the empty bed, I called out Jane’s name out loud yet the empty house just echoed back. The room was once more as empty as it was the day before. Throwing the bed sheet off, I sat on the edge and wondered what happened and what my next course of action will be. I ran my hand across my face and thought of getting a shave and a bath before heading down to clear up the cobwebs in my mind some hearty breakfast and plan out my next move.

                                        Electricity poles, town lights and small houses started to turn off their lights as the night lowly turned into day. Time rolled on till I lost track of time. I had all but forgotten about Jane’s visit and the events that seemed like happened in another lifetime until I pulled the sheets and pillow covers out onto the floor, I saw a sight which not only startled me but took my breath away. It seemed like a ghost from my past had returned to haunt me once more. After a few moments, my hands reached out and picked up the folded piece of paper.


                                        Running up the stairs and almost breaking my legs a few times, I finally made it to the attic. It took a few tries to find the right key to open the lock and it took some effort to open the rusty lock. The door creaked open as a startled bird flew out making me gasp out loud and fall backwards. Looking inside, I saw cobwebs everywhere and a thick layer of dust covering everything. I started to cough as a thin layer of dust started to float as I started to walk across the floor. In the distance I saw a dust covered table with a table light. Walking over I flipped on the study light on the desk. It was a large room with a blazing fireplace at the very far end. Wooden book shelves lined one end of the wall while there was a large window at the opposite end. It was still dark outside. One the floor, there was a lush carpet and behind the bar was a huge wine rack filled with numerous bottles. This place seemed timeless and older than time itself at the same time. Standing in the flickering shadows, I wondered about the content of the letter. As I brushed my hands along the walls, I got the sensation that the walls were smooth, rough, and alive as it seemed to move and pulsate under my hands.

                                        Wiping the dust off the desk, I unfolded sheet of paper. Opening it, I saw that it was a note from Jane addressed to me.

                                        “Hello dear,

                                        If you ever read this note, then it means that you have changed your mind and decided to chart out a new destiny for yourself. It must have been a hard decision as it takes awhile for a person at times to make course correction in their life when they are set in their ways. I am glad that you have decided to restart your life and accept the responsibilities that it offers. New adventures await you at every turn and new sights to see at every bend. I really don’t know where I’ll be or even if I’ll be around when you finally decide to head out to reclaim you destiny. Yet, I’ll be back to meet you one last time when the time is right.

                                        I hope you are able to put the past into proper perspective and wrap up any unfinished business so that the old memories don’t come back to haunt you in your sleep or in your waking moments. Failures and the guilt associated with it sometimes weigh us down more than the unfinished business itself. The future is unwritten and the past can still be undone. I’ve been meaning to ask you to go through you old diary. I got thinking that it must have crossed your mind that you’ll never need it and yet at the same time not wanting to get rid off either. It took many long years to build up those contacts and it’s time to touch base with them once more before the trail gets cold. I’ve pulled it out for you and it’s on the table near the window. Pull up a chair there and flip through it once more. The coffee pot should still be in the corner, though it might be a tad dusty by now. So go ahead and grab some coffee before hitting the road. Ask for me up at the space port.

                                        With best regards,

                                        Jane

                                        I sat there a little stunned and it took me a few moments to come back to my senses. I looked around wondering if Jane was still here and all I saw was an empty room. The emptiness weighed down on me and it made me realize how much I missed the gal. I had no idea where I’ll find her or where to look for her. It took me a moment to find the phone directory. It took awhile to get what I wanted and finally I closed the long forgotten diary and started to think things out.



                                        I guess I had been sitting here for what seemed like many long hours. The cigar which seemed like it was lit just a moment back was just ashes and a burnt out stub was left. Grinding it into the ash filled try which was now overflowing, I got up to stretch my aching muscles. I wheel myself to the window which faces the road. The total darkness felt so soothing and I felt at home in the pool of darkness that this ageless house offered.

                                        The curtains are drawn, yet the twin suns were already burning away the last remnants of the morning and rudely intruded into the darkness of the room. Stepping away from the harsh burning light, I peeked outside and saw that it was raining heavily yet the city life was in full swing as the yellow school bus was picking up kids. A city bus slowly wound its way through the streets and finally to the intersection near the solitary house which I now resided till I had to move on. The people who were in a rush to reach office hurriedly boarded the bus and spewed out people coming back from the graveyard shift. The streets quickly became empty as it rounded the corner, switched on its afterburner and disappeared into the horizon. The few people who were seen on the sidewalks were rushing through the open spaces either trying to reach home after disembarking from the city bus or trying to clean out their driveway of the debris thrown by the wild winds before the sun reaches its peak and they turned into crispy taters.

                                        It was one of the hottest summers which we had in the decade. Even from inside the room, one could feel the hot blistering winds whenever it used to barrel down towards the plains from the ever encroaching desert as it find its way through the wilting trees and shakes them till all the leaves on them had fallen down. The strong hot winds used to shake the house so hard that it felt like it might crumble any moment. The dust and debris covered city casting magical brown light upon the land. The street and homes slowly started to wear a deserted look even though the sun hasn’t risen much higher.

                                        Looking up, I saw the blazing suns slowly disappear behind a cloud, there was a slight crackling hum, one could feel the static and smell ozone in the air. The house starts to shake and shudder as it is buffeted by what seemed like the unending storms. The storm passes and the utter silence which seems to permeate through the walls amplified my own breathing. The ground shook a bit and I heard a heavy sound of boots rudely stomping on the wooden flooring which seemed to be coming towards me. The sound came closer. The sudden rough knock in the door startled me and brought me out of the thoughts I was in. A strong earthy smell permeated the room and the sound of shrieking crows filled their ears. Reddish yellow light spilled into the room as the resident gargoyle hissed at me to tell me that the breakfast was ready and asked if I was coming down or not. I growled at him to head on downstairs and I’ll be there in a bit. Looking out the window one last time before I left, I saw the harsh burning sunlight had disappeared and greenish light filtered through the curtains.

                                        After what seemed like a lifetime, I finally made my way downstairs. The empty table, broken furniture, rotting curtains and the constant scurrying sounds of the rats hidden behind the walls could not keep my mind from feeling a little uneasiness I was feeling from the unfinished business at hand. The whistling sound of the kettle wakes me out of the dark thoughts that I had fallen into. Teleporting between planes even if it was work related always wore me out and I never knew where I would end up while exiting this place and in what condition. With some effort, I got out of the chair and headed off to the kitchen to see if something could be done to shake the lethargy out of my system. Grabbing the kettle, I pour some coffee into my mug to banish the thorn from my mind and plan out the method by which it can be removed.

                                        It’s another bare room just like the rest of the house. The floor boards creaks every time I put my foot down, there were cobwebs in the ceiling and the lone window was grimy from eons and eons of existence. It mattered not much to me as it was just another rest house while travelling between different planes of existence which gave me the shortcut I needed. Pulling aside the tattered curtain, I rubbed the window to peek outside once more. The hustling, bustling city scene was gone. A green sky which seemed to surround the whole house greeted me above and I saw infinite number of endless shifting realities each displaying their wares before blinking out.

                                        I wondered if this was the worst solar storm of the millennium. It won’t be safe teleporting in such condition as I really didn’t want my atoms scattered all over the multiple universes. I guess it would be next to impossible finding a taxi going past the house on this bitter storm. I called up the taxi services once again for a quick pick me up which seemed like a better idea as a major storm was headed this way and the corridors were already starting to wear a deserted look.

                                        I looked at myself once more in the full length mirror and combed my hair before stepping out into one of the hallways. The space lanes and the cluster of shops which sat on the numerous rocks wore a deserted look even though most of the shops were open waiting for the late evening weekend rush. The few aliens who were seen on the sidewalks were rushing through the open spaces either trying to catch a passing by space taxi or trying to figure out which pile of debris was theirs. The magnetic tow trucks seemed to be hovering everywhere and were seen using their tractor beams pulling the ships out of the craters and the dead ones to the nearest black hole. A few sirens were heard on the lanes and I guess someone needed some help. The giant plows were lazily moving down the space lanes using their magnetic beams to push the debris off to the. The hazard filled area slowed down our journey and I was getting sick of the constant slipping and swaying of the taxi.

                                        The constant chatter of the taxi driver kept my mind away from the grim weather. Xeno turned one of his heads towards me and talked just about everything under the sun. I really seemed to enjoy the monologue which consisted of how awful the taxi union were, the food joints, who bashed whom last night at the bar and how his wife always used to whack one of his two head and gave him an ear full for coming home late. Pretty soon, the suffocating cluttered feeling turned into a comfortable one and I must have dozed off.

                                        The taxis horn and the jovial cheeky remarks woke me out of the slumber. As we neared our destination, the taxi started to shake as it exited a worm hole and skipped over a magnetic cross currents. We finally spotted a giant piece of land on another nameless piece of rock floating in space. Barreling down head wards at high speed, the taxi made its way towards it before it disappeared once more. The taxi started to heat up and turned beat red. Soon it turned into a huge ball of fire. I start to notice the continent getting larger and I start to see mountains, rivers, lakes and huge forests. Xeno finally turned on the nitro pack which is strapped in the rear and accelerate downwards at an even greater speed as he really want to make an impact on the people and the surroundings.

                                        After what seems like floating for many eons in total darkness, I open my eyes and see lush green forest cover through which the sun is peeking through. My body is aching really badly and all bones seem to be broken. Nervously, I move my fingers, toes and become really relieved that no serious damage is done. Crawling out of the craft gingerly, I notice that I am in a really deep crater probably created by the impact. Over to one side, I notice a long stretch of road heading off towards the city. The taxi finally managed to hover out of the deep crater, I hopped in and strapped myself down once more as we started to fly towards the silent city to wrap up the loose ends. Lightning flashed across the sky, thunder boomed and a sudden downpour caught us unaware. The journey slowed down to a crawl as the road turned muddy and the ship started to short circuit. Pulling off to the side, repair work is undertaken. The damaged hydrogen fuel cell thrown out, burnt wiring ripped out new power core inserted and wiring replaced. The craft lights up like Christmas lights once more and we start to glide down the muddy roads once more. All the power lines leading to the town seemed to be knocked out and none of the houses down in the valley showed any sign of activity. Not a soul was in sight and even the stray dogs were nowhere to be seen. The rain died down as quickly as it had started, yet it seemed like there was another storm was brewing just over the horizon. You could feel it building up and in the bones which seemed worse than this one.

                                        A brightly lit old double story house loomed ahead of us as we rounded a corner and it seemed no different than the others next to it. The journey was almost over and I felt that the time had arrived to wrap up the unfinished work. Holding my trench coat firmly to my body, I got out of the taxi and ran towards the steps. My body became heavy and I seemed to miss a step due to the gravity as soon as I stepped out.

                                        The door opened just as I was about to knock and a group of people seemed to rush out almost knocking me over. Their jaws dropped to the ground, eyes grew wide as they saw the space taxi launch itself back into space sending a dust cloud everywhere. Leaving the dust covered people outside; I wandered inside to see a dimly lit hallway which led to a sitting room. Off to one side, I saw a coat room where I wandered into to bid my time.

                                        As I peeked out of the coat room and into the sitting room, I saw that there was a blazing fire in the fireplace. There were a few empty chairs near it waiting for their occupants. A dry cough, the sound of a match stick striking against its box and the smell of cigar told me that someone had arrived before me and there were others making themselves comfortable. I had seen this man somewhere else before and remembered that he always sat closest to the fire place as he liked to throw the wood in there and watch it pop and sparkle a bit before it caught on fire. He was soon joined by others and the numbers slowly swelled until the small room filled up.
                                        I had been coming here for many long years to watch these strange people tell tall tales to each other. The grandfather clock down in the hallway boomed and the hand had struck twelve. It startled me out of the deep thought I was in and I realized that the time had arrived to do the deed which I had come for.


                                        Pushing aside the coats and umbrellas, I walked past them and soon I found my way to an old weather beaten door that I knew from before. My mind was ablaze as my hand went to the door knob and started to turn it slowly open. Pushing the door open, I saw the sitting room bathed in the red light emitting from the fireplace. The ceiling had disappeared and I saw huge twin suns while six moons were seen circling the sky. Strong winds started to tug at me and I struggled to hold my place. . Every so often a meteorite would get pulled downwards and disappear in a blaze of light. A giant storm was brewing on the horizon as lightening flashed and thunder roared.

                                        My lungs started to burn and the heart was pounding do hard that it felt like it was going to pop out. I shrieked out in pain as fatigue slowly overtook me as I felt my body shaking and my vision began to blur. Waking up after what seemed like many eons, I crawled to my knees and finally stood up. Spreading and stretching the huge wings, I started to flap them till, I started to rise into the sky.

                                        Flapping my giant wings, I hung effortlessly hung in the sky. The beings down below whose time had come felt hypnotized, lost in the bottomless pits which were like endless blur of stars and seemed to draw them deeper inside. My arm arched back and I started to recite the names of long lost and forgotten Gods. The wind began to howl and thicken around me. Wisps of smoke broke away and started to squeeze the life force out the living down below. The space taxi was hovering over the house and it could hardly be seen in the near total darkness. A haze appeared over each body and disappeared into my extended hand. My job was done I started to flap my wings slowly and glided out of the house and into the space ship above. Ever so silently like the gentle winds, it powered it way out of this solar system and beyond.


                                        Time passes by and after what seems like another lifetime, I find myself walking up to the window of the space port which faces the space city. The hardened plate glass clears a bit as I approach it and the view is as bleak as my inner self. The numerous suns and the distant stars blink and shine as they cast their dim light which gently finds its way into the room.

                                        As a meteorite belt circles a giant gaseous planet down below and this space port sits on a barren rock floats in space following the other rocks around the planet. It seems so out of place. The building shakes and shudders as it is buffeted by the solar storms and it sends a shudder down my spine wakes me out of the deep thoughts that I had fallen into dreaming the dreams that I always ended up dreaming. Coming back from the long haul had worn me out and I wanted to unwind before heading out once more. With some effort, I headed off to the cafeteria. Grabbing the coffee jar, I pour some coffee into my mug to banish the cobwebs from my mind and to see if I can pick up the threads of the dark dreams I was having once more.

                                        I dug deep into my pocket to find a bag of salted peanuts and a partially smoked cigarette. Looking out the window once more while I munched on the nuts and finished off my smokes, I wondered if I should head down to the pit or head to my room and go into deep sleep for the interplanetary travel.

                                        So I headed of to the crowded lounge where I end up sipping a lit Molotov cocktail without singing my whiskers, I noticed a really strange sight. There was a huge crowd gathered in one corner of the entertainment lounge. The crowd slowly parted and I saw a strange sight. There was a piano floating on top of a fire pit while an alien started to recite a mind numbing poem while beckoning me while another one at the opposite end gestured for me to go there. Time flew by faster than the fasted winds only to be broken by the dispatchers’ message that a new job had been assigned to me. Feeling a little saddened yet realizing that I must go, I wandered off to the deep sleep chambers to start my adventures anew. Read more...

                                           

                                          ss_blog_claim=64eb27d800bf9debb2e591ae98643281