Together In Paradise

By Travis Slone

In this thought provoking follow up to Slone's first allegorical masterpiece, The Great Mystery, we are once again reminded to slow down, and be inspired by Life.

As part of an ongoing effort to shift our focus to a more interdependent reality, Slone uses this story to remind us of the world's most powerful, and universal law: "The Golden Rule."

Through both tragedy and triumph, this creative experience invites the reader to reflect on the path of his or her own life, and consider the unseen ripple effects of our seemingly mundane choices.

Together in Paradise remains packed with the same adventure, intrigue, emotion, and wisdom that we have come to expect from this imaginative storyteller.

So, is Heaven really some vaguely understood, and distant spiritual realm... or are we there already, on a global quest for the rediscovery of this perfect, and ancient truth? Read Slone's books for yourself, and decide.

As a social worker, the author will use proceeds of this book to promote social justice in the world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: eBookIt.com
• Release date: Apr 26, 2016
• ISBN: 9781456607944

Book preview

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CHAPTER 1

Once upon a time, in the beautiful rocky countryside of Northern England, there lived a wealthy young family of three. Thomas and Sarah had been married for nine years, and had a five year old daughter named Janie. They had made their fortunes working long hours in London’s financial district, while Sarah’s mother raised their young child at the family’s country estate. Whenever it was possible, Thomas and Sarah would join them for weekends and holidays.

The elegant property had been handed down for six generations, and part of an inheritance when Thomas’ own parents passed away a few years back.

An eight kilometer long paved driveway led through the hills to the historic stone mansion, where flowering vines made their annual ascent up the four hundred year old walls. A pathway of neatly laid bricks led through a magnificent garden, connecting the separate three-car garage to the arched front entry.

On that breezy summer evening, smoke emanated from the main building’s two chimneys, creating a slight haze in the waning light overhead. As the sun went down over the distant hills, the home’s many glowing windows made it appear like an enormous lantern, calmly sitting in the midst of the rugged English landscape.

Mom, called out the little girl, May I please have some milk before bedtime?

But Sarah did not hear the sweet child over the telephone conversation she was having nearby.

Mother! she called again. "I said please. You didn’t even have to remind me this time. Can I please have some milk?"

Shhh! replied the girl’s mom in frustration. Can’t you see I’m busy here? Go ask your father if you need something. This is one of my clients on the phone, and she’s very important to me.

The cute little blue-eyed girl with long curly blond hair skipped eagerly into the den to look for her father. She hardly even noticed her mother’s lack of attention anymore, for she had grown used to it by now.

Dad, she asked after finding him sitting by the television watching an intense World Cup match. Could I please have some milk before bed? Mom’s too busy, and I’m really thirsty.

Sure you can sweet heart, replied the father. Just give me a few seconds, and I’ll be right there. The match is almost over.

But as the opposing team scored a goal with no time left in regulation, the score became deadlocked at two goals apiece. The beautiful young girl curled up next to her father on the couch, waiting for the overtime to end.

When the match was finally over, Thomas remembered that his little princess had wanted some milk. Unfortunately, she had already fallen asleep beside him. In her hands, she did not have her usual soft teddy bear, but an empty plastic cup.

As Sarah came in from the other room and noticed her daughter sleeping on the couch, she thought of how precious she looked.

Aw, she said to Thomas as he went to scoop her up and take her to bed. She sure is adorable when she’s sleeping.

Thomas couldn’t agree more.

She’s pretty amazing when she’s awake too, he replied. It’s just unfortunate that we’re always so busy.

Don’t worry honey. She’ll understand when she grows up.

As little Janie was carried off to bed, Sarah carefully snatched the empty cup from her daughter, and went to carry it to the sink.

Wait! said Thomas. What is that, on the ground?

What? his wife asked. Where?

Right there, by your feet, he said. I think you dropped something.

Sarah bent down to pick up the neatly folded piece of pink paper. When she unfolded the heart-shaped note, tears swelled up in her eyes.

What’s wrong? Thomas asked. What does it say?

She read the heart-shaped note aloud, trying not to get choked up on the words.

Just kidding, it said with a sketched smiling face. All I want is a hug.

The note had fallen from inside the little girl’s cup.

After carrying the sweet child off to bed, and tucking her in with her teddy bear, Thomas gave her a soft kiss on the cheek and turned out the light. He glanced back once more as he left the room, pausing to savor the moment. We really need a vacation, he thought. Somewhere far away from England.

CHAPTER 2

The following weekend…

The family was all packed, and ready for their ten-day voyage on the Mediterranean Sea. It would be the trip of a lifetime aboard one of Europe’s most luxurious cruise liners, with planned overnight stops at some of the more alluring destinations in the world. At eleven o’clock on the following morning, they would set out for London’s international airport, where the journey would officially begin.

Good night sweetheart, Sarah said as she and Thomas tucked Janie into bed. Get some good rest. Tomorrow will be a long day.

I know, replied the little girl. I can’t wait!

The lights went out. Everything was set.

Thomas and Sarah made their way to the bedroom, changed into their pajamas, and curled up in bed.

Did you set the alarm already? Sarah asked.

Yes dear, replied Thomas. Remember, this is going to be a week of no work, no responsibilities, and most importantly…no worries. Now turn that cell phone off. You won’t be needing that for a while.

Sarah was as ready for a vacation as everyone else in the family, but she would never have been able to afford such things if not for her workaholic personality. She quietly slipped the phone onto the dresser beside the bed, changing it from ring to vibrate. Just in case, she thought. Wouldn’t want to miss anything important.

Good night dear, she whispered as she turned out the light. I can’t wait for this trip.

Yea, we should never have waited this long, Thomas replied. This is way overdue.

Thomas and Sarah drifted off to sleep. Their family was prepped for the holiday, and little Janie could not wait to spend some quality time with her mom and dad.

If only life worked according to our own plans…

CHAPTER 3

The family was sound asleep, and all was set for their trip. Then suddenly, Thomas and Sarah were awakened by a buzz from somewhere in the room.

What was that? Thomas asked as he sat up slowly and looked around.

Then it buzzed again, and he knew exactly what it was.

Sarah looked embarrassed as she reached across to the dresser to grab the vibrating phone. She held the phone close to her eyes, and glanced at the incoming caller. Unknown, it said.

Don’t you dare answer that phone, Thomas reminded her. We’re going on vacation in a few hours, and nothing is going to get in our way. I thought you turned that off last night.

Well, I was going to turn it off, but…

Don’t bother explaining honey, he replied. I know how much you enjoy your work. Just please turn it off now, and don’t answer that call. Whatever it is, someone else can handle it today.

Sarah knew he was right, and decided

Reviews for Together In Paradise

[deb_mac_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a fascinating read! I didn't find it preachy at all, just a really smooth, lovely lesson that we could all benefit from. It was not based on any religion, and was interesting.