The Gift: The LUCID Nightmare Series

By E. Clay

Clay Thompson and his childhood best friend, Brian, reunite at a high school reunion in Chicago. In the blinking of an eye, Clay and Brian's lives are forever altered by one tragic event. Both emerge from a brief brush with death with a biblical gift, as old as time itself. Clay's gift is intended to help him avoid impending peril. But will he wake up in time?

• Language: English
• Publisher: E. Clay
• Release date: Apr 29, 2020
• ISBN: 9781732102859

E. Clay

Never in a million years did I ever think I would become a writer, or that I would find it so fullfilling and rewarding. If the test of a true passion is the love of its drudgery, then I am certifiably hooked. The entire writing experience is a joy.I created this webpage so you can follow my works and hear the latest news on my progress. I enjoy communicating with my readers and reviewers about my characters, my plots and most importanly my message. If you ask me a question, I will make every effort to respond in a timely manner.

Book preview

The Gift

The Gift

The Lucid Nightmare Series

Book 2

A Novella

E. CLAY

This book is inspired by true events, but names and some events have been changed to protect the privacy of those portrayed.

The Gift

The Lucid Nightmare Series

Copyright © E. Clay 2020

New Paradigm Publishers

All rights reserved.

ISBN-13: 978-1-7321028-3-5 (paperback)

ISBN-13: 978-1-7321028-4-2 (ebook)

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by photocopying or any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage or retrieval systems, without permission in writing from both the copyright owner and the publisher of the book.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prologue

Chapter 1: Weddings, Funerals and Reunions

Chapter 2: Sudden Impact

Chapter 3: Knowledge Management

Chapter 4: Million-Dollar Baby

Chapter 5: The Naked Truth

Chapter 6: The Prophecy

Chapter 7: Trust but Verify

Chapter 8: No Dignity, No Doubt

Chapter 9: The Assessment

Chapter 10: Every Breath You Take

Chapter 11: You Belong to Me

Chapter 12: Rebirth

Also By E. Clay

Author’s Corner (contains spoilers)

Prologue

Clay Thompson and his childhood best friend, Brian, reunite at a high school reunion in Chicago. Technological advances since the rise of the Internet have made life simpler and the world seemingly more accessible. The Internet was a windfall to many industries, air travel, investing, retail, and dating.

However, both find relationships, one of life’s enigmas, increasingly more challenging. Brian, a widower since the age of 22, is still haunted by the premature death of Linda, his wife and high school sweetheart, while Clay finds himself in the quagmire of online dating, where some profiles hide catastrophic baggage.

In the blink of an eye, Clay and Brian’s lives are forever altered by one tragic event. Both emerge from a brief brush with death with a biblical gift, as old as time itself. Clay’s gift is intended to help him avoid impending peril. But will he wake up in time?

Chapter 1: Weddings, Funerals and Reunions

15 July 2018 10:30 am

Kenwood High School Reunion Classes 1970-1979

Harold Washington Park, Hyde Park, Chicago, Illinois

Good morning, is this the tent for the class of ’79? Clay asked one of three ladies seated selling t-shirts and high school memorabilia.

Yes, you are in the right place. The woman stares at Clay intently. You don’t look familiar; you must be a late transfer. The woman quietly whispers to the other two, both shook their heads.

Clay immediately sensed their suspicion. I have a confession to make, I didn’t graduate from Kenwood. I never attended Kenwood.

I’m sorry but this is for Kenwood alumni only, and if you ain’t a Bronco…

A woman from the rear of the tent counting money stepped forward. Hang on a second, if he wants to pay, then let him pay. What’s the harm? So tell me… why are you here?

Clay stuck his hands in his pocket slightly on edge. I’m here because I grew up two blocks away. My oldest friends still live here, but my parents moved to the suburbs after my 8th grade graduation. I graduated from Bret Harte elementary right over there, Clay pointed.

The lady seated crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair. Can you give me a name of someone you went to school with, who graduated in ‘79?

Clay sighed in relief. Yeah, I was hoping to run into Lionel James here, he hit me up on Facebook and asked me if I was coming. Have you seen him? Clay looked around squinting while scanning the park.

Guess you haven’t heard. She handed Clay the class of ’79 memorial book.

Clay slowly fanned through the pages and stopped abruptly. Damn.

The women noticed the pain across Clay’s face. Clay handed the book back avoiding eye contact. His eyes were bloodshot and he struggled to suppress his sadness.

He was only 57. What happened? Clay asked solemnly.

The treasurer replied. We don’t know, he checked himself in the hospital and died a few days later. We don’t really know what happened.

The woman on the right offered her opinion. I think he died of a broken heart. You know he never moved out of the house. He lived with his mom the whole time and when she died, I think it was too much for him. God rest his soul.

That’s a real shame. Lionel was so nice to me growing up. He was a gentle giant. Ladies, I’m sorry for wasting your time. I’ll be on my way, Clay said.

Wait, how would you like to be adopted as an honorary Bronco? Can I sell you a t-shirt?

Clay smiled. Sure, I’d really like that… a lot.

I just need to know your size.

A booming and deep voice spoke from afar. He’ll never get it over his fat head.

Clay didn’t bother to turn around, as he’d recognize that voice anywhere. He chuckled. Brian… Brian Hendrix, a legend in his own behind, Clay laughed.

Brian jumped on Clay’s back like in the old days when they were kids.

Clay buckled. Easy, are we regressing just a little? You’re not exactly in shape these days. Clay shrugged him off.

Hey, round is a shape, Brian joked before hugging his old friend.

Clay paid for a ticket and purchased a t-shirt. He thanked the ladies in the tent. Clay and Brian walked the perimeter of the park waving to old friends grilling baby back ribs while enjoying the sounds of Earth, Wind and Fire. The forecast was warm and cloudy, but as the clouds dissipated, the sun then showed her face.

~ ~ ~

Two childhood friends, Terry