From Darkness into Light

By Glen Allan

The world is in a turbulent state. Mother Nature is angry. Volcanos erupting, earthquakes, and meteorites shake the land. Weather patterns are unpredictable. In the midst of the natural destructions loved ones die and others are displaced. Jason Phillips finds himself alone, his home town destroyed and his family dead. Survival is the human instinct. His plan is to reach his childhood friend, his “brother” now living in Colorado where the sea level is higher and the mountains stronger. His journey unexpectantly joins him with two children and brings into his life a woman that stirs feelings he thought would never surface again after the loss of the love of his life years prior. Together they trek land, water and air to reach their destination and find a life together that bonds them as a family. Their lives are not the only ones affected by the disasters overtaking the lands. A Canadian family find themselves stranded in an extreme blizzard but finds shelter in a small ghost town in Montana know as Marysville. A deserted mining town where the only notable landmark is a quaint, out of the way bar and restaurant named Maryville’s House. Patronized by the famous and the regular alike for its hospitality, excellent Montana steaks and anonymity, Maryville’s House is owned and operated by a man named Grant who loves the isolation Marysville offers and its history. He often provides tours of the abandoned Drumlummon Mine that once made the town a bustling hub of the area. Not understanding the ravages overtaking the world, Grant offers his stranded guests a tour of the mines and what follows is unbelievable even for him. An earthquake unexpectedly shakes the mine and traps Grant and the stranded family. From the depths of the mine appears a native tribesman with a story and an invitation to join a human-alien civilization who will make them part of their plan to save some humans from destruction and start them on a change in human existence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Glen Allan
• Release date: Apr 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005799809

Glen Allan

I'm a retired Respiratory Therapist who's had this particular book idea in my head since a heart attack in 1999. It has gone through many revisions and changes to get where it is today.

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From Darkness Into Light

Glen Allan

Copyright 2021 © Glen Allan.

Smashwords Edition. All Rights Reserved.

Published by: Glen Allan

Cover Design: Vila Design

Reproduction of this work in whole or in part in any manner or form without express written permission is prohibited.

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Thank you for your support of my work. Please enjoy!

8 YEARS AGO...

Jason Phillips and Shawn Anderson grew up in Summit Ridge, a sleepy little town in northwestern Arkansas. Having a population of less than seven thousand people, they attended the same school, attended some of the same classes, but really did not become aware of each other until high school. Once they connected, everything just seemed to fall in place for them. They dated throughout high school and when graduation approached, they planned to attend the same college at the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. Jason would major in Architecture and Engineering while Shawn studied to become an RN. Both would quickly excel to the top of their classes with Jason earning additional credits to allow him to graduate early.

As a result of Jason’s academic accomplishments, he was on track to graduate a year earlier than Shawn. With winter break approaching, Jason was committed to studying for his finals and Shawn planned to go home. Jason was feeling a little empty at the realization he would not be home for one of his and Shawn’s favorite holidays, Christmas. This was time to be spent with family and friends and just have free time for themselves.

Since this was the first Christmas they would be spending apart in years, Jason was determined to make it special for them both. The night before Shawn was to leave for Summit Ridge, she and Jason planned dinner at their favorite Steak House. It was Shawn’s habit whenever they went out to eat to visit the ladies’ room to wash her hands and Jason used this time to slip a diamond engagement ring under her napkin. It had always been implied they would marry but this was the first concrete indication it would happen. Jason read the surprise and excitement in Shawn’s eyes when the ring tumbled from the napkin when she raised it up to slip it in her lap. Of course, the answer was a resounding Yes!.

When Jason and Shawn awoke the next morning, the sky was heavy with gray clouds. Light pings of sleet hit the pavement while Jason helped pack Shawn’s car for her week-long visit home. Trepidation roiled in Jason’s stomach as he thought of Shawn making the 7-hour drive to Summit Ridge by herself, especially with the winter weather making a turn for the worst. In the end, with Shawn promising repeatedly she would drive carefully, he watched as she drove away.

Jason attended his classes that day, still fighting that feeling of trepidation. He found himself glancing at the clock and mentally picturing Shawn’s route and where she should be at that time. When he arrived home late that afternoon, there were several messages on the answering machine. His heart in his throat, he listened as first Shawn’s parents, then his own, anxiously beckoned him to call at the earliest opportunity.

With shaking hands and that feeling of dread growing in the pit of his stomach, he dialed his parents and listened as they delivered the news. Shawn had hit a patch of black ice on the road, losing control of her car and smashing head long into a tree. She was killed instantly.

Jason made it through the funeral in a daze. He half-heartily listened to the eulogy being delivered by the pastor of the church they always attended when home. The casket was closed due to the physical damage Shawn had sustained in the accident and he stared at the large portrait balanced on the easel of the smiling, beautiful face he so loved. He breathed in the scent of the funeral flowers surrounding the bronze and silver box that contained his heart. All this with a numbness he didn’t think he would ever overcome.

He delt with the loss of the love of his life the only way he knew how. He threw himself into his studies. Buried himself into the books and papers. Took on extra classes. Anything to prevent his mind from wondering into the dark place where Shawn no longer occupied.

He graduated in the top ten of his class, landed the job of a lifetime with a large, prestigious Architectural firm and literally threw himself into his work. On the side he built his dream home. A huge geodesic home in Summit Ridge, with many triangular windows, subconsciously hoping the light would penetrate that dark place in his soul and allow him to feel again. He purchased the single engine red and white, Cessna 172 airplane he had coveted since high school and hangered it at the small local airport.

He filled his life with things and worked from home surrounding himself with family and friends. But with all his achievements and acquisitions, he had yet to feel whole and fulfilled. He could only hope this would come with time.

Chapter 1

After finishing a rather large job working with his construction team in Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas, Jason landed his Cessna 172 back at Summit Ridge and started preparing for something new and exciting. He parked his plane in its designated hanger and completed his flight log entry. Exiting out of the plane, his nose senses the aviation fuel and natural smells of the hanger. He smiles to himself then breaks out laughing, remembering the joke played on him years ago as a teenager before he knew better. The airport maintenance worker handed him a bucket and asked him to fill it up with prop wash. Jason spent quite some time trying to find this elusive prop wash. When he went back to the maintenance office with his hands empty, the guy was laughing and explained to Jason that there was no such thing as prop wash. It is the wind churned up by the propeller when standing behind a running plane. It was his first lesson in aviation. He could laugh about it now, but back then it wasn’t as funny.

Pulling into his driveway, he just sits for a minute and marvels at the beautiful geodesic structure in front of him. It never failed to fill him with a sense of pride. Entering into the spacious foyer, he dumps his travel bag on the bench sitting near the door and finally lets the fatigue of the last weeks wash over him. Being gone for a time, his lauder was pretty empty, but he discovers a lone bottle of beer in the fridge. Filling his pantry would need to be top of his list now that he’s finally home for a bit. Popping the top and taking a long drink, he wanders into his living space, noticing as he goes, Ms. Pendergrass had recently been there to clear the dust and shake out the throw rugs.

Jason had made himself into a workaholic since graduating college allowing him to bury his grief and loneliness after the loss of Shawn. Staring out the large triangular windows in his living room, one hand in his pocket, the other absently rocking the beer bottle, the setting sunbathed his tall, lean frame in a subtle glow. Light danced off the tips of his blondish hair as he contemplated his next move. Lately he had been mauling over the idea of actually taking Mark up on his invitation to visit him in Colorado.

Mark was his oldest and dearest friend dating back to grade school. His college major had been in Forestry and Soil Sciences. After college he had moved to Colorado opting not to stay in Summit Ridge but adventure out into new surroundings. Colorado offered just the opportunity he had been seeking.

Mark landed a job as the Chief Forest Ranger and Soil Conservationist for the southern Colorado area near Durango. He bought a house in nearby Linn, a snow blown little town just outside Durango. Apparently, he had also fallen head over heels in love. Jason had never seen his friend quite so captivated since meeting Julie. She was a pharmacist at a local hospital. Mark had sent Jason several pictures of him and Julie with the snowcapped mountains looming behind them, both decked out in their winter gear and snow falling around them and sticking to their hair. And from what Jason could tell, she was pretty hot.

On impulse, Jason turned from the windows and headed down the hall to his home office. Setting the beer bottle carefully on a coaster he sat down at his desk and opened his computer. The room was littered with blueprints, drawings and books. Photos of previous buildings and projects he had completed hung on the walls along with diplomas and awards. Ms. Pendergrass rarely entered this room except to gather the stray cup or dish left there when he was working from home. Calling up his video chat he entered Mark’s contact information. After several beeps with no response on the other end, Jason glanced at the clock and mentally kicked himself. Time difference. Ok, he decided. He’d just leave a message.

Hey buddy, what’s going on? Thought I might take you up on that invite after all. I’m really kinda burnt and could probably use some down time. Get back with me and we’ll work out details if the offer still stands.

There. Now there was no backing out or making excuses unless he wanted to appear like an indecisive idiot.

Sitting at his desk he studied a set of unfinished blueprints on the worktable across from him and contemplated doing some drawing time. He just wasn’t in the mood. Thinking about Mark and Julie forced some unwanted memories to the surface. Not wanting to think right now, he moved back to the living room and fell back on the well-used leather couch. Damn! He forgot his beer. Pushing up to go retrieve it, the phone rings in his pocket. Playing the musical tune he assigned to his parents, he pulls out the phone and answers his Mother’s call.

Hey, Mom. What’s up?

I was just wondering if you had made it in yet. his Mother said, in a slightly accusatory tone.

Yeah. Just. I was going to call you and let you and Dad know I made it in OK. Everything alright with you guys? he said hoping to appease her.

Yes, Dear, we’re fine.

Jason and his Mom chat a bit with him promising to come by the next day to visit.

Good. You can come by for dinner and tell us about your next project. she says, trapping him.

Sure, that sounds great. Actually, I might be putting off another project for a while. I’ve been thinking seriously about taking some time and going out to Colorado to see Mark.

There was a humming silence on the other end of the line.

Mom, you still there? he asks.

Yes, I’m here. You just took me a little by surprise is all. It wasn’t like her son to finish a project and not dive into another right away. You’re sure you’re ok? she asks a little worry in her voice.

Yeah, I’m fine. We’ll talk more about it tomorrow. I’m pretty well spent tonight and just looking forward to sleeping in my own bed. I’ll be by tomorrow for dinner and bring you and Dad up to date. he said, hoping that would satisfy her.

Alright, Honey. We’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep well.

Ok, Mom. Love you and tell Dad love to him, too.

Jason switched off his phone and tossed it on the wooden and brass coffee table in front of him.

With a deep sigh, Jason rubbed his hands over his face and let then fall between his knees. Time to get some sleep, he decided. It would be good to sleep in his own bed for a change. The nights in a hotel room weren’t unpleasant but it just wasn’t home.

Moving from his living room to the bedroom, Jason pulled off his shirt and moved into the bathroom. Maybe a hot shower would help relax him. For some reason, he just felt sort of melancholy. Stepping into the shower, he let the hot water wash the fatigue of the day away.

Slipping between the crisp, clean sheets, yep, Ms. Pendergrass had been there, he reached for the tv remote and surfed the channels. Landing on the Oldies channel he lowered the volume and let the murmur and canned laughter of Gilligan’s Island lull him to sleep.

Jason was no stranger to lucid dreams. He hated them as he always seemed to land in a scenario that brought him back to unwanted memories. This one was no different. He found himself looking at the freshly yellow painted walls of his freshman high school class. In this dream, he can smell the fragrance of the new paint, hear the chattering of the students in the class excited about their first day in high school. The sun shone thru streaked windows. As he glances around the room, his eyes lock onto a familiar face. One he almost wishes he could forget. The teacher’s voice echoes Shawn Anderson, and he watches in his dream with his heart beating hard in his chest as the girl turned woman smiles and raises her hand. Here, she calls out and the voice rings in his head like a giant bell. Breath coming fast and shallow, Jason watched as Shawn turned her head in his direction and the lovely soft face of a high school freshman morphs into the mature beautiful woman he had fallen so deeply in love with. Reaching for her, he’s pulled from his dream with a jolt.

Bolting straight up in bed, drenched in sweat, he grips the sheets trying to bring himself back into the here and now. The tv is still on, he forgot to set the sleep timer again, running some old detective series. Switching it off and glancing at the clock beside him he sees that it’s still pretty early. Falling back on the pillows, the dream still crystal clear in his thoughts, he quietly grieves again, for the thousandth time.

…

Hauling himself out of bed, Jason grabs sweatpants and tee shirt and makes his way to the kitchen. Using the last of his coffee, he makes a pot and sits at the kitchen island waiting for the brew to finish.

Pouring a large mug of steaming black coffee, he sips slowly, desperately trying to erase the memories of the face he sees in his dreams far too often. He mentally starts preparing a list of things that need his attention today and finding himself hoping Mark calls back. Never has he felt such dread than what has taken him over in the last few days. He had no explanation for it, he just wanted it to go away.

Carrying his coffee to his home office, Jason sat down at his worktable and gathered the unfinished blue prints he had been working on. The distraction worked and he spent several hours at his table. Absently, picking up his coffee mug he found it cold and bitter. Time to get out of the house and get around town, he thought.

…

His first stop was Bennie’s Landscaping and Nursery. Jason had noticed several of his Azalea bushes turning yellow and dropping leaves. He was an architectural engineer, not a horticulturist after all.

Parking in the gravel lot in front of the plastic hot houses, Jason entered smelling the odor of damp soil and humid air. He found Bennie messily putting a large plant with huge green scalloped leaves in an ornate pot. Soil littered around him as he seemed to be muttering to the plant. Bennie looks up and sees his friend. Well, hello Jason, what can I do for you today?

To start with, you can finish that beautiful plant, put it in a short box and place it in the back of the Yukon. I really like that.

Great choice, Jason. What else can I do for you? Pretty sure you didn’t stop by to go plant shopping. Bennie grins.

Well, I actually came here for some advice. My Azalea bushes are turning yellow and dropping leaves. Any ideas?

Yep, it’s pretty common. Your plants need a new soil mix, nutrients, and some mulch.

Just load it all in the back with the plant, Jason tells his friend. They spend a few minutes going over the instructions. He thanks Bennie and leaves.

Whew, that stuff really stinks, Jason comments aloud as the odor of mulch and fertilizer waffles thru the enclosed SUV. Rolling his windows down he, heads back to the house to unload this haul.

As Jason prepares to leave for the grocery store, his phone rings. Judging by the ringtone, he knows it’s Mark.

Hey, Buddy. It’s been a while. How are you doing? Jason answers.

Well, right now Julie and I are anxious to hear when you plan on getting here. We’ve got plenty of room and can’t wait to see you. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like. It’ll be nice for you to come out here this time.

That’s great. I can’t wait to see you again and finally meet Julie. Great choice in women, my friend.

So, JP. What are your plans?

I have some things to catch up on here and clear everything at work. Let’s say sometime this weekend.

"Sounds great, JP! We can wait a few more days. Just make sure you stay safe. I assume you’re flying.

Of course I am. I can’t wait to see you again, Buddy.

Same here, Jason. See ya soon. Bye.

Bye Mark, give Julie a hug for me, until I can do it myself.

…

Feeling a sense of accomplishment having talked to Mark and firming up his plans for a much needed and suddenly longed for vacation, Jason heads out to the grocery store. He still has to eat after all. Knowing he won’t need a lot, he mentally shaves his list of items down as he’s making his way thru town.

He sees several people along the way he knows and honks and waves at them as he’s passing. Pulling into the parking lot of the store, he grabs a basket on the way in and starts down the aisles. With time to kill, he wonders up and down the aisles picking up an item here and there. A package of lunch meat, loaf of bread, 12 pack of beer. Oh coffee, he reminds himself. Heading down the coffee aisle. Studying his choices, he decides on a smaller container as he won’t be home to use up a larger one.

Whoa! he exclaims as suddenly a little girl rammed right into him holding a jar of powdered creamer. Not good on judging ages of children, he thinks this little mite may be about 10 or so.

I’m so sorry she backs up, looking abashed.

No worries, Freckles as her face is a mass of tiny little freckles."

Nancy! Jason hears a female voice calling.

Coming, Aunt Lori! I really am sorry, Mister, Nancy says sheepishly.

Again, no worries. Jason says with a grin. I’m Jason.

The girl passes him and when he glanced in her direction, he saw the woman take the creamer and place it in the basket.

Clumsy! he hears the younger boy with the woman say.

Shut up, Goof Ball! Nancy replies.

Kids, behave. the woman says.

Jason wonders absently who she is. He knows most everyone in Summit Ridge but doesn’t remember seeing her or the kids before. Bet Mom will know, he mused.

Finishing his shopping and paying for his purchases, he loads the truck up and heads home.

…

After storing his food, Jason sits at the kitchen bar and contemplates. It’s been almost a year since he last saw Mark, and he had to come to Summit Ridge. Now he’s starting to get excited about the trip ahead of him and logging more instrument time in his logbook. All he has left is the exam before he gets his Instrument License. Jason is already planning his Commercial Rating. He already has enough hours logged for that one. It must run in the family, as his dad and brother were both pilots. He tries not to think about the loss of Sam.

Dinner with his Mom and Dad was always a treat Jason looked forward to. Occasionally he would stop off at their favorite pizza place in town, Ridge Pizza, and treat them but this time his Mom was cooking. Jason didn’t know what was on the menu tonight, but growing up, Mom seldom fixed anything that wasn’t fantastic.

Driving through town and admiring the manicured lawns and colorful flower beds Summit Ridge’s population was proud of, he parked in the driveway of his boyhood home. Mom and Dad didn’t disappoint here either. His Mom had beautiful spring flowers and bulbs of all colors and shades surrounding the house. The floral scents welcoming him as he approached the house.

Entering through the back door into the kitchen, he immediately knew they were having fried chicken tonight.

Hey Mom! Boy that smells great!

His Mom beamed at him. Shorter than Jason, she came to about his shoulder and was just a little stout. Hey, my Baby Boy! You’re looking good. Hope you’ve been getting some rest since you’ve been home. Her hands full, she leaned in for him to kiss her cheek.

Yeah, a little. I’ve been taking care of some things around the house that’s been neglected since I was in Little Rock.

Well, your Dad’s in the living room watching college baseball. Why don’t you go join him until I get dinner on the table? I’ll let ya’ll know when it’s ready she said waving the wooden spoon in the direction of the living room.

Ok. Jason says, observing the pots cooking on the stove and he actually felt his mouth starting to water.

Passing thru the archway into the living room, his Dad sat in his favorite recliner with the game on tv and the volume low. Seeing Jason, he gets up and embraced him in a bear hug.

A little thin there, aren’t you Son?

Smiling, Jason pats his Dad on the back, Don’t worry. I think Mom’s planning on fattening me up. You been ok?

Taking the matching recliner next to his Dad, Jason settles in to catch up on current events in the town.

I’m really glad you’re home. his Dad says. Your Mom’s been feeling kinda down lately. You know it’s coming up on the anniversary of your brother’s disappearance.

Jason instinctively glanced up to the mantle over the fireplace where prized, framed photos were scattered across it. Sam, his older brother, in his dress air force uniform and his Top Gun Trophy sat opposite of his Dad’s prized photo of the B-52 his Dad had flown.

Yeah. I’ve been feeling sorta down lately too. Maybe that’s a part of it. Jason admits.

It’s hard when you don’t have closure. his Dad said quietly. It lets your imagination run rampant.

From the dining room, his Mom calls Dinner’s on the table! Ya’ll come on before it goes cold.

"As if. Jason says grinning.

They each take their seats around the table. The fried chicken sat prominently on a large platter in the center. After each had forked up their favorite pieces, they start passing the bowls of mashed potatoes, green beans and sweet corn around.

So, his Mom says, what exactly have you been up to since you’ve been home?

Jason tells her about stopping by Bennies about his azaleas and how he wound up buying a potted plant. It’s big Jason says. Fits right into the living room. And I stopped by the A&P for a few groceries. I’m not going to need a lot as I’ve talked to Mark and decided to take some time to relax. I think I’ll fly out there this weekend.

That’s pretty sudden, isn’t it? his Mom says.

Well, I thought it was about time. I feel like I need some recharging time and visiting Mark and meeting Julie seemed like just the thing. Jason says, not wasting any time on devouring his Mom’s cooking.

I think that’s a good idea his Dad interjects. You’ve been working way too hard for a long time now.

Silence fell around them as the implication as to why Jason had been working such long hard hours. Wanting to lift the mood, Jason turns to his Mom, "Hey, Mom. Who’s the new couple