...And the End was the Beginning

By Scott P. Gill

Christian embarks on a fascinating adventure that begins as an ordinary day. As an average American husband and father in his early thirties, he takes for granted the simple things in life; and at times, finds himself drowning in the monotony of his day-to-day routine. He seems to have it all under control, but today is unlike any other. It is t

• Language: English
• Publisher: Grow In Wisdom Foundation
• Release date: Oct 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9780692525166

Book preview

Chapter 1

A Day in the Life

The familiarity of his surroundings was noticeable, but distinct details of his life were missing. Not to say that something that was there before had been removed, but there was a subconscious feeling that there was more to the story than his present circumstances. He drove through the city, astonished by its architecture and enamored by its beauty. The buses stormed by, carrying passengers eager to arrive at their destinations. However, the pollution-producing exhaust that usually sickened him had no effect on him this particular day. Pedestrian traffic was normal and predictable, each individual consumed by their travel to their monotonous locations. Christian parked the car, and proceeded to travel via foot, in his most comfortable pair of blue slacks, dress shoes, and tan blazer. The compression sleeve he had been wearing the last few nights was apparently working, as he noticed the pain in his left shoulder was no longer inhibiting his progress as he walked. In addition, it became apparent that the Ibuprofen he has been taking has relieved the discomfort in that worrisome left knee of his; it has been bothering him for years.

On the way to work, he felt the normal gratefulness for his position in the world. His spirit of thanksgiving was still a bit forced, as he was commonly unfulfilled by his profession. However, he promised himself long ago that he would remain outwardly content, so as not to sabotage his own success. He mentally stumbled, as a passing ambulance reminded him of an upcoming doctor’s appointment that he had forgotten about. Oh, and I need to make that dentist appointment too, he thought. As he carried on, the sight of a young child laughing reminded him of how fortunate he was to have a stable family life. His wife Hannah, had been faithful, and loving since the day they had met.

While at times he had been a far less than perfect boyfriend, he had succeeded thus far in being a most caring husband and father. When she gave birth to their son Elijah, Christian noticed that it felt like a true turning point in his life. He was so proud of his son, and especially proud of himself for being able to valiantly declare his willingness to lay down his own life for the sake of his offspring. Still, the prayer was that these circumstances would never be presented in actuality.

He often reminisced on the security of his own childhood. Having grown up in comfortable surroundings, with both mother and father present, he felt a hint of entitlement with just a touch of good luck. With a college education and a job that he could be proud of, to the extent that it would buy him the occasional steak and ale on the weekends, Christian had little to complain about. He proceeded to work, to embark on another day at the office. But today, more and more he felt that something simply was not the same.

Chapter 2

Office Protocol

Christian answered the phone, Thank you for calling. What can we help you with today?

Hi Christian, how are you? inquired the investor.

I am well. I am doing very well. What can I do for you today?

Oh nothing…absolutely nothing Christian the investor replied. I was just calling to check on you…because…you know…I know this is probably very…I just wanted to check on you.

Uh…ok Christian confusingly replies. "Are you sure you don’t need anything? Would you like for us to wire some money, or execute a transaction for you?"

The investor insisted yet again, Oh no. I just wanted to call and check on you. I know how big of an adjustment this can be… so I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you.

Adjustment? I—I’m sorry, but—

Christian was cut off by the caller, who cheerfully proclaimed, Okay, bye now! The investor hung up.

Christian shook his head, took a deep breath, and looked around briefly. I need to get my coffee he said, and quickly walked to the break room for java and cream.

After a quick cup of coffee, Christian settled down at his desk. Rather than attempt to dive head first into Monday morning madness, he decided to surf the net for a while. Perhaps this will help capture the normality that he is used to, he thought. He visited his normal sites. Christian loved