The Wonder Boy

By Bobby John

Twb is the story of a boy who has been gifted with some special powers to access information bases. However, the purpose of the book is not simply to demonstrate how important correct information is for making useful decisions.
However, the real purpose of this book is to emphasize on everyone, i.e., people of all ages, the importance of maintaining their initial instincts of siding with good, right and truth. It is a well known fact that as we grow older, we tend to lose our innocence and develop various types of barriers to defend the positions that we believe we have been forced to adopt in our lives for the sake of our survival.
Twb believes that to the extent possible, we must all struggle to maintain our clear conscience that was given to us when we were born. It is this endeavor on the part of all persons alive on this planet that will achieve the much desired goals of peace and stability around the world, which will then lead to a reduction of disequilibrium and promote social good.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984564412

Bobby John

I was born in Karachi, Pakistan in 1958, lived in Saudi Arabia from 1989 to 1995 and have lived in the United States of America since then. I work in a service industry. I got married in 1991 and have four children. I have lived in different countries, experienced different cultures, seen religion being misused, societies being converted from safe places into areas where you don’t want to be, experienced both the Pakistan and India wars and the Gulf war (so I know the true value of peace), seen corruption (so I know the importance of keeping a clear conscience), witnessed a number of deaths of close friends and relatives, and also some people becoming very sick. I have also known people who later committed suicide. I still wonder why? Above all, I have seen people confusing the purpose of life, making the acquisition of wealth as its primary objective. I hope my book will help people understand each other better and result in increasing tolerance of other people.

Book preview

Prologue

Jennifer drove her car into the spot for Apartment 1C in the parking lot of Highland Apartments located in a small town called Rockaway in central New Jersey. It was around 11 am of a Friday morning, the last day of August. The sky was completely covered with thick black clouds. As soon as she parked her car, Jen took out her cell phone from her handbag and called her friend Sally.

Sally picked up her phone almost immediately as she had been expecting the call.

Hi Sally, we’re here. Jennifer spoke in the tone of a person very unsure of her new surroundings and still confused if moving here was the right thing for her to have done.

I’ll be right out. Sally responded, immediately left her apartment and started walking towards the parking spot marked 1C where she could see Jennifer standing next to her car.

In the meantime, Jennifer had gotten out of the car, walked over to the right hand back passenger side and opened the door for her eleven years old son Robert.

Robert unbuckled himself and came out of the car.

Jennifer smiled at him and said:

This will be our new home, Rob. What do you think of this place?

Seems all right, I guess. Rob responded noncommittally.

Things will soon change for the better, Rob, trust me. We will have a new start here, try to forget our previous experiences and begin a new life here.

Jennifer saw Sally coming towards them and started to waive and smile.

The two women embraced in a loving way. Jennifer said:

Rob, say hello to Aunt Sally.

The two shook hands, Rob trying to act much older than his eleven years.

Sally found that very sweet. She spoke to Rob in a very sincere manner:

Well, young man, from now on we will see a lot of each other, and I hope we shall become really good friends.

Rob nodded noncommittally.

Sally turned to Jennifer and said:

It seems like everything is going according to plan so far. The movers called about fifteen minutes ago and said the truck would be here in about an hour or hour and a half, so that gives you plenty of time to freshen up and have something to eat. After that, it’s going to be a busy day until dinner time.

That’s great. And thanks for all the help, Sally. It was very convenient. The limousine driver was at the airport and took us straight to the car dealership. They had all the paperwork ready. It took us less than twenty minutes to get the car and the GPS brought us here in about thirty minutes.

Great. Of course, I would’ve liked to pick you up from the airport, but then, you never know about these movers. I just wanted someone to be her when they arrived.

I understand. Jen responded and they started moving towards the apartments building. They stood in front of the door to Apartment 1 B and Sally opened the door and led them inside. She spoke softly to Jennifer.

I have made some lunch, including the things that you told me Rob likes.

She showed them the restroom and continued:

I’ll start heating up the stuff and set the table.

Fifteen minutes later, they were sitting around the table and were enjoying their lunch.

When they finished eating, Sally said:

Your apartment is exactly the same as mine. The colors on the walls and just about everything else. Let’s make sure it’s furnished very differently or else we won’t be able to tell the difference.

Both women laughed. Rob seemed to be in a world of his own. Jennifer changed the subject:

I hope there are some kids about Rob’s age around this area. He really needs some good company to get over the loneliness he has been feeling.

I understand. Sally responded, quickly glancing towards Rob and then moving her eyes back to face Jennifer’s.

Oh, by the way, I heard there were warnings of sever lightning and thunderstorms later tonight? Jennifer asked.

Yes. I heard about that too. You should keep all the windows shut and turn on the AC if you feel warm.

Oh really? I was going to ask you if I should put on the heating system.

No, it never gets that cold in September. Well, I shouldn’t say never. There have been times. However, tonight it should not get very cold. Just keeping the windows closed and the AC set at around 72 degrees should be fine.

After lunch, the trio moved to the living room.

Anybody care for some coffee or ice cream? Sally asked.

Jennifer looked towards Rob, who nodded his head in acceptance.

You don’t happen to have coffee ice cream, do you? Jennifer inquired.

Yes I do. It’s Saleem’s favorite. Sally responded.

Wow, as it happens, its Rob’s favorite too. You know what? Forget about coffee. I’ll have some of that ice cream also.

Sally went to the kitchen area and brought a box of ice cream and some bowls and spoons.

I think I’m going to have some too. I am beginning to develop a taste for it. Sally said.

Good. Jennifer responded

About half an hour later, Jennifer got up and said she wanted to go see her apartment.

Do you want some help unpacking? Sally asked.

No, we should be fine. The movers should take care of everything heavy. We did not bring a lot of stuff. Thanks anyway. Jennifer replied.

The movers came soon after Jennifer got into her apartment and then Jennifer and Rob spent the rest of the day unpacking and setting up their stuff.

Around 6 pm, Sally told them she was ordering Pizza and would like to know what toppings they liked.

Jennifer discussed with Rob and told her chicken, broccoli, mushrooms and spinach.

Peter Jennings had been staring out of his window this morning when Jennifer’s car had driven into the apartment houses’ parking lot. He had immediately noticed the nice shiny new Mercedes car and, with even more interest, the beautiful and elegant looking young woman who came out of it. He also liked the young boy, presumably her son, who was sitting in the rear passenger seat opposite the drivers. He was looking at them as though the mother and son had come to see him. However, he did not even know who they were. Then he saw Sally walking over and greet them. He closed the blinds of his window so that she would not notice that he was staring at her friend.

Soon after Jennifer hung up the phone, the doorbell rang. Jennifer was surprised why Sally would come by. She looked out the door glass and saw a priest standing outside. Probably some donation thing, she told herself, and opened the door. Rob came over and stood beside her.

A handsome looking middle-aged man extended his hand and spoke very gently:

Good evening, madam. My name is Peter Jennings and I reside a few apartments away from yours. I saw you and your young son drive in and then the movers come in. I wanted to offer help earlier, but I noticed that you already know Sally, so I presumed you were taken care of.

Jennifer smiled and shook his hand.

"I am Dr. Jennifer Meyers, a pediatrician, and this is my son Robert. Jennifer said, pointing towards Rob standing next to her. Thank you for the offer Father Peter. Yes, we are fine."

Good. Anyway, if you need any kind of assistance, please do not hesitate. I live in Apartment 1E.

Thank you Father. Jennifer responded.

Peter nodded his head and walked away.

Around 7 pm, the trio had dinner at Sally’s apartment.

Tomorrow you are having breakfast, lunch and dinner at our place. Jennifer stated firmly.

Tomorrow I’ll be at work all day, Jen. I don’t know what time I’ll get back at night. That takes us into Sunday. And my breakfast time on holidays is completely unpredictable. I have a dinner date with Saleem that evening. However, I can accept a lunch invitation for Sunday. Sally responded.

OK. Say around 12.30? Jennifer asked.

That sounds good. At least I’ll be at your place around that time. If I have a late breakfast, then you’ll have to warm up the food for me later. I don’t mind eating alone. Sally replied.

I remember all your habits, Sally, you don’t have to remind me. Jen confirmed.

They both laughed and Rob looked at Jennifer expectantly.

I guess the young man wants to go back home. Sally said, and the two women started walking towards the door with Rob following right behind them.

After getting back to her apartment, Jennifer started organizing the kitchen area while Rob set up his desktop computer in his room. He then started playing some game on it.

Around 8:30, Jennifer heard some heavy thundering sounds. Unlike herself, she felt a little scared. She went into Rob’s room. Standing by the doorway, she looked at Rob. Rob did not seem to care; he was too busy playing his game. She stood near the doorway for a few minutes, uncertain what to do. She wanted to get some more work done, but felt very uneasy. She decided to call it a night. Work never ends, she told herself.

She knew Rob was upset whenever he was busy with some game and she would ask him to go to bed. Since this was the first night in their new home, she did not want him to get upset. She decided to just stand near to him, talk a little about the game he was playing and then gently lure him into the idea of going to sleep as it was getting late.

When she was about two feet away from Rob’s chair, Jennifer heard a thundering sound much louder than the one she had heard earlier. She then saw an immense ray of lightning come through the window behind Rob’s chair and, it seemed to her, strike Rob straight at the top of his head. She felt more scared at this moment than she had ever felt before in her entire life. Her heart seemed to have leaped from her chest into her throat. She ran to pick up Rob from the chair and embraced him tightly.

Oh my baby, are you all right? She murmured into his ear.

Rob seemed surprised at the whole situation. He held her tightly in his arms.

Are you scared, mom? Please don’t be scared. I’m here with you. He said softly.

She moved him a little back and saw his face. It seemed a little red. She checked his pulse, which seemed normal.

She smiled at him and said:

Thank you young man, thank you for comforting your worried mom. However, I think it’s time that we went to sleep.

OK, mom. He replied, surprisingly not wanting to continue playing. Just let me save and switch off my computer.

Saturday, September 1

It was a very pleasant Saturday morning. Jennifer was especially pleased by this clear day after the terrible thunder and lightning they had experienced the night before. The weather seemed perfect on this first day of September. It was 70 degrees, low humidity and a few clouds gently floated between the sun and the earth. She was finding it difficult to decide whether to walk to the small shopping center she had seen near her apartment or to drive there.

It had been over two months since the accident that had so dramatically changed their entire lives. The tragedy that befell her she would not wish on her worst enemy. She still distinctly remembered the call from her husband’s office that Tuesday evening, just after coming back from work and starting to talk to her eleven years old son Rob about the kind of day he had. Her husband had been travelling for attending some seminars and Rob was staying home with his grandmother who had just left when Jennifer came home.

She had picked up the phone and casually uttered hello.

She recognized the voice of her husband’s secretary.

Mrs. Meyers? The secretary had asked

Yes, Betty? She had responded.

Yes. Mrs. Meyers, I am afraid I have terrible news to convey to you.

She could hear Betty sob. Jen’s heart had begun to sink even before she heard the bad news. She thought the phone was going to slip from her hand to the floor. She was speechless and motionless, as though she was a statue, yet with some life force present in it, evidenced by the moisture in her eyes. She saw a plane in front of her eyes, going down fast towards the ground, just a little too fast.

She heard Betty’s sobbing voice telling her about how there was extremely bad weather, and how the plane lost contact with the Air Control personnel and wondered far away, finally hitting a mountain in some remote area. All passengers were considered dead. There was no possibility of any person surviving that crash.

She came back to the present. She was looking out of the kitchen window, still uncertain whether to drive or walk to the stores. She decided to ask Rob and moved to the living room where they had now set up Rob’s desk top and monitor. After last night’s event, she did not want to have him spend much time alone in his room. Also, he had started using the computer more and more lately, and she wanted to keep an eye on what he was doing and how long he used the computer. Being close to the kitchen should actually work fine; hopefully this way he would begin eating more while busy on the computer. He had lost some weight after Harlow’s accident and she wanting him to regain it.

Hey Rob, I have to go to the shopping center we passed on the way over here yesterday to get some groceries, and I also need to take some cash out from the ATM. You’ll have to come with me as I cannot leave you alone and your Aunt Sally is also not home.

Rob made a face, but understood he had no choice. He asked:

How long will this take?

Not too long. But I am considering walking as the day is so nice. Jen replied.

Rob shook his head and said:

I want to be back as soon as possible. Also, there’s a thunderstorm coming soon.

Jen inquired in a confused manner:

Really, it seems like a very clear day? When did the weather people say it’s going to change? I was watching the weather on TV less than an hour ago and they didn’t say anything about a thunderstorm.

Maybe they didn’t, but I just know it. Rob replied in a carefree way.

Oh! All right then, if it’s that important for you to get back as soon as possible, we’ll just drive there and get back as soon as we can. But you don’t have to make up stories to get your way in these small matters. Jen stated in a serious tone.

Rob got up from his chair and started moving towards the door. He quickly grabbed the umbrella hanging near the door.

You don’t give up easily, do you? She heard herself saying and smiling at his determination to prove himself right. It’s such a clear day. Even if the weather changes, it’s probably going to take at least a couple of hours before it starts to rain and we should be back within an hour at the most if we drive. So your umbrella theory is going to prove absolutely false.

Rob did not seem to have heard a word she said. He quietly got into the back seat of the E350 MB as soon as she unlocked it with the remote key. During the five minutes or so it took them to get to the small shopping mall and supermarket Rob remained completely quiet, which was very unusual. He also did not make comments about his mom’s driving. Jen told herself not to worry. Rob was probably just disoriented and would soon become his normal self.

They parked the car in the parking lot of the supermarket and went inside. They were there for about twenty minutes, Rob slowly tagging behind Jen, rolling the cart while Jen kept putting stuff in it from the shelves. Rob did not utter a single word during this time or make any requests for buying something. Jen was beginning to get a little worried, perhaps even disturbed at his unusual behavior. They stood in the short payment line and then went to the exit door. As soon as she stepped out of the doorway, Jen heard the thunder and then saw the large drops of pouring rain. She turned towards Rob. She could not understand the expression on his face. She had expected him to be grinning at the correctness of his prediction, however, instead of a grin or even a smile, he seemed very serious. Jennifer was completely baffled. She said:

Hey, come on now, so you were right. That’s something to be happy about. But you should have brought the umbrella from the car if you were indeed that positive.

Rob reached under the bags in the cart and took out the umbrella. He quietly handed it to her.

She smiled at him and said:

Lucky guess.

Rob forced a smile on his face and replied:

It was not a guess, mom.

They got into the car and drove to the drive-through ATM machine so she could get some cash. She put her card in the machine and asked for 200 dollars. The machine declined.

You won’t be able to get that much money from this machine, mom. This machine only has 80 dollars remaining in it. Rob stated.

She tried a 100, then went for 80. The machine spitted out four 20 dollars bills.

My God! Jennifer exclaimed, looking at Rob. She continued:

Today seems to be your lucky day. I wonder what’s going to happen if we bought some lottery tickets.

Rob shook his head and said convincingly:

I am not going to help you with that, mom.

Jennifer frowned.

They drove back home.

Driving into their apartment’s parking lot, they saw the priest who had stopped by yesterday evening to offer help waiving to them from his apartment window. Both of them waived back to him.

They went into their apartment carrying the grocery bags. Jennifer noticed that Sally’s car was not in its spot.

Jennifer started putting the stuff in the refrigerator and the kitchen cabinets that she had placed matts in earlier in the morning. Some stuff she left on the side that was to go into the bathroom closet.

She then asked Rob:

What do you want to have for lunch, Rob? Hotdogs?

He nodded his head.

She made him hotdogs and some fries to share with her chicken sandwich. She took a can of Coke, took two glasses, put two cubes of ice in each and poured the Coke from the can, trying to split it equally between the two glasses.

OK, so we have soda, but not a lot. Which one?

Rob pointed to the glass on her left side. She took it from the counter with her left hand, took the plate with the hotdog in her right hand and set them in front of Rob on the kitchen table.

After lunch they sat comfortably on the couch in front of the TV. Rob had his favorite cartoon show on that was recorded on the DVR when they had gone shopping and Jennifer started looking at the stuff available in the different outlets and the stores they had around their new home on her IPad. The thoughts of what Rob had done earlier during the day kept coming back to her and she kept on ignoring them. It was probably the effect of what had been going on in their lives recently that had caused Rob some anxiety resulting in his acting in a weird manner. As he settles down in their new home, things will become normal, she kept telling herself. However, deep inside she had an intuition that something was wrong, or at least, not normal.

Her cell phone rang. It was sitting on the kitchen counter.

Rob turned to her and said:

It’s Grandma calling.

She got up and answered the phone. She spoke to her mom for about five minutes, continuously gazing at Rob, wondering how he knew who was calling. She told her mom everything was fine. After completing the call, she came back and sat down next to Rob. She asked him very casually:

Rob, how did you know it was your Grandma calling?

I just did, I don’t know how. He responded just as casually.

OK. She replied and then called the number of the cleaning woman Sally had recommended to set up a schedule with her.

She walked away from Rob to her bedroom and closed the door. She did not do this because she did not want to disturb Rob. After agreeing the schedule, she came back to sit down next to Rob again.

She spoke very casually:

Rob, you’re fine with the cleaning woman’s schedule, right?

Yes, it should be fine. Saturday afternoons we usually spend at home watching TV. Maybe you should buy me a headphone because the vacuum cleaner makes a lot of noise. Rob replied very casually, not taking his eyes off the TV.

Jennifer picked up the remote and paused the TV. She started to speak in a high tone:

OK, Rob. This has gone far enough. What’s going on? How did you know what I discussed with the cleaning woman over the phone in the other room?

Mom, I just know what you say or hear on your phone, all right. Rob replied, a little irritated. Now can you please start the TV?

Jennifer shook her head.

She turned on her phone and sent a text to Sally.

Hi Sally. How is your day going?

Then she turned to Rob and asked:

OK, young man, who did I text right now and what did it say?

You wanted to know how Aunt Sally’s day was going. Now, can you please start the TV? Rob replied.

She started the TV and began to really wonder what was going on with Rob. Surely, this could not be a prank?

After about a half hour, she asked him to sit with her for some time as she wanted to find out what he could do. Rob wanted another ten minutes to finish the show he was watching and then go to the restroom. She agreed and made some coffee for herself. She asked Rob:

Do you want something?

Rob shook his head and replied:

I’m good.

About fifteen minutes later, they were sitting on the kitchen table facing each other.

All right, Rob, now tell me how you were able to know what was going on with my phone? Jen asked in a very normal tone.

Rob made a serious face, as though thinking about it very deeply. Then he spoke slowly, as though thinking while speaking, as if he had not really appreciated the importance of what had happened to him until now.

Mom, I think it started happening very soon after the heavy storm last night. Soon after that, I was able to hear the conversation you had with Grandma in your room after you put me in bed. I remember your telling her how scared you felt when the heavy lightning struck and you thought as if the window behind the chair I was sitting on will catch fire.

Jennifer was almost speechless for a few minutes. She had really been scared. That particular strike of lightning, it had seemed to her, was almost as if it was going to set their apartment on fire. Could it be that that lightning had actually struck Rob, and in some mysterious way had connected him to some gigantic computer in space through which Rob could access any information floating through the air so long as he had the access number or code? She did not know much about electronics or websites, etc., nor did she believe in extra sensory perception, which they referred to as ESP. She also thought that most of the so-called psychic readers were fake.

However, this seemed real. She was now completely convinced that Rob had been impacted by that lightning in a very unusual, almost unique way. She decided to drill into Rob’s newly acquired powers more deeply.

However, before Jen started, she wanted Rob to understand what she was doing and that her real objective was to learn how Rob was able to do these unbelievable things. She started speaking to Rob very politely:

Rob, something very strange has happened to you. You are very young now, so perhaps you cannot appreciate the overall implications of the powers that you seem to have acquired.

She stopped for a few moments. She had never even dreamed that she would be saying such things to her adorable son. The son that she loved more than anything else in the world. The son who continuously reminded her of the true love of her life, the man of her dreams, whom she had lost not long ago due to a terrible accident. However, she did not really have much choice in this matter. She had to prepare Rob, to the extent possible, for what lied ahead for both of them. She continued to talk very softly:

Now, there are various implications of what you can do. For example, if you can listen in on people’s telephone conversations or intercept their texts or emails, you could acquire knowledge that could be so valuable that someone may try to seriously harm you to either preclude you from disseminating that knowledge, or to enable them to get it for themselves.

She stopped again. She did not know what else to do to convince Rob that from now onwards he will be treated by her, and should act on his own, with a lot more caution in everything and everywhere.

Now, we will have to have you evaluated by some medical experts who will try to find out what has happened and whether your physical or mental wellbeing is in any way at risk due to this strange phenomenon. Do you understand what I am trying to tell you? Jen asked.

Rob nodded his head, a little sadly.

Jennifer looked at him sympathetically. After all, he was only an eleven years old boy. She was still making her best efforts at trying to comprehend the full implications of what they were up against.

Jen was pleased to note that Rob now seemed to have a better understanding of the repercussions of his amazing powers. He showed this by trying to console his mom:

I will do whatever you want me to do, mom. I promise. And I have not done anything wrong, I swear.

She smiled and hugged him. This was such a nightmare. She wished there was some way this whole phenomenon could be reversed. She wished that this had never happened.

I know that very well, my dear. Moreover, I am not blaming you for anything in any way. This just happened. All I am trying to do is to warn you of how difficult things are going to be for us if this situation continues.

They moved to the couch in front of the TV and sat quietly next to each other for a while. Jennifer wanted this emotional wave to pass so that they could start talking about this matter in a more sensible way.

After about twenty minutes, Jen got up and picked her IPad from the table in front of her. She then went on various large search engines and asked Rob all kinds of different questions:

Who was the emperor of Japan during World War II?

Michinomiya Hirohito Rob replied without having any difficulty in pronouncing this difficult name. It was as though he had some encyclopedia open in front of him that guided him in this process.

What happens if you mix bleach and vinegar? Jennifer asked.

It produces toxic chlorine gas. Rob responded.

What was the second amendment to the constitution of the United States and when was it passed?

It protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms and was adopted on December 15, 1791.

She asked numerous other questions relating to almost every branch of human knowledge that one could find in any of the large search engines. Rob did not take long in correctly answering each question.

She felt so exhausted just thinking about this whole matter that she could not help herself but come up with an amusing remark. She looked smilingly at Rob and said to him very softly:

Well I guess you will not be going to any school or college. You seem to already know everything that they can possibly teach you.

Rob smiled back at her, wondering if she had said this in a good or a bad way.

Jennifer examined Rob physically, checking his temperature, pulse, blood pressure, etc. He seemed completely normal physically. She did not have the knowledge or the equipment to check his metal state. She decided that on Monday morning she would go and see a Dr. Alexander Hoffman, the world’s leading authority in psychiatry. Her deceased husband had mention to her that he had business relations with Dr. Hoffman. Perhaps this will induce the Doctor to see them immediately, without any appointment.

It was around 4 pm when the doorbell rang.

Jennifer and Rob were sitting next to each other on the couch, Rob watching cartoons on TV and Jennifer still wondering what else Rob could possibly be capable of doing.

Jen got up and looked through the peeking glass of the front door to see whom it was. She recognized the man immediately as the priest who had come over yesterday to offer help and had waived to them a few hours ago on their way home.

She opened the door.

Good afternoon, Dr. Meyers. I hope I am not interrupting you from something important. I just stopped by to find out if you needed any help? The man asked.

Jennifer was so far away in her thoughts that she did not even hear, let apart care, what the priest was saying. It took a few moments for her to respond:

Everything is good, Father. I am a little preoccupied at this time, getting organized, you know. I will certainly ask you to help me if I need it. Thanks anyway.

She was about to close the door, thereby ending the conversation, but it seemed that the priest wanted to continue:

There is a very nice park right around the corner. If you think it’s all right, I could take your son to play there while you continue finishing your work?

She would probably have a problem with that even if Rob were normal; however, considering the present situation, it was impossible. She was completely surprised with what actually came out of her mouth:

Well, you know what Father Peter; perhaps I will join you guys. I am actually feeling a little heavy in the head, and perhaps some fresh air will do me good. Would you like to step inside and wait a few minutes while we get ready?

Peter’s face lit up. He was secretly hoping to find an opportunity to spend time with Jennifer. He replied swiftly with a question:

I think that’s a great idea. I will actually go to my place and change into something more casual and see you here in about 10 minutes?

That sounds good Father. Jen replied.

Please call me Peter. And can I call you Jen? Peter asked.

Sure. See you in about 10.

Jennifer replied and closed the door as Peter turned around and walked briskly towards his apartment. He was extremely pleased with the outcome of his effort.

They left the apartment building complex close to 4:30 and started walking down the street that led to the park. Rob was happy to go out as well and wanted to know what the park had to offer. During their walk, Rob asked Peter about what kind of stuff they had in that park. Peter replied that they had a couple of places containing different swing sets, three tennis courts, two soccer fields and a small zoo containing some not so uncommon animals and birds, including a mule. The park also had hawkers selling ice cream, pretzels and other stuff.

Let’s go to the zoo first. Rob said.

Peter nodded his head and stated:

That’s fine, if you want to stop there first. That’s like half way up the entire park, so we will go there and then maybe you would like to go to the swing sets that are closest to the zoo?

Sure. Rob answered, looking up towards Jennifer.

All right by me. I just want some fresh air. And if the zoo smells bad, I’ll just take a walk away from it. Jen responded.

They stopped at the zoo, saw some animals and birds and then walked over to the swing sets. Rob went on the swings and Jennifer and Peter sat on a bench close by watching Rob.

Peter asked Jennifer:

So where did you guys live before you moved here?

In Los Angeles. She replied. She felt it was appropriate to continue and let Peter know the whole deal instead of his continuing to wonder and ask questions, which she realized he was going to.

My husband died in a plane crash not long ago. I loved him a lot, and obviously, Rob was very close to him too. After that, the place had so many memories that had turned into painful recollections that I decided it would be good for both of us if we moved to some other place and started life fresh again.

Peter made a sympathetic face and nodded his head.

I am very sorry to hear that. And I think you made a good decision for both of you. He added, looking at her straight in the eyes and then moving his gaze towards Rob.

How long have you lived in this apartment complex? Jennifer asked.

A little over three months. Peter replied.

Do you like living here? Jennifer asked.

Yes, it’s a nice, quiet place. Not much activity. I am actually very happy. I am sure you will like it too. Peter replied in a complacent manner.

Jennifer nodded her head and smiled.

Peter extended his right hand and gently held Jennifer’s left hand. She was surprised, but did not show it. After all, Peter was a clergyman. However, Jennifer felt that his touch was more than just a caring one, and yet did not have any lewdness in it. She sensed that he was attracted to her sexually, which was not an unusual thing for her to note in men, but at this time, and coming from a priest, made her feel very awkward.

Do you still remember him a lot? Peter asked in a very sympathetic, yet passionate manner.

Yes, of course. She replied abruptly. She wanted this scene to change very quickly.

Peter sensed her uneasiness and removed his hand from hers. He smiled and said politely:

I am sorry; I did not want to be too personal.

Jennifer smiled back in a manner that clearly conveyed that she did not want this to happen again.

Jennifer also became curious about Peter. She wanted to find out more about him. She asked:

How long have you been a priest, Peter?

Not very long. He replied. Then he continued:

"About nine years ago, I was involved in some actions that I am ashamed to even think about now, let apart talk about them. Just call it my ugly past. Then, something happened, and I saw the light. I have been actively searching for the purpose of my life since that time."

Jennifer looked extremely surprised.

Really? She heard herself saying, almost involuntarily.

Peter nodded his head.

Can’t believe it myself. But it’s the truth.

Somehow, this honest revelation made Jennifer feel closer to Peter. His honesty had almost astonished her.

Peter continued to talk. He wanted to tell her everything about himself in this first meeting, perhaps because he felt that his being a priest was getting in the way of his desire to have a more personal relationship with her. He knew that he had intensely liked her the moment he had set his eyes on her.

My parents were very poor. I finished high school and got a job at a hardware store. There was no way I could go to college due to money constraints, however, the fact was that I just didn’t have a desire to continue with formal education at that time. I wanted to experience the real world.

He stopped talking and raised his head to meet her eyes, wanting to make sure that she was truly catching his drift.

Jennifer sensed the real reason for his frankness and was not certain how to respond to that. This was not what she wanted at this time, especially with Rob’s issue looming in the air. However, if it were not for that, she would truly be interested in finding out more about Peter. She had never been so close to a priest before and had sometimes wondered how these men really thought and felt.

Peter sensed that she was very interested by the look in her eyes and decided to continue:

"I left home and joined a group of persons involved in criminal activities. Then something happened due to which I gave up whatever I was doing, for which I should have gone to jail; I mean for the things I did. However, I had not caused anyone any personal injury and the money I took was from people who had enough, much more than they need. I never have, and will never ever condone what I did, but I have confessed my sins and vowed never to repeat them. Put it this way, I have rested my case with God. If I had any real faith in the system we live in, I probably would have handed myself over to the police."

He paused, noted her increasing interest and continued:

I decided to become a priest. However, during my four years of education to become one, I was just as much interested in philosophy, history, astronomy, mysticism, other religions, etc. as I was in my own professed faith. Honestly, I don’t know whether I am really a priest or a scholar in any of these mentioned or other fields. Let me tell you something that took me a very long time to figure out, and trust me, this is indeed something worth remembering. Peter paused, his face now extremely serious, his eyebrows raised, as he looked at Jennifer as though this place had suddenly converted to some kind of an educational forum. He spoke in an almost whispering manner:

"At the end of the day, you always become what you really want to be in life. No matter where you start, no matter who guides you or pressurizes you, every person has inside of them a kind of a sensor that guides them through life till they reach their destined goal."

Peter paused for a few minutes and looked straight into Jennifer’s eyes. He noted that she did not fully comprehend what he was saying and seriously wanted to know what he really meant. Peter continued speaking, even more intensely than before:

"It is as if our subconscious mind knew much more than what our conscious mind could visualize. Putting it religiously, God works through our subconscious to direct the course of this world. The only difference between a prophet and any other person is how closely God connects to his or her subconscious."

Jennifer heard Rob’s voice:

OK mom, I am done with the swings and I feel really hungry now. Can I have a pretzel please?

She noted that even though the weather had turned a little cold Rob was sweating. She took out some tissues from her purse and cleaned his face. She then got up to walk towards the garbage can nearby to throw them away. Peter got up almost as soon as she did and stood next to Rob, placing his right hand gently on his left shoulder.

Enjoyed yourself? He asked smiling.

Yes. Rob replied, smiling back.

Peter gently walked with him in the direction of the pretzel stand and Jennifer joined them there.

Rob got a pretzel. Peter looked towards Jennifer. She shook her head. Peter took out his wallet and paid for it.

They started walking back towards home.

Jennifer and Rob had some leftovers for dinner and then she got Rob ready for bed. After that, she went to her own bedroom. She took some sedatives and fell asleep immediately after getting into bed.

Jen had a very clear dream of the day when Rob was born. She had given birth almost at the time of sunset on a Saturday. Everyone expected had come to the hospital. Howard, his parents, his two unmarried younger sisters, Jennifer’s parents, her two paternal uncles and one maternal aunt. Everyone came in to her large private room to congratulate her. Howard was so happy.

They all stood in the room around her and Howard sat down on the chair lying near her bed. He gently held her right hand and began to play with her long and slender, beautifully shaped fingers. He kept looking at her face in a very loving manner. He spoke in a low tone voice that was loud enough so that everyone present in the room caring to listen could hear it:

Thank you Jennifer for making me a proud father.

She smiled at him, nodded her head and responded with a smile and the following words:

Thank you Howard for making me a proud mother.

Howard got up and lightly kissed her lips. He then moved a little back to make way for the nurse who had just entered the room with the baby to come close to Jennifer. The nurse held the baby, which was wrapped in a white blanket, in her right arm and used her left hand to raise Jennifer’s bed into a sitting position.

Jennifer frowned, wondering why the baby was completely covered with the blanket, even the face. She also had a strange feeling that the baby was not moving at all, not even the slight movement of breathing. She became extremely worried and grabbed the baby from the nurse’s arm. It seemed the right weight, but not the right material. The object in the blanket seemed very hard, not like the soft body of a newborn child. She quickly unwrapped the blanket to see what was inside. She saw inside the blanket a newborn baby made of silver with lights of different colors blinking on and off all over its body. She woke up screaming!

Sunday, September 2

Jennifer spent the entire day in her apartment, deliberately avoiding any form of outside contact whatsoever, not even attending phone calls. She had left messages on both the landline and mobile phones that she had a bad headache and was resting, other than that, everything was fine. If there was something urgent, please leave a message and she will return the call soon.

She wanted to more fully and completely understand the exact nature of Rob’s amazing powers.

She was so glad that nothing had happened in front of Father Peter that would make him suspect something was wrong with Rob. The two seemed to like each other a lot, and once this ridiculously silly thing came to an end she believed it would be a very good thing to have Father Peter around Rob.

She knew that at this stage she needed someone else to confirm what she had determined yesterday.

Around 10:30 am, she called Sally.

Hi Sally, I hope I didn’t wake you up? Jen asked.

Hi Jennifer. I’ve been up for about half an hour and was thinking of calling you a few minutes ago. Sally replied.

Hey listen, I know it sounds strange, but I need you to spend the rest of the day with me. Jen stated.

What? Is everything all right? Is Rob OK? Sally replied with questions.

Jennifer was not at all surprised at Sally’s response, it seemed normal and natural at the type of request Jen had made. She wanted to tell her about what was going on, but decided to wait until she was actually with her. This way, perhaps it would be less difficult to convince her. She also knew that Sally would never turn her down if she told her that it was very important, so she said:

Oh yes, everything is fine. But something very important has happened that needs to be attended to rather urgently.

All right, I’ll come over in about half an hour, but I don’t know how long I can stay. Saleem is supposed to call me soon and we were planning to spend the rest of the day together. I’ll try to stay until your problem is resolved. Sally replied.

Jen thanked her and hung up. She knew that when Sally found out the reason for Jen’s call, she would forget about everything else. Deep inside, she also knew that her problem was not going to be resolved any time soon.

When Sally came in, Jen found it difficult how to start the conversation. She did not want Sally laughing at her when she told her what had happened. Nor did she want her to go back to her apartment thinking Jen and Rob were just kidding with her and simply wanted her to come and spend time with her.

When Sally arrived, Jen decided to let her sit down next to Rob near the Kitchen table. She had already warmed her breakfast. She placed it in front of her.

The trio sat next to each other, Rob at one end, Jen at the other and Sally in the middle.

Jen informed Sally about the two specific incidents yesterday, that is, Rob’s being able to predict the weather and his ability to determine the contents of the ATM machine.

As expected, Sally found that amusing.

"Wow, must have been a very lucky day for Rob. You should have stopped at the Lotto store and picked up some tickets, oh no, the ticket, for the twenty million dollar sweepstake."

She stopped talking for a few minutes and started having her breakfast. Her face was very relaxed, not at all suspecting what Jen wanted to share with her. Then her face turned serious as she asked:

So what is it you called me over for, Jen? I am sorry for being in a rush, but I am really looking forward to spending time with you know who today.

Jen knew very well how much she loved her boyfriend Saleem, and how anxious she always was to spend time with him, since it was not easy to get hold of Saleem for long because of his extended working hours.

I knew that was how you would respond initially. Jen stated.

Sally still did not understand, but she began to look a little puzzled.

What do you mean? What am I missing here? Sally inquired.

I know it will not be easy for anyone to believe what I am telling you. Trust me, Sally, I have spent the entire time since yesterday when I found out about this matter, even in my sleep, trying to figure out what’s going on. So I am going to show you some examples of what Rob can do. Jen replied.

Jen took her phone and placed it in a position so that only she and Sally could look clearly at its screen.

Jen took her gaze off Sally’s now completely bewildered face and asked Rob the following questions, to which Rob gave correct replies almost immediately:

What is the time in Spain right now?

Around 9 pm.

What is the temperature in Toronto at this time?

22 degrees Celsius or 74 degrees Fahrenheit.

How far is the moon from the earth?

238,900 miles.

How old was Napoleon when he fought the battle of Waterloo?

Napoleon was born on August 15, 1769. The battle of Waterloo was fought on June 18, 1815, which happened to be a Sunday. Therefore, Napoleon was about 46 years old at that time.

How big is the sun as compared to the earth?

The Sun is much, much larger than the Earth. So large that about 1,300,000 planets the size of the Earth can fit in it.

Sally could not help herself and joined in:

What is 244 times 395? She asked Rob. The answers from Rob were instant and accurate.

96,380.

What is the generic name for the common drug Tylenol?

Acetaminophen.

How is cancer described in medical terms?

When the body’s cells become abnormal and duplicate out of control a tumor is formed. This tumor may be cancerous.

How do you know all these things? Sally asked in the same unemotional, almost robotic tone.

Both my mom and I believe my mind has either gotten connected to some giant computer or has itself turned into a powerful computer or something like that. It’s as if I am always sitting in front of a computer that is connected to a major search engine. Rob responded very calmly.

Being a nurse, her next question was very natural:

Have you been experiencing any headaches or dizziness since this happened?

Rob shook his head and replied:

I feel exactly the way I did before this happened, both physically and mentally.

Sally looked at Jen, this time with more amazement than confusion. She asked:

Who else knows about this? Have you consulted some doctor?

Not yet. I have been busy trying to convince myself. Even now, the moment I turn away and start doing something, it starts to seem like a dream. That’s why I wanted you to personally observe this situation. Do you have any ideas?

Sally shook her head slowly and said:

I cannot even imagine what’s really going on. However, we definitely need to have Rob checked out. Maybe you can come with me tomorrow to the hospital I work in and we can ask around to find out what kind of a doctor or what type of examinations and tests need to be performed to figure out what the problem is.

Jennifer got up from her chair and stood behind Rob, putting both her hands on his shoulders and gently massaging them. She spoke very slowly, as if not even trusting the privacy of her own home:

If Rob was in any kind of pain or was suffering some kind of disorder or anything like that, I would have immediately taken him to some hospital. However, he feels fine. Sally, let a little time go by so that your mind starts to comprehend completely what can be done with Rob’s powers. Then you will appreciate why I am so scared of telling anyone what’s going on.

Sally’s face became grim. She belonged to the medical profession and her mind was trained to respond to changing situations and events more rationally than others did. She asked:

You mean if someone wanted to use Rob’s powers for some illegal purposes, they would stand to gain a lot?

Jennifer nodded and said:

It seems to me that I have a time bomb in my possession that can explode any moment. I know it’s ridiculous to speak like that about your own eleven years old son, but it’s the truth. Just imagine if a stock trader found out about Rob’s powers. Do you know how much money he or she could make in a day’s trading with their knowledge of the upcoming events? And you know well what some people would be willing to do for money these days.

So what are you planning to do? Sally asked anxiously.

I still remember the contents of Harlow’s diary in which he kept the names and addresses of some doctors that he was very impressed with or knew well. I know the name of a psychiatrist in New York that Harlow knew for business purposes and was very impressed with for professional reasons. His name is Dr. Alexander Hoffman. I am planning to drive to the City early tomorrow morning and try to get him to see us. I will take Harlow’s business card with us and I am sure that Dr. Hoffman will accommodate us. Jen replied.

And you feel confident that it will be safe to do so? Sally asked.

"I am not sure at all, but as you said, we need to have Rob checked out. I just hope it works out well and maybe Dr. Hoffman can suggest something that will cure Rob." Jennifer responded.

I’m sure it’s just some passing thing and Rob will be back to his normal self very soon. Sally stated, trying desperately to calm Jennifer.

A few minutes later Sally got up from the chair, stood close to Rob and gently kissed his forehead, placing the back of her right hand on Rob’s left cheek. Jennifer could tell that she was checking his temperature. She looked at Jennifer and nodded her head.

Everything’s cool. She said.

They sat quietly for only a few minutes, and then Sally spoke:

You know what? I have been looking for a good opportunity to introduce Saleem to you. I can assure you that he is completely trustworthy. I trust him more that I trust myself. I am fully aware of the extreme necessity to keep this matter confidential. However, I feel that Saleem can really help us understand Rob’s condition a lot better. Do you remember that I told you he works as an IT Manager in a large financial company? He is also a very sensible person.

Jennifer seemed uncertain. At this time, she felt security was more important than anything else. This new environment, new people, Father Peter, were in themselves too much, and to have Rob’s condition develop in these circumstances was indeed very extreme.

Sally, I have known you for years and I do completely trust you. However, we have only heard about your boyfriend from you, we don’t know him ourselves and he doesn’t know us.

Sally smiled at Jennifer. She understood her resistance, but she was almost positive that once Jennifer met Saleem in person, she would immediately change her mind. Jen had only seen Saleem’s pictures. She knew that pictures did not do justice to Saleem’s real appearance.

All right, let’s do it this way. Let me call him over and you meet him. Then you decide whether you want to tell him about Rob’s condition or not? Sally put forward this proposal.

Jennifer wondered if this was really an attempt on Sally’s part to spend time with Saleem or was there something logical behind her assumption that Saleem’s personality would induce her to trust him almost immediately. Either way, it seemed fine at this time to agree.

She looked towards Rob. He nodded slightly.

OK Sally, let’s meet Saleem.

Sally seemed pleased, picked up Jennifer’s cell phone from the table, looking towards her to make sure she was all right with her using the phone. Jen nodded and put her thumb on the phone to start. Sally walked over to the other end of the room. She came towards them after a couple of minutes and said:

He should be here around one. That gives us a little over an hour. Do you think that’s sufficient time to cook something or should we order in?

I think we should just order something when he arrives. Might be a good idea to ask him what he would like to have.

OK. Sally responded.

They sat quietly for a few minutes. Then Sally asked:

Have you met any of the neighbors yet?

Oh yes, I was thinking of talking to you about that. This man, Father Peter, seems to be very interested in making friends with us. He actually seems like a very nice person. He told us he knows you. How long has he been living here? Jen responded.

Sally thought for a few minutes.

Perhaps around four months.

Sally looked at Jennifer and then towards Rob. It seemed to her that Jennifer wanted to say something but was quiet because of Rob.

Sally turned her gaze towards Rob and said:

Rob, do you think it would be too much trouble to get me a glass of water?

Rob said no problem and moved towards the refrigerator on the other side of the kitchen.

So what happened between you and Father Peter? Sally asked.

I don’t know for sure, but I sense that although he is a priest, he seems to be physically attracted to me. That was indeed very surprising. Jennifer responded.

Well, what do you know? Sally stated rather suddenly.

Rob came back with the glass of water.

Sally started to speak again:

You know, Jen, there is a very nice guy Steve who lives in this apartment complex. He came to live here I would say a month after Peter. I would like to introduce you to him soon.

Sally could not help herself adding. He’s a very handsome man.

Jennifer nodded.

Sally drank the water and asked if Rob could return the glass to its place. She then said quietly to Jen:

I know it’s a little too early for you to be thinking on those lines, Jennifer. However, you know something; you’re still pretty young and a very beautiful woman. After some time has gone by, you will probably be looking for a good man to share his life with you and Rob.

"Perhaps. But as you said, it’s too