The Sand Castle

By Jonathan Baker Horncock

The Sand Castle is a story of a young boy in an underground world through the making of his sandcastle. He was hoping for treasure and an escape for his mother and his younger brother from their way of life at the time. Tragedy and compassion filled this new world of mystery and challenge. A world of time and another dimension coexisting in the moment. A world harboring all the emotions of mankind. In the end, Bobby did find his treasure. May you find yours!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9781646282128

Book preview

cover.jpg

The Sand Castle

Jonathan Baker Horncock

Copyright © 2019 Jonathan Baker Horncock

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING, INC.

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2019

ISBN 978-1-64628-211-1 (pbk)

ISBN 978-1-64628-212-8 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

I dedicate these following pages to all my family. May all of them see and remember those times of experience where we shared the joys and sorrows of life.

Most of all, I give my heart and soul of my words in script, to my children that are so dear in my heart, Steven and Cynthia. May they set the utmost in goals and strive high in their determination to reach them.

I pray that they will learn through my fallings during the years and gain more of a foothold in the ladder upward. Even if they fall short, they will never be a failure in my heart or in my eyes. The incentive to obtain success by reaching the top is the key.

They are of my blood and hold the grace of my heart and the depth of my soul completely.

Author’s Note

Many of the scenes depicted in the following pages are true. Some are fiction and bring out characters that we all gain to know through life experiences or trials, be as it may.

The only impact is what you feel in your heart and what you truly think you see. No matter what is true or false, we have bridged a specific excursion of all at one time or another.

My children give me the true incentive to achieve, to the ultimate, my goals that I have set before me. That is the greatest partnership in sharing that I know because of the love I feel even after I am gone.

To you, the holder and reader of this book, and the others that I have written…I thank you.

Without your confidence and appreciation of my words in telling my stories and life experiences, there might never be a goal to strive for.

Preface

Many times through our lives, we hear different phrases or sayings that we adhere to that will never be forgotten. However, unfortunately, some are, and some are etched in our minds that truly will never be lost.

This particular phrase has been in my thoughts for many years since I was told it by a dear friend who is now with the Lord in heaven:

You can never tell the depth of the well by the length of the handle on the pump.

How true it is life. There is a vast meaning in those words and yet simple in phrase, so well defined in all the aspects of life. Assumption is a sin, and patience is a virtue.

May all these words dwell in your hearts and minds and guide you to the depth of life that you truly seek.

Chapter One

He felt a bead of sweat roll down from his forehead and gently tickle his senses as it traveled down his temple. The sun was bright and penetrated his eyelids, creating a redness of color that burned brightly beneath them.

He could hear the waves of Lake Michigan slap lazily down and run up on the beach, creating a soft slapping sound of nature at work. He lay there in total relaxation, and his mind was totally at ease. It felt good to him to get away from the hectic pace of today’s workload and share a quiet weekend with the one he loved.

He heard a loud, piercing scream and sat up quickly on his elbows to see what the cause was. He blinked repeatedly as the bright silvery reflection from the water blinded him. Two children were sitting just out of reach of the water’s tide as it ran slowly up the beach and dissipated along the top of the sand. He stared at them and saw that they were nearly done building a sandcastle. It stood high, and the waves of white foam came up just short of reaching its base. They laughed loudly and kept adding sand to their creation. His mind drifted back in time and to what memory was still embedded in his mind and heart from so long ago!

It took place so many years ago but was still very vivid in his mind. He was only ten at the time, and it was still a deep-held secret to those that experienced it and survived. He never uttered a word about what happened because he was absolutely sure that nobody would believe him or anyone else who told the tale. Only the few that were there with him could understand the whole matter of what took place and relate to the nightmarish events that happened.

He remembered everything but now could reflect upon it with a different view because he was nearly forty now and understood things in a different perspective. He lay back down and closed his eyes in reliving what happened so long ago. So very long ago!

It was the summer of ’57, and the blazing sun held an unbearable heat with no mercy in mind. The humid air was as thick as water itself and made his clothing cling to him like a second skin.

At the time Bobby lived in a project called Beacon Heights. It was on the west side of South Bend. The project was an old complex that housed the families of men that fought in the Second World War and were overseas.

It was, by no means, a luxurious display now even though they were rental apartments. His father had a good job, but the money, the majority of it, never made it home. His friends in some establishments were his first priorities usually. Especially on Fridays.

Bobby’s days were spent outside in the woods that were directly behind the project. It was not a vast forest, but it was sufficient enough in size to hide from reality to a degree and acted as a safe haven and gave him a sense of privacy and escape. It gave him a chance to pretend and act out a different variety of games. Maybe it was a sense of illusion or something else to fill the void of fatherless love.

At times he would be a great hunter in the wilds of Africa, challenging any foe that crossed his path. Other times he would be a Marine sergeant leading his men through the dense jungle growth in pursuit of the enemy of another land.

Bobby enjoyed being in the woods and brush and made it a daily habit. It was his only sense of freedom, and it made him feel important. It was his other home. It was his home and it gave him a sense of freedom that seldom touched him in any sense of the word anywhere else.

One day in particular came to mind, because it was the first step toward that odd and perilous journey that took place shortly after that. A trek through time of the past or present, or possibly the future. A maze of time itself that held all dimensions of the universe in a single breath.

No matter, though. It’s an experience that still lingers strongly in his mind, but the words of telling it never passed beyond his lips. They never would, unless it was with one of the others that shared that time with him. The time, where he felt he was in a sandcastle of his own!

He was walking through the woods slowly and played one of his games when he came upon a chipmunk. He startled the little creature, and it scurried from the top of the tree stump and dove into its burrowed haven of safety. It was a world that it only knew. If the little creature only knew how much he startled Bobby with his quick movement! All have their own world of routine and habit for survival.

As soon as Bobby saw him disappear from sight, the idea came to him. He could have his own hidden place of safety! His own fort of sanctuary where he could feel at ease. Maybe a place where he wouldn’t have to cry! It would be of his making, and he would be the only one to know of its existence. Only he would know the treasured secret!

It was too late in the day to start now because the sun was getting low in the sky. Its reddish hue signified the summer’s heat and filtered through the brush with its rays touching Bobby at intervals like a prism of scattered colors of light. Moisture clung to the leaves and ran the length of them as the light breeze made its way through the growth. The droplets fell as if they were crying because of being discovered.

Bobby ran his arm along his sweaty forehead and looked around in a slow, scanning manner. He vowed that tomorrow he would look for a suitable area to create and harbor his newfound idea. He couldn’t wait to start, and he walked home filled with a great amount of anxiety that only a child of need could hold inside.

Since he was near the house, it only took him a short, few moments before he walked in the back door. He was looking forward to tomorrow so very much. He couldn’t wait and felt greatly excited at the moment, but that feeling faded very quickly when he heard that common sound of absolute bitterness toward his existence.

Where have you been! His voice was loud, and he spoke out in a brash manner, which was his usual way. It startled Bobby, and he could see that his father’s eyes were glassy again. He’d been drinking as usual.

Just playing outside…Dad.

Well, next time, come in earlier! Now go eat your supper! His loud and stern manner frightened Bobby as usual.

He quickly obeyed his father’s demand and went to wash up before eating.

Bobby sat at the kitchen table with his mother and his younger brother, Joey. Joey was four years old, and Bobby was sorry that he and his brother were so far apart in age. It limited their play in certain games. Joey looked at Bobby and smiled. His mouth was filled with food, and some nearly fell out. Bobby smiled back at him and turned to look at his mother when she spoke out softly.

What did you do today, Bobby? she asked and gave him that warm and loving smile.

Bobby responded in the same manner. Played in the woods, Mom. Bobby felt a tickle in his voice as he held back in telling all.

What do you do out there? Her voice was still soft and carried a loving interest and sense of sympathy and understanding.

Mom, I just pretend.

His mother smiled at him in a caring way and tried to relieve the inner tension he felt about his father and the way he was treated by him. Since Bobby was the oldest, his father always took his aggressions out on him, no matter what the cause, especially when he’d been drinking.

Bobby’s smile vanished immediately when he heard his father’s voice call to him in a scoffing manner from the living room.

Bob! Bring me a beer!

Bobby put down his fork and started to get up from his chair when he saw that his mother started to rise also. He spoke to her in a hushed and caring voice, equaling her compassion.

I’ll get it, Mom.

She smiled in her wholesome and usual way. The caring was easy for her because it was unpracticed in nature. She sat back down slowly in her chair and gave him the look of understanding.

Bobby carried the can in his hand as he entered the living room and approached his father in a humble way. He handed it to him slowly as his heart was in fear of his father’s refusal through mental and physical abuse. Both were equal in rejection, and the mental anguish seemed to be more painful to him. He didn’t understand why his father treated him like he did, and prayed that someday, just maybe, things would change for the better. He prayed they would!

Bobby extended the can to his father slowly. Here…Dad, he said with hesitation.

Go! Finish eating! His father said without looking at him. That was the usual recognition Bobby received.

Bobby went back to the kitchen table and finished supper. He helped his mother with the dishes and told her he was going to bathe and go to bed.

What’s wrong, Bobby? Don’t you feel well?

I’m okay, Mom. I’m just tired.

His mother patted his head softly and bent over to kiss him. She whispered a gentle good night, and Bobby walked out of the kitchen. As he did so, he ran his hand along the top of Joey’s head and bade him good night.

After his bath, he went to bed and lay motionless in the dark, staring upward. He thought of his underground home and had visions of grandeur. It would be a hidden palace and his secret domain to behold. Nobody would know!

Morning came with the suns early rays streaming through the window. Bobby lay there momentarily until he remembered the task he promised himself for today. He was out of bed like a shot. He saw Joey lying in his bed sound asleep. His mouth was slightly open, and he created a mild whistling sound as he breathed. Bobby smiled and pulled his pants on, then made his way downstairs quietly. He heard the front door open and stopped close to the bottom of the stairs. He stood there motionless and didn’t dare breathe until he heard the door close. He knew that his father had just left for work. He started down the last couple of steps and headed for the kitchen.

He saw the surprised look on his mother’s face when he walked in on her. He usually slept in on the summer mornings like young most kids did, and knew that he had startled her. She wore that old, haggard blue bathrobe, and he felt sympathy for her. Her voice was soft and genuine as always, and her voice showed that same warmth as always.

What are you doing up so early, Bobby?

I went to bed early, Mom…remember?

Oh. That’s right…are you sure you feel okay? she asked with concern.

Yeah, Mom. I just want to eat and go outside to play.

She gave him a studied look momentarily in confusion and surely felt that he had something up his sleeve. At the time, he never knew she was on to him to some degree. She never let on.

After breakfast, he picked up his dishes and walked to the sink. His back was to her while he rinsed them off. He knew he couldn’t face her when he asked her, because he was afraid she would see right through him. His whole plan would be shot down if he let that happen.

He paused briefly, then asked in a hesitant manner. Uh…Mom?

Yes?

Can I use…the shovel and saw today? Bobby felt his face tighten with tension, and his eyes were squeezed tightly in anticipation.

Why do you need the shovel and saw? she asked. She felt he had something in mind and was just curious to see what he was planning.

He hesitated in answering her because his mind went blank. He never thought she would ask him that, and now he felt stumped and trapped. He bought a little time by pretending he didn’t hear her. If he told her the true reason, she would never let him do it. He knew that she would worry about him getting hurt and turn him down.

Huh?

I said…why do you need the shovel and saw?

Uh…there are some dead tree limbs and brush on the path in the woods. It’s dangerous, and someone could get hurt.

Bobby felt kind of bad lying to his mother like that. He really never told a big lie before, but this was something that outweighed everything else at the moment. It was too important to him.

Oh, you’re going to clear that away? That’s very big of you, and I’m very proud of you. Okay. Go ahead, but take care of them. They’re your father’s.

He wheeled around quickly and thanked her as he kissed her on the cheek and hurried into the coal bin. He found the tools he needed and walked hurriedly down the hall toward the back door. He stopped abruptly when he heard his mother call out to him and frowned when he heard her words.

Don’t forget to brush your teeth.

He let out a deep sigh but followed his mother’s wishes, figuring he better not push his luck. Besides, he did owe her something for fibbing to her. He leaned the tools against the wall and flew up the stairs quietly, taking two at a time. When he finished brushing, he came down just as quickly and was just going out the back door when he heard her voice again.

Don’t dig any holes where someone might fall and get hurt.

I won’t.

This time he didn’t lie to her. He didn’t have to. He wasn’t going to dig where someone could get hurt. It would be a secret and well, hidden place where he was to dig. He felt something special inside and ran quickly toward the woods. He knew that the other kids in the neighborhood would still be in bed. He felt assured that he wasn’t seen.

He walked through the bushes that lined the edge of the woods and stopped. He turned around and peered back at the open field and the homes behind him. He saw no movement at all and smiled with a cunning triumph that was very evident on his face.

He turned around once more and headed through the dense growth of trees and brush. He wanted to find the ideal spot and knew that he had to go into the thickest part of the woods where others would not travel.

The early morning dew clung to his clothing as he passed through the dense greenery. He became soaked in no time, and his clothing became nearly transparent. His faded jeans held fast to his waist and legs and rubbed against his skin.

He kept moving through the brush and finally stopped searching. He knew immediately inside that this was his place. That this was it!

There were a few large trees here that stood very high and nearly formed a circle.

In between them were smaller ones, spaced at different intervals. Whatever gap they left between them and the large trees were completely covered with a thick growth of brush and shrubs.

In the middle of it all was a small flat surface of sand and dirt. The clearing looked to be about six to eight feet in diameter. It was perfect! Nobody would walk through this area! He just knew it!

He already knew how he was going to make the hole of secrecy, from the dreams and thoughts of last night. He started to dig feverishly. The first lot of shovels full, he threw in the woods beyond the trees. He had to walk a short way, but he knew to throw the sand and dirt sparingly, not to leave any mounds of either that might give him away. It was time