The Purposeful Oliver Burke

By Will Appiah

The Purposeful Oliver Burke by Will Appiah is the first installment of the 'Who Is Oliver Burke?' trilogy. The story is an inspiring tale of fate, love, pain, and purpose. The novel guides readers through one man's journey in searching for the meaning of li

• Language: English
• Publisher: Creathore Group
• Release date: Nov 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781732682634

Book preview

Part One

Akwaaba

Chapter 1

Job Well Done, Sir

Present Day - Manhattan, 2015

In the vibrant borough of Manhattan, attendees gathered in an illuminated Bryant Park that winter evening to celebrate and raise funds for youth programs. The temperature was just below twenty degrees, and the light snowfall made New York City a beautiful place to be. Large banners reading Skate and Sip: A Fundraiser for Our Future by United Way NYC hung on the 42 nd Street and the Avenue of the Americas entrances, used to welcome attendees and attract anyone passing by. They were at the tail end of their winter children’s campaign, and this event was the organization’s final effort to raise funds.

Although the event had proven a success, organizers also saw this as an opportunity to provide the holiday stragglers, who didn’t get a chance to visit during the festive times, with an opportunity to see the city’s dazzling decor while avoiding the crowds. It gave them one final piece of winter joy before the seasonal depression hit.

* * *

As he crossed 40 th Street and made his way toward Bryant Park, event organizer, Walter Benine, approached a group of transients waiting at a busy bus stop. Most stared at their phones or had their headphones in, so Walter didn’t think twice but as he picked up his pace, Walter noticed an elderly man dressed in all black standing among them. The man had a long white beard, a dirty dark brown baseball cap, and glasses perched on his nose. He nonchalantly stood on the curb with a mostly empty cart and stared aimlessly at the street beneath his dilapidated shoes.

From a respectable distance, Walter continued to stare at the man as cars honked at each other and other city dwellers continued passing by fervently. He expected the activity around to enact a change in the man’s expression, which would match others also standing at the stop, by nothing came. The man simply appeared lost.

That guy doesn’t look ill or homeless but something’s wrong. He seems sad. Maybe a bad day? He isn’t asking anyone for anything. Doesn’t matter. It’s none of my business and I’m already late.

Walter knew of the many different characters who filled the streets of New York City and realized this may have been just another one of them. With his intended purpose in mind, he picked up his pace and continued forward. He had to cross the man to get to the other end of the city block and as he did so, Walter braced himself for the awful smell that usually accompanied the city’s displaced persons.

When he was right behind the location of the man, Walter exhaled. He was close enough and could now see that others were also looking at the man but surprisingly, he smelled nothing but the accosting odors he knew came from the city blocks.

Maybe he isn’t homeless? He thought as he continued walking toward his destination. Maybe he’s just old and confused? None of my business.

After reaching the end of the block, he craned his neck hoping for something to change so he could be on his way, but there was nothing. In that same moment, Walter thought about advice his mom had regularly given him and his brother growing up.

If you see someone in need and have the means to support them – act. Don’t think twice.

A ball had suddenly formed in his stomach and he felt chills that caused the hair on his forearms to stand. He quickly looked at his wristwatch then back up at the man, then back down again. He gave his mother’s advice one more thought before he turned around and began walking back. "Act."

I’m not sure what I’m doing but I can’t just not do anything.

While walking, Walter reached in his pocket, grabbed whatever cash was there, and gripped it tightly. Through his peripherals, he noticed the others at the bus station had now turned towards the man, but at that moment, he could only clearly see himself and the elderly gentleman.

When Walter arrived at his location, he extended a hand full of cash for a handshake. The man had sad eyes and looked from Walter’s hand to his eyes, then extended his hand to reciprocate the gesture.

As they slowly shook hands, Walter passed the cash to the man with a compassionate smile as if he understood his predicament. The elderly man again looked down at his hand and then back up into Walter’s eyes. While their hands were still locked, the man slowly pulled Walter in closer, and in a very soft voice, he asked Walter his name.

My name’s Walter Benine, he replied.

The elderly man replied by whispering his own name, which Walter was unable to hear. This was partly due to the softness in his voice but was mostly masked by the New York City ambiance.

The old man then raised his voice a bit, leaned in, and asked, Why did you walk over to me?

Walter stood perplexed as he tried to decipher the tone behind the man’s question.

Did I do something wrong?

I don’t know. I hope I didn’t offend you by coming over. Something just made me stop and approach you. It sounds weird but it’s the truth.

The elderly man scratched his chin and looked Walter up and down before continuing. You seem smart, successful, and judging from this money you handed me, wealthy. A smile formed on Walters face before he noticed a shift in the man’s body language and his voice grew more direct. Walter could sense an underlying irritation in his expressions as the man’s eyebrows furrowed. Before he could get another word in, the man continued.

Who do you think you are?

Walter stared with wide eyes that he could not shut. His breathing stopped as the man continued with his dialogue.

What do you think? You can come here and save me with some fuckin’ cash? What, you thought I was poor and homeless, didn’t you? Tried to swoop in here like some sort of fuckin’ savior.

Walters look shifted and he began to blink rapidly. No, no. I was just—

You were just what!?! the man interrupted as the irritation in his voice grew louder. Looking for a friend? Ha! Yeah, right. Why do you people always assume you can just come and throw your money at people? Money won’t fix everything.

"You people?" Walter thought. I was just trying to help. Why’s he acting like this?

I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to offend you.

I don’t need your fuckin’ charity. I don’t want it. Keep your blood money.

Okay, sir. I’m sorry. Forget I even came by. Walter turned and quickly began to walk away. The man continued yelling as Walter marched away.

Yeah, you are. Your money can’t save you! You think you’re a selfless, but you’re selfish. The whole lot of you!

Just then, the bus pulled up the everyone gathered their belongings. The group waiting in line eagerly began motioning towards the entrance so the old man folded up his cart, trailed behind the others until he disappeared into the entrance.

What just happened? Walter asked himself, still with a confounded look on his face. I don’t know what that man was talking about or why he responded that way. I just wanted to help. What an ungrateful prick. I’m not here to be some fuckin’ savior.

He shook his head to clear his mind then proceeded back towards his original destination.

That old man has no idea about me. I have everything and just wanted to help. Why can’t he just be grateful when someone tries to do good for him?

He continued to walk toward the park, but just before he entered, he gave one final thought to it.

I probably won’t see him again and should just keep living my life.

* * *

As the event got underway, the snow slowed down to almost nothing. Attendees chatted while the wait staff circled the park with their offerings. Parents happily monitored from a distance as children ice skated in groups. The DJ kept the crowd lively as she split her time playing hits from the current top 20 playlist and emceeing to attract people passing by.

About midway through the event, Susan Hedgeland, chairperson of United Way NYC, thanked everyone for coming, encouraged them to dig deeper into their pockets for donations, and then welcomed Walter to the stage.

Before he began, Walter turned to the event staff, using his hand to cover the mic, and asked. Could you please refill beverages for everyone while I speak? Parents, patrons, and kids. Everyone needs a glass. Thank you! And then, he began.

Ladies and gentlemen. My name is Walter Benine, and I am proud to serve you and the city as Vice-Chair of this illustrious organization, he said, smiling brightly. No one who knew me as a child would have expected me to vice-chair anything, or to speak to hundreds of people. Thankfully you all have smiles on, or I’d be in trouble.

Thankfully, he got the reaction from the crowd he wanted, and when the giggling settled down, he continued.

Growing up, I stayed away from people. I was reclusive and stubborn. I guess I always expected people to hurt me or judge me so I mostly kept to myself. He paused and smiled as he saw he had everyone’s attention, and the wait staff was almost done refilling glasses. Before he could continue, the old man’s words returned to Walters mind.

Money can’t save you. You think you’re selfless but you’re selfish. Come talk to me if you didn’t have all those things. Let’s see who you are then.

He used his free hand to nervously rub at his face before continuing.

Sorry. Anyway. No one can live a happy life like that and thankfully I realized that before it was too late. Fortunately for me, someone helped me instead of hurt me. They did it because they wanted to help not because they were obligated to. That’s why I’m guessing you’re here. Because you also want to help.

He looked over and saw a group of pre-teens standing beside the busy crab cake station. He noticed the innocence in their faces and smiled at the familiarity he found in the faces of the boys who looked like younger versions of him and his older brother.

To me, our coalition represents the building blocks to equipping similar purpose-driven organizations with the tools they need to provide for those in need. It’s the foundation of the care and kindness New York was built upon. This is especially important for children in need, who like a young Walter Benine aren’t sure that help exists. Children who don’t know where they belong or that they matter. This can include the disabled, homeless, or even children who are emotionally scarred by the circumstances of their environment, but may not know that help exists.

Well, I’m here to say that help exists. Together with all of you and the dedication you make towards our kids, we will continue to move forward in these commitments. I feel so proud to be here with you and am appreciative for all the work I know you will do going forward.

He then looked over at Susan, who was still smiling but now stood beside a group of attendees he was sure she wanted him to meet.

Looks like I’m getting the wrap it up cue, but before I leave, I’d like to ask each person here to raise your glass whether it’s filled with champagne, beer, hot chocolate, or apple juice. Please raise your glasses and help me celebrate all of you for taking a grand step forward with us. Salud!

Salud! The entire park recited in unison.

Walter handed the microphone to the next speaker, who began announcing the raffle winners. As he exited the stage after his speech, Susan walked over to Walter and firmly shook his hand. He could sense how proud she was of him.

Job well done, sir.

Thank you, Susan.

Walter allowed Susan to lead him over to the small group she was standing with. She presented him to three well-dressed individuals who were introduced as silent donors to the organization.

This is Mrs. Rose Jacobs, and this is Mrs. Lucy Harrison. Both work with the foundation that helped secure the park. She then turned and her smile grew as she introduced Walter to a middle-aged, heavyset African American man.

This is Mr. Eugene Garry. Mr. Garry is a man of many talents, but you’d never know. He’s probably the humblest person here, and I’m proud to call him a friend.

Eugene had plump cheeks with dimples that appeared in the upper parts of both. He smiled bashfully and said, Susan, you don’t need to upsell me. You already have my check in your purse. I’m just doing what anyone who wants to see a brighter future does. He then turned to Walter and extended his handshake in greeting.

What a speech, young man.

Thank you, Mr. Garry.

Please! Mr. Garry was my father, and I’d like to think I have a few years before I’m him. Call me Eugene. That’s what my friends call me.

Yes, sir. Thanks, Eugene. Nice to meet you.

You too, son. Remarkable work you’re doing, Walter. This type of event means so much to me because I can’t imagine not helping make the future better for my daughters. One of them has muscular dystrophy, and I want her to grow up knowing she can do anything she puts her mind to.

That’s so powerful, Susan interjected as she placed a hand on Walter’s shoulder.

Yeah, I would hate for either of them to grow up in a world that counts them out before they have a chance to live out their blessings.

Walter watched as this jovial father of two continued. Having the confidence to be great is one thing and I also want to do my part to make the future better. That’s why I’m so committed to organizations like this one.

At that moment, another attendee began calling Susan over so she used her free hand to indicate she was on her way, and then looked at Eugene to ensure he was also aware that she would be taking him with her. He giggled then looked back to Walter.

You, young man, remind me a lot of myself. So enthusiastic. I’m proud of you, man. I’m looking forward to us working together more in the future!

Absolutely! replied Walter with an enthusiasm that reciprocated Eugene’s. We’re both based in Manhattan. I’d love to collaborate. I think I echo the others when I say how excited we are to work with you.

Nice! Your speech did it for me. It was great and very impressive. Everyone enjoyed it, he said confirming with a head nod. This was an observation to which Mrs. Harrison excitedly agreed before the group began to walk away.

I think the women in the crowd enjoyed your speech the best, Eugene exchanged with a playful shove Walter laughed it off and shook his head, as the father of two continued.

Listen, enjoy yourself, young man.

Yes, sir.

This is amazing. What a great night.

Chapter 2

11th Floor

Walter Benine

The day after the fundraiser, Walter reveled in pride at how well the evening had gone. Despite the old man’s churlish gesture, he was happy with Eugene’s praise and overall success of the event.

On this morning, Walter was jogging around his neighborhood in Jersey City when he was stopped by a sixteen-year-old Hispanic boy, Simon, who begged him to purchase a meal for him and his young twelve-year-old sister, Sabrina.

It was chilly on that January day and Walter was shocked to see the kids outside in this manner. Being that he already had a soft spot for children in need, Walter decided to cut his workout short to treat the children to something to eat. Seeing them begging this way affected Walter deeply and reminded him of his own struggles with the feeling of abandonment he had as a teenager.

That old man knows nothing. This is why I need to do good. People need help.

During their lunch, Walter learned that the children’s mother, Sarahmi, worked as a cashier at a local grocery store in Jersey City.

She works a lot of overtime, Simon offered. She normally leaves food in the fridge or money on the table when I babysit but I think she forgot.

Where do you live?

Simon sat silent. Walter could sense the teen was unsure about him so he softened his facial expression and offered them a smile. He added empathy to his glare and continued. Don’t worry. I’m not here to hurt you. I just want to make sure you get home safely. That’s it.

As he spoke, Walter could see Simon was still analyzing his answers and deciding if he could trust him but Sabrina appeared comfortable. She answered the question as she continued to take sips of her banana milkshake.

We live in the Heights.

Simon shoved her. Shhhh.

What! He’s nice and bought us lunch.

Walter giggled. Don’t worry. I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable and will leave if you want me to?

Simon sat and silently deliberated Walters offer. He looked over at his sister, who was still eating her meal cheerily, then turned back.

You don’t have to leave, he started. Thanks for the food.

It’s no problem. You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to. My name’s Walter Benine. I live downtown and work across the river in Manhattan. I know the Heights. The gym I used to go to is a few blocks from here.

Simon’s look relaxed as he took another bite of his cheeseburger. Do you go to the big gym on West Side Ave?

Yes, I do! You know it?

Yeah, our mom works in the grocery store next door, the teen exchanged. Sometimes they let us sit in the gym reception while we wait for her to get off.

Simon then lowered his head and looked down at his empty plate. He’d already finished his meal and Walter could tell he was still hungry.

When was the last time these kids ate?

Walter slid his plate full of fries across the table and offered an inviting head nod. Go ahead. We can share them.

Simon looked up and traded a smile of his own.

These kids are so great. I feel bad they have to deal with this. Sounds like their mom works a lot and may need some help. Hopefully she doesn’t respond like that old man.

Hey! What time does your mom get off?

1 p.m.

I have an idea. Let’s go pick up some groceries and surprise her when she gets off. Think that would be okay?

Sabrina beamed in joy and shook her brother’s arm in excitement. Simon still had a pensive look on his face but Walter could tell inside, he was smiling.

No strings attached. I don’t even need to go with you to buy them. I’ll just give you the money and you can buy everything.

Simon smiled brightly then nodded.

You can come with us. We can buy some stuff at her store so you can meet her.

That would be great! Once you finish eating, we’ll go.

Since that day, Walter decided to make their home a regular stop on his jogging route. He developed a friendship with Sarahmi that allowed her to build trust in him. The children’s father