Water Never Dies

By Harry Chong

From the era of the Titanic, and beyond the Moon Landing, two soulmates journey through the greatest moments in time, reincarnating, and living in different eras of history, given the impossible task of staying in love. Fighting, and dying, dying, and being born again, Sapphira, and Ezekiel struggle to be together, and survive the absolute madness of the world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Harry Chong
• Release date: May 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223295518

Book preview

Part 2

Some years passed by. The year became 2104 BC. Both Ezekiel, and Sapphira had grown, and become young adults. Ezekiel was a good looking boy, but he was rather skinny. Sapphira was something of a plain Jane though the appeal of her was in her eyes, and smile.

Unfortunately, looks mattered little in this time, and Ezekiel, and Sapphira did not have easy lives. They worked on farms. They had to stay under the hot sun, doing farming jobs, and getting dirty, and sweaty.

Today, Ezekiel was out plowing his family's field with oxen.

C'mon, said Ezekiel to the stubborn oxen. Let's go!

He tapped them both with a stick. They were stubborn but continued on moving, dragging the soil to make furrows (i.e. long, narrow, shallow trenches for planting).

Boy howdy, said Ezekiel. I sure am tired.

Really? a voice said. It doesn't look like it.

Ezekiel paused, and turned his head to see Sapphira.

Sapphira? What're you doing here? said Ezekiel.

I'm taking a smoking break, said Sapphira.

A smoking break? Ezekiel repeated.

Yeah, said Sapphira. I'm not smoking any meats because of low demand.

Oh, said Ezekiel. Uh, so, how's your farm doing?

Not bad, said Sapphira. Not good either. This weather is so dry. It's as dry as the skin on my heels. And it's hot, way too hot. I think I'm gonna pray for some rain. Wanna join me?

Nah, said Ezekiel.

Why not? said Sapphira.

I'm not big on praying, said Ezekiel. Millions of people pray to God. Do you think he's gonna listen to me, and answer my prayers?

Yes, said Sapphira.

Maybe, said Ezekiel.

Then there was a moment of silence. Sapphira glanced over her shoulder, and purposefully stepped closer to Ezekiel.

So, whatcha doin' after this whole plowing thing? she asked.

Ezekiel started sweating even more than before, and his heart began beating fast.

Oh, uh, erm, not much, he said. Yeah, ah, I'm going to go inside, and take a bath. I bet I smell like crap right now.

Sapphira sniffed Ezekiel.

You smell fine, said Sapphira. You smell like sweat, but other than that, I don't see what the problem is.

Listen, said Ezekiel. I think your behavior is highly inappropriate.

Why? said Sapphira.

Well, said Ezekiel, you're a woman.

Sapphira grabbed Ezekiel, and pulled him in. His eyes got real scared.

Listen to me, said Sapphira. I'm a woman, but that doesn't mean I have to act like some subservient servant lady.

Whoa, chillax, said Ezekiel. I hear yah.

Chillax? said Sapphira.

Yeah, said Ezekiel. It means you need to chill, and relax.

Sapphira let go of Ezekiel, and grinned.

Man, you are such a silly boy, said Sapphira.

Ezekiel cleared his throat, and stood up straight. I'm a man, Sapphira.

Yes, yes, said Sapphira. So, what say you, and me go out on a date after all this plowing?

Ezekiel started thinking some bad things in his head. Don't make any jokes about the plowing, he told himself, do not do it.

Are you, a girl, asking me out? said Ezekiel. This is most unexpected! But we are living in modern times. You know, my family just got a sundial. The accuracy is amazing. Now I don't have to count in my head anymore. Isn't technology great?

It is, said Sapphira.

Ezekiel nodded.

And what will be doing on our date? said Sapphira.

I dunno, said Ezekiel. What do you think about dinner, and a play?

How unoriginal, said Sapphira. Boring, and cliche.

Oh, said Ezekiel with a little frown.

Sapphira lightly punched Ezekiel in the arm.

Ah, I'm just kidding, she said. Dinner, and a play sounds great. What play will we see?

Ezekiel scratched his head.

Ummm, he said, the one with the flying monkeys?

Awesome, said Sapphira.

Part 3

After Ezekiel finished taking a bath, he asked his mother, and father if he could spend time with Sapphira.

She's a slut! said Ezekiel's mother. You stay away from her!

What? Really? said Ezekiel.

Nah, Ezekiel's mother replied.

You have a weird sense of humor, said Ezekiel.

Ah, finally, said Ezekiel's father. My boy is growing into a man.

Thank you, said Ezekiel.

But you must respect Sapphira, said Ezekiel's father. Do not treat her like a donkey. You know, you take it for a ride, and slap it around, and feed it cheap food. Please, be a gentleman.

I will, said Ezekiel.

Ezekiel's father gave Ezekiel some money.

Here, he said, take this.

But papa, said Ezekiel. You need this. You're saving up for a boat, aren't you?

Nah, it's stupid, said Ezekiel's father. I don't need no stinkin' boat. You take Sapphira out, and treat her well. Who knows? One day, you might marry her, and have a family with twelve children.

Wouldn't that destroy her insides? said Ezekiel.

I dunno, said Ezekiel's father. I'm not a woman. Yet.

Twelve is too much, said Ezekiel's mother. Ten should be the max. But no less than ten. Earth is seriously underpopulated. We only have 200 million people on this planet. We need to get up to one billion! But one billion should be the maximum. More than that, and we're doomed.

Mom, dad, said Ezekiel, I've heard all your advice, and I promise, I will show Sapphira a good, fun, clean time. I won't even touch her ankle.

Ezekiel's parents smiled.

Part 4

Ezekiel, and Sapphira rode a donkey into downtown. It was a busy place with lots of old timey Bible stuff. Everything looked kinda dusty, and disorganized. Imagine India without the Indians.

You command this donkey well, said Sapphira. When did you get your donkey riding license?

Don't tell anyone, said Ezekiel. I don't have a license.

No license? said Sapphira. You're a mad man. What if you get caught?

I don't care, said Ezekiel. I do what I want, babe.

Don't call me babe, said Sapphira.

Sorry, said Ezekiel.

Apology accepted, said Sapphira.

Sapphira, who was at the back of the donkey, held on tighter to Ezekiel.

Ow, said Ezekiel.

As Ezekiel, and Sapphira rode through town, they came up to someone named Noah. Old man Noah was standing on top of a wooden box, with a cane, roaring about something. Most people were ignoring him.

The end is nigh, said Noah. Heed my words! God has contacted me! Global warming will cause the ice to melt, and flood the entire world! We must either stop polluting, or everyone join me in creating a massive a boat filled with animals, and what not!

Someone threw a rotten tomato at Noah, which he dodged with a quick movement of his head.

Ha! said Noah. You missed me, douchebag! Also, wasting food is a sin! You're going to hell!

The person who threw that tomato grumbled some swear words, and walked off.

Ooh, what's this? said Sapphira.

That's Noah. He's just some crazy bastard, said Ezekiel. Ignore him.

Stop the donkey, said Sapphira. I wanna see what's up.

Ezekiel pulled on his donkey's reins to make it stop, and he, and Sapphira stopped in front of Noah. Noah immediately noticed them.

Howdy! said Noah. Have you come here to fling rotting fruit, or do you wish to listen to me?

I have a bunch of questions for you, said Sapphira.

Oh? said Noah.

You have a really big beard, said Sapphira. Doesn't it get itchy, and dirty, I mean, how do you eat?

Listen, you little brat, said Noah.

Whoa, hold on, said Ezekiel. I won't let you insult muh girl.

Muh girl? said Sapphira.

Ezekiel whispered, We'll talk about this later.

You two are fools, said Noah. The world is going to flood, and you're out here galavanting around like a pair of slutty rabbits.

The world is not going to flood, said Ezekiel. Where is your scientific evidence?

God told me the world would flood, said Noah, because of mankind's sinning. All the sinners will die.

Why would God do that? said Sapphira. That sounds so mean. What happened to forgiveness of sin?

This is Old Testament God, said Noah, not your new age, hippy dippy, New Testament God that loves everyone. God is angry, and he will turn you into a pillar of salt, if you piss him off.

So, okay, said Sapphira, say there's gonna be a flood, what the eff are we supposed to do, hmm?

Fund the building of my boat, said Noah. All you have to do is buy some tickets. The tickets will pay for your stay on the boat, and the construction of the boat.

Crowdfunding your boat? said Ezekiel. That's just begging.

It's not! said Noah. Crowdfunding is a good thing. The public pays for your passion project, and they get something in return. It's ingenious!

Well, said Ezekiel, we don't have any money to buy your tickets. We're in a recession. It's a bear market. In fact, a little while ago some kids were killed by a pair of bears. But I heard it happened because they were making fun of someone for being bald. Karma, am I right?

MONEY! said Noah. I NEED MONEY!

Noah poked Ezekiel with his cane.

Hey, said Sapphira, slapping away the cane, back off.

If you're not gonna be on muh boat, said Noah, then I recommend you two learn how to swim.

I don't need to swim, said Ezekiel. It's dry as a bone out here.

I told you there's going to be a massive flood, said Noah.

You're crazy, said Ezekiel.

I'm not crazy, said Noah. I'm as right as rain. Rain which will rain down onto our lands, and cause a world-wide flood. Believe you me, buddy!

What? said Ezekiel.

Get the heck out of here, if you're just gonna pester me, said Noah. I have things to do. I'm an important man. I'm buddies with God.

You are not buddies with God, said Ezekiel.

I am too, said Noah.

Noah pointed to Ezekiel.

Smite him, God! he yelled.

Nothing happened.

Ezekiel, and Sapphira stared at Noah like he was lunatic.

Any day now, said Ezekiel.

Damn, said Noah. Now I've got egg on my face... Mmmmm, egg.

Let's get out of here, said Sapphira.

Yeah, go on, said Noah. Hit the road, but it's gonna be a wet road soon! Ha!

Sure, said Ezekiel.

And Ezekiel, and Sapphira, on their donkey began leaving, making their way down the road. Noah continued shouting at people passing by. He was very angry.

Part 5

After about 20 minutes, Ezekiel, and Sapphira reached their destination. They came off their donkey to arrive at the front of a tavern called Moby's.

They went inside Moby's. Moby's was hot, and stuffy, and seedy a.f., but this was where everyone went. In this day, and age, they didn't have a Starbucks, or even a Tim Hortons.

Moby's had lots of ugly looking customers. Everyone needed a bath. Clearly, once a year wasn't enough.

Well, here we are, said Ezekiel, looking around for a spot to sit. Moby's Tavern.

Why are you talking like that? said Sapphira.

Talking like what? said Ezekiel.

As if someone is watching us, said Sapphira, and that they need us to tell them what's happening. You're acting like the narrator of a storybook.

Well, excuse me, said Ezekiel. I'm sorry for trying to enrich our lives with a literature-like atmosphere.

Bloody hell, said Sapphira. Let's go find a table.

Ezekiel, and Sapphira found a table near the bar. They sat down, and picked up the menus. The menu was sparse, with most meals containing manna.

So, what will you be eating? said Ezekiel.

I dunno, said Sapphira. Maybe we should eat after the play?

I'm hungry now, said Ezekiel.

Okay then, said Sapphira.

Ezekiel perused the menu.

Hmmm, he went, what do you think about this milk, and honey? Sounds extravagant. Milk, and honey? Together? It won't work.

I've tried it, said Sapphira. It is the bee's knees.

And what does this mean? said Ezekiel.

It's a compliment, said Sapphira.

How is this a compliment? Ezekiel asked. How?!

I dunno, said Sapphira. Maybe bees have special knees? I mean, they do fly, and make honey. Perhaps you need special knees for that, which other bugs don't have.

Could be, said Ezekiel. We are living in strange times. The other day, I saw a burning bush. Burning flags, I get, but a bush? C'mon! What did that bush do to you?

Anyways, said Sapphira.

Anyways, Ezekiel repeated.

Anyways, said Sapphira, what are you getting?

I'm a simple man, said Ezekiel. I'm gonna have me some manna. You?

Make it two, said Sapphira.

Ezekiel raised his hand, and snapped his fingers.

Garcon, he said, garcon.

Ezekiel, said Sapphira, you can't snap your fingers at the waiter. It's rude.

Is it? said Ezekiel.

Ezekiel started clapping. Sapphira pulled down his arm to stop him.

You're going to get us shanked, said Sapphira.

This isn't a prison, said Ezekiel. It's a tavern.

Look around you, said Sapphira. Any one of these people could be a terrorist.

What? said Ezekiel. We don't have terrorists here.

All of a sudden, a man appeared. It was Cain, Sapphira's father. He was a large, thick man, with a cool scar from a knife that had slashed him from the top to the bottom of his left eye.

Sapphira did not know this was her father; however, he knew who she was. The two very much looked alike. Today, he was her server.

Greetings, said Cain in a deep, gruff voice.

Hello, there, said Ezekiel. My date, and I would like some milk, and honey. The honey is mixed into the milk, right?

Correct, said Cain.

Sapphira stared at Cain.

Hmm, she said, that's a nasty scar you have there. Where'd you get it from?

A woman gave it to me, said Cain. After I did something bad to her.

Cain used to beat Sapphira's mother, and in a fit of rage, and retaliation, she had slashed him with a knife.

What did you do? Sapphira asked.

That's none of your business! Cain yelled. He banged the table with his fist.

The people nearby stopped, and stared. He looked over his shoulder, and glared at them, making them go away.

Whoa, said Ezekiel. What's with the shitty attitude?

Cain grabbed Ezekiel by his shirt, and lifted him up.

Listen here, you piece of crap, said Cain through clenched teeth. I will not take lip from a punk asshole. I will end you right here, if I have to.

Sapphira was stood up.

Hey, she said, let go of my boyfriend!

Ezekiel grinned. I'm your boyfriend?

Cain didn't like hearing this. He got mad, and threw Ezekiel down to the floor. He went THUD, and everyone in the tavern turned their heads to look, hoping for an entertaining fight.

You bastard! said Sapphira to Cain.

Cain pointed to her. What do you think you're doing dating a farm boy?

Even though Cain had abandoned Sapphira, and her mother, he still had an emotional attachment to her.

You have no right to that answer, said Sapphira.

Ezekiel got up as all the customers in the tavern watched. Ezekiel faced Cain, but it was like David, and Goliath. Cain obviously being Goliath.

I'm going to kick your ass, Ezekiel said to Goliath, I mean Cain.

Boy, said Cain, you don't know what you are doing. I could rip you into three pieces if I wanted to.

Sapphira looked worried. Very worried. She was starting to sweat, and breathe heavy. She shook her head.

Don't do it, Sapphira told Ezekiel. You're gonna get hurt.

Yeah, listen to your little girlfriend, said Cain. Turn around, and leave with your tail between your legs.

You have offended me, and you have offended the Shaolin Temple, said Ezekiel, and then he made a fist, and threw a punch to Cain's fleshy dome.

But it did nothing. It just bounced off. Ezekiel came to realize what he'd just done.

Oh... said Ezekiel. That did not go as I had planned.

The crowd around the three started chanting: Kick his ass! Kick his ass!

Then it happened. It was the punch heard around the world. Cain gave Ezekiel a good ol' Mike Tyson style uppercut. The sound was like that of a car hitting a brick wall.

Ezekiel flew back from the impact. The crowd roared in excitement. But it wasn't over. While Ezekiel was unconscious on the floor, Cain mounted him, going for a ground, and pound. He started punching the crap out of him while he was asleep.

Sapphira jumped on Cain's back, and wrapped her arms around his head while he was giving his beat down.

Stop hitting him! said Sapphira.

Get off of me! said Cain, trying to pry off Sapphira's arms.

The crowd was making noise, enjoying the conflict, but then the owner of the tavern, a real bear of a man, pushed through everyone, and bellowed, WHAT IS GOING ON IN HERE?!

The room came to a silence. Sapphira got off Cain, and stood up. Cain turned his head, and looked at big Barry Moby, the tavern owner.

Mister Moby, said Cain, what a surprise to see you here.

Barry grabbed Cain by the shoulder, and pinching it with his huge hands, pulled him up.

I knew you were a trouble maker, said Barry. But I hired you because I wanted to give you a second chance.

Please, said Cain, I need this job. I just bought a new home, and you know how the banks are. Those Jews will break your legs.

I don't care what the Jews do to you, said Barry. I want you out of here! You're fired, you loose cannon!

You're the loose cannon! said Cain.

I am not the loose cannon, said Barry. You are!

No, you! said Cain.

No, you! said Barry.

No, you! said Cain.

No, you! said Barry.

This went on for about a minute, and then Barry Moby lost his cool, and he grabbed Cain, and literally tossed him out of the tavern. The crowd which was close behind all laughed at him, while Cain was lying in the dirt. He was embarrassed, but equally angry.

And stay out! said Barry.

Sapphira grinned seeing Cain on the ground. Cain got up, and pointed at her.

This is your fault, said Cain.

Who? Little ol' me? said Sapphira.

Hit the road, said Barry. You're not welcome here anymore.

I don't give a damn what you think, said Cain. You listen to me. You son of a B, you haven't seen the last of me. I will get my revenge. It might not be today, it might not be tomorrow, hell, it might not be next year, but I will strike back at you. So, keep one eye open when you sleep.

That's stupid, said a drunk in the crowd. You can't sleep with one eye open. That means you're awake.

Cain turned around, and began walking away. Sapphira had a worried look on her face. Everyone then returned back inside the tavern. As Sapphira went back to her table, she saw that Ezekiel was waking up.

She lowered down, and held his head.

Sapphira? said Ezekiel. What happened?

You got knocked out, said Sapphira. But it's okay now. That brute is gone.

Oh, great, said Ezekiel. Because I was gonna kill him.

You're so silly, said Sapphira while staring into Ezekiel's eyes. You're so damned silly.

Sapphira was going to kiss Ezekiel's forehead when someone yelled, You slut! Get a room!

Sapphira stopped, and shook her head.

Part 6

Late afternoon came, and it was beginning to turn dark. Ezekiel, and Sapphira were leaving a theater after seeing a play called: Jews Love Adolf Hitler.

Yes, that sounds absurd, but at this time the name Adolf Hitler was not considered bad. In fact, Adolf Hitler was a very common name. There were numerous Adolf Hitlers. Numerous!

Wow, that was quite the movie, said Ezekiel. I mean, um, play. That was quite the play.

Mmm, yes, said Sapphira, Adolf Hitler is a most admirable person. Why, one day, I would like to be just like Adolf Hitler.

Adolf Hitler rocks, said Ezekiel.

As they were walking, Sapphira gently touched the bandage wrapped around Ezekiel's head.

You know, said Sapphira, you didn't have to continue our date. You should be asleep at home recovering.

Hey, it was just a bar fight, said Ezekiel. I'm fine. I'm a man. This is what men do. We get into fights for no reason.

Are you sure you aren't a woman? Sapphira joked.

Ha-ha, very funny, said Ezekiel.

Then, looking down, Ezekiel grabbed Sapphira's hand, and held it. Sapphira didn't say anything in response. She just smiled, even more than before. The two continued walking with the red-orange sun behind them.

But when they came to the hitching rail, where one would tie their camels or donkey, they noticed something was wrong.

Oh, crap, said Ezekiel.

Huh? said Sapphira.

My donkey is missing! said Ezekiel.

He let go of Sapphira's hand, and spun around, searching for his donkey. It was nowhere to be found.

My dad's gonna kill me, said Ezekiel. That donkey was brand new!

Relax, said Sapphira. We'll find it. What's his name?

Punchy, said Ezekiel.

Sapphira giggled.

Now's not the time to laugh, said Ezekiel. I need to find Punchy.

Sapphira giggled again.

Is that name really so funny? said Ezekiel.

Sapphira shook her head. No, it's just that, I dunno.... I find it funny.

It's not funny, said Ezekiel.

I know, I know, said Sapphira. I'll help you look for, heh-heh-heh, Punchy.

Ezekiel, and Sapphira walked down the road, calling out for Punchy.

Punchy! they went. Punchy! Where are you?

Some people nearby told them to shut the hell up but they kept on searching until it was dark. The only light was from the stars, and moon. Soon several hours went by. They were exhausted, and frustrated. They stopped to take a rest.

We're never going to find that dumb donkey, said Ezekiel. He's a real jackass, if you ask me.

Don't victim blame, said Sapphira. It's obvious he was stolen.

What kind of jerk would steal a donkey? Ezekiel asked.

Sapphira shrugged. Ezekiel looked like he was about to cry, and then all of a sudden a man riding a donkey appeared in the moonlight. It was Noah.

Looking for something? said Noah.

Ezekiel ran to Noah. That's my donkey!

Noah got off the donkey named Punchy. He handed the reins to Ezekiel.

Here you go, said Noah. I don't need her anymore.

Wait, you stole my donkey? said Ezekiel.

Not stole, said Noah, borrowed.

It's not a girl, said Sapphira, joining Ezekiel, and Noah. Didn't you notice his big donkey, ummm, courgette?

No, said Noah, I didn't, you pervert.

Ezekiel mounted his donkey.

C'mon, he said to Sapphira, let's get up on out of here.

Sapphira got behind Ezekiel.

Wait, said Noah.

What? said Ezekiel.

I just completed my boat, said Noah. Would you like to see it?

Wait, how the hell did you finish your boat? said Ezekiel. "

I used illegal immigrants, said Noah. Did I say illegal immigrants? I meant to say slaves. Yeah, I used slaves. So many slaves. Many of them foreign-looking. All of them foreign-looking, actually.

That sounds wrong, said Ezekiel, so very wrong.

Slavery is wrong! said Sapphira with a great passion.

No, it's not, said Noah. They're totally free-range, and organic.

Sapphira shook her head.

Listen, you wanna see my unethically built boat or not? said Noah.

That's not exactly my idea of good time, said Noah. So, I will politely decline. Seeing your boat would be a stupid waste of my time.

Noah grabbed Ezekiel's head, and shook to make his face jiggle.

You will regret this, he said. All of you will regret calling me 'Crazy Noah'! I will be saved, while the rest of you will drown in God's tears!

Noah let go of Ezekiel, and ran away like a little girl while shrieking, Eeeaaaaaah!

Well, said Sapphira, that was awkward.

Staring at Noah running in his sandals, Ezekiel nodded.

Part 7

Several days went by, and nothing happened. In fact, there was a drought. It was bone dry. Farmers were suffering, and people complained about how hot it was.

Ezekiel's parents, and Sapphira's mother, a friend of the family, left to go visit another town. They were going to be there for two weeks, staying with some relatives, and doing necessary business, like buying supplies for their farm, and making trades.

Now, Ezekiel, and Sapphira were alone in Ezekiel's humble home. They were laying in what shade was available, spread out like starfish, breathing heavily, and sweating.

Goddamn, said Ezekiel, it's hotter than Phoenix, Arizona up in this bitch.

I have no clue what you just said, Sapphira replied.

It's hot as hell, said Ezekiel.

I know, said Sappira, but what are we going to do about it?

If mankind only stopped polluting the air, said Ezekiel, then we wouldn't be having these problems. But I'm not very optimistic. Eh, maybe in a few decades we'll find a solution.

I can't wait that long, said Sapphira.

Ezekiel sighed. Yah, if this heat doesn't stop our farm is gonna go bust. We need rain.

Then we must pray for it, said Sapphira.

We'd only be wasting our time, said Ezekiel.

Ye of little faith! said Sapphira.

Ezekiel shrugged.

Fine, said Sapphira. I'll pray for the both of us.

Sapphira got onto her knees, and put her hands together. She closed her eyes, and lowered her head to pray to God.

Oh, great Almighty One, Sapphira prayed, we praise you, and thank you for all that you have given us. But in our time of need we humbly ask for your grace. Since you have already blessed the rains down in Africa, could thou, oh kind God, bring us the much needed water from your beautiful skies? Make it rain like when a wealthy rapper goes to visit a strip club.

Ezekiel suddenly sat up.

Whoa, he said, that's way too much rain.

No, it's not, said Sapphira. I want rain, lots of rain! Please, giveth us a ginormous amount of rain, oh Lord!

And if you don't give us this rain, Ezekiel added, we will worship a golden calf. Ha-ha-ha.

We won't, said Sapphira. Amen!

After the prayer ended, Ezekiel, and Sapphira both stood up.

You ruined my prayer, said Sapphira.

I was joking, said Ezekiel.

Don't joke with God, said Sapphira. God doesn't like jokes.

You're wrong, said Ezekiel. He does like jokes. Have you seen a pug? That's one of God's jokes, right?

Ezekiel, please. said Sapphira, I need you to be serious once in a while.

Sorry, said Ezekiel.

No biggie, said Sapphira.

Well, said Ezekiel, "uh, now that you finished praying, how long till your