Return to Life

By Amy Shannon

Lost for five years, Dr. Marcus Markum returns home to Sars Springs and his family. Trying to make sense of his feelings and relationships with the living and the dead, his family gathers around him for support. Terry and Raina try one last attempt to save their marriage and the rest of their family.

When an explosion echoes through the town, destroying the Sars Springs Cemetery, the family of Sars Springs must deal with the death of their loved ones all over again. Discovery of secrets and live bodies supply more questions than answers, as Raina revels in the return of long dead relatives.

The ancient past comes to play when the unspeakable happens and the hidden truth of the past rocks the entire town. Will Raina and Terry be able to finally be on track? How will the secrets of the past affect each family member? Is the return of long-lost loved ones a hoax or are they finally home in more than just a spirit?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Shannon
• Release date: Nov 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215131183

Amy Shannon

Amy Shannon is an author, professional book reviewer and literary consultant. Amy is republishing and publishing some for the first time, her MOD Life Epic Saga, which has over 67 volumes, and 9 bonus books.

Book preview

Return to Life

Amy Shannon

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Essence Publishing

Ballston Spa, NY 12020

https://essenceenterpriseus.com/essence-publishing

2023 Edition

Copyright © 2023 by Amy C Shannon

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permissions of the author, except by a review who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine, or journal.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Credits:

Cover Illustration Copyright © 2023

Cover design by Amy Shannon

The Entire MOD Life Epic Saga

1 Unwritten Life

2 Rewritten Life (Best Read after Unwritten Life)

3 Unwritten Life's Paths to Destiny (Best Read after Rewritten Life)

4 Written Life's Past Meets Present (Best Read after Rewritten Life)

5 Life's Written Past

6 Life's Unwritten Future

7 Another Written Life

8 Life … Rewritten

9 Unwritten Life & Death

10 Life's Healer

11 Life's Hindering Hope

12 Life's Binding Ties

13 Life's Resurrection

14 Life's Infiltration

15 Life's Revival

16 Life's Depths of Souls

17 Life's Explosion in Time

18 Life's Connections

19 Life's Collision

20 Life's Intersection

21 Life's Final Destination

22 Life's Generations

23 Return to Life

24 Life's Resolution

25 A New Unwritten Life

26 Life's Dissolution

27 Life's Linear Souls

28 Life's Choices

29 Life's Passions

30 Life's Awakening

31 Life's Vengeance

32 Life's Heartful Depths

33 Life's Quaking Souls

34 Fractured Life

35 Life's Drowning

36 Life's Exploration

37 Life's Curative

38 Thicker than Life's Blood

39 Life's Salvation

40 Capturing Life's Midnight

41 Life's ReEvolution

42 Life's Soulful Intentions

43 Life's Jagged Flames

44 Life's Rising Depths

45 Life's Doomed Immortality

46 Life's Raw Enforcement

47 Life's Deemed Corruption

48 Life's Inherent Immorality

49 Life's Retrospective Legacy

50 Life's Torturous Souls

51 Life's Passages

52 Life's Tribulations

53 Life's Spirituality

54 Life's Revitalizations

55 Life's Rapture

56 Life's Sacred Retaliation

57 Life's Fiery Resuscitation

58 Life's Experimentation

59 Life's Redemption

60 Life's Humanity

61 The District Life: Districtive

62 The District Life: Disarray

63 The District Life: Disassembled

64 The District Life: Disapparent

65 Life's Return: Home Sweet Sars Springs

66 Life's Return: The Practice

67 Sars Springs: The finale

Bonus Series:

B1 Life's Perspective: Matthew Garris (Best Read after Life's Binding Ties)

B2 Life's Perspective: Bill Wheeler (Best Read after Life's Binding Ties)

B3 Life's Perspective: Perspective: Mike Dix (Best Read after Life's Connections)

B4 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Rewritten (Alternate Path Parallel to Unwritten Life & Death to Life's Binding Ties)

B5 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Crossroads (Alternate Path Parallel to Life's Resurrection to Life's Depths of Souls)

B6 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Intertwined (Alternate Path Parallel to Life's Explosion in Time to Life's Connections)

B7 Sars Springs Handbook (Best Read after Life's Torturous Souls)

B8 The Interview: Life's Revelations (Best Read after Life's Fiery Resuscitation)

B9 M.O.D Life Epic Saga Character Guide

Introduction

Lost for five years, Dr. Marcus Markum returns home to Sars Springs and his family. Trying to make sense of his feelings and relationships with the living and the dead, his family gathers around him for support. Terry and Raina try one last attempt to save their marriage and the rest of their family.

When an explosion echoes through the town, destroying the Sars Springs Cemetery, the family of Sars Springs must deal with the death of their loved ones all over again. Discovery of secrets and live bodies supply more questions than answers, as Raina revels in the return of long dead relatives.

The ancient past comes to play when the unspeakable happens and the hidden truth of the past rocks the entire town. Will Raina and Terry be able to finally be on track? How will the secrets of the past affect each family member? Is the return of long-lost loved ones a hoax or are they finally home in more than just a spirit?

1 Truths

MARCUS LOOKED OUT the window and touched the cold glass with his hand. He watched as the rain fell, slowly spattering on the window. He knew that the rain meant something to him, but he couldn’t place it. He slowly opened the window and put his hand out. Slowly, visions crept into his mind, and he couldn’t help but feel the longing that his mind would not allow him to remember. He knew he was missing something, someone, but it just would not trigger in his mind. He could hear her voice from miles and miles away, but he couldn’t see her face in the distance.

His thoughts were soon interrupted when the door opened behind him. Doctor, oh, I’m sorry to interrupt you, she said, as she tugged on her light brown hair. He’s been asking for you.

Marcus slowly turned around and looked into her eyes. Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t hear you. What were you saying?

She smiled back at him, he’s been asking for you. I think you better see him.

Marcus slowly followed her out of the room and down the hall. He took a deep breath and opened the door. Slowly, he walked over to the bed and sat down. He looked at the worn face of the man and gently took his hand. Mr. President, how are you feeling?

The man solemnly looked up at Marcus, "Marcus, you are my son. How many times do I have to tell you to call me father?"

Marcus looked into the man’s eyes and smiled. I’m sorry, Sir. Father, how are you feeling?

Son, you know my time is almost near. I have a confession to make, he looked around the room and stared at the secret service agents. Please, I need to have a moment alone with my son. My doctor.

Slowly and quietly, the men in black-tailored suits walked out of the room. Marcus stood up and walked over to the window. "I know you’ve been keeping something from me. Does this have to do was my real family?"

The President slowly reached out his hand and grabbed Marcus’ hand. "Son, you know about your real family?"

Marcus turned around and sat down in the chair. "I know that I’m not your real son. I know that something is missing in my life. What I don’t know is the truth. I don’t remember anything before the last five years. I just know the feeling of emptiness in my heart. Something’s been missing, and I feel it’s family. The love of a family. You never really told me how you became my father. Every time I feel the rain on my hand, I get the sense of longing. I know I’m missing a big piece of myself. Sir, I’m not just a doctor. I was meant to be a healer. Tell me, tell me the truth."

The President smiled weakly. As you know, I’m dying. I probably will not last the night. You’re right. I’m not your father. I’ll tell you how you became my son, he placed hand over his mouth and coughed hard. Five years ago, prior to becoming President, I was flying my Cessna. From way above in the sky, I noticed another plane that was aiming for the earth. I watched helplessly as the plane crashed into the woods. I landed my plane about 5000 yards from the crash site. When I reached the site, I pulled three men from the plane. One of those men was you.

"Where are the other two men? Who are the other two men? Marcus’ green eyes widened. Tell me, where are they?"

The two men that I pulled out of the plane were airlifted to a hospital in New York City. When I found you, you were unconscious, but you were alive. I brought you to my plane. I also called for rescue for the two men. When I saw you, I just knew that you could be my son. I cannot explain how I felt. When you opened your eyes, you didn’t remember who you were. The only thing you knew and the only thing you never lost was your doctoring skills. I knew your name was Marcus. I found your wallet in your pants pocket.

"Why did you take me?"

You look just like both my sons. What seems like a million years ago, I was involved with a woman. I left her after she became pregnant. I was so much younger than she was. Back then, it wasn’t proper to be involved with an older woman. Though I went on was my career in politics, I kept tabs on my sons. I was invisible to Anna, but I knew what my sons looked like. They were identical twins. I’ve kept tabs on their careers throughout their life. I also know that one of them died many years ago. Looking in your eyes when you stared at me, I could see my sons looking back at me. One of the men in the plane was my real son. His name was Michael. I thought by having you I could make up for the years that I was never there for my sons.

So, I was with your son, and you took me instead of him? I don’t understand.

I am sorry, son. I thought you were his child. You look so much like him. It wasn’t until later that I saw your identification. By that time, I knew, I’m sorry. I felt a connection to you.

"Why are you telling me this now? You should’ve told me the truth. You should have never taken me. I know my name is not Marcus Wells. What is my real name?"

The President pointed to a desk drawer, "your wallet is in the top drawer. Please, forgive me."

He walked over to the desk drawer and opened it. He pulled out a brown leather wallet. He gently ran his finger over the initials, M M M. He opened the wallet and stared at the driver’s license photo. Marcus Matthew Markum? That’s my name?

Yes, son. I kept your name, Marcus. There are also several photos in that wallet. I don’t know who those people are.

Marcus looked through the photos. "I don’t recognize any of these people, but I feel something when I look them."

You’re from a small town in Arizona. The name of the town is Sars Springs. I don’t know much beyond that. I think you’ll be able to find the answers if you go to New York City. There is a Federal Hospital, Healer’s Hospital, New York. You’ll want to talk to a man, a doctor, named Dr. Kenneth Doyle. He’s the doctor that took care of the two men, he gasped for breath.

"Sir, please, am I really a doctor?" his green eyes saddened.

Yes, I don’t know much about your life. I just wanted a son. I wanted you. I felt a connection. I’m sorry. I’m slowly fading. You are on your own now, he took a deep, raspy breath. Marcus, please find the truth. I’m so sorry.

What were the names of the other men I was with?

Michael Dix and Evan Jones. That’s all I know. I’m sorry, he closed his eyes and took one last deep breath.

Marcus placed his stethoscope on the President’s chest. He slowly stood up and walked out to the hallway, as he placed the wallet in his back pocket. He looked at the men. He’s gone," he took a deep breath.

The woman ran up to him. You need to tell the world.

Tamara, I can’t do this, Marcus shook his head.

"You have to. You’re not only his son, but you’re his doctor. You need to tell the world that the President is dead."

Give me a moment and I’ll meet you in the pressroom, Marcus walked down the hall toward his room. He walked over by the window. He stared out at the dark sky. I know what I need to do now. I just hope that I will find the answers, he took a deep breath and left the room.

2 Unmistakable

STARR MARKUM SAT on the sofa and leaned back. Oh, what a day, she whispered to herself.

Something wrong?

Mom, I didn’t hear you come in, she said.

Dr. Raina Markum smiled at her daughter. I didn’t mean to startle you.

Any word yet? Starr looked at her mother as she sat down.

No. He’s so determined to find him. It’s been five years. I haven’t given up hope, but I don’t feel the need to run off after every slim lead.

Mom, do you think that he is dead?

"I don’t know. I think if he were dead, his body would’ve been found in the wreckage. Someone called in the rescue and made sure that Mike and Evan were airlifted to New York. I just don’t know why or who would’ve done that. Who would’ve known to do that?"

I don’t either. Until they wake up completely, or we find Marcus, I guess we’ll never know.

I’m sorry for barging in on you. The house is lonely when your father is gone, Raina smiled.

I know. Elliot is off on a case right now and the kids are at school. It’s been so quiet, Starr smiled. "Mom, how are you and Daddy doing?"

Raina sat down and took her daughter’s hand. "I wish I could say it was better, but it’s not."

Do you still love Daddy?

Of course, with all my heart. I don’t know what’s wrong with either one of us. Starr, we haven’t shared the same bed in months. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be going on like this.

"Momma, you can tell me anything. Please, let me know what’s going on with you two. You two are the ones that are always together. Do you or Daddy… um, have you been with…"

Oh, no, it’s nothing like that. Your father doesn’t cheat and neither do I.

I didn’t mean to ask. I know that neither one of you are like that. I love you and Daddy. I just want you both to be happy.

So, do I. I wish I knew how to talk to him, but he… I don’t know… is so unapproachable lately.

Raina and Starr looked up suddenly as Terry Markum rushed into the room. Oh, Raina, I didn’t know you would be here. I’m sorry to bother you, he turned around to leave.

Raina stood up, Terry, please don’t leave on my account.

Terry turned around and gazed into her eyes, "Doc, honest, I didn’t realize you would be here."

Starr stood up and smiled at her parents. Please, you two, you need to talk.

Terry smiled at his wife. Doc, Starr is right. We need to work this out. I know that you’re mad at me for continuing to look for our son.

Raina shook her head. "No. I’m not mad at you. I’ve been feeling like you blame me for our son’s disappearance. Terry, please, our daughter is right. We need to work this out. I’ve been wanting to talk to you, but you’re either buried in your office or you’re off somewhere."

Terry took her hands in his and gazed into her eyes. I never blamed you. I don’t blame you. I don’t blame Mike or Evan. In a way, I think I’ve been blaming myself. I think I ended up pushing him away and it led to him getting on the plane. We had that fight and then he left. The next thing I knew he was gone forever.

Raina shook her head and wiped the tears from his eyes. "It’s no one’s fault. Somehow, some way, someone took our son. I know he’s a grown man. He’s also a doctor. No, he’s a healer. I don’t know who took him, but someone did."

Terry looked at his daughter and then back at his wife. I’m sorry to both of you. Doc, can we go home?

I thought you had a lead.

I got as far as the airport and turned around. I love you so much. I couldn’t leave until we had things settled. I don’t want to lose you, too. I guess in that moment, I realized what we were doing to each other. I came here to get advice from our daughter.

Raina kissed him softly. Starr, I guess we’ll see you tomorrow.

Starr sat down and turned on the television. I’ll see you tomorrow, Starr stared at the television as the news interrupted the program. Hold on a minute, Mom, Dad.

Raina and Terry turned around. What is it? Raina asked.

There is something going on with the President. I know that he’s been really sick.

Terry and Raina sat down on the sofa next to their daughter and stared at the television in shock as their son approached the podium. "What the hell?" Terry said, as they watched the news.

The news anchor spoke softly. Ladies and gentlemen, please hold for a very important announcement from the private Physician of the President of the United States.

Marcus approached the podium and stared into the camera. Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Dr. Marcus Wells. I’m the personal physician of President Donald Wells. I am saddened to announce that as of 10:30 PM Eastern Standard Time, President Wells died. As you all know, two weeks ago he suffered a heart attack. He also has been fighting pneumonia. I was with him when he passed away, Marcus stared into the camera. "Though I have never been seen, President Wells always stated that he had a doctor for a son. Tonight, President Wells informed me that I am not his son. For the past five years, I have only known myself as Dr. Marcus Wells. I have just learned that my real name is Dr. Marcus Markum. All I know about myself is that I was a survivor of a plane crash. I know that tonight is not about me, but it is about the death of our President. As of 10:30 PM Eastern Standard Time, vice President Alexander Robinson is now President."

One reporter raised their hand, Dr. Markum, how do you not know anything about your life?

The only thing I know is what I was told. The only thing I have from my old life is the fact that I’m a doctor. I do intend to find out who I really am. The only father I remember is dead. As of tomorrow, I will be going to New York City to see if I can find the answers. As I said, tonight is about the death of our President. Please stand with me in a moment of silence.

Terry looked at his wife. "All this time… our son was in the White House?"

Raina squeezed her husband’s hand. I wonder why New York.

Starr wiped her eyes. Ken. It has to be for him.

Why would you think that? Terry asked.

That’s right. The rescue was called in anonymously. Mike and Evan were transported to New York first. They were sent to Ken. I bet it was Donald Wells who made that call, Raina touched her husband’s face. Tomorrow we head to New York, she stood up and took her husband’s hands. Baby, let’s go home now. We’ll take the plane in the morning, Raina and Terry headed out the door, as Mick Dix ran in the doorway.

Starr stood up, did you see the news?

Mick gazed into his best friend’s eyes, "he’s alive?"

Starr nodded. Yes, my brother is alive, she hugged him tightly.

3 Rekindling

RAINA AND TERRY walked into their house and sat down on the sofa. Raina laid her head on her husband’s shoulder. Terry, Baby, I’m so sorry about the way I have been acting. I love you so much. I think we let our frustration get in the way of life, our life. I know that we miss our son, and we always have hope, but, we let that frustration ruin the way we were living our life.

Terry kissed her softly on the mouth. Doc, I don’t know what will happen tomorrow. I just want us to be the way we’ve always been. Happy and in love. We used to respect our feelings for one another and for others. I want us to do that again. No matter what life throws at us, we need to get through it together. I don’t know what happened to us. We got through my parents’ death. We got through your parents’ death. But when Marcus disappeared, something happened inside us. Last year when Will died, we should have grieved together, but we didn’t. It killed me inside that our son died. I think part of it destroyed our other children. We still have Xander, Logan, and Starr. We have our grandchildren. And maybe tomorrow we will get Marcus back.

Raina wiped the tears in his eyes. "You’re right. I thought that losing Marcus was one of the worst things I have felt in a long time. Last year, we watched as Will died and there was nothing I could do. You used to be a cop. Xander is a cop. Will was a cop who died in the line of duty. I used to always worry about you. I hated it when you got shot. I’d always worry about Logan getting burned as a fireman. I never thought, or it never crossed my mind that one of my sons would die in the line of duty. Why? Why did it have to be our son?" she cried, as her husband held her.

Doc, I just don’t know. We have never had anyone in this town use exploding bullets when they were shooting at anybody. Not even when the mobsters hit the town. I’m so sorry that I distanced myself from you. I don’t ever want to be apart from you again. Doc, may I hold you tonight?

"Terry, promise me that we will never be apart again. I just want us to always be together."

Always, he took her hand and led her upstairs.

They sat on the bed and looked into each other’s eyes. "How could we do this to ourselves? We always worked together. We gave each other space when needed, but we never did this. How did we let this happen to us?"

I don’t know. I don’t want it to happen to us again. Doc, no matter what, we need to be able to talk to each other. Not at each other. We need to be honest about our feelings.

I agree. I’m so sorry. She stood up and walked over to the window. Terry, I know that I pushed you away. I’m sorry. Then you were always off. I did try to talk to you, but I felt like I didn’t know you anymore. She turned around. I used to know you. I knew what you were thinking before you said anything. I could tell by the look in your eyes or expression on your face. Lately, you’ve had no emotion but anger.

You’re right. I directed the anger with myself at you. I hope you don’t think it’s too late for us to make our way back to each other.

"Baby, it was never too late with us. I won’t let it be. We do have to talk and share. If you’re mad at me, then let me know. If you’re mad at yourself, tell me. Don’t yell at me for it."

I promise. Will you do the same? he asked, as he took her hands.

Yeah. I promise. You’re so wonderful. We’ve been together for so long. I won’t let anything come between us again.

He scooped her up laid her on the bed and lay down next to her. I love you. May I show you how much?

"Oh, Baby, I just love you so