Return to Eversince

By John McDonnell

She created a fantasy world as a child.
Now she’s trapped in it as an adult.
And the clock is ticking.
Lynn Stafford created the story of Eversince as an escape from her troubled childhood. Every night at bedtime she wrote stories in her notebook about this magical land. It was a refuge from the chaos of her life in a dysfunctional family.
When she grew up Lynn forgot about Eversince.
She found success in her job, married the man of her dreams, and gave birth to a beautiful daughter she named Melissa.
Then it all came crashing down.
Her husband died in a freak accident, and she had to raise her daughter as a single mom.
Now Melissa is a headstrong teenager who has stormed out of the house with her boyfriend, drunk and behind the wheel of a car.
She’s in danger and Lynn needs to save her.
Instead, Lynn is transported back to the world of Eversince, where the characters she created need her help to defeat a fearsome dragon who wants to destroy their world. Lynn desperately wants to get back to Melissa but she’s trapped in Eversince and can’t get out till she kills the dragon.
Will she be trapped forever? Will the dragon kill her and destroy Eversince? Will she get back to her world in time to save Melissa?
Get ready for a heart-pounding adventure as Lynn fights for her life, her daughter's future, and the fate of the kingdom of Eversince. Can Lynn overcome the odds, or will the dragon be too much for her to handle?
Journey with Lynn and experience an unforgettable story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: John McDonnell
• Release date: Jan 3, 2024
• ISBN: 9798215429150

John McDonnell

John McDonnell is a British Labour Party politician who was appointed the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer in September 2015. He became the Member of Parliament (MP) for Hayes and Harlington at the 1997 general election, and has retained his seat from then onwards.

Book preview

RETURN TO EVERSINCE

A Story of Redemption

By John McDonnell

INTRODUCTION

This is a book about a magical kingdom called Eversince. It’s about how a story written by a child can never really die.

And it’s a modern day fairy tale for adults.

And like all fairy tales it speaks to the child within us.

I hope you enjoy it.

John McDonnell

Copyright © 2023 by John McDonnell

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof

may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever

without the express written permission of the publisher

except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Printed in the United States of America

First Printing, 2023

ISBN 9798215429150

John McDonnell

www.johnfmcdonnell.com

FICTITIOUS DISCLAIMER

This book is a work of fiction. Any similarity between the characters and situations within its pages and places or persons, living or dead, is unintentional and coincidental.

DEDICATION

To my wife Anita.

CHAPTER ONE

Lynn looked at her phone for the dozenth time in the last half hour, but there was still no reply from Melissa to her text. Actually, there was no answer to the latest in a string of increasingly shrill texts that Lynn had sent.

The last one simply said: Please answer me! If I don’t hear from you I will call the police.

There was no reply to that one either.

Lynn didn’t really want to call the police, and what would she say anyway?

My teenage daughter’s not answering my texts!

As if that was something unusual, a teenager not answering a parent’s text. They’d laugh and hang up on her.

But this was Melissa, not just any daughter. She was Lynn’s only child, the light of her life, the person she’d opened her heart to like no one else except Melissa’s father Tom.

But Tom wasn’t there.

He was gone forever.

It was only Lynn and Melissa, the way it had been for so many years. It had been a perfect little world and then it changed.

But that was all in the past. For so many years Melissa had been the central fact of Lynn’s life.

Many years ago other parents had warned her that it wouldn’t last forever.

Children want to spread their wings in high school. They get difficult, rebellious, unruly. Your relationship goes through tough times.

But that was for other parents, not her. She and Melissa were so close, she couldn’t imagine there would be a time when Melissa didn’t want to speak to her, would avoid her, would sometimes not want to even look at her.

Not Melissa.

But it was true. For the past two years Lynn didn’t recognize this girl who was living with her. She looked and acted differently, she talked differently, she dressed differently.

But the worst part was the wall she put up between them.

There was no more snuggling on the couch in their pajamas to watch TV and eat microwave popcorn like before. There were no more cups of tea in the kitchen and sharing stories about her day. There was no more time together in the car on the way to swim practice or the mall.

Melissa made it clear she didn’t want to be in Lynn’s presence, and it was like something had died. Lynn grieved for the relationship she lost with her daughter. She tried everything she knew to repair it, but nothing worked.

Her eyes wandered to the gift-wrapped box on the coffee table. She had planned to give it to Melissa tonight, as a peace offering. Inside was a treasure from her childhood, a collection of spiral-bound notebooks with a story she had written years ago about a mythical land called Eversince. The story had been her refuge, her safe place from the terror of an unloved childhood.

The Magical Story Of Eversince. It had been the most important thing in her childhood, and she wanted to give it to Melissa.

I want you to have it, she was going to say. Tomorrow we move you into your college dorm. It’s a big day for you. College is the start of a new chapter in your life and there will be stressful times for sure. Times when you may think your world is falling apart, or just times when you feel uncertain and small in the big world that’s out there. I thought you could read this in your dorm sometimes and maybe it will help you like it helped me. There’s a letter in the bottom of the box, too. A letter from me. I just wanted to tell you how much you mean to me.

And now this. A daughter who wouldn’t answer her mother’s texts on a Friday night when she was out with her boyfriend. Who wouldn’t say when she was coming home, if only to ease her mother’s anxiety.

The precious evening that Lynn had planned was falling apart before her eyes.

And it was the night before Melissa was supposed to leave for freshman move-in day at the state college two hours away.

Lynn knew Melissa was doing this for spite. She had announced two weeks ago that she wanted her boyfriend Jason to drive her to college and help her move in to her dorm.

Absolutely not, Lynn said. I’m your mother and I am moving you in, not your boyfriend.

It had caused loud arguments, the kind that left Lynn’s heart pounding from the violence of the words that had come out of Melissa’s mouth. She wouldn’t budge, though, no matter how deeply Melissa’s words cut.

My decision is final, there’s no more discussion, she said, and went about preparing for the move-in day as if everything was settled.

But now Melissa hadn’t come home in hours and Lynn’s confidence was shaken.

It was almost midnight, past her bedtime. She decided to go upstairs to her room. There was no question of sleeping when she was this upset, but she thought she could at least read a book in bed to calm herself while she waited to hear from Melissa.

She had just settled in when she heard the back door open.

Then there was a crash in the kitchen downstairs, muffled voices, and some giggling. She looked at her phone – it was just after midnight.

She heard Melissa’s voice, and a male voice – Jason. It sounded like Jason was trying to help Melissa up from the floor.

Lynn headed downstairs with a sinking feeling in her stomach, and she knew she wasn’t going to like what she was about to see.

When she got to the kitchen she saw Melissa stretched out on the floor giggling, and Jason trying desperately to help her up.

He was whispering, Melissa get up or your mother will hear us, but when he saw Lynn his face fell and he got a sheepish grin.

Oh, hi Mrs. Merriweather, he said, straightening up and pulling his long hair out of his eyes. Lynn was relieved that he didn’t look as drunk as Melissa.

Sorry to disturb you, the boy said. Melissa tripped when we were coming in the door. Melissa laid back down on the floor and giggled at this.

Melissa, Lynn said sharply. What’s the matter? Are you all right?

Melissa reeked of alcohol and her eyes were bloodshot. She smirked and said, I’m fine, go back upstairs.

Lynn wanted to reprimand her daughter, but she held it in check. Do you need anything? she said. Pepto Bismol? Motrin? Coffee? Let’s stand you up and see what we can do. She grabbed Melissa under the arms and stood her up with Jason’s help. Melissa swayed unsteadily for a moment, then her face turned green and she threw up. It was evident she’d had pizza earlier, judging from the contents that were spread out on the kitchen floor. It smelled horrible but getting rid of it didn’t look like it made Melissa feel any better.

Before her daughter could throw up again Lynn walked her into the powder room next to the kitchen, threw open the toilet lid, and made her kneel over the bowl. When you’re finished, let me know, she said.

When she came out of the powder room she saw Jason awkwardly trying to clean up the vomit with a box of Kleenex he’d found on the kitchen counter. His stringy brown hair hung down in his eyes as he wiped the floor.

I’m sorry about this, Mrs. Merriweather, he said, quickly throwing the tissue in the wastebasket and taking care not to look Lynn in the eye. Melissa’s got some kind of stomach bug. She doesn’t feel too good.

Nonsense Jason, Lynn said. She’s drunk and I am very disappointed. How did you let my daughter get in that condition?

Um, I don’t know, he said. We went to a party and it just sort of happened.

It ‘sort of happened’, Lynn sneered. What kind of an answer is that? Don’t you care about my daughter? Why would you let her do this? What’s the matter with you?

I, uh, I’m really sorry. We didn’t mean to do this. She just had a few cups of punch and—

I’m calling your parents immediately, Lynn said. You deserve to be grounded for a month.

Mom, don’t do that, I will never forgive you, Melissa said. She was out of the powder room and standing behind Lynn. She looked worse for wear, but her eyes were flashing with anger, and she had sobered up quickly. We were just having some fun. So we drank too much, we made a mistake. That’s no reason to call Jason’s parents.

This kind of irresponsible behavior can’t be tolerated, Lynn said. Who knows what could have happened to you in that condition! Jason, give me your parents’ phone number.

No! Melissa shouted. I swear Mom if you do this I’ll never talk to you again. You can’t call his parents. You will not!

Don’t tell me what I can’t do! Lynn shouted. You’re an irresponsible teenager and you’re not in a position to tell me anything. To do this the night before I drive you to college—

You’re not driving me to college.

Lynn was speechless for a moment. What did you say?

You’re not driving me to college tomorrow. Jason is.

It was like a knife to Lynn’s heart. I thought we settled that issue, she said. I’m driving you. I already have the car packed. I have everything you need in there.

It’s okay Mrs. Merriweather, I can repack everything in my car, Jason said. I’m good at packing things.

I am going with Jason, Melissa said. It’s his move-in day too, and we’re doing this together. It’s important to me.

But what about me? Lynn wanted to say. I’m your mother, who raised you and watched over you for all these years. You’re my only child and now you’re going away to college. I wanted to have this moment with you, even though it tears me apart to have you leave.

She didn’t say that though. Her anger had dissolved now, replaced by stark terror. Melissa was all she had in the world and she had to salvage this relationship. No matter how much hurt she had to take, she didn’t want to drive her away.

Let’s discuss it in the morning, she said. Melissa, I am going to help you upstairs and to bed. You need to sleep this off right now. Jason, go downstairs and sleep on the couch in the basement. You’re in no condition to drive home. Call your parents and tell them you’re staying here for the night. Then I’m going to mop up this floor.

I’m sorry I can’t do that, Jason said. I told my parents I’d be home before 1:00. I need to leave. Melissa, I’ll see you tomorrow.

He turned and quickly left.

Now see what you’ve done! Melissa screamed. You always ruin everything! That’s it, I’m not staying here ever again. I’m sleeping at Jason’s house tonight. His parents know we’re driving up to school tomorrow and they said it was okay. They’re better parents than you!

She screamed so loud her face got red and she had her fists clenched as if she wanted to pummel Lynn into the wall. Instead, she turned and ran out the back door, calling for Jason to wait for her.

Lynn was so stunned she was unable to move for a moment.

There was the sound of a car door closing outside, and then the car backed down the driveway and the wheels screeched as Jason sped off.

Something snapped in Lynn’s mind.

I can’t let him drive, she thought. What if he gets in an accident and Melissa is killed?

No! she shouted, at the top of her lungs. She will not do this to me!

She got to her feet and ran to the kitchen, grabbed her car keys from the hook on the wall and dashed out to her car. She got in, started the car, and backed out of the driveway with tears in her eyes. Jason’s car was two blocks away by this time, but she was determined to catch up to it.

She stomped her foot on the gas and accelerated.

CHAPTER TWO

ONCE UPON A TIME IN EVERSINCE…

O glorious day, I believe the Oracle is awakening!

These were the first words Lynn could understand. She had heard voices around her for some time, but she didn’t understand what they were saying until now.

What a strange dream, she thought.

Do you see it, Worran? Her eyelids are fluttering. I do believe she is about to awaken.

You are right, Mr. Windrim, came a voice that sounded halfway between a bark and a grunt. She is about to open her eyes.

Lynn did not recognize the voices, but they seemed to be talking about her. She was still convinced she was dreaming, but she decided to open one eye tentatively just to see who these people were.

She opened her eye and saw a large round pink face with a walrus mustache and bushy white eyebrows staring back at her. It had two small white tusks, twinkling blue eyes crinkled at the edges, and it wore a brown fedora and a blue tunic with many pockets. Next to it was a fierce looking wolf-like creature with brown fur, a long snout, yellow eyes, and some very sharp fangs protruding from the sides of its mouth. It was taller than the walrus-like creature, and it was dressed in martial attire, with a steel breastplate and a belt with a sword in its scabbard. It looked terrifying, and Lynn decided to close her eye and go back to sleep because this did not look like a dream that she wanted to participate in. She closed her eye and rolled over on her side facing away from the creatures.

But as soon as she closed her eye, the gruff voice said, That will not do. You must wake up, Oracle. You are needed, and this is no time for sleep. Lynn felt a strong hand grip her shoulder and shake her.

Dream characters don’t shake you, do they?

She opened both eyes and saw the wolf creature staring at her with fierce concentration.

That was enough. She scrambled out of bed and screamed, Get away from me! then turned to run. She took three steps and fell off the side of a platform and went tumbling down a little hill, scratching herself and banging her head in the process.

She lay there groggy for a moment, wondering how her bed had ended up outside, then the two creatures trudged down the hill and appeared above her again. The wolf creature lifted her up in its strong arms and carried her back up the hill, then sat her down on the bed, which was not her bed at all and was situated on a small pavilion under a pergola of vines.

And she was dressed in a long white gown with a golden sash around her waist. There were flowers in her hair, too.

And the strangest thing of all was that she was not a child. It seemed very odd that she should be an adult, although she couldn’t say why.

Please do not run away again, the wolf creature said, standing back and looking at her with its hands on its hips.

Lynn backed away from it, crawling to the head of the bed. Stay away from me, she said again. I know this is a dream, but I’ll hurt you if you take one step closer!

It is not a dream! the creature said. It is all too real. And it is urgent that you come with us.

Don’t come any closer, Lynn said, swinging her fists menacingly. I’m warning you!

Now, now, there’s no need for violence, dear Oracle, the walrus creature said. Now that Lynn could see him better she saw that he looked like a five foot tall pink snail with the head and body of a walrus. He also had long delicate fingers that he flexed constantly.

His voice was a warm baritone, and it put her at ease. It was familiar, but she didn’t know why. Okay, she said. I won’t hurt you if you don’t hurt me.

He chuckled and said, Dear Oracle, we would not dream of hurting you. Why would we ever do that? We have the greatest admiration for your wisdom. And we come to you in supplication to request your help with a most vexing problem that faces our kingdom.

Kingdom? Lynn said. What kingdom?

Why the most excellent kingdom of Eversince, of course, the walrus creature said.

Eversince.

The name was like the ringing of a bell in Lynn’s mind. She knew it was important, and she felt a sudden quickening of her heart, but she could not remember anything attached to the name.

I don’t understand, Lynn said. Who are you? And what is Eversince? And more importantly, who am I and what am I doing here?

The two creatures looked at each other with puzzled expressions.

This is most perplexing, the walrus creature said. Surely you know who we are? I am Mr. Windrim, and this is the Worran, a most brave fellow who serves our royal family. And you, of course, are the most excellent Oracle, teller of the future. You must know that, yes?

Lynn stared at them, blinking in bewilderment.

There was an awkward pause and then Mr. Windrim brightened and said, Of course! Why didn’t I think of this before? You have been asleep for a long time and now you have awakened and are naturally feeling a bit out of sorts. After all, your prophetic dreams take you to many faraway lands and you need time to adjust to Eversince when you come back. Yes, that’s the explanation!

Lynn was still mystified by everything about this situation but Mr. Windrim seemed to be satisfied with his theory, and so did the creature known as the Worran.

It will all be right in the end, I am certain of that, Mr. Windrim said. You will remember everything in time.

That may be true, the Worran growled. However, we are facing a crisis and time is short. Our kingdom needs your help, and Princess Felicity has sent us to bring you to her. We must leave immediately.

He reached for Lynn’s arm but