Over the next several weeks, we will be sharing excerpts of the angelic characters from a work in progress, THE DARKNESS WITHIN, Book Three by Angelica Hart and Zi.
continued
ANGEL WINGS OF HOPE
Hael’s Tale of Kindness Non-disclosed War Zone
The saddest moment is when the one who gave you the
best memories becomes a memory ~ for the love of pets
Private Mason
Fredrick Carson jogged back from the mess hall, avoiding the news photographer
who popped in now and then and took some newsfeed photos. Though friendly,
Mason had a shy side. Besides, he wanted to get back to the barracks; he had a
letter to write. He had a correspondence going with a Kindergarten class back
home.
He was serving
his time well, yet wasn’t a hero. As a young boy, he used to play soldier and
he’d be the one saving the platoon, leading the charge, taking the hill, carrying
a wounded soldier to safety. He wanted to do more, and kept looking for the
opportunity.
“Hey,
Flintstone” called out another Private, Yetes. Everyone called Mason
Flintstone, partly cause once he saw the yesteryear cartoon, he took up
blurting out Yabba Dabba Doo, during
euphoric moments.
“Hey, Yetes,
what’s up?”
Yetes tossed
Mason a small first aid kit. Yetes had lost his and had many infractions
against his name, so during a surprise inspection, Mason gave Yetes his own,
and took the penalty himself. “Thanks, I owe you.”
“Got your back.”
Mason often did
little kindnesses. One friend needed to send extra money home to help with
medical costs for his spouse’s unexpected surgery, Mason ran a fundraiser
fifty-fifty. He created a bird feeder behind the barrack filled it as often as
he could. Why? Winters were harsh. There were other little things he did on a
daily basis and never thought much of it. It was just who he was. Was he taken
for granted by his friends? Pretty much so.
It was a cold
night, just after mess. Cutting between two barracks, he heard a yapping sound.
"Yabba-dabba-doo you want me?" He sniggered.
Looking about,
he noticed a furry little pup with a dab of mud on its head.
"Nice head
gear."
He didn’t know
its breed, nor cared, but he could tell it wasn’t very old and shivered. “Hey,
little guy.” Mason dug into his pocket where he had put a dinner biscuit for a
nighttime snack. He offered it to the obviously famished pup.
With a hesitant
stride, the pup nibbled, then chomped on the biscuit, licking Mason’s palm to
the last crumb. “You all alone?” Mason asked already knowing the answer as he
picked up the creature.
As do most dogs,
and all puppies, the cur licked and cuddled.
“I’m calling you
Dabba,” Mason said, making the decision to keep the dog even though it was
against regulations. Mason kept Dabba in
his cargo pants pocket, protected it and fed it and mostly loved it. If others
noticed, they pretended not to do so.
Yetes whispered,
"Got your back man. We all think you are one great guy."
After several
weeks, the news photographer returned.
She kept looking
for the perfect shot and kept getting the norm, troops marching, American flag
against the sky, soldiers in a cluster. Then, as if someone brushed past her
quickly, she spun about and took a picture of a solitary soldier, on the short
side, nothing stood out about him, and she thought, she’d end up deleting it
later. However, when later came, she realized the soldier was actually
clandestinely feeding a puppy, whose head poked out from his calf cargo pocket.
She returned to
the squad and asked about Mason. She wanted a release and interview. He
disinclined. She asked others who took his back as if the pup did not exist. On
further investigation, she discovered the private carried the toy dog with him
everywhere, while his platoon protected his choice. She was inspired by this
profound compassion.
The picture went
over the wire and became viral, enthused people to look out for the homeless
animals. If a man at war can take the time to care for a pet, so could they. It
affected people round the world.
Ironically, his
commander became aware of Mason's insubordinate act and ignored it.
Prior to his
being sent home, the platoon arranged for Dabba to be shipped to Mason's
sister.
Dogs came into
our lives to teach us about love and departed to show us loss. A new dog never
replaced an old dog, but merely expanded the heart.
***
About the Story: The Darkness Within is a fast-paced supernatural thriller involving, kidnapping, romance, gypsies, and supernatural beings. The tale revolves around private detective Brie (Gabriella) Tyler's investigation of several missing young women believed to be runaways. Somehow, it connects to a past she cannot remember. While trying to find his missing niece, Jake Marlo, the owner of prestigious private detective agency, crosses path with Brie. Independent and feisty, Tyler resists Marlo's help and romantic attention. The two collide as heinous henchmen and supernatural forces threaten to destroy their lives.
We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at writingteamcw@yahoo.com (Write - Blog Dawn - in subject line) and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a free ebook (choose erotic or romantic thriller) and add you to any future mailings.
Angelica Hart and Zi ~ Vixen Bright and Zachary Zane
www.champagnebooks.com - www.carnalpassions.com - angelicahartandzi.com
No comments:
Post a Comment