EPISODE 21 - THE END OF INNOCENCE

John had one few cents left that he could not even make a call back with his mobile. With all the people crowding the street though, he dreaded the wait he would inevitably endure in the checkout at the checkpost near Ellen’s house. John rounded the corner to get into the next aisle, when a newly familiar face caught his attention. Wasn't that his cop friend? He was minus the brown cowboy hat, but those ruggedly youthful good looks couldn't have belonged to anyone but George.

For a moment, John watched George and the small boy beside him. That must be Ryan. He stared at the child’s black hair and brown eyes, admiring his sweet smile, and the way he tried to help John by clearing the way so that John could make his way back home quick.

John smiled at the boy, and he smiled back without a moment's hesitation.

After a long drive, John reached with a fear and tension

Someone behind John murmured something about them blocking the aisle to his house, forcing him to move away from the small gate with expressive brown eyes. "It was nice meeting you, John" A voice said from behind, it was nearly 2 months since we were searching for u; U Fraudulent Bitch! Hey Mind your words shouted John with a trembling and tensed tone.

But John didn’t know who they were and what do they want, soon John came to from that guy that he is a body guard of Sebastian’s father and he has come to take John along with his for tribulation …but y ??I didn’t do anything, I think u have come to a wrong address said John, No!! Exclaimed a Voice, it was none other than Sebastian’s. It was almost 4 months since Kenneth visited John’s place and 2 months since he spoke to John. So everything was a Mystery to Him. Soon John understood that Kenneth showed his criminal turrets and tricks to Sebastian. But John failed to Judge his arrogant nature which he possess now.”Oh shit, what the hell did he do??”Angrily shouted John... Sebastian with a raised tone said”He did what u said “and who the hell are you to question him? In this Juncture Wilson got too furious and shouted at John for bringing such a bad scenario “Either u go along with them or send them outta here ”This is my office quarters and I don’t want any quarrel/trouble out here. Have I made myself clear??

“Yes dad I understand “said John Monotonously.

Soon John was surrounded by 3 mobsters who was working for attorney .Since he was from a political back ground he had influence in underworld people which he used against John;

But John was still on confusion whether he Kenneth knew this matter or not?? Soon he was taken along in their car and it was almost 10pm when they departed John’s place. Inside the car John was shocked to see Kenneth in the back seat. It was then he understood everything. Kenneth and Sebastian were on a deal and John was the fool out here. The deal was using my name Kenneth would deliver a seconds system to Sebastian’s father stating that it is a new system and they would share the profit from that also Kenneth played a more crucial role that he took away the old system that Sebastian’s father was using and he also make profit from that. But Sebastian didn’t mind that and things went on smooth until Sebastian’s dad wanted his odd hard drive back as he had all his asset details and other official details stored in it. But since Kenneth deleted all those data, to add to the problem he sold it to another customer. Now he got no other way to escape, he easily took leave from college and had a pleasant outing everyday with his girlfriend with the money that he had earned.

At last after a long search they found Kenneth’s place and then when asked about the old system, Kenneth managed to spin another story that John had sold that to a customer so he only knew where it is. So it was from there only John was termed a robber. All these things were said to John by Sam-john’s college mate and a best friend of Kenneth but this time john decided not to show mercy. The chauffeur asked where to stop to pick up the computer, I was then Kenneth opened his mouth and said “stop in my place , I have the system there only ” With a thoughtful mind and lifted eyebrows the chauffeur asked “What in your house ?? When we asked you said John only knows where it is??” You cheat, I’ve never come across such a worst character in my life time, saying so he picked up the system and slapped Kenneth. All this happened in front of Kenneth’s parents. John stood in front of them like a dumb person, he thought he could put Kenneth in right track, but he miserably failed, so he couldn’t face them. On the other hand Kenneth’s parents regretted for putting John in such an unpleasant situation.

Leaving Kenneth and Sam; John started off again towards Sebastian’s house. It was the worst day in his life time. Reaching Sebastian’s place which was thoroughly guarded by tight private security and mobsters John being young and alone in that place felt lonely and a slight fear creeping his neck he walked into the house. Sebastian walked out to his bedroom for a peaceful sleep, having put all the burdens on John.

Sebastian’s dad didn’t meet john, he had his assistant to convey the message. John learned that the assistant is totally drunk and whatever his boss said he just kept on repeated it to John. John felt uncomfortable and irritated by that man. John tried collecting few info’s contained in the hard disk. He came to know that the old hard disk contains all his IT and other details like his donation’s, his everyday expenses and above all this even the money which did not come in (Black money)and that is the reason for his frustration and urgency. John tried hard to get the data back but he could only recover 50% of the data. It was almost 2am and hence john was set free to go home with a serious threat that he would kill John if he doesn’t turn up the next day by 8am.John was picked up by their car while coming but now he had to walk all the way back home. With a stressful Mind and broken heart John walked towards Home. He had to walk about 15Miles which will take approx 90 mins for him to reach if he walks continuously. On the way back home he was caught up by the cops on terrorist suspicion. Somehow John managed to answer them and started again but the polis warned him about the robbers on the way. So he was advised not to take shortcuts or roads which don’t have street lights .But again he caught to a patrol vehicle and this time his name was registered but somehow John referring his cop friend’s name escaped the punishment for breaking the police advice. He was made to wait in the same place till the dawn and then he was allowed to go around 5am.HE hardly had time to start again as he had to be there again at 8am.When he reached home he was shocked to see his parents sitting the whole night waiting for his arrival.

“I have never been confronted with such an unbelievable act of sabotage by any customer toward the recovery of their computer data” Said by Mr. Wilson to Sandra. On seeing John their agitation got deeper and they started scolding and crying to John, they even asked John to leave off the business after this incident. But John said I still have more work to do, so I gotta leave soon. Saying so he prepared himself without listening to Sandra’s hollering. In fact he didn’t want to pressurize by telling how John was being menaced.

EPISODE 20 - THE PANTING HEART

The needle on the fuel gauge hovered above empty, adding to John’s already mounting troubles. The old Moped needed fuel, and with prices the way they were, it would be expensive. Fingers nervously tapping the handle bar, John did some math. He'd never been very good at numbers, but could do the arithmetic. With all the unpaid bills stacking up at home, he knew he was nearing the empty mark, himself.

John prayed he would have enough fuel to reach his destination. He only had five dollars left in his wallet, and desperately needed a good business deal;atleast a good parttime job as his business was on loss coz of Kenneth . A firm believer in Providence,John had poured over the “help wanted section” of the newspaper that morning, praying for guidance. An ad for a salesman at the local computer dealership had caught his attention. It touted "no experience necessary" -- three very important words to John. Even better, John knew the owner of the dealership, and believed God had pointed him to this job.

Parking his vehicle outside the showroom, John removed his Stetson to whisper a prayer. The moped stand screeched open as he climbed down. The Weather felt good at this time of year -- not too hot and not too cold. John enjoyed the fresh air, letting the breeze swirl around him as he strode inside.

Light jazz played faintly in the background, as John scanned the showroom for a familiar face. A bald man took notice of John, and waved a friendly greeting from across the room. John returned his wave. He hoped the man would remember him from his computers spares purchase.

Dressed in dark slacks and a white business shirt, Jerry Westhaven put down the clipboard he had been holding, and came to John with an outstretched hand and a broad smile. "John Wilson, I never expected to see you here! Don't tell me you're finally shifting that old computer business!"

"No, sir, I'm here about the job," John said, feeling a little self-conscious about the black T-shirt and worn jeans he had put on that morning. With a sinking heart, John noticed the other salesman dressed as sharply as Jerry.

"Job?" Jerry looked puzzled, and then a flash of understanding crossed his face. "John, I'm sorry, but that job was filled only an hour ago!"

His spirits fell, and John hoped he didn't appear as disappointed as he felt. "Oh, sorry for bothering you." As he awkwardly turned to leave, he saw Jerry open his wallet and take out two twenty dollar bills.

"Here," Jerry said, offering the money a little clumsily, "I'd like you have this."

Longingly staring at the bills, John realized what Jerry offered -- a handout -- charity to someone less fortunate than himself. "I'm not here to beg for anything," John said, feeling the heat of shame creep up his neck.

"I know you're not," Jerry said, thrusting the money into John's hip pocket. "I just have a feeling you might need this more than I do at the moment."

John knew he had no right to turn down the money, especially when he needed it so badly. Even so, it stung to accept charity, though it came from someone as friendly as Jerry Westhaven.

"Come to think of it," Jerry said thoughtfully, "I heard the garden nursery owner across the street might be looking for help in regard to his home computer service. You could check there for work."

"Across the street?" John tried to be hopeful, but knew a job there wouldn't be very likely as he was in a huge loss . Nodding, John gratefully shook Jerry's hand. "Thanks, I'll look into it."

Before Jerry had a chance to ask how things were going at home, John made a polite excuse and left the dealership. In his present condition, as much as Matt knew people meant well, he knew they could also bring trouble.

And Matt had already had enough trouble, to last him a lifetime.John met the concerned person and had the job done.

His college days were smooth as ever. John had a customer named Sebastian who was John’s class mate in his 11 and 12th grade, infact he was one among the close friends of Kenneth. It was almost 6 months ago that customer was given under Kenneth’s control. Sebastian is basically a dumb guy, who doesn’t know the true value of anything which includes people, friends, money, hard work .What all he knows is going to pub, bar’s, beach resorts to have sheer pleasure in the weekends. His father is an attorney and a former member of parliament. So Sebastian had all sorts of amenities which no one questions. Kenneth used this opportunity and started looting money in the name of regular system inspection and services. These things were happening without the knowledge of John as he got no information about it and more over John believed that Sebastian & Kenneth were good friends so Kenneth will not show his tricks to Sebastian.

It was February 28th 2006 John, Sean, Rachel, Susan and Martha was invited by Ellen to take part in her Nephew’s 5th birthday .For John it was the first time to attend a party at a friend’s place that too a female friend so he went up to Sean’s place so that they can start off together for the party,it was that time Sean introduced Mr. Xavier who is a friend ,Neighbor and well wisher of Sean ,soon John and Sean got ready and set off to the party at 5pm .In Ellen’s place John was left alone by the gang as Sean was busy convincing Rachel to accept his love, Martha as usual over the phone and Susan never turned up to grace the occasion. Last but not the least Ellen was busy serving the gusts at the party. He had a chance to meet Mr. Eugene, Ellen’s brother in law who was working in a MNC as a software engineer. Eugene a man of perfection, always had a strict vigil over Ellen but ultimately this nature of him turned him arrogant. He never trusted anyone, He started doubting each and every person he meets in his life, and in that moment only he met John who was introduced to him by Ellen as her best friend. Ellen in her Joy started stating all the qualities of John, that he is an Entrepreneur, he owns a business, besides which he is a good artist and she kept the list added. This created a slight suspicion in the minds of Eugene. But John had learned it from his eyes even though Eugene never revealed his suspicion. John never interfered in anyone’s personal affair so he didn’t feel guilty of any suspicion. The party went on well it was almost 9pm John Received a call from his dad. As soon as John Cut the call his face was horrified with something that Sean, Ellen and other friend of John couldn’t understand the situation John was facing. Not willing to spoil the party mood John left Ellen’s Place without letting his situation to anyone.

EPISODE 19-THROWAWAY

Time may heal all wounds, but the scars can last a lifetime. Whether physical or mental, we all carry the baggage of the past with us into the present.

However, there are people who do not have the burden of baggage. Two days after John’s 19th birthday, his parents decided to apply for divorce in the local court. Like a burglarized house being stripped of its valuables, the memories that John had accumulated over the years of his lifetime were slowly being cleared away. There was no clue what’s happening around him except a constant quarrel between his mom and dad every dawn and dusk. With only the faint hope of some unforeseeable breakthrough in their mind set that would halt their descent into madness, John prepared himself for the unthinkable.

Charles Dickens once wrote, that "time and tide waited for no man." The same could be said of John's family. Life ran its course, even though the world seemed to be an alien one. God always does things for a reason. Nothing ever happens without one. In this pressure John started concentrating more in his business that one day he found that Kenneth had visited the customers place a couple of days ago. John was very much to know that Kenneth doing his duties properly. But like a Mist that vanishes when sun’s ray fall on them, John’s Happiness soon vanished and was shocked to see something serious. John Inspected the system and found some duplicate spares in the system; But he didn’t reveal this to the customer, but told him the system need a depot service and he is taking it along with him. John thought he could inspect the system and replace all the duplicates he also knew about Kenneth, and he might have been cornered to buy duplicates by the suppliers, so he wouldn’t have done purposefully. Meanwhile it was the new-year season so John had to Make regular inspection to all his clients, But more bad news followed John, he was shocked to see almost half of the clients who bought computers form John had some or the other problem with their desktops.It was then John approached Kenneth, But Kenneth was no serious about the situation he simply said to John “I was in need of money so I replaced all the spares, what the f*** bothers you?? They are no more your customers dude and so you have got no rights to question me Mr. John, remember even if something goes wrong I know each and every bloody technique to tackle them and you no need to visit any of my customers “it was like An Axe To Grind. But John was like Between A Rock And A Hard Place: He struggled hard to make him understand but Kenneth mind was full of Martha. For Kenneth; John is like a Dark horse. Meanwhile John’s parents case came for the first hearing, John was simple a clay mould he just kept watching what all happening coz John was sure that his parents case is like Flash In The Pan : Something that shows potential or looks promising in the beginning but fails to deliver anything in the end. John consulted his customer who is an attorney. He gave few suggestions which had real good effects in breaking their parent’s case. But the face is Even though John’s parents applied for a divorce their mind didn’t not agree with what they were doing. Ellen became one of the best friends for John and Sean. Sean approached Ellen for a help in his Love affair. Sean was in serious love with Rachel, but Rachel never accorded his view. So Sean plans out something to bring out Rachel’s Love. Rachel is a timid character; she has a peculiar character of a squirrel. When it likes something it’ll not grab it but will wait keeping an eye on it and check whether anyone else trying to picking it up or not. When it finds someone is there to snatch it it’ll run forth to grab it. Hope u get what I m trying to say. And Sean’s character is straight opposite to that when he decides something it remains the same till the end. He’ll not desire for others holding but at the same time he’ll not loose or leave to others that he considers his holding. His negative character is He is a short-tempered person and he doesn’t give respect to others or others feelings. Next is Ellen she is a kind hearted arrogant girl, who is good at fashion designing and bad at maintaining long term relationships. She was born in a middle class background but bought up in a rich lifestyle. So she knew both the side of life. Susan is a girl with every smiling face, and a good tendency to help others. She was from a middle class back ground, she too suffered all most all the difficulties that a girl would face while passing the teen age, she was forced to get married but then her parents agreed to go for university education. All of the 5 made a very good group. Except Sean and Rachel all of the others shred a very good friendship. It was more than that. Sean was younger to all so Ellen and Susan called him Younger brother. While John considered Susan as a sister, both John and Susan shared a special bond to celebrate, haha both of them was Borne in the same day, date and even hours was same, they were just minutes apart. Even though they didn’t call brother or sister, it was all in their heart. They were envied by the entire class.

Soon this sweet little gang had a big bang.

EPISODE 18- A SEQUEL TO JOHN'S JOURNEY!

John had a tough college life especially those with the first year subjects but later he started enjoying those beautiful moments. Since john was not good with maths, again in college he had few practical difficulties with the subject. As in his old school here also john was considered a genius by his college and by few of his professors but his real color languished when his first term results came in and john miserably failed in all the subjects even in practical’s which none of them imagined. John belong to a different major when he changed his course of studies from commerce to computers he found the subject to be difficult. But these things were common in the life of a student. On the other hand Kenneth never fazed off by anything. It was then all began in john’s life. Yes it’s the start of everything…the beginning of end. Kenneth had a younger brother who was doing his 7^th grade ,his mother a home maker and his father a classical singer, who was actually striving hard to get a job was simply sitting at home commanding his wife to bring money from her home and ill-treating her. These things brought in a mental change in Kenneth’s mind which ultimately ruined not only his life but also the one’s surrounding him. Kenneth was attracted by a girl named Martha. Martha was from the country side and was located in a women’s hostel which was located in john’s neighborhood. Slowly john understood that Kenneth was in serious love with Martha, john kept quiet and waited for a moment where he can make Kenneth understand that it’s neither his age nor it was the situation to fall prey for all these things but it was all too late for john to let him understand.

Kenneth and Martha started moving close, that the whole class knew that both do love each other. But john was in a dilemma whether or not to leave Kenneth as such, it’s so because Kenneth’s entire family depend on him ,not only that but John had a slight doubt about Martha’s, to add his problem Kenneth never concentrated in studies. He was not regular for college also; whenever he was absent Martha too won’t be present. Remember something john had allocated few customers for Kenneth to take over? Even they were left without care. John was very busy with his first semester exams, that he didn’t carry out his regular inspections in his customers place; Kenneth knew this very well and utilized this opportunity. After the exams john carried out his regular business works as usual The first ever big shock came to john when the real fact came to light. So John was more worried about his business, slowly Kenneth father and mother started inquiring john about the girl who kept ringing Kenneth. As soon as he reaches home Kenneth makes himself isolated and was over the phone all night with that girl. His number of visits to john’s place slowly decreased. Things were going smooth except with Kenneth. Slowly new friends started moving around John’s life few of them are Miguel and Steven. Miguel a soft timid guy who is from a very traditional background, and Steven a guy of hard work, these two fellows joined the college very late as they had arrear in 12^th grade so they joined the college only after 2 months from the date of college reopened. Well… well… welllll here is the important person in the class trouble maker, the baleful beauty of the class Kurt. He consider himself as the mobster but the fact is he is a lovable and harmless Wight ,but when you say this to him he’ll not accept it,in face he is the class comedian, with a fierce tone ,ehhee ,rest of his gang fellas are Sean ,Garry, Nelson. Sean was in love with Rachel who again belongs to a different character,which you ll come to know in the later part of the story . Apart from this john had few good friends among girls who are Susan ,Ellen ,Sharon ,Ashley, Donna. Sharon and Garry belongs to different group but since their total was less(10)they were combined with john’s group for the first one year. Almost the first one year went on just like that no odd feelings no differences, no enmity; mainly no Ego. All of them took life as it came. But it was a good beginning for all, except few sad things. No one can ever forget a life like that, if experienced it once. “Live life fully while you're here. Experience everything. Take care of yourself and your friends. Have fun, be crazy, be weird. Go out and screw up! You're going to anyway, so you might as well enjoy the process. Take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes: find the cause of your problem and eliminate it. Don't try to be perfect; just be an excellent example of being human.”This is all John learnt in the First year of graduation! But there is something more….

EPISODE 17-A TRUE MANIFESTATION

John had completed high school, his parents expected him to go to a Christian college. John, however, was unsure if college was in his future. He had long planned to continue his education, but when it actually came time, John was unsure. Much to the annoyance of Wilson, he couldn't explain his feelings. John didn't know it, but the Holy Spirit had given him a small still voice that told him to wait.This is so because John wanted to achieve something big in Fine arts but he also had a desire to give his business a new dimension so do he Joined in a near by college to pursue his under graduation, John got seat in the famous Christian college but considering the distance his parents objected his idea and made him study in a nearby college.John's day dream came real one day...yes its the day when john entered his college for the first time.John was had high school friend Kenneth also joined alone with him. so john was a bit relaxed in this new environment,John also had his 9th grade friend Errick in 2'nd year BBA, so do his childhood friend Marcus in the final year B.Com.But john didn't find the environment comfortable more over he was afraid about Maths and the Lecturers there.Every day classes was like hell to him.since John was sound in his grammar and vocabulary people thought he is a bright guy.But None except John knew he understood nothing from what they teach,since John from a commerce background with computer science as his major in his high school, he felt that the subject too hard to follow.John had too much of pressures in his mind .

John does not possess constant mind to decide things on his own,But he decided to move on to another college where his other friend Perry was Studying.He approached his principal along with Mr.Wilson and applied for Transfer,It was just the 18th day since college reopened so initially principal didn't accept John's Request but then she granted the certificates on a condition that the amount paid as fees 'll not be refunded.Wilson with a Furious face accepted it and John successfully Joined B.Sc with ISM as major in the college where Perry is studying.Here another big horror was waiting for John.From his first class he learned that his class consist of 10 Students in which 4 are Female and 1 androgynous(Rose) and 4 Chinese last but not the least is John.The first day class went on well but John found something fishy about 4 guys and Rose. the next day class started John was seriously listening to his lecturer soon something happened to him when he got up the class was empty it was 3 in the evening...John wat da F*** happen to u man?? y the hell u like this !!!!!! exclaimed Perry who fortunately came by his class to say bye for the evening..It was then john realized that he was dozed off by his class mates..it was nothing but some light narcotic Drug something like cocaine or Ganja.He learned this from his class mate Johnsy!!He took this matter to his principal But got no proper response; though John wants to quit the second day itself, he was asked to pay all the 3 years fees to get back his certificates. !!!Ultimately John took this matter to Wilson and then to Chief of the institution- he was well known to John as he is none other than the same person who selected John as the School Pupil Leader when he was in Higher secondary final year. John made up his mind and Decided to get back to the previous institution itself.Moral that John learned is ""Look before you leap"" and don't Look back once u step forward S tart small; T hink tall; R each over the wall; I nvest your all; V isualize the mall; E xpect you may fall; but, if you fall, that's not all; get up and STRIVE again

"ITS GUD TO PLAN YOUR WORK BUT ITS MORE IMPORTANT TO WORK YOUR PLAN"

So do John started off with a clear Mind to succeed!!

EPISODE 16-AN INCIDENT(contd)

"This is 911 emergency. How may I help you?" asked a woman's voice. For a moment, John's tongue glued to the roof of his mouth.

"Please get an ambulance to the corner of Radison right away! There's a man in the alley... he's lost a lot of blood!" John pleaded frantically.

"Stay calm. An ambulance is on it's way," the woman's voice assured.

"Thank God!" exclaimed John. The emergency dispatcher asked who he was, and then hung up when the sirens were within hearing distance. John dashed out of the bookstore, heedless of the oncoming traffic, and stood at the entrance of the alley. An ambulance pulled up beside the curb, it's red lights flashing.

"Over here!" he called. Two men jumped out of the ambulance and followed john down the alley.He watched as they unwound the limp arms of the stoplight panhandler.

"It's a knife wound," he heard one of the men say. When a policeman tapped John on the shoulder, he jumped.

"Were you the one who called 911?" he asked.

"Yes, I was," replied John, nervously.

"Did you know him?" the policeman asked, pointing at the limp form being lifted onto a stretcher.

"No."

"How did you find the body?" he asked. John felt faint. The walls of the alley began to spin around him.

"I was walking..." he began. Suddenly, everything became black.

When John opened his eyes, he found himself lying on a stretcher, with sirens screaming loudly in his ears.

"Do you feel better?" asked a voice. At the foot of his stretcher stood one of the emergency workers who had arrived in the ambulance. The stretcher suddenly bumped against the wall. It was then, John realized he was in an ambulance.

"I'm all right. You can let me out right here," he said pointing to a window.

"I think it would better to have a doctor examine you first," he explained.

"But, I'm late for School," he protested. The man did not hear him, for he was busily engaged with a person in the stretcher beside him. To John's surprise, it was the stoplight panhandler. A clear hose had been placed over his mouth, pumping oxygen into his still unconscious body. The emergency worker turned his eyes to a little monitor with a jumping green line. John lie quietly on the stretcher. Suddenly, the green line stopped jumping, and a flat line took it's place. The emergency worker grabbed two white discs and placed them on top of the panhandler's chest. His body jolted upward and then slammed back down onto the stretcher. He continued to do this until the green line began to jump again.

"He almost died, didn't he?" asked John.

"His heart stopped beating. But, for now, it's working again," the man said, sitting down. Soon after, they arrived at the hospital. The doors opened, and the stoplight panhandler was lifted out. John climbed down on his own two feet. A rush of activity surrounded john, as nurses rushed the unconscious panhandler into the hospital. John was led inside, and checked over to make sure he was really all right. Then, the police had him answer some questions. He told them what had happened.

"If I were you," warned the police officer who had been asking him the questions, "I would stay out of dark alleys. Especially, if you are alone."

"But, it's Providential I did, this one time," smiled John

"It's just another transient," shrugged the officer, tucking the clipboard he had been writing on, under his arm. "If this one lives to be discharged, he'll be out on the streets again. Bums like him die everyday." The police officer checked his clipboard one more time, and walked away.

A sick feeling crept over John. He navigated his way to the main exit, and quickly left the hospital. John looked up at the sky. Usually, the air was filled with smog, but a gentle breeze sent out from God's heavenly chamber had carried the man-made poison away. John gratefully thanked God for the safety He had given him that morning.

In spite of the pure air and the warm sunshine, John's heart was crying.

He arrived at work

The policeman's words echoed in his mind.

"Just another transient." A crowd of people exiting a nearby building, shook John from his uneasy solitude.

Fortunately or Unfortunately this incident made a deep encroachment in his mind ,that John drew stoplight panhandler in his next round of painting competition and won the first place fetching him the entry ticket for the next future rounds of the competition."Every single moment of life is precious"John whispered to himself.Ultimately his school days also came to an end.John secured good total and got a seat in the nearby college with computer science as his major.

EPISODE 15-AN INCIDENT

The busy city awoke to Monday morning, ready to face another hectic week of work and life. Like most city dwellers on such a weekday, John started off on his daily trek to the school. John had spent the weekend with his parents something he always did, for he was never so happy as when he returned home. The love he felt from her parents, would tide him over to the next weekend. Unlike most people, John never disliked Mondays. It just meant he was one day closer to Saturday. It was with these thoughts, that he walked down the sidewalk, on his way to work.

However, when John came to the stoplight, his thoughts changed course. This day had started like most others, but somehow, something felt different. Then it came to him.John looked around for the panhandler who had chosen that place as his spot.He had grown accustomed to his silent presence at the stoplight. He would greet him with a smile and drop lose change into his cup. The man would nod and look down, never saying a word. John had observed his long, unkempt brown hair.He had noticed his beard reached the top of his faded blue jacket. John saw he always wore the same pair of worn sneakers - ones with duct tape wound about them, to keep the soles in place. To his horror,John even observed he never wore slippers, no matter how Hot it was outside

But today, the spot where he always occupied, stood empty. Every day, without fail, he had always been there. John looked at the other people that waited at the stoplight. Most of them he recognized, for they too, made the same route to work, every day. As the light turned green, John saw none of them had noticed the missing member of their daily gathering. He looked at his watch. Yes, he had a little time before School. For the first time in months, John did not cross the street with the others when the light turned green. Instead, he searched the side walk on either side of the stoplight. It was then, he saw a dark alley separating two tall buildings near the panhandler's spot.

By nature, John was not intrepid. However, his concern for the stoplight panhandler, and His desire to not be late for work, propelled him forward in action not typical of a generally, thoughtful young man. In his haste, though, he remembered to pray before entering. "Safety is of the Lord," he reminded himself. He wrinkled his nose, for everything smelled of foul odors, and rotting trash. Cardboard boxes were piled up high against trash cans; a small stream of water ran down the black asphalt. John slowly walked to the end of the alley.

As he turned to leave, John noticed a huddled form crouched between two trash cans. He gave a sudden start, but the form did not move. It did not seem to be aware of his presence at all. John took a step closer, careful not to make any noise. As dark clouds softly parted overhead, a ray of light fell upon the huddled form's face, revealing the stoplight panhandler. His eyes were closed, and his arms were wrapped around his torso. The faded jacket was no longer blue, but soaked in a dark red substance. Alarmed John knelt down beside him on the damp asphalt. John bent down and put his ear up to his chest. His heart was beating, but it was very faint. This man was dying. John jumped to his feet, and dashed out of the dark alley. He had to find a telephone, quickly.

No one noticed the boy as he frantically ran down the streaked gray sidewalk, searching for a pay phone. Across the street, he spotted a secondhand bookstore. John quickly crossed the street, forgetting to look before he did so. A yellow taxi screeched to a halt, narrowly missing John. The driver stuck his head out and yelled at him in a language he did not understand.

"Sorry!" John called back. he opened the bookstore door and ran to the counter. "May I use your phone? It's an emergency!" he hurriedly asked an old man sitting by the cash register. The old man looked up sleepily.

"Just so as it's not long distance," he replied grumpily. John nodded as he grabbed the telephone receiver. His fingers trembled as he dialed 911. To his disbelief, the number was busy.

"Please, God, make them answer!" he urgently pleaded. The old man opened his eyes again, curiously observing his anguish as one would passively watch television. John's heart pounded loudly in his ears. The sound reminded him that with every passing moment, the stoplight panhandler lost more blood. "Don't let him die, God!" he prayed outloud. After what seemed to John to be an eternity, a voice answered.

************TO BE CONTINUED**********************