GOPAL गोपाल – Chapter 1

(GOPAL. From the Sanskrit word go “cow” and pala “protector” and taken to mean “cowherd”.) Slaughter on the Ganges. Gopal sat on the banks of the river and watched as his herd fossicked among grassland and then carefully made their way down the slippery path to a shallow portion of the waterway to drink. He lived in the village of Deviganj and among his brothers … Continue reading GOPAL गोपाल – Chapter 1

Katie’s Wedding – Scene 5

Reality Check Thomas devoured his bean burrito with enthusiasm pausing now and then to glance at his intended bride. He was glad Aunt Naomi had introduced him to this place and it had become the favourite haunt of them both now. The more he thought about Kate the more obsessed he was about making her a lifetime commitment. His feelings for her were strong. Kate … Continue reading Katie’s Wedding – Scene 5

Katie’s Wedding

Scene 4 – Wedding Plans The story in brief to date, see Chapters 1-3 for further background. Katie and Thomas were childhood friends whose parents were very close. Naomi and Ricky Renaldo and their next-door neighbours Stella and Calvin Campbell had been friends during those childhood years, but as work opportunities changed they drifted apart until one day Naomi discovered Thomas at the local mall … Continue reading Katie’s Wedding

Patsy’s Life Lesson – Chapter 2

  Learning Life’s Lessons “How far to the County Fair Richie?” There was a giggle from the back and Patsy turned around in surprise to see what was happening then looked uncertainly at Richie. “We are going to the County Fair?” “Well we were, but when your Dad made it a 9pm curfew we may have a change of plans.” There was laughter again from … Continue reading Patsy’s Life Lesson – Chapter 2

Patsy’s Life Lesson – Chapter 1

Making Friends “Let’s get together and have some fun tonight!” Richard Vanderlan was the accepted leader of the troop of high school students and they’d gathered at their customary meeting place after school sports were over. It was their way to unwind after trying to absorb some heavy subjects during class time and a good workout during football practice and other school sports units to … Continue reading Patsy’s Life Lesson – Chapter 1

Night Terror – Chapter 3

Reality Check Young Pastor Reg Small sat in his office with his study books spread out in front of him. He’d taken the trouble to counsel with the youth who’d come to him as a group having checked out on rumours they’d heard in town and found Wes had been in touch with the town kids confirming events of that fatal night with Luella and … Continue reading Night Terror – Chapter 3

Night Terror – Chapter 2

  The Decision Wes sat sullenly in a corner as Jay and Sam stared at him shaking their heads in frustration. “I guess we’ll have to wait for the doctors report about Luella, doesn’t look good.” Sam was angry!” Jay shook his head and turned to his friend. “I don’t know what to say Sam. Our whole family is in depression over this. We don’t … Continue reading Night Terror – Chapter 2

Katie’s Wedding – Chapter 3

Scene 3 – Friendship Renewed Stella and Calvin Campbell had been excited to reconnect with Naomi Renaldo and had invited Naomi and Kate for Thanksgiving celebration. With Thomas there and other close relatives on the Campbell side of the family that would fill their large home to the brim. In between Stella had made a trip to see Thomas while her husband Cal was on … Continue reading Katie’s Wedding – Chapter 3

Katie’s Wedding – Chapter 2

Scene 2 – Reconnection “Tommy? Tommy Campbell?” Thomas spun around in surprise. No one had called him Tommy since he was a kid and that seemed to be a long time ago. Tom mostly, or even Thomas when he was in trouble with his parents maybe, but even those lapses were long ago. He had a wonderful relationship with his Mom and Dad. While he … Continue reading Katie’s Wedding – Chapter 2