A 2009 Copyright of The Guiding Light Ministry. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

1. QUICKSAND LAND:

This story is about the pains of family. Itrs about a very unusual camping
trip where people go to leave their hurtful past behind, a surprise to be
found on every page. Touched with emotions and a bit of humor.

2. THE GIFT:

Paeg and Maggie are on their own. Their parents are dead, and Paeg is left
to take care of his little sister. Does anyone in the entire world even care
what happens to them? One man does, but can Paeg let go of his hate in
time? A special gift has been given, and in this giving they both come to
find that they can receive back the greatest gift ever given in return.

3. PILLOW TALK:

What if your pillow just started to talk. What do you think it would say?
What if there was a Kingdom more wonderful than you could ever imagine,
and what if a pillow was the key to perfect peace.

4. TIFFANI’S SECRET:

There is a little girl with a secret she must share. A man who has lost his
memory. A woman with a drinking problem, and another who is drug
addicted. What is so important that must be told to them?

5. EDEN’S RISING SUN:

Cain has just been banned from his homeland. He has done the
unthinkable sin. He has killed his only brother. God has forbidden him to
return. Restlessness and lonliness is all Cain has for company in a
wilderness alien to him. Cain goes in search to find the hidden Garden Of
Eden, in hopes to find God there so that he can talk with Him. Is he
doomed to wonder forever, or will he finally find rest and peace at last in
the perfect forgiveness of the Lord?

6. ONE LAST LOOK AT THE ROSES:

This story is about a young woman and the man that she loves, but
Mankind has only a handful of hours left to decide their destiny, and where
they will spend their eternity. Some will come to know great joy, while
others will only know horror. Who will survive a world plunged into
darkness, full of nightmares they can’t even begin to comprehend?

7. DEJONN:

An experiement has gone terribly wrong. A man has a computer for his
brain. He can reason, he can think, but where is his soul in all this? Is it
still there, inside, or is this man just an empty shell?

1 - THE CAMP

2 - THERE ARE ANIMALS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SUN

3 - THE UPSIDE DOWN WORLD OF GUYGER

4 - LEIFIA

5 - PINK ELEPHANTS

Once there was a boy. His name was Jack. He was 12
years old. His dad’s name was Zack. Jack lived with Zack cause his parents had just
divorced. It was awfully hard on Jack. Zack was a very religious man. He wanted Jack
to grow up knowing Jesus. Jack’s mother didn't believe God existed at all, let alone
would have a Son named Jesus who He sent to die for everyone's sins. She thought it
all poppycock! This is one of the reasons why Zack, Jack’s father, got a divorce. Jack’s
mother was mean to Zack. She never wanted Jack to go to Sundayschool to learn about
Jesus when she didn't believe that God existed. This caused great turmoil in Jack’s
family. Zack got full custody of Jack after the divorce cause God was on Zack‘s side
and not the mother. Jack liked living with his dad. He was glad his mother only had
visitation rights so that he didn't have to live with her. She wasn't nice to him.
Sometimes, when she drank alcohol, she’d hit Jack. But now Jack was happy that he
could go to Sundayschool again. All he ever wanted was for mom and dad not to fight.

Zack was planning up a camping trip with his son. They
needed time together away from The Big Apple, New York. They were going to take their
vacation with a church group to a camp called, QUICKSAND LAND. Zack had two real good
friends which went to the same church he did and they really were his support and
prayer after his divorce. His friends were Pete and Clark. Pete and Clark were going
to the camp with Zack and Jack.

All week Jack was so excited and couldn't wait for the weekend campout at
Quicksand Land. He sure wondered how’d it get such a name? One night as Pete and Clark
were over at Zack‘s for coffee, Pete told him. “ It’s because there are spots of real
quicksand my boy. You’ll have to be carefull. Now go and find some old toy, or
something you don’t want anymore, cause every year the church has a campout there and
everyone throws in something old to watch it sink. “
Oh that had intrigued Jack! He
rushed off to find something to throw into the quicksand.

The night before the day they’d leave for the camp, Jack couldn't sleep at all. He
was just too excited! He couldn't stop thinking about that quicksand.

Well the day finally arrived. They packed up the van, and off they zoomed down the
highway.
“ 38 bottles of pop on the wall, 38 bottles of pop, you gulp it down then
belch all around with 38 bottles of pop fartin out your bottom! “ Zack, Jack, Pete and Clark all
sang. They then gulped on a soda and all burped away. They even held a belching contest.
Jack won.
The van started a puttering. “ What’ s up? ” Clark asked then. " I don’t know? "
Zack replied. He found a leak in the fuel pump. “ We’re out of gas! “ He boomed. “ Now
Zack, stay calm. The Lord is testing us, “ Pete told him. “ Stupid Devil! “ Zack hollered now.
He hit his steering wheel. “It’s only 3 miles to the nearest town, “ Clark said.

"Stupid Devil! " Zack hooted again. “ Now come on Zack. Don’t let old Satan get the grip.
Let’s all hike to town, have lunch, then take a cab back here, “ Pete told him trying to
keep his spirits up. Zack cheered up then. He didn't know what he’d do without his two
friends. Probably he’d lose his hair from pulling it out all the time.
So off they went.
They were all just a singing again having a wonderful time walking to the little town.

" I have a surprise for then, " snickered Satan, as he watched them happying along.
Oh he bated happiness. He was going to ruin this camp trip if it was the last thing he
ever did. But he was unaware that God had the upper hand.

When they got to town, it was so small, that no gas station was open. “ Oh I
knew it! “ Raved Zack throwing his hat into the dirt on the ground. Satan laughed and
laughed. See, the only gas station was open but he arranged for a bad case of the flu,
the stomach kind, to attack the poor old guy that ran the place. It was so bad that he
had to close. Clark saw where a restaurant sat, next to the gas station. “Let’s get a
bite to eat. We’ll all feel much better then and God will come up with a way for us I
just know it, “ Pete said. “ Oh you and your happy go attitude all the time. Sometimes
gets on my nerves, “ Zack told him flat out. “ Well it doesn't solve a thing gloomy gusing
around about it! “ Pete told him back. Satan watched. He hoped it would end up in a fight.  " You tell me what I have to be so cheery about? We’re out of gas, and the only gas
station for miles and miles is closed! “ Zack said. He said it so loud, that the man
sitting in the booth behind, had heard. He then pondered if he should help or not.
God put the answer in his heart.
 “ Excuse me, “ a man said approaching them, then
addressed. “ I couldn't help but overhear that you’ve run out of gas? “ He inquired.
“ Yeah, a leak in our fuel pump, “ Zack grumbled. “ Well, I’d be happy to gas you up.
I own a farm near by, and I use my own fuel pump for my tractor. I’d be more than
happy to give you fuel for, you use unleaded? “ He then asked. Zack could hardly
believe it. " Yes, “ he said.  “ I also have spare fuel pumps cause I break them so
often. I’ll let you have it for, say, “ the man was about to come up with a price when
Jesus in his heart told him, “what’s the matter with you? You are not going to charge
them a dime. “ “ For free, “ the man then said. Zack couldn't believe his luck!
Well he knew it wasn't luck. It was the Good Lord looking out for them.

    The man had only a truck, so Pete, Clark, and Jack had to ride the pickup in the
back. Wind whipped at Pete’s hair sending it in his face. He kept brushing it aside just
to get it whipped right back at him. Jack was a laughing. Clark was smiling. What a
wonderful day it was. The Devil sure wasn't a smiling. His lips twisted down in an
ugly frown. “ Well, today isn't over just yet, “ he huffed.

    The kind man filled a canister full of fuel and got hold of an extra fuel
pump, then he took everyone to where the van sat by the side of the road. The man put the
new fuel pump on and it fit snug as a bug as Zack filled the gas tank. He then thanked
the kind man, and off they went on their way. Zack had offered the man 20 dollars for
his kindness and wouldn't take no for an answer.

    Everything was going fine until several hours later, a tire blew. “ Boy Satan
sure don’t want us at that camp, “ Pete giggled. Zack sure wasn't finding it amusing.
“ Trust God. He will see us out of this jam too, you’ll see, “ Pete told him as they
all stood by the side of the road looking at a flatter than flat tire. Zack had
remembered everything except getting a spare tire for his van. “ Stupid! Stupid! Really
stupid of you Zack! “ Satan hissed in his ear. “ Be off with you! “ Jesus then told
the eye sore.
 “ Shoo fly don’t bother me, shoo fly don’t bother me, shoo fly don't bother me, cause I belong to
somebody, “ Pete was a singing to himself. All Zack could think of was that it was 50
miles to the next town. As an hour passed they all had supper. Hot baloney sandwiches.
The cooler had conked out. Boy Zack sure hated his baloney warm. The pop was warm as
well and you can bet Zack complained about it. A van stopped about a half hour later.
Was the same type van Zack had only it was a different color. A man and his wife were
in it. They had two small children asleep in the back, as it pulled over. “ Hi, what’s
the problem? Flat? “ The young man asked as Pete recognized him.” Hey your new to our
church! I remember you, " he said as they shook hands. “ Yeah, I've seen you too, your? “ The
man asked. He forgot the name. “ Pete Yearning, “ Pete introduced. “ Got a flat tire? “ The
wife of the young man then asked. “ Yeah. I forgot the spare, “ chuckled Zack. “ Well, we
have one we’d be glad to give you, “ the young man whose name was Hank, said after he
introduced himself to Pete. Zack was thanking Jesus for this nice couple who were now
helping put on their tire. They all then went the rest of the way to the
camp together. By the time they got in, it was late and real dark. Zack couldn't see to
put up his tent. The nice couple came over then with a nice big flashlight, see Zack
had forgotten his. “ You forgot a lot didn't you Zack, “ Clark had said. Pete was in
such a happy mood, until he tripped over a rock in the dark that is. He went a ranting
and a raving just as Satan wanted.
Jack was eager to get up early in the morning to then
find some quicksand to throw his old toy robot into which didn't work a hoot anymore.
He couldn't wait to see it sink. Pete had bricks with envelopes rubber banned to them
saying various things about Satan. Was a great stress reliever he’d come to find, for
last year had been his first here at the camp. Clark brought an ugly art piece his
yucky stepmother which  when he was little, used to hit him with
it. When the batalack had died she left him with nothing but that awful thing so he
was tossing it in. Zack was throwing in these books about reincarnation his ex-wife had
read and even given charity toward. Foolish woman. Jack gave his robot a kick.

His mother had given it to him once for Christmas. She hated that time a year. She
fussed and whined but Zack had made her go out and get Jack something. It was the only
thing she’d given him. He felt she never loved him as he gave it another kick. Zack was
looking at it now. He had told her to buy him that talking children’s Bible which had
nice pictures of Jesus in it. She only frowned. She never got it for him. Instead this
stupid robot. Zack was glad Jack brought it to sink. He was not going to make him. He
had told him he could keep any toy he wanted that was from his mother but Jack had picked
to bring this robot all on his own. Part of Zack wished SHE was here for him to throw
HER into the quicksand. He knew he shouldn't think it. Wasn't Christian.

All that night Jack couldn't sleep. He kept thinking of the quicksand, and he was so
excited to throw that robot in it. Jack got up, went outside. Still was dark out, and
cold, so he came back in. He kept getting up, going outside. Pete and Clark didn't sleep
well that night because of Jack’s restlessness. Zack was so dead tired that he zonked off
to sleep and never awoke till morning. Pete wasn't used to Jack. Clark was a lite sleeper
and every noise awoke him. “ Go to sleep! “ Pete yammered at Jack. Funny, where was his
happiness sense of manner? Gone with the daylight Jack guessed. “ Hush up, both of you! “
Now Clark barked.

The next morning Jack was cross. See he hadn't gotten much sleep for two
nights. It was starting to catch up with him. It just made him even crosser when his
father told him they weren't going yet to the quicksand until everyone else did from
the church group. This was something to celebrate all together, and also to be safe. Jack
was restless. He wanted to do it now. He got in a fight with dad and was made to wash the
breakfast dishes. Zack noticed Pete and Clark a snapping around too. They were cross like
his son was. Grumble, grumble, grumble. Pete wouldn't give up his plate yet when Jack
was ready to wash it. Jack got so mad cause Pete wouldn't give it, that he hauled off
and broke his plate. Pete got cut by it. The Devil was sitting close by just a
smiling. “ Wonderfully disgusting crankiness this morning, “ he said. Clark began to
scold on Jack, even grabbed him and spanked him. Jack kicked him in the leg. Pete’s
finger bled for an hour. Zack made Jack go to the tent. He was grounded and
couldn't leave to play. Zack gave him some Bible verses to read. Pete and Clark
ignored Jack all day cause of what he did. Jack sat in the tent crying.
He wanted to run away. Seemed like Pete and Clark didn't want to be his friends
anymore. Even his own dad. Jack decided he’d never talk to any of them again.

So that next morning in the early hours, Jack placed some stuff in his knap
sack, including the robot, and ran off. They'd all be sorry.

That morning, the sun shown bright inside the tent. Pete awoke all chipper and in
a great mood. He was all ready to do some fun things with Jack. He got up and went
outside. “ Have you seen Jack? We can’t find him, “ Clark told him then. They all
went to other various families asking if they’d seen a 12 year old boy.

Zack, Pete, and Clark all yelled here and there for Jack but he just couldn't be
found.

Jack walked on and on. He then saw patches of stuff bubbling up from the ground.
" Could this be quicksand? " Jack was saying. He went closer. He took out the robot. He
was going to throw it in when his foot caught on some tree root and sent him tripping,
right into the quicksand! His knapsack and robot, safely near by. He couldn't get out!
He’d hit his head when he fell. He couldn't see well cause warm red stuff dripped into
his eyes. Everything was blurry. There wasn't a thing he could grab onto. He felt
himself sinking. “ Help! “ He cried out. Oh it was awful being in quicksand!

Zack, Pete, and Clark were all worried that Jack might have fallen into
quicksand. The Devil was putting this fear into Zack real bad. He prayed and prayed
that his son be alright.
God the Father in Heaven knew what it was like to have a son
to concern over, cause He had sent His very own, Jesus, for the entire World. He knew
what Zack was going through. The Father was also keeping a close watch on the lad.
Satan wanted to just nitpick on Jack. Put fears of death into him. Jack
was given an image of him sinking clear under where no one would ever find him. Years
would go by and there would be a skeleton of a boy once named Jack at the bottom of this quicksand patch!  “ Leave the boy alone you serpent! ” The Father boomed clear
across Heaven. His voice making the Angels tremble at His loudness, to the figure
standing in the shadows of the Earth. Satan then had to back off and flee
away from Jack. The Father moved His arm then, gesturing Angels to go and direct
Zack in the right path to find his son. Off the angels flew in splendor, out
from Heaven and down to the Earth.

    Pete started to cry like a baby. He felt so guilty of how he had treated Jack the
other day. Oh it weighed heavy on his heart. The Devil had found someone else to
harass on. Tears began to well up in Clark’s eyes too now. He saw how worried
Zack was for his son. “ We’re so sorry Zack, “ he told him then. Zack went and patted
both his friends on the back. “ It’s not your fault. I’m not blaming you. It’s
Satan whose the culprit here. He has caused this conflict between us, which made my son
run off, “ Zack explained. They all then took hold of everyones’ hands. Hands of all
who came here to this camp from the church. They then all prayed for Jack. A wonderful
thing then took place, as they were all praying, an unseen radiant Figure then appeared
among them. It was Jesus. He has said, ” Whenever two or more are gathered in My
Name, there will I be also. “

    Jack was kind of in a daze. It was from that bump on his head. If it hadn't
been for his head injury, he would of panicked then and moved about, which would of
resulted in him sinking much quicker before anyone could find him. Jack kept still.
He was semi-conscious. It was for the best. Jesus comforted Zack’s heart. They then all
went a looking for Jack again.

    Jack kind of awoke more. He saw the quicksand was up to his neck. “ Oh no! “ He
outburst starting to panic. It was almost over for him. “ No fear, “ an Angel whispered
to Jack. Other angels were leading Zack to the patch. The Angel with Jack said to the
other angels leading Zack, “ hurry, come fast! “ He knew the boy didn't
have much longer.

    Zack was the first to find him. Pete and Clark not far behind. Pete took out a
rope from his knapsack. “ Hang on Jack, we’re getting you out! “ Zack told him. " Dad? "
Jack answered. He was so groggy. He just wanted to sleep. Zack saw the blood where he
had hit his head. Tears welled. He thanked God for taking care of his son, and his
injury. By the time Zack was able to climb out to Jack, he’d already gone under.
" Jack! " Cried Zack. He tied the rope tight around his waist and let himself sink
in hope to find Jack. He felt his son soon and grabbed hold of him as Pete,
Clark, and Hank pulled and pulled on the rope to bring them up. Jack was hugging onto
his pop. Made Pete cry all over again. Soon Zack and Jack were safely out of the
quicksand. A blanket was placed around Jack. He began to shiver. Zack carried his son
to the van. He had to get him to the nearest hospital.

    Jack would be alright. He suffered a head concussion. He’d be sleeping for a
few days. He also came down with a fever from exposure to the cold, and the water of the
quicksand. He would have quite a fight on his hands but God would see him through this
just as He had been all along.

As Jack lay feverish in his hospital bed, he had this
most peculiar experience. He was unaware it was hallucinations caused by his high
fever and his head injury. “ THERE ARE ANIMALS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SUN! “ A voice
told him loudly in his head. This is then what he dreamed. A MAN APPROACHED JACK. HE
WAS TELLING HIM THAT THERE WERE ANIMALS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SUN. “ HOW IS THIS
TRUE? “ JACK HAD ASKED HIM. “ HOW DO I KNOW THIS? “ THE MAN SAID. HE THEN CONTINUED ON,
“ LET ME TELL YOU HOW THIS INFORMATION BEGAN. 4 SCIENTISTS DISCOVERED A PLANET ON
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SUN. THEY SENT OUT ASTRONAUTS TO INVESTIGATE THIS WORLD BEYOND.
THIS NEW PLANET COULD BE FUN.
WHEN THEY ARRIVED TO THIS PLANET THEY FOUND IT TO BE A LOT LIKE EARTH,
FOR IT HAD THE SAME ATHOSPHERE, AND THEY FOUND IT WAS CREATED THE SAME MOMENT THAT
EARTH WAS. ONE THING THEY DID FIND TO BE MUCH DIFFERENT THAN EARTH. IT SEENED THIS
PLANET WAS VERY BACKWARD FROM OUR WORLD.

ON THIS BACKWARD PLANET, PEOPLE AND ANIMALS DID LIVE. THIS INFORMATION
OF EVERYTHING BEING BACKWARD FROM THEM, THESE NEW PEOPLE DID TO THE ASTRONAUTS GIVE.

THEIR WORLD WAS CALLED, HTRAE. SAY IT BACKWARDS IT READS, EARTH. THEIR WORDS ARE
BACKWARDS TOO, FOR THIS IS WHAT THEY SAY. EVERYTHING I MEAN, EVERYTHING IS THAT WAY.

THE LEADER OF THIS PLANET. HIS NAME IS NAN. SAID BACKWARD IT’S STIIL NAN. ALL THEIR
NAMES HERE ARE BACKWARD, BOTH WOMEN AND MEN.

THE ANIMALS ON HTRAE ARE BACKWARD AS WELL. FROM THE NAMES OF WHAT THEY
ARE, TO THEIR PHYSICAL APPEARANCE, ISN'T IT SWELL! A CAT ON THIS WORLD IS CALLED A TAD.
THEY DON’T MEOW, THEY WOEW. THIS IS A FACT. THEY COME IN ALL KINDS OF COLORS . THE
COLORS THAT EARTH CATS DO, THEN ALSO THEY COME IN SOME NEW COLORS T00. LIKE PURPLE AND
BLUE, IT’S TRUE. A PUP IS CALLED A PUP, JUST AS NAN IS NAN. IT’S NOT HARD TO UNDERSTAND.
PUPS HERE DON’T BARK FOR THEY HARDLY UTTER A SOUND. ONLY LITTLE WHIMPERS CAN BE FOUND.
THEY DON’T WAG THEIR TAILS AND THEIR TONGUES NEVER HANG OUT.

ON THIS PLANET THE PEOPLE TOOK THE ASTRONAUTS TO A OOZ. BACKWARDS THIS SPELLS
ZOO. THEY SAW ALL SORTS OF ANIMALS FROM YELLOW TO BLUE. A HORSE IS A ESROH, OF COURSE.
THE CHIPMUNKS HERE ARE CALLED KNUMPIHC. THEY ARE BLACK WITH BROWN STRIPES ACROSS
THEIR BACKS, UNLIKE EARTH’S, WHICH ARE THE OTHER WAY AROUND. THEY JUST SIT ON THE GROUND.
A DEER IS CALLED A REED. THEIR HORNS FAIL TO THE FLOOR OF THEIR CAGE, INSTEAD OF THE
DEER BACK HONE ON EARTH WHICH ARE RAISED HIGH LIKE A MOUNTAIN RANGE. HORSES NEVER NEIGH.
THEY HGIEN. SHOUID I REPEAT IT AGAIN? SUCH FUN ARE THEY, TO WATOH IN PLAY.

THE ASTRONAUTS WERE INVITED TO A MEAL. FOOD THEY FOUND WAS MUCH DIFFERENT HERE TOO.
IT WAS AGAINST THE LAW TO EAT ANY KIND OF VEAL. BELIEVE ME WHAT I TELL YOU IS REAL.
APPLES ARE SELPPA, AND SWERT ARE THEY NOT. SOUR IS MORE LIKE IT AND THEY DIDN'T HIT THE
SPOT! AN ORANGE IS A EGNARO. THEY HAVE NO JUICE IN THEM AT ALL. THEY ARE JUST DRIED UP
MUSH BALLS.

THE ASTRONAUTS SPENT THE NIGHT ON WHAT WAS CALLED A DEB. ON EARTH IT IS SIMPLY CALLED
A BED. THEY WERE UNCOMFORTABLE AND LAID ON THE FLOOR FLAT INSTEAD. FOR THEY HAD NO LEGS TO HOLD
THEM UP FROM THE FLOOR, AND OF COURSE EVERY ROOM HAD NO DOOR. THE DISCOMFORT WASN'T WHAT THE ASTRONAUTS
DID EXPECT, FOR ALL AWOKE WITH VERY STIFF NECKS!
THE ASTRONAUTS SOON DEPARTED FROM HTRAE TO GET BACK TO EARTH, BUT BEFORE LEAVING THE
PEOPLE ASKED IF THEY MIGHT RETURN. “ MAYBE, “ SAID ONE OF THE ASTRONAUTS, “ PERHAPHS ONE
DAY YOU MIGHT DECIDE TO VISIT OUR EARTH TOO, BUT IT'S OF COURSE UP TO YOU. “ “YES, QUITE A DAY THAT WOULD BE TO SEE, “
SAID NAN. “A GREAT DAY INDEED! “

Jack awoke. He sat up in bed. Oh what a dream he had had! Zack came in to check
on his son. Jack then told him of the dream. When Pete and Clark came to visit Jack told
them too.” A world on the other side of the sun? “ Pete replied. “ Quite an imagination
your boy has, “ Clark commented. Zack smiled. He was just so glad that Jack was going
to be alright.

Jack tried to eat his lunch but he was still so nauseated from the bump on his
head that it all came up. “ When can I go home? “ he asked the doctor who now came in.

The doctor was very nice. He told Jack he could not go home at least until another day or two. So Jack lay in his bed
for the rest of that day, bored. He got up and looked at himself in a mirror that hung near the bathroom. He looked
at himself upside down in it. " Wouldn't it be cool if everything were upside down, " he said. The motion made him dizzy so he
got back into bed.
Jack drifted off into slumber land now. This time he dreamed
he was a boy who lived in an upside down world.

GUYGER WAS HIS NAME AND HE WAS 12. HE WAS PRETENDING TO BE A SPY FOR THE X-CORPORATION.
EVERYTHING WAS UPSIDE DOWN IN HIS WORLD. HE WAS AFTER AN ENEMY AGENT WITHHOLDING
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON THE SECURITY OF THE PLANET, GORGAN.
" ALRIGHT, I‘M IN MY HOUSE,"
HE SPOKE THROUGH HIS WALKIE-TALK. HE WAS DRESSED IN BOGY HAT AND SMOCK. BLACK AS THE
NIGHT SKY OUTSIDE. HE WAS SITTING ON HIS BED. NOW, IN HIS WORLD, HIS BED WAS ATTATCHED TO
THE CEILING, AND THE CARPENTED FLOOR WAS HIS CEILING. HE HAD A DRESSER AND A CHAIR ALSO
CONNECTED TO THE CEILING. HE LOOKED UP AT HIS CARPETED CEILING, WHICH ON OUR WORLD IS
OUR FLOOR WE WALK ON, BUT GUYGER WALKS ON THE CEILING, AS HIS FLOOR. “ YUCK. I HATE THAT
GREEN CARPET,” GUYGER COMPLAINED MAKING A FACE. “ GUYGER, TIME FOR BED. “ HE THEN HEARD
HIS FATHER A SAYING. HE CAME INTO HIS ROOM. “ LIGHTS OUT BUD, “ HE SAID THEN FLICKED OFF
THE LIGHT.

THAT NEXT DAY GUYGER WAS OUT EARLY SURVEYING THE LAND. WELL, THE YARD OF HIS HOUSE ANYWAY.
IT WAS VERY EARLY, THE SUN WAS BEARLY UP.
NOW THE LAND IS THE CEILING OF THE PLANET AND
THE SKY THEIR WALKING SPACE, BUT YOU ALL KNOW YOU CAN’T WALK ON THE SKY OR YOU'D JUST FALL.
THE SKY WENT ON FOREVER AND GUYGER WAS SCARED TO DEATH OF LOSING HIS BALANCE FROM OFF THE
MAN-MADE WALKWAY SEPARATED BETWEEN SKY AND LAND ABOVE. HE WAS ALWAYS AFRAID THE WALKWAY
WOULD BREAK AND HE WOULD FALL. THIS WAS HIS HIDDEN FEAR BUT IT WAS IN THE BACK OF HIS
MIND TODAY CAUSE OF THE WALKIE-TALK HE HAD JUST RECEIVED FOR HIS 12TH BIRTHDAY YESTERDAY.

GUYGER SAW THE MILKMAN COMING. " HE'S FIVE MINUTES LATE. I WILL GO INVESTIGATE HIS STORY OF
WHY HE’S LATE, AND I WILL DECIDE WHETHER HE IS LYING OR NOT, “ GUYGER SAID LOW, THEN WENT
AND APPROACHED THE MILKMAN. “ I SAY THERE! " GUYGER SAID RATHER LOUDLY, STARTLING THE
POOR MAN. HE DROPPED A BOTTLE OF MILK AND IT FELL INTO THE SKY.
“ NOW SEE HERE YOUNG
GUYGER! WHAT’S THE IDEA OF SCARING ME LIKE THAT! NOW I ‘VE DROPPED THE MILK THAT WAS MEANT FOR YOUR FAMILY, “ HUFFED THE MAN. " SORRY. CAN’T YOU JUST HAND OVER ANOTHER? "
GUYGER ASKED. " HAND OVER ANOTHER? CERTAINLY NOT! IF I DID THAN SOME OTHER FAMILY WILL
BE WITHOUT. NOW RUN ALONG AND TELL YOUR DADDY BECAUSE OF YOU THERE WILL BE NO MILK FOR
YOUR FAMILY TODAY, " THAT GROUCH OF A MILKMAN TOLD HIM. GUYGER WALKED AWAY A MUMBLING,
" OH I‘LL SHOW HIM. HE WAS LATE. THAT’S WHAT I‘LL TELL DAD. “
AND THAT’S JUSTWHAT THE
BOY SAID TOO, EXCEPT HE ADDED A LITILE WHITE LIE THAT THE MILKMAN NEVER SHOWED UP. “ THAT
OLD SENILE FOOL. I‘LL CALL HIM, “ GUYGER’S FATHER THEN SAID AND REACHED FOR THE PHONE.

GUYGER WAS BUSY A SPYING AWAY WHEN HIS DAD MADE THE CALL. THE MILKMAN TOLD HIM THE TRUTH. "GUYGER! "

GUYGER WAS A WHISPERING THROUGH HIS TAlKIE WHEN HE HEARD HIS NAME. “ OH
DRAT. INTERRUPTIONS! “ GUYGER PROTESTED THEN WENT TO SEE WHAT HIS DAD WANTED.
THERE HE STOOD TAPPING HIS FOOT IMPATIENTLY AT HIM. “ YOU LIED TO ME BOY! WHAT’S YOUR
EXCUSE? “ HIS FATHER ASKED HIM. " BUT DAD HE WAS FIVE MINUTES LATE THIS MORNING, "
GUYGER TRIED TO EXPLAIN. " I ‘M NOT GOING TO LISTEN TO IT. YOU KNOW WHAT THE X-CORPORATION
DOES TO LIARS? " HIS FATHER SAID TO HIM. “ I’LL SHOW YOU, “ HE NOW TOLD HIM GRABBING HOLD
OF HIS EAR AND PULLED HIM ALONG. HE TOOK GUYGER OUTSIDE. THE MILKMAN WAS WAITING ON
THE WALKWAY JUST A SMILING. “ WE THROW LIARS OFF INTO THE SKY! “ HE TOLD HIM. GUYGER’S
EYES BECAME BIG THEN. “ OH NO DADDY, I’M SORRY. I’LL NEVER FIB AGAIN, I PROMISE! “
GUYGER CRIED AS HIS FATHER AND THE MILKMAN TOOK HOLD OF HIM. “ THE X-CORPORATION DO
NOT TOLERATE LIARS OF ANY KIND. OFF TO THE SKY WITH YOU, TO FALL FOREVER AND EVER! “
GUYGER‘S FATHER BLARED AS GUYGER WAS THROWN OVER BY BOTH. HE SCREAMED AS HE FELL AND
FELL, AS THAT MILKMAN LAUGHED AND LAUGHED. HIS FATHER’S FACE TURNED INTO HIS EVIL MOTHER’S.

    Jack fell out of bed a screaming. He then looked wildly around him. “ Oh it
was only a dream, “ he said relieved as a nurse came in to help him. She let him try a
root beer float. He wasn't feeling so good. His head hurt. He did keep the float down.
Sure tasted good.

Jack still didn't feel good when he went to sleep that
night. He dreamed of this planet called Leifia. On this planet were trees, but they were
intelligent like people of Earth are. And each small leaf that hung on every tree was
smart as well.

ON THE PLANET LEIFIA, TREES STOOD TO THE SKY. TALL AND MAGNIFICENT
WERE THEY, AND INTELLIGENT. THEY WERE CENTURIES OLD. VERY WISE. THE LEAVES WERE
INTELLIGENT TOO, ONLY BECAUSE THE TREES DURING THE LIFE OF THE LEAF, WOULD TEACH THEM ALL
THINGS, SO THAT WHEN FALL CAME AND THE LEAVES WOULD TURN THEN FAIL OFF, THEY WOULD
BECOME ABSORBED INTO THE SOIL TO SOMEDAY BE A TREE AS WELL.

TODAY ONE SMALL BUD WAS SHOWING JUST LIKE MILLIONS OF OTHERS. EACH
TREE WAS SO PROUD OF THE SOON TO BE, NEW LEAVES. “ I HAVE MORE BUDS THEN YOU, “ ONE OLD
TREE TOLD ANOTHER. OH HE WAS SO PROUD. “ WELL, I HAPPEN TO KNOW BY FACT THAT YOUR LEAVES
AREN'T AS WELL BEHAVED AS MINE, SO HAVING MORE BUDS MEANS HAVING MORE LEAVES TO TEND TO, "
THE OTHER OLD TREE TOLD HIM. SHE WAS ANCIENT AND CROUCHETY. HE DIDN'T LIKE HER MUCH, OR
HER HIM. THEY WERE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER AS FAR AS THEY WERE CONCERNED, BUT NOTHING COULD
BE DONE ABOUT IT. THEY WERE STUCK LIKE THIS. HER NAME WAS LARLETTA. HIS WAS NUGENT.
" HELLO, " A LITTLE LEAF SAID TO LARLETTA. SHE LOOKED AT HIM. “ NUGENT,
KINDLY KEEP YOUR LEAVES TO YOURSELF, “ SHE TOLD HIM. “ HUH? “ HE REPLIED. “ ONE OF YOUR BUD
DELINQUENTS IS TALKING TO ME,” LARLETTA SAID ANNOYED. THE BIG TREE THEN TURNED SO HE
COULD SEE THE LEAF. ” HELLO, “ THE TINY NEW LEAF SPOKE. NUGENT SMILED BIG. “ OH HAPPY
MOMENT LITTLE ONE. I AM NUGENT, YOUR PROVIDER, “ HE TOLD IT. THE LITTLE GREEN LEAF
YAWNED THEN. “ SLEEP AND GROW, “ NUGENT THEN TOLD HIM.

NUGENT NAMED HIM LORREECE. NOW ALL HIS BUDS WERE LEAVES. SO WAS LARLETTA’S.
SHE WAS INSTRUCTING THEM ALREADY, THAT THEY DO NOT SPEAK TO NUGENT OR HIS LEAVES. THEY ARE TOO GOOD TO ASSOCIATE WITH THE LIKES OF THEM. REALLY HURT NUGENT’S FEELINGS. ALL HE
EVER WANTED WAS TO BE FRIENDS. SHE WOULDN'T HEAR OF IT. HE SAW SHE WAS SAD. EVERY YEAR
LESS AND LESS NEW LEAVES WERE BORN TO HER. HE KIND OF FELT SORRY FOR HER.
LORREECE GREW AND GREW. NUGENT BECAME VERY FOUND OF THIS ONE PARTICULAR LEAF. HE WAS SO SMART. PICKED UP
FAST WHAT NUGENT TAUGHT HIM. FASTER THAN ALL THE OTHER LEAVES. BUT HE NOTICED A
RESTLESSNESS ABOUT LORREECE. “ OH NUGENT, TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE CITY! “ LORREECE
INSISTED. “ HUH, “ HUFFED LARLETTA. “ LATER LITTLE ONE, “ NUGENT SPOKE.

THAT NIGHT LORREECE DREAMED HE FLEW TO THE CITY. THIS DREAM JUST MADE IT
WORSE. HE DEMANDED MORE AND MORE FROM NUGENT. “ LET’S ENJOY OUR TIME TOGETHER, “ HE TOLD
THE IMPATIENT LEAF. SUMMER WAS HALF OVER ALREADY. “ THAT’S ALL WE DO IS SPEND TIME TOGETHER!
DAY AND NIGHT! NIGHT AND DAY! I WANT TO EXPLORE THIS WIDE WORLD, “ LORREECE SAID.
LARLETTA WAS TRYING TO SLEEP. SHE POPPED ONE EYE OPEN AT HIM. “ WOULD YOU KINDLY HUSH UP!
I’M NOT A YOUNG TREE ANYMORE. I NEED MY REST, “ SHE TOLD HIM. LORREECE LOOKED AT NUGENT.
“ LORREECE, WHEN THE TIME COMES AND YOU DETACH FROM ME, THE WIND WILL CARRY YOU TO
MARVELOUS PLACES, “ NUGENT TOLD HIM. “ BUT I WANT TO EXPLORE NOW, “ LORREECE SPOKE LOW,
NOT TO DISTURB OLD AND CRABBY. " I WILL NOT DETACH YOU YET, SO ENOUGH SAID. NO MORE
ON THE SUBJECT LORREECE, “ NUGENT MADE CLEAR. “ FINE, “ HUFFED THE LEAF. ” HUMP. SUCH
DISOBEDIENCE, “ LARLETTA NOTED. “ IT’S NOT FOR YOU TO SAY, HE’S NOT YOUR LEAF BUT MINE,
SO BUT OUT, “ NUGENT TOLD HER. SHE TURNED HER FACE AWAY.

A TERRIBLE STORM CAME, TOOK MOST OF LARLETTA’S LEAVES AWAY. NUGENT DID
ALRIGHT BUT THE STORM TOOK HIS BELOVED LORREECE. “ I’M FREE, FREE! “ HE SAID AND SAID.
" OH COME BACK! COME BACK! “ NUGENT BEGGED. “ WHEN IT IS FALL, I SHALL RETURN ON THE
WIND, “ LORREECE TOLD HIM. “ NO LORREECE, YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND.
YOU WILL DIE SOONER FROM NOT HAVING MY LIFE GIVING SAP! “ NUGENT
TRIED TO YELL BUT THE WIND WAS SO FIERCE. HE WATCHED HELPLESSLY AS HIS LEAF BLEW AWAY.

LORREECE WAS TOLD TO STAY AWAY FROM HUMANS IN HIS FLIGHT WHEN HE TOOK IT
IN THE FALL. THE HUMANS WERE ORIGINALLY FROM A PLANET CALLED EARTH, BUT HAD COLONIZED ON OTHER
PLANETS. THIS WORLD HAD BEEN ONE OF THEM.

“ HO HO! “ LAUGHED LORREECE AS HE FLEW AND FLEW. WHY IT WAS EVEN MORE WONDEROUS THAN
NUGENT HAD SAID IT WOULD BE.

LARLETTA WAS DYING. NUGENT COULD SEE ALL THE SIGNS. HE DISLIKED HER BUT HE DIDN'T
WANT IT TO END LIKE THIS. HE KNEW THEY’D SOON COME AND CUT HER DOWN, FOR THIS WAS A MONUMENT
PARK. HUMANS CAME TO THESE WOODS TO CAMP AND HAVE PICNICS. NUGENT DIDN'T HATE
THEM, BUT HE DISLIKED IT WHEN A HUMAN WOULD COME ALONG AND JUST PLUCK OFF A LEAF, FOR
NO REASON. OH IT HURT HIM SO, TO WATCH CHILDREN COME AND DO THIS, THEN TEAR THE LEAF UP IN
THEIR HANDS. “ MURDERERS! “ LARLETTA HISSED. NUGENT COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY’D DO THIS ON
PURPOSE? HE SAW HOW THEY LAUGHED AND WERE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER, EVEN THE FURRY
ANIMALS THEY TREATED REVERENTLY, SO WHY KILL HIS LEAVES? WHAT POSSIBLE THREAT WERE TINY
LEAVES TO THESE GIANTS? ” OUCH! “ NUGENT CRIED OUT ONCE WHEN A HUMAN CHILD RIPPED OFF
ONE OF HIS BRANCHES, LEAVES AND ALL.

LORREECE LANDED IN THE BACK YARD OF SOMEONE’S HOUSE. “ OH! “ HE GASPED AS HIS EYES LOOKED BIG,
UP AT THE STRUCTURE. WAS AS BIG AS SOME TREES. TALL TOO AS WELL. HIS NUGENT
WAS MUCH TALLER THOUGH. HE WAS STARTING TO MISS NUGENT. SOMETHING THEN STARTLED HIM.
WAS A HUGE FURRY THING. “ PUGSY! “ LILI CALLED. SHE WAS THE LITTLE 5 YEAR OLD CHILD THAT
LIVED HERE. PUGSY WAS HER CAT. SURE SCARED LORREECE. THE CHILD PICKED UP HER CAT.
NUGENT HADN'T GOTTEN AROUND TO TELLING LORREECE WHY HE MUST STAY AWAY FROM HUMANS. ABOUT
HOW THEY KILLED LEAVES FOR NO REASON. “ 00H, PRETTY LEAFY, “ LILI THEN SAID AND PICKED UP
LORREECE. “ OH, LET ME GO! LET ME GO! I MUST GET BACK T0 NUGENT, “ HE SAID AND SAID.

“OH GET AWAY FROM ME! “LARLETTA CRIED AS HUMANS APPROACHED HER. “ DADDY,
LOOK HOW SICKLY THIS TREE LOOKS, “A BOY HUMAN SAID. HE THEN WENT AND PLUCKED A BRANCH
FROM HER. SHE SMELT FUNNY TOO. AS SHE CRIED OUT NUGENT FELT SO HELPLESS. SHE WAS OLD AND DYING. “ STAY AWAY! ”
HE ROARED AND WHIPPED THE BOY ON THE FACE BY MEANS OF THE WIND WITH HIS BRANCH. “ OUCH! "
THE BOY HOLLERED. ” I'D BETTER GO REPORT THIS TREE TO THE FOREST RANGER, “ THE BOY’S
FATHER THEN SAID. NEVER IN ALL NUGENT’S LIFE HAD HE STRUCK OUT AT A HUMAN. OTHER TREES
HAD BY MEANS OF THE WIND. NUGENT FELT BAD. " THANKS, NUGENT, I DIDN'T KNOW YOHAD IT IN YOU, “ LARLETTA SAID. “ NEITHER DID I, “ HE REPLIED.

LILI PUT LORREECE WITH HER LEAF COLLECTION. SHE WAS GOING TO MAKE A PICTURE BOOK
FOR SCHOOL. SHE PUT LORREECE IN A BOX. LORREECE TRIED TO TALK TO THE OTHER LEAVES BUT
THEY WERE NOT DOING SO WELL. “ YOUR STILL STRONG. WE’ RE ABOUT DEAD. WHEN THE WIND BLOWS,
LET IT TAKE YOU UP. STAY ON TOP OF THE PILE OF US, “ ONE LFAF TOLD HIM.
THAT NIGHT ANOTHER STORM CAME. IT TOOK LORREECE UP. HE WAS GOING HOME. HE’D HAD ENOUGH. HE WASN'T
FEELING SO GOOD. HE WAS LOSING HIS GREEN COLOR.

NUGENT SAW THE TREE CHOPPEPS COMING. SO DID LARLETTA. “ OH, HERE THEY COME. WELL,
I’M READY TO DIE. I’VE LIVED A LONG TIME. IT WILL BE NICE TO FINALLY SLEEP FOREVER
WITHOUT INTERRUPTION, “ SHE SAID. “ I WILL MISS YOU, “ NUGENT TOLD HER. “ OH, I KNOW IT’S
A LIE. I WON’T MISS YOU NONE, “ SHE REPLIED TO HIM TRUTHFULLY. HE TRIED TO SMILE BUT IT STAYED A
FROWN.
IT HURT HER BEYOND WORDS AS THEY CUT AT HER TRUNK. NUGENT HAD TO TURN AWAY. TEARS
WELLED. HE THEN HEARD HER NO MORE AS SHE CRASHED TO THE GROUND. SHE WAS CUT INTO
SEVERAL SECTIONS. NUGENT WASN'T SURE WHAT WOULD BECOME OF HER REMAINS. SHE WAS GOING TO
BECOME SOMEONE’S MULTCH. SOME OF HER WOOD WAS GOOD ENOUGH FOR FIREWOOD. SHE WOULD BE
KEEPING SOMEONE WARM IN THE DEAD OF A WINTERY NIGHT.

LORREECE DIDN'T QUITE MAKE IT CLOSE ENOUGH TO WHERE NUGENT STOOD. IT TOOK
SEVERAL OTHER WIND GUSTS TO CARRY HIM THERE. DAYS HAD PASSED BEFORE HE FINALLY WAS LAID
BEFORE NUGENT. HE NOTICED SOMETHING WASN'T RIGHT, BUT HE WAS SO WEAK. HE JUST WANTED TO
GO TO SLEEP. NUGENT WAS SAD TODAY. HE LOOKED OVER AT THE VACANT SPOT WHERE LARLETTA
ONCE STOOD. HE THEN THOUGHT HE HEARD HIS NAME BEING CALLED. HE TURNED AND LOOKED.
" LORREECE! " HE OUTSPOKE. THE WIND BLEW AND HE TOOK UP THE LITTLE LEAF INTO HIS BRANCH.
" OH LORREECE, I THOUGHT I‘D NEVER SEE YOU AGAIN, “ HE TOLD HIS LEAF. ” I WON’T BE
MAKING IT TO FAIL, “ LORREECE THEN TOLD NUGENT. ” I KNOW, BUT YOU WILL LIVE AGAIN. NOTHING
EVER REALLY DIES. GOD IN HIS SPLENDOR CONTINUES THE CYCLE. THINGS DIE BUT THEN THERE IS NEW
LIFE BEING BORN, “ NUGENT EXPLAINED. “ GOD IS LIFE? “ LORREECE ASKED “ YES, “ NUGENT
REPLIED. HE THEN LOOKED OVER AT THE SPOT WHERE LARLETTA ONCE STOOD SO PROUD. HE SMILED.
ONE DAY A NEW TREE WOULD STAND EVEN TALLER. NUGENT THEN LET LORREECE FALL TO THAT SPOT.

A YEAR LATER NUGENT NOTICED A TINY GREEN THING SPROUTED UP FROM WHERE LARLETTA ONCE WAS.
HE LET THE WIND BEND HIM DOWN FOR A CLOSER LOOK. “ HELLO," A TINY GREEN TREE SAID TO
HIM IN A VOICE ALL TOO FAMILIAR.

YEARS LATER LORREECE STOOD TALL. HE WASN'T NEAR AS TALL AS NUGENT. THAT WOULD TAKE
YEARS AND YEARS, BUT AT LEAST NOW NUGENT HAD SOMEONE NICE HE COULD TALK TO. AND TODAY LORREECE
GOT A NEW LEAF. " OH JOY LITTLE LEAF! WELCOME TO YOUR LIFE! " HE TOLD IT. THE TINY LEAF LOOKED AT THE WIDE WIDE
WORLD, WITH BIG NEW EYES.

Jack got out of bed. Boy was he feeling lousy too. Nurses brought in his
breakfast. As he drank his orange juice his dream about the leaf returned. He smiled.
He had liked that one.

His dad came to see him. Pete and Clark too. Zack noticed Jack hardly touched his
breakfast. When the doctor came in he was concerned that Jack was still sick with a
fever. He ran some tests. Jack had come down with pneumonia. He was put on antibiotics.
He would have to stay in the hospital longer. Zack told Jack, after he had asked
where they were staying since he was in here, that they were camping the whole time cause
Zack couldn't afford a motel room for everyone. Zack also promised Jack that after they
released him from the hospital, they were going back to Quicksand Land to take care of
some unfinished business. A robot awaited some quicksand with it's name on it. Bricks,
books, and an ugly statue as well.

    Jack was very sick. His fever was high and his body was
waging a war.
 “ Jack, “ a pink elephant said as it floated before him. He looked
around his hospital room. He then saw two other pink elephants floating around him.
" Jack, Jack, " they all said. A blue swan then floated over to Jack. He just looked at it.
“ Bloo! “ It squawked in his face. Made him jump. He wanted his daddy. “ Lucky Lou,
Lucky Lou! “ A goose then honked at him on his other side. “ Jack! “ A voice then said
mean and evil. Jack looked and a red monstrosity of an elephant then loomed over
him. Jack whimpered then. He piled the covers over his head. “ You can’t get away from
Zoltcan Jack! " The red elephant told him. Jack drifted off into a land called Arn.

    Jack's dream had 3 pink elephants. Chandelan, meek and tender. Meer, he was gentle but
stern, and Chaffon. She was soft hearted. In Jack’s dream was also a very evil elephant,
Zoltcan. He was red. There was Lucky Lou, he was a blue and white feathered goose, and
a blue swan who was very timid. His name was Bloo. Also a tiny giraffe named Graffeeti.
In the land of Arn, Meer ruled. Zoltcan was his brother. He wanted to be King. He hated
Meer. He schemed to take over the land.

    One day Zoltcan saw Lucky Lou coming. How he hated Meer‘s friends. He wanted to
take over but didn't know how. Well one night, he got an idea how to cause an uproar.
It was a storming outside Jack’s hospital room real bad so in his dream it was also storming in Arn.
Storming bad too. All the animals were so scared and Zoltcan saw this. He saw the goose
just a running around like it had it’s head cut off. Zoltcan waited for Lucky Lou to
come over to him.  All the animals had been warned by Meer not to trust Zoltcan, and
not to listen to anything he had to say. " Lucky Lou, the world is coming to an end, "
Zoltcan told him. " Oh no! It is? ” Lucky Lou asked about in a panic. “ Yes. Look up at
the sky. The Earth is about to cave in underneath you, “ Zoltcan said. Made poor Lou go
into hasterics. He went a running off. He came upon Chaffon. “ Oh Lou, what’s wrong? She asked.
“ The world is coming to an end, “ he told her. “ No Lou, “ she replied. " Yes
it is, just look at the sky, “ Lou honked to her. She did. Red lightning flashed then, and
made her jump with such fright. She then went a running. She tripped over Graffeeti. “ Hey
watch whhere yourr going! “ He yammered. " Oh Graf, I’m sorry. Run! The Earth is coming
to an end! “ Chaffon told him. “ Oh who told you that? “ Graffeeti demanded. “ Lucky
did, “ she began when the giraffe spat out, " now you can’t believe anything he tells
you. He's a mixed up goose for pete’s sake! “ “ Oh Graffeeti, just look at the sky, “
Chaffon said. So he did. Lightning and thunder sent him now a reeling. In all his days
he’d never seen such a storm! He almost got stepped on by Chandelan.” Oh dear, “ she
said falling over him. He then told her. She took him to see Meer to get this whole
thing straightened out. Meer knew it was a trick from Zoltcan, to scare everyone so much
they’d be too scared to fight for their Kingdom, then he’d take right over. Thunder
crackled across the sky then, and Jack screamed awake. His fever had broke. Zack took him
into his arms. Soon Jack was enough awake to know it had all been a dream. He was safe.

    Jack got strong fast. He was over the worst.
 3 days later and he was released from the hospital.
Zack, Pete, and Clark took Jack back to Quicksand Land to
a patch of quicksand. Zack told him to walk real careful. Pete threw his bricks in. He
watched joyfully as they sank with their message to Satan that he was the loser and
God had defeated him. Clark then threw in his art thing his mean stepmother had loved
to whack him with. Such a peace swept over him as it sank, and he was finally able to let
go. Zack threw in the books which were his ex-wife’s. Sure felt good. He could smile
again. “ Ok Jack, your turn, “ he said to his boy. Jack had waited for this moment. He
then threw in the robot and as he watched it sink, the Father in Heaven smiled down from
His thrown. The Devil curled up his lips from the Earth below, in a frown.

Maggi and her brother Paeg both stood at their
parents’ freshly dug graves. Side by side, on each piece of wood was written their names. Cora
and Daniel Pecos. Rest in peace was also written on each wood. Maggi was crying. She was 7. Paeg,
12. It was their father who had been buried today. Their mother had died 9 months ago. Maggi
and Paeg had no other family. They were on their own. Paeg being the oldest would now have to
take care of little Maggi. She was all he had and he,her. She cried and cried. " Papa! " Paeg
went up to her. He still limped from the leg he broke 2 years ago. Still gave him pain too from
time to time. Mostly when it was cloudy or rained. " Come on Maggi, " he insisted. He had to
practically pull her along. “ Now what we do? “ She asked him. " I’ll take care of us, " he told
her. He planned on leaving Jerusalem. Mostly Jews lived there and he hated them. They were
responsible for both his parents’ deaths. They made it plain that they didn't want no Gentiles around.
" Heathen Gentile filth! "
Both Paeg and Maggi heard being said to them. One person even spit at them.

" Shut up and eat my crap! " Paeg roared back. Such disrespect here at their parents’ graves!
Dirt was thrown at them as they left. Hit Maggi in the face. It was just mud. Hadn't hurt her
physically but had hurt her heart. Paeg felt so bad. She was just a little girl! They wouldn't
even let their parents be buried in the city or even very close to it. Paeg had to pay someone all his
family had had in order to get his father now buried. They lost their house.
They started to run.
Maggi was so frightened. They had been driven away. “ Your all the heathens! " Paeg roared.
Maggi was crying.

They walked and walked. It was well after dark. Maggi begged to stop. They had
nothing but the clothes on their backs. Maggi was cold. Paeg gave her his wrap. " We’ll find
another town Maggi, with nicer people, " Paeg said adjusting on the wrap. Paeg was worried about
Maggi. She acted and felt like she had a fever that next morning. It had gotten too cold last night.
He’d have to try to find work, or work for food and shelter from the cold, or Maggi could get sick
as little as she was.
They entered a small town that afternoon. A nice elderly lady saw them. She
invited them in. Looked like orphans to her. Paeg told her they were. " Isn't there anyone to take
you two in? " She asked in a hoarse old voice. “ No miss,” Paeg replied. She then told them they
could stay with her. Paeg was happy. Such a sweet old thing she was. At last Maggi had somewhere to
stay now. But the old lady was way in her years. Paeg hoped she wouldn't die soon.
The old lady lived for a year. Her husband had died 5 years ago. She had spent those years
missing him so and was so lonesome until those children came into her life. That year had been filled with happiness
for her as well as for them. She and her husband had never had children cause she could never
get pregnant. She hadn't many friends. They thought she was in ill favor with God and that’s why He
never allowed her any children of her own, but she never saw it that way. God had blessed her house
with other things. Her husband outlived most of those old biddies who used to make fun of her not
having children, and then a year ago God sent her two loving children. It left several of her old
used to be friends staring with mouth agape open after she showed the children and said God sent
them to her. Most of her has been friends lost their children in past wars and such. They had
once said she was a nobody nothing. They were the ones left now with nothing while she remained
blessed. You reap what you sow, she had told them. She died happy. She went to live with her
Creator cause she had loved Him and was obedient. Her husband too. They embraced in Heaven. God
told her the two children would be looked after. No harm would come. She could rest in peace now.

Paeg and Maggi had to leave her house. It was repossessed because of taxes they couldn't pay. But
Paeg found a job working for a carpenter. The carpenter had a son but for the last year and a
half he’d been gone, and so Joseph needed the help. His son’s name was Jesus. Said he had to go on
some mission or something. Paeg liked the town of Nazareth. Mary, Joseph’s wife, taught Maggi
how to read and write. Joseph, in his spare time because he liked little ones, taught Maggi how to
carve wood. To make things from it. He carved her a little horse. Told her that his son Jesus
also had liked to make animals. He showed her a fish Jesus had made. Joseph had also carved
Jesus’ name on it. Joseph later on became really ill and he died. Jesus wasn't back yet. Mary sent
word.
Mary wanted Paeg and Maggi to stay with her but her other children did not. One told Paeg
to move on. Paeg heard them arguing with Mary, that Paeg and Maggi were not Jews, but of pagan
tribes. Paeg was bringing Mary fresh water. He had told Mary already about one of her sons telling
him that he and Maggi should move on. Mary told him they were staying and not to pay her other
children any mind. Told them that if Jesus were here he wouldn't treat them that way. Paeg was
happy. He didn't care what the others thought. Mary would have them and Maggi had to have a home.
They were staying, but then as Paeg was bringing Mary some water that night he heard what the others had
said. It hurt his heart. Made him mad! Mary told the others flat out that Paeg and
Maggi were only children, and were welcome in her house, that they were the ones acting like heathens, not the children.
Did they ever listen to a word Jesus had spoke? Jesus had said to have love and understanding
toward others. “ Yes Jews mama, not the pagan race. We should stay away from the descendants of
Cain, “ one of her children said. “ You all have come from Adam and Eve, and they committed the
first sin. You think your blameless? “ Mary asked them angry.

Paeg had his feelings hurt really bad so in the night he and Maggi left. “ But I liked it there.
I want to stay, " Maggi whined. “ No, we are not staying with any Jews! " Paeg bellowed. Maggi
stood stubbornly. " Maggi come on! " He hooted pulling her along. She began to cry.

Paeg did odd jobs. Maggi was very good at carving wood. She made cups and animals from any kind
of wood she found. She used Paeg’s knife a lot. He’d be ready to use it for food, and it would be
gone. There would be Maggi just a carving away. She made her brother a bird. ” This is really
good Maggi, " he told her. She smiled.
It rained that night and they had to sleep outside under a
tree. Maggi was so scared of the thunder and lightning. Paeg tried to sooth her as best he
could. " Let’s go back to Mary’s house Paeg. I don’t care if they are Jews. We are all just people, "
Maggi begged. " No now no more said, " he replied. She frowned. Maggi that next day was sick with
a fever. Paeg was afraid she caught a cold. Paeg noticed how slow Maggi walked.They went into
the next town, Capernaum, to beg people to please put him to work. He had a little sister to
support. He asked if his sister could stay in a stable. She was sickly. “ Get along now boy! You
bother me, “ a crotchety man had said. Paeg finally found a man who had a daughter about the
same age as Maggi. The man felt so sorry for her. He let them stay in his stable. He felt so
awful by that next night he even let them stay in his house. The man’s mother told him he ought to
invite them in. Let them live with him. Paeg was a good hard worker. He was glad the man let them
stay on, permanently he hoped.

Maggi didn't get much better. Canaan, the man Paeg and Maggi were Staying
with, his mother told him to take the little girl to a doctor of medicine. He did that next
day.The doctor told him and Paeg that Maggi had a disease. Something was wrong with her blood.
She was weak and had a fever. “ She won’t be getting any better. I only have limited resources
here, “ the kindly doctor told them. Nothing more could be done so they took Maggi home. Paeg went
back to see that doctor. " Come on. Surely there is something that can
be done, " he hooted. " Well there might be a medicine but it’s experimental and
very expensive. It worked once for a priest but he was rich and could afford it.
Nothing can be done for the poor. I’m sorry, " the doctor replied. Paeg wouldn't
stop pressing the man so he told him of a certain trader which from time to time
carried exotic medicines to cure the rich. “ I don’t believe their stuff of any
real use. This is how the wealthy are ripped off, “ the doctor tried to get the
boy to see. Still Paeg was stubborn wanting to check it out. He told Canaan about
it. " Well, we could work for the medicine if we can’t afford it, " he told Paeg.
So Canaan and Paeg traveled to the town this trader lived in. The price he asked
was ridiculous! No way could they afford the roots it took to make the medicine.
Came from a very far away country. The man refused their helping him, to pay for it. Said
he had all the men he needed.
On the way back to Capernaum, Paeg and Canaan
came across a gathering. A man was speaking to a crowd. Paeg was tired and hungry
so they stopped to rest. Canaan asked around for some food but none could be found.
Then all of a sudden out of nowhere baskets of fish and bread was being passed
around. There was enough for everyone! The baskets kept refilling themselves
after being emptied. It’s this Jesus! A real miracle worker sent by God! “ A man
raved to them holding fresh bread in his hands. Canaan and Paeg listened to what
this wondrous man named Jesus had to say. Paeg saw him heal sick people. Gave him
an idea. He’d bring Maggi here. “ Oh I wouldn't. I believe this all a big show,
to rip people off in the end. This man’s no healer. Only a clown with a bag of
tricks up his sleeve, “ Canaan told him. “ But the food, “ Paeg replied. “ All
part of it. This Jesus is probably very rich off of people just like these. He has
more than enough money to buy this food here, and more, “ Canaan told him. His eyes
were closed and he just didn't see Jesus for who he really was. He’d never bring
his little girl to one of these fakes. If he'd had one that is. Canaan had heard lots of rumors about this
man. That he was a madman. Crazy. Spoke that he was THE son of GOD.
“Look Paeg,”

Maggi proclaimed showing him her new wooded masterpiece. It was a wooden cup. Paeg
looked it over. It wasn't perfect but ok.” This is good, “ he told her with a smile.
He wondered if he could sell them if she made more.
His mind was made up. He was going to take Maggi to see this Jesus no matter what Canaan thought.
He just wouldn’t tell him, and if Jesus healed Maggi then Canaan wouldn't have nothing to gripe about.
So then early that next morning Paeg and Maggi were on their way to see this new Rabbi.
When they got to where Paeg had seen him yesterday and the crowd, they were
all gone. Paeg decided to ask around. See if anyone knew where this Jesus person
went. Paeg had no money. He had to steal so they could eat. Maggi tried to sell the
cup she made but no one wanted to buy it. She looked at Paeg sad. Paeg stole warm
clothing and a blanket for Maggi. One thing Paeg didn't care for was that this
Jesus was a Jew. It gnawed and plucked at his soul. Why did Jesus have to be a Jew!
But if he was kind and actually healed her. But Jews had killed his mother and father. No!
He changed his mind. He was not taking Maggi to see a Jew! “ I am going to see him
Paeg. I don’t care if he’s a Jew, “ Maggi made clear fed up with her brother. No
your not! " He spat. She huffed. “ You bring me out here Paeg, to see him, then you
change your mind. This is my sickness we are talking about not yours! Not all Jews
are bad Paeg. Mary and Joseph were very kind to us. Our kind has killed too you
know, “ Maggi blared. She turned and marched away from him then. “ Go on then all
by yourself! I’m not going! “ He roared. Maggi began to cry. She wasn't feeling
good. " Ok Paeg, I’ll go back with you. Please don’t leave me behind, “ she sniffed.
Paeg felt bad for getting her hopes up. Paeg wanted her well.

Maggi was resting under a tree. Paeg was off to go steal more food for their
trip back to Canaan. Paeg wished he’d just listened to him all along before now,
after learning from him that Jesus was a Jew. “ Crazy Jew, “ actually is what
Canaan spoke.
A man passed by Maggi while Paeg was gone. “ Little girl, “ Maggi
heard, and she looked up. She had fallen asleep. A man, was he shining? Was it the sun
making him appear to be bright? She sat up rubbing her eyes. She saw the man
before her better now. He had a kind face. " You alone here? Where is your supervision? "
He asked her. He gave her some water to drink. She gulped it down. She
was so hungry. She hoped he had food to give her. She gave him the metal basin
back. He smiled. “ My brother went to town, “ she told him. “ So he left you here
all by yourself? That is not too wise, “ the man told her. Maggi saw 12 other men
now besides this kind one. Sure had blue eyes she noticed. “ Come, “ he then said
reaching out for her to take his hand. She was told never to go with strangers.
" I’m waiting for my brother, " she spoke. “ You can come into town with us. We’ll
help you find your brother. It is not safe for a little girl to be alone, “ the
kind man told her. Maggi felt she was in no danger and she hated being left alone.
" I’m not supposed to go with strangers, " she said anyway. " And that is a good
rule to live by, just as is the one not to leave little children unaccompanied, "
Jesus told her. She smiled. He made a point. Stupid Paeg! She went with him then.
“ So, what’s your name? “ the man asked holding onto her hand. “ Maggi, “ she now
replied. Jesus then introduced himself and his men. " There, we are no longer
strangers now, " Jesus told her. Her eyes were big. Was he THE Jesus she and Paeg
had been searching for? She was too shy to ask if he were a healer. They stopped
under the shade of a tree and he passed out fish and bread. Maggi smacked it up.
" Such a big appetite for one so small, " he commented. She smiled.

Paeg stole a loaf of bread and was being chased. That’s why it was taking him so
long to get back. His bad leg was really hurting him. He tripped. “ I’ll flog
you! “ The man roared who’d been chasing after him. He had a beating stick in his
hands. He was ready to strike Paeg when a hand went out and took hold of it.
" That’s my brother Paeg! " Maggi had cried out. " Lay a hand on that boy and you
will have me to contend with, " Jesus made clear. The man saw an angry fire in his
eyes. Paeg just looked up at him. The sun was so bright he couldn't get a good
look at his face. This vile heap stole my bread! “ The man who’d been chasing Paeg boomed.
“ I’ll pay you for it. How much? “ Jesus then asked. The man replied
and Jesus had one of his men pay the man. " Fine, fine, just don’t let me catch
you again! " The man hooted at Paeg. He went on his way and Jesus helped Paeg up.
Paeg felt something surge through his body down to his leg. It quit hurting.
Paeg could walk! No more limp! “ Hey what did you do? Paeg asked. " Your leg is
healed, " Jesus told him. Paeg just looked at the man. " Take care of your sister.
This place is nowhere safe to leave a little one alone, " Jesus told him, kindly
but firm. He and his disciples then went on their way. Paeg knew who the man had
been. Jesus, that healer. He’d seen him before at the crowds but not this close up.
He felt it in his soul that this man was him. Paeg looked at his leg. It was
completely healed. Maybe this Jesus really could help Maggi. He asked Maggi what
she knew about him. She only replied that he took her to town to find him. Paeg
wondered if Maggi was healed now. Jesus had healed his leg without him even asking
him to. Maybe he healed Maggi in this same way. But later that evening Maggi’s
fever broke out again. Paeg was going to take Maggi to him to ask him to please
heal his sister. Paeg decided to put his differences aside. To give this Jesus a
chance cause he had helped him.

" What you doing here boy? It’s late. You trying to
steal from us? We haven't anything for you to take, " John, one of Jesus’ disciples
said taking hold of Paeg. “ Let me go! I've come to see Jesus. Not to steal from
you, “ Paeg told him. " Bring the boy over, " John then heard the voice of his
Master. Jesus was sitting by some rocks, near the fire. Paeg went over. Jesus said
nothing so he sat. Jesus looked over at him. " My sister is sick. Will you see
her? " Paeg asked. " Oh we’re too busy for every derelict and delinquent, “ Judas
protested. Jesus looked at him. “ This isn't your business, “ Jesus replied. Judas
then backed off. " Have you brought her with you now? " Jesus then asked Paeg.
" No, " he replied. " You leave her off somewhere alone again? " John asked getting
upset. " I left her in town. She’s safe. A woman took us in for the night. I did
odd jobs for her in return. Maggi is safe, " Paeg responded. Bring her here tomorrow morning.
We will still be here but we will be leaving this place by the
afternoon, “ Jesus told Paeg then." Thank you sir, " Paeg remarked then he took
off.

Paeg was confused about this Jesus. He was a kind man. But it still gnawed
on Paeg that Jesus was a Jew. Jews had killed his parents. But this Jesus had
helped Paeg and healed his leg. A bad leg he got from a Jew once who hurt him.
" Hurry up! They will be leaving by midday, “ Paeg impatiently told Maggi that
next morning. She poked so slow. She wasn't feeling good. Wasn't her fault. She
was coming as fast as she could. “ Look, see. I finished my cup, “ she said to
him. Wasn't anything fancy. She had stained it and rubbed it smooth. It was
perfectly round though but he noticed little nicks and a chip off the top.
He was sure no one would want to pay any money for the thing. Actually the more he
looked at it the more he noticed how sloppy and tacky it was. She’d have to
really improve her skill before he'd consider selling anything she made. He smiled.

Maggi found herself among several men. Some were mean looking, rough, unkempt. Smelly. “ Maggi, I
remember you from the other day, “ Jesus then came up to her saying. She smiled recognizing him.
He was the only one she felt at ease with. This Jesus, he was more clean cut than these other men.
His beard and mustache wasn't as bushy, and even though he was dressed in old hand me downs like
they were, something else about him. A pureness. “ I remember you, yes you too, “ she delighted. “ Your
brother tells me you haven't been feeling too good lately, “ Jesus then said.
She sat on a log by him. “ No. I’ve been sickly, “ she replied. She was so precious
to him!
He checked her over. She was warm with a fever. He felt the disease inside
her body. She didn't look too well. The other men just kind of stood back a ways
gawking. “ He’s good. The hand of God is with that one. He’ll make your sister
well, “ John told Paeg. He smiled. " He, as you see, is fond of kiddies, " Peter
chuckled. For the first time Paeg felt welcomed somewhere besides with Mary and
Joseph. He felt this same calmness around Jesus. He had no idea this Jesus was
Joseph’s son Jesus, he had talked about.

The Spirit by the Father came down and upon

Jesus then. This happened whenever Jesus was going to heal someone or drive out
demons. “ My Plan is not to heal her My Son. She is a part of My Will, “ the Father
told Jesus through His Spirit. Jesus became sad. Such a sweet child. But Jesus
knew the Plan and it was a glorious one. “ Oh little one. My Father has a different
Plan for your life. Have Faith and He will keep you strong, “ Jesus told her. She
looked up at him. " I’m not to be healed then, " she spoke. Paeg heard. “ God loves
you child, "  Jesus said and smiled. She felt something. A peace beyond explanation. Paeg
only looked at Jesus accusingly. “ What! Your not going to heal her! “ He boomed.
Jesus stood. " Paeg, try to understand. My Father in Heaven has another Plan for
your sister. To heal her physical body isn't part of that Plan for now, but she will receive a healing of
a different sort, far better in the long run, "  Jesus spoke. “ Quack! Canaan
warned me! I can t believe I was so gullible! You haven't the power to do diddly
squat! Come on Maggi, we’re out of here! “ Paeg harshly said grabbing her hand.
Tears formed in his eyes. Jesus’ men were all shocked and surprised by this. Jesus
 usually always healed people, especially children. Maggi was the first they heard
him turn away. Paeg was Mad! Real MAD!
“ Paeg, My Father will be with her, “ Jesus tried to say. “ Why Master? “ Peter then questioned.
Jesus turned to him. " My Father is not to be questioned Peter. Trust Him, " Jesus said. “ You stinking Jews
killed my parents! Your taking my sister now, away from me! “ Paeg raved. The men
were shocked, but Jesus knew the pain inside of the boy. Much too young to carry
that kind of hate. " Paeg, I know your pain is deep, " Jesus said looking right
into his eyes. Paeg’s lip quivered. This man didn't know his pain. This Jew.           
" I hope you get your head caved in by rioters, " Paeg hissed with a vengeance of the
Devil. Jesus saw the demons around him causing him to feel this way. As Paeg turned
Jesus said, “ I can free you from your bondage. “ " Don’t say such awful things
like that Paeg, “ Maggi protested now. Jesus bent down to her. “ Forgive him. He is
hurting right now. He doesn't mean it, ok. Here, this I want to give to you for your
kindness, “ Maggi said handing the wooded cup over to him. Jesus was so touched he
could hardly speak. “ Maggi! “ Paeg boomed. She then went with her brother turning
every now and then to glance at Jesus. John noticed he had actual tears in his eyes. The Master was
seldom moved to this degree. He was tender, gentle in all his
doings, but Jesus also had a toughness about him. He didn't easily blubber up.
 Paeg was pulling Maggi along.
" Bye Jesus, “ Maggi said. “ We will meet again child. Dear sweet little girl, "
Jesus replied. Paeg couldn't believe his gall!

    Poor Maggi cried and cried. Paeg was so mad. Jesus was the cause of all
this! He was plain no good. The worst of them all. " it's ok Maggi. I will get
you that special medicine, even if I have to steal it, " Paeg tried to sooth.
" No Paeg, stealing is wrong, " Maggi replied. “ Yeah, well, what Jesus did to you.
That is what is wrong, “ Paeg told her. She looked to the ground. She sniffed.
" You shouldn't talk about him like that, about God, “ Maggi began to sob. He
didn't understand.
Poor Maggi had a fever. " Paeg, how do you explain your leg
being healed? God healed it Paeg, but God has a different plan for me. Jesus could
heal me, but God told him otherwise, “ Maggi then said. Paeg just looked at her.
It did gnaw at him that his leg was completely well. " I know my leg is well, but
not from that quack! I believe in God. Our parents believed in God. Not the
Jewish god, but God. I do too, " Paeg told her. She sniffed. “ Your just blind Paeg
and don’t see, “ she muttered low.
Stupid Jesus! Refusing to help a sick child!
Paeg decided he was going to go see that trader. Maybe he could work something out.
Maybe Paeg could do odd jobs in exchange for the medicine.

    Jesus, as he walked with his 12, was very sad that day. “ Jesus, that child
was so little. Too little to be sick. I don’t understand why you didn't heal her, "
John was  saying. “ John, I must obey the Father. He has another plan for the child,
so please ask no more of this, “ Jesus replied. It hurt Jesus’ heart. Poor baby
girl. But he knew the Father would turn his sorrow into joy, for him and for her.

    The trader tricked Paeg because he was alone with no other adult supervision.
He had him do all sorts of odd jobs for him. Paeg worked hard. Fixing his fence,
fixing his roof that leaked. When Paeg was all done, the only thing that trader
gave him was a coin. Told him to be off then. “ But, what about the medicine? For
my sister who is sick, “ Paeg asked. “ You got a coin now be off. You bother me, " the trader told him.
“ Hey, you said! " Paeg whined. He was then shoved.
" Get going. I’m not giving you something you just can’t afford no matter how much you
work for me, “ the trader said then laughed. Others snickered with him. “ Sucker, “
Paeg heard one say. He became mad. Why did people have to treat him this way?
Paeg began yelling and carrying on. " I said be gone! Go and be glad I gave you
anything for the sloppy work you did. Go feed your sister a biscuit, " the trader
boomed, then burst out in laughter. Paeg bitterly kicked dirt and manure at the
man’s feet than ran off. “ You rotten little mud cake! “ The trader raved now
after Paeg messed up his new boots made out of animal skins. Cost him a fortune.
Was imported fur. They were all slopped now with cow poop. Oh that made him mad!

Maggi saw men chasing after her brother. “ Paeg! “ She cried. Those men
looked angry enough to flog him. She became scared for him. She knew of only one
thing to do, go find Jesus for help. She then ran off to find him.

Paeg had stolen the medicine.That’s why the entire town was after him. Thanks to
that rotten trader, Miles.

" Jesus! Jesus! “ Maggi called and called. She just couldn't find him. Maggi then
prayed for the safety of her brother, and to find Jesus.

“ Go. You are healed. Sin no more, " Jesus was telling a man who had a terrible
lump on his back. Was a tumor. Caused him so much pain. He was now free of it.
The Spirit led Maggi along. She just knew in her mind where to go. She then saw
him up ahead. " Oh Jesus! " She cried out running up to him. “ Maggi? What is it?
What’s wrong?” He asked. " Paeg, men are after, " she replied all out of breath.
Jesus and his disciples then followed Maggi to where she last saw Paeg being chased
by the mob of men.

" Miles is a phony. He has tricked people out of their money for
along time, “ one of Jesus' disciples said familiar with this town, and the trader,

Miles. " We must find the boy before he is harmed, " Jesus spoke.

Miles had chased Paeg into the river. He now had him by the throat. " I only want
to help my sister! " Paeg tried to get him to see. He handed back to him the pouch which had the root powder inside it.
 “ I'll show you boy, that no one steals from
me! “ Miles roared, then pushed Paeg’s head in under the water. He was going to
enjoy drowning him.

Paeg wasn't strong enough. His lungs begged to breathe in air.
He knew he didn't dare or he was done for. He felt it beginning to darken around
him. The first signs of blacking out. He could no longer hold his breath in so he
breathed feeling the water rush in. So cold and it hurt. “ Let the boy go! “ Jesus
demanded. Miles looked up. He saw this man looking at him with an anger he’d never
seen before. His eyes! Something about this man’s eyes! Miles saw other men were
all around him now too. He swallowed. Miles saw his other men take off. " Hey, you all
get back here! " He bellowed.
Men took hold of Miles as Jesus went up to where
Paeg was. John shoved Miles aside as Jesus picked up the still form of the boy.
He carried him to shore. Laid him on the ground. “ Paeg! “ Maggi cried. Paeg had
no breath in him. Jesus touched his chest. " Know that I am your life, " Jesus
spoke. Power of the Holy Ghost surged through Jesus then. “ Breathe, awaken, "
Jesus commanded. Paeg then coughed and upchucked all the water that was in his
lungs. He gaged, choked, and coughed until all the water was up and he could
breathe freely. He took in clean fresh air. The stale taste of the muddy water of
the river still in his throat. He coughed again. Jesus patted his back. Paeg just
looked at him. Jesus smiled. Paeg fought despertly against the goodness he felt
coming from this man because he was a Jew and didn't heal Maggi. Maggi hugged Paeg
then. “ I’m ok, “ he spoke. " He’s fine, " Jesus assured her. “ He was dead! The
boy was dead. He had no life in him and now he lives because of Jesus, " a man
boomed. " All who believe in me have life, " Jesus told him standing up. He looked
into the man’s eyes, into his very soul. This man was a doctor and had checked the
boy after Jesus laid him down on the ground. Paeg had no breath or heart beat. He
was dead. Drowned. " Are you God? " The man asked Jesus. " The chosen One? The
Messiah? " The man asked. He was very familiar with the scriptures. Wanted so much
to be alive when God did send His Holy One to Israel. “ Follow your heart. Pray to

God, " was all Jesus replied. “ You didn't let me die? " Paeg then asked him. Jesus
helped him up to his feet. Little Maggi then hugged Jesus’ legs. “ Thank you for
saving my brother! “ She said. Jesus then turned to Miles. He saw that anger again.
" Be off with you. Leave this town and never harass these people again. God
commands it. Turn from your ways or go down into the pit, “ Jesus told him. Miles
felt unease. He collected up his things. Man had some nerve! He then rushed off.
" Stone him! " Another man called out picking up a stone ready to throw. Jesus
took hold of his arm. “ No. Let him go. He will have to contend with God soon
enough, “ Jesus told him. The man then dropped his rock. “ Let no man touch him
and be accounted for his blood but only the Lord, “ Jesus made clear to the crowd
that had gathered. Paeg still couldn't get over it. There was something so very
righteous about this Jesus. “ Jesus! Jesus! “ They then all heard. It was Mary his
mother. She had heard he was near Nazareth. She wanted so much to see her son.
She ran up and hugged him as he smiled, just as pleased to see her. " You alright? "
She asked. “ I am well, Good to see you mother, “ he replied. Paeg just looked at
them. Was that Mary? “ Mary! “ Exclaimed Maggi who recognized her. “ Maggi? “She
questioned after turning. They hugged. She then noticed Paeg. “ Paeg! “ She cried
out so very happy to see him, them. He had missed her too. Maggi just hugged and
hugged on her. " Oh I didn't know what happened to you two? I hoped you were ok, "
Mary said. Paeg couldn't get over it. Jesus was HER Jesus? “ Paeg, Maggi, why did
you two leave? “ Mary now asked them. Jesus stood back observing. Maggi was smiling
from ear to ear. So happy to see Mary again and thrilled beyond words to find Jesus
was her and Joseph’s son. Paeg was a bit speechless. Mary had been so kind to them
and Jesus too despite the fact he wouldn't heal Maggi.
It began to steam him.
His human pride was taking over again even though Jesus had saved his life.

Paeg had rejected God’s Son on the account that Jesus was a Jew.
He’d heard various rumors who Jesus was but rejected the Jewish God as well.
 The Father was giving Paeg another chance to come around accepting. Paeg just didn't realize cause
he was blind, the importance of his life, but Paeg would come to know. " Please come back, " Mary said.
“ Paeg you are welcome in my home. Maggi needs a place to stay. She isn't well, “ Jesus then
said. Maggi looked up at Paeg for his reply, pleas in her eyes that he’d say yes.
" Ok, “ he said. He knew Mary wanted to care for her. Her being sick it wasn't fair
of him to be dragging her along the countryside. But he wanted to take her back to
Canaan instead. He just couldn't forgive and let go. He’d let Maggi stay with Mary
for a few days then he’d take her back to Canaan’s house. His mother could look
after Maggi. Maggi just hugged and hugged on Paeg for saying yes. Jesus smiled. The
joy flowing from this little one was as bright as a star in the heavens. He picked
her up carrying her on his shoulder then to his mother’s house. Other children saw
them, and just came a running over to him. Parents tried to prevent them from going
up to him. Some said praises to him. “ Stop that! Leave that man alone! " One
parent scolded. “ No. You must let the children come to Me, for My Father’s
Kingdom belongs to such as these, “ Jesus said. “ Good and kind Lord, what must I do
to obtain eternal life with God? “ One man asked. “ You see these, “ Jesus replied
pointing out the children. The man looked. “ You must humble yourself like a child,
and only then can you know of the Father’s Kingdom, “ Jesus said but the man did
not understand. He didn't like children. They were loud, routy, and disobedient.
What gain into God’s Kingdom could they possibly possess? Jesus had meant, you had
to have the faith of a child to be a child of God. Children easily believe the
unbelievable. They also are not prejudice. Jesus put Maggi down to embrace a whole band of children then.
Maggi smiled at a little boy. He then returned it. “ Jehovah God, “ he spoke. Jesus was
going to tell them all a story, about who would get into Heaven first. He sat. They
sat around him including Maggi and Paeg. Mary stood back smiling. " A man had two
sons. One son wanted riotous living so he took his father’s inheritance and set
off for a far away country. Now the other son wanted nothing but to just obey his
father and stay near his estate. Believing in his father’s ways. Wanting to do good to please his father, " Jesus said.
He was referring to God’s Kingdom. Maggi knew this but Paeg was
confused. " You tell me then, which of these two sons will enter into the Kingdom of God first? "
Jesus then asked all them. " The first son, " said one little giggling boy. " No, the second one
because he was good and did rightly by his father, so must we do unto God, " Maggi said. Jesus
was very pleased with her answer. “ What’s that story got to do with God? “ Paeg asked irritated.
" We are to obey God Paeg, not act like the rioting son, " Maggi told him. " She is correct, "
said Jesus. Mary clapped her hands for her. “ Good grief, “ remarked Paeg, rolling up his eyes.
" This little one here belongs to my Father, and to me, “ Jesus then said. “ She is your sister, "
said that other giggly little boy. He was loud, getting on Paeg’s nerves. “ She belongs to God.
He is your Heavenly Father. He has sent me, and who believes in My name belongs to the Father in
Heaven, “ Jesus told him. “ Oh, “ he said not getting it one bit. Jesus smiled cause he knew one
day that he would. Maggi understood. Jesus knew the Father had given her wisdom above the other
children. Paeg was more like that other little boy, not getting the picture.

The other man whom saw Jesus bring Paeg back to life then came up to Jesus. “ Please come to my
house. Have supper with me. We can talk. I need to talk with you, “ he then told Jesus.
" Alright. Yes I would be glad to come into any house that welcomes me, " Jesus told him. The man
then showed Jesus the way. Mary took Maggi and Paeg on back to her house. She
had got into a big argument with her other children about them. But Mary made
a stand for Paeg and Maggi. She stuck up for them. Paeg was impressed.
No Jew had ever done that for them before. That was that. They were staying.
Mary told her other children that if they didn't want to stay here they’d
be the ones to leave.
Jesus came home to his mother’s house later that
night. He smiled down at Maggi who was asleep. Jesus told the household how
it was to be, that those two children had a place to stay, and to obey their
mother. They all no more spoke against the two. Jesus told them Maggi was very
sick. Maggi stayed with Mary until she died a month later. Paeg took it
hard. Mary inquired for Jesus to come during Maggi’s last few hours. Paeg
stayed with Mary knowing Maggi was in no shape to travel anymore. He just wanted Maggi to live as long as possible.
Jesus never came, and Paeg was just beginning to believe that he had
a shred of decency. Boy it didn't sit well with Paeg either! Jesus not coming on Maggi ‘s death
bed. Paeg was mad. Paeg had just started to like the words Jesus spoke about too. Really let him
down, Jesus not showing up. Maggi had cried and cried wanting Jesus to be there. She was so sick
and scared. Made Paeg’s blood boil. Paeg stayed by her side till the very end. She talked about
such a pretty place she saw now before she drifted away. Mary was crying. It had hurt her heart
too why Jesus didn't come. Maybe he was just too busy with his ministry and all. She tried to
understand. He was such a gentle man. She was sure if there was any way possible he would of
been here. He thought a lot of Maggi and Paeg. She tried to tell Paeg this but he just wouldn't
listen. He left her house storming mad. He was going to find Jesus and really let into him.

    " Mary you must come! Jesus has been arrested! " A friend of
the family boomed. She tried to find Paeg but he was nowhere. She just had to
tell him that Jesus couldn't help it not being here when Maggi died because he
had been arrested. She didn't want the boy to stay angry with him. She knew
his fate which awaited her son. She had so desperately tried to believe
that this moment would never come. But to her horror it had.

Jesus had had his last supper with his disciples. He had used Maggi’s
very beloved gift. The cup she had made and given to him. With this
he passed around some wine for his disciples saying, “ this is My blood which
I shall shed for you. Drink this in remembrance of me. " He told them then
that he would not drink of the vine again until in the Father’s Kingdom with
them. Maggi’s gift had become His blessed Holy Grail.

Now Jesus was being beaten and a crown of thorns was placed upon his tender
head as Maggi took her last breath.

    Mary found Paeg a wondering down the river.
Just kicking rocks around. She then told him. He felt bad, all the unkind things
he had said about him and all. He and Mary then went to Jerusalem. They both
saw Jesus being made to carry a heavy cross he was going to die on. Mary cried
out. Jesus’ face was all bloody from the crown of thorns. Poor Mary. What a sight. Hadn't expected

this. She didn't know what she had been expecting but it all came down to a cruel
reality.
" Jesus! " She cried out in anguish.
Another man was made to carry Jesus' cross now cause Jesus just wasn't strong enough. He walked
slowly up a hill called, THE SKULL, where he and criminals were sentenced to die, being nailed to a cross.
Two pieces of wood were tied together to make the cross formation which Jesus
was going to be nailed to, his feet and hands. " He’s doing this to take away all
sin of the World, and for anyone who will believe in Him, will have eternal life
with God, “ Mary spoke to Paeg. “ He’s God’s Son, or that’s what I’ve heard, but my
parents were killed by Jews, “ Paeg now said a crying. Mary took hold of him.
" Paeg, all people have done evil. No one is righteous, but the Son of God. God
so loved the World that He gave His only One, to be born of flesh and blood,
like all humans, so that God in human form, could come to us all, and become the perfect Lamb.
Sacrifice. He was the One chosen all along, to take away sins. We just have to believe
in this and accept it, " Mary told Paeg. " Who is God Mary, for I just do
not know? “ He sobbed. “ God is Father, Word, who is Jesus in human form now, and
the Holy Spirit. The Power which Jesus used to heal the sick. To heal your
leg Paeg, “ Mary told him.

As Jesus was nailed to his cross Mary felt a sharp pain in the very core of
her being.Like a sword piercing her heart. She remembered someone had told her that once.
Paeg held onto her cause she might faint. She
wept bitterly for her son. “ He’s dying for me? “ Paeg asked all teary eyed. " Paeg,
yes, he’s dying for all Mankind. People of other lands, and Jews alike. We
all come from the same Father in Heaven. Jesus has said he will rise again in
3 days, and all who will believe in Him will live forever with Him. Someday He
will raise all our bodies back alive too, " Mary told him.

After Jesus was dead, Mary was asked to come and help take her son’s body
away. Paeg wanted to help her. She’d been so kind to him and Maggi. He sure was
glad Maggi wasn't here to see Jesus die. She had been so attached to him. Her
last days were happy ones. He had visited often. Paeg now wished he hadn't come with Mary to help.
Seeing this kind and gentle man so still and all bloody. Not a breath in his body.

Paeg cried that night. It seemed to rain on and on endlessly.

But then Jesus arose just as He promised He would. Paeg was so in despair.
Surely Jesus was only a kind, mixed up man, but just a man all the same. Paeg felt
so guilty by all the unkind things he had said about him in the past. Jesus wasn't
alive, for him to take them all back apologizing to him. Paeg never expected him to
really rise again. His poor mother was just all confused and sick with mourn.
He felt so sorry for her. He did all he could to help around the house. Even her
other children were nice to him appreciating his help.

Jesus went to see his disciples and his mother. He asked where Paeg was.
" He was so upset that last night, he just took off. I haven't seen him since, "
Mary told him. " I will go to him, " Jesus said and smiled.

Paeg was walking down this road. Not really sure where he was going to.
Mary had told him he could always stay with her but because of his guilt of how
awful he acted about Jesus, the things he had said, he didn't deserve to stay in
her house, so he was moving on. He left her a note at least thanking her for all
she did for him and Maggi.
" Paeg, " he heard a voice call out to him. Then right
there stood a Man in the whitest robe, and head wrap over His head. He took it down
and Paeg recognized him. It was Jesus! He was somewhat different. Radiant. “ Is it
really You? “ Paeg asked in tears. " Yes Paeg, " Jesus replied. His eyes! Oh His
eyes! Jesus then showed Paeg His scares, where all His wounds had been. Paeg when
seeing Jesus was real, embraced Him then. He let go of the hate. He cried and
cried. “ You are God! “ He proclaimed. " My child. I have a gift for you, “ Jesus
then told him softly. Paeg dried his eyes. His tears were so much he couldn't see.
Maggi then stepped out from the trees. She was just a smiling. Paeg was so shocked.
He couldn't talk. His words escaped him.

When Jesus rose again, to show forth God’s Power, others whom the Father had chosen to show that
Jesus was His Son, were
raised from the dead as well as Jesus. This was all done by the Spirit of God.
Maggi had been one of these chosen. “ Maggi? “ Paeg cried out in wonderment. She
ran to him then.Yes she was real! “ But she died, " Paeg said then. He looked at
Jesus. " Yes Paeg. So did I. I am alive. I’ve done all this for you. She is
still a human. I am the only one with a glorified body. She is well from her
disease. This was why I didn't heal her Paeg. For the Father’s greater purpose. To
show you who I am and others so that they and you might believe I am the Son of
God, “ Jesus said to him. Paeg then hugged and hugged on Him. “ I believe in You, "
he said. Maggi smiled. " I do too, " she said. Jesus rubbed through her hair.

Maggi and Paeg were with Jesus along with His disciples and His mother.
She knew this day would come. When He’d have to say goodbye. Jesus was going back
to Heaven to be with the Father. But He promised and told them to tell others
that He’d return again one day. Told them to keep hope alive. “ You’ll be with Me
soon enough My dear ones, “ Jesus told them. Maggi and Paeg were crying. " And we
will never be apart again. "