Eden (Earth Warrior Book 1) by M.L. Cook

Author:M.L. Cook [Cook, M.L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-02-02T00:00:00+00:00

Twenty-One

On the eastern border of what the world had once called Missouri lay the city of East Windsor. Tall walls made from local trees surrounded the gated community. Guards, efficient in bows, patrolled the walls night and day.

In the center of the large community sat a nondescript home. The modest abode was home to Lord Jack, leader of Windsor Tribe.

The dusty streets of the city were well-traveled, all but those leading to the dark residence.

A lone man sat in the dark. Beyond the door, a table was pushed up against a curtained window. Dust marred the once highly polished wood. Several white rings, left by a single dirty glass, were the only thing disturbing its neglected surface. White splatters spread across the surface from many nights of a man too drunk to give a care. Long stringy dark hair hung in what had once been considered a handsome face by all. Time had left behind sunken eyes, grayed skin, and deep frown lines.

In one corner, an array of unused toys remained scattered, untouched by anything more than time. Another corner held an empty cradle. A dingy pink blanket draped over one side was a constant reminder of a grievous loss.

A home, once filled with laughter, now sat silent and empty.

***

In the shadowy realm of dreams, Jack found himself sitting at the table. The window was open. A gentle breeze whipped the curtains around. The scent of Ellie’s hyacinths in full bloom drifted in on the breeze. He stood in a dark corner and watched as the scene of a recurring nightmare unfolded once again.

A younger, healthier Jack sat beside the table with his elbows on his knees. He was wearing a wide grin as little Lyle told him a story about a big adventure he’d had down by the river. As in most dreams, everything he said was merely unintelligible, muffled sounds. That was okay. The feelings of a long ago past spoke louder than any words could. His gaze flicked from the boy to the woman sitting beside the cold hearth.

Ellie’s attention was on Rebecca. One of her hands cradled the tiny baby’s head as she nursed.

Jack gave a sad smile. His Ellie, his beloved. She was so beautiful. So alive.

He pushed away from the wall in a vain attempt to move closer. To touch, to caress her cheek, to tell her how much he loved and missed her. As was true of every other dream, he remained nothing more than an observer of events long past.

Although he knew he was asleep, he also knew there was nothing he could do to prevent the scene that, without fail, always followed this happy moment.

As an unwilling participant, he was unable to do anything more than do as he’d always done. Both in dreams and in the past. Unlike the beginning of this dream turned nightmare, everything that was unfolding before him was replayed exactly as the events of that day long ago had.

He was standing on his porch, watching the carriage roll through the gate.

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