Although I know a couple of you have already read this, I have kept meaning to post another excerpt from my book so here it is. I have received such a lot of support from people here that it's my way of saying thank you and I really hope you enjoy it. For those who have already read it, apologies
It was only an old dream.
Mo was looking at him with a terribly sad, perturbed expression, the animal's tired face regarding him with deep concern.
Jack just remained slumped on the ground where he was. It was all right though, he knew. He had experienced this kind of dream before. It would go away soon and he would be able to stay in the warm haven he had discovered where softness and tranquillity held him close. Now there was nothing to be afraid of.
He waited, yet still the badger watched him silently and doubts began to prey upon him.
No, he told himself. I won‘t go back. I hate it there. I hate it!
“Jack,” the badger urged him gently.
"No, no," he moaned, reaching up and forcing his hands over his ears.
“Jack,“ Mo said firmly, coming in even closer, seeking the boy‘s face.
“Leave me alone. I don’t want this, I don’t want it! I’ve had enough, can’t you see that, I’ve just had enough.“
Mo brushed his cheek with his warm, smooth fur. "Be still, be still," the badger said with tenderness, "everything will be all right."
Very slowly, despite his efforts to hold onto the sanctuary he believed he had found within his dreams, his thoughts became to take shape.
“There is no refuge for you in dreams,“ the badger uttered softly, “I know it’s hard but you have to understand that we cannot hide from our own existence. You cannot run from yourself. Whatever choices we are offered must be met with our minds our own. Now stand up and let us face what will come.”
Realising that the dream was past and there was no refuge to be found there, Jack cupped his face in his hands. “Why does it have to be like this?”
Mo regarded him with a steady gaze. “Because a greater will than yours or mine sees all that must come, all that has been. It is a choice. No-one can be forced. Each must choose their own path. It is a personal test of our character.”
Very hesitantly Jack looked into the dark eyes of the animal. “But I always fail.“
“No,” said Mo definitely, “mistakes are not failure. No-one really fails until they give up their soul at the very last breath of their life. And that will not be you, Jack. You will stand.”
And hearing this, the boy made a half-hearted effort to do just that. He pulled himself up onto his knees and then made a tentative attempt to get up onto his feet. “Who am I?” he asked in a wavering voice.
Mo looked at Jack for a long moment. “My kin,” he breathed, “my brother.” The badger pushed himself against the boy’s side for support. “And we will stand together.”
As lways, feedback is very welcome.
Good job!
