(Photo credit: Flickr)
“All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake up in the day to find it was vanity, but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.” T.E. Lawrence
***
John Parker threw the cheque into the river Thames, his eyes darting everywhere like a man on opium. He dug his right hand inside the pocket of his chinos trouser and brought out a rumpled paper, he stared at it for what seemed like ages, then tentatively, inched forward, staring down at the dirty muddy water. He held the railings of the Tower bridge and contemplated his actions. Tourists trooped by, some gave him quizzical looks while others swept him away with the views.
He swallowed hard and heaved himself up but strong pairs of hands held him back. John Parker was stunned, he struggled but the hands stayed firm, locked, clasping his shoulders in a bear grip.
‘Let me go!’ Parker screamed like a trapped animal. Quickly, a crowd had gathered. Some lifted their phones to film the unfolding drama while the hands which held Parker spoke rapidly to someone in German, ‘Annette , könnten Sie bitte die Polizei rufen ? Nein, rufen Sie 999 ,’ (Annette, could you please call the police? No, call 999) Parker realised his plans had gone awry and he hung his head in shame. The strong hands gently led him out of the crowds.
Twenty minutes later, John Parker sat in a hotel with the hands which actually belonged to a huge bear-like fellow with a weather-beaten face, scattered brown hair and very kind eyes.
‘My English no good, but me understand well,’ The man said quietly.
Parker nodded, wiping sweats off his face with the back of his hand.
‘Thanks for saving my life, it was a stupid thing to do,’ John Parker said, trying to avoid the eyes of his rescuer.
‘Okay, okay, my name Anselm.’
‘I’m John Parker.’ They shook hands and Parker began his story…
****
Hello friends, I hope everyone is okay. I’ve not written short stories on my site for a while, and I thought, why not? So this is a story that’s filled with life’s truths. I would post the penultimate part on Friday. Mull on the quote before the story and please, don’t stop dreaming positively!
Much love, always! 🙂
Seyi Sandra David 
A great story Seyi, and I love that quote. I look forward tot he next part. I haven’t written a short story in months.
Thanks Al. Neither have I, it’s nice to write stories once in a while, besides I’m a writer. You should write one soon Al. You have a great imagination!
An engaging story Sandra.
Thanks Kim, glad you think so! 🙂
When I think of dreams, I always remember John Lennon and Roy Orbison.
John Lennon was a man of dreams indeed, I totally love Roy Orbison’s voice!
Very well written – “Hope is a waking dream” (Aristotle) – for me dreams are spices on life – if we suddenly missing spices for the food so we have to improvise – we must do that in life too… 🙂
I love that Aristotle quote, it’s nice! I love your take on this, dreams are indeed the spices of love. So glad to see you here my friend, thanks, appreciate it! 🙂 🙂
I love the quote and the story. I wonder what pushes people to want to commit suicide, most of it is always deep rooted. Glad to see you writing a short story now, its’a always a treat. I’d be looking forward to seeing you on Monday!
Cheers.
Christy Nelson
Thanks Christy, you have a great way with words. I’ve been busy with my books for a while and had not written short stories. I’ll come to the office on Monday, you owe me some cakes!
Much love to you my friend!
🙂 🙂
You hooked me, cannot wait to find out what happens next !! You are a wonderful story teller, you capture your readers attention easily and hold it !!!
That’s good to know Stephie! I’m so glad you enjoyed the story, hope to see you tomorrow. I’ll be over at yours soon!
Blessings. 🙂
Wonderful quote, enticing and engaging story, can’t wait for part two tomorrow my friend! Much love to you for a wonderful day 🙂
Thanks for your kind comment Sherri, totally appreciate it. I hope you had a great day too?
Much love to you my friend!
🙂 🙂
Seyi, dream’s from day time moments, yo me, are not different from those at night. Sometimes I am more free in my nightly dreams, unencumbered by the weight of our daily real life.
Your story will be very interesting to know more of why the poor man felt drawn or compelled to jump. I may not catch end until Friday of your well written story with a literal “cliff hanger.” 🙂 🙂 ♡
I understand your point of view my friend. I’m so glad that you like the story, many people at the edge of depression often described that they had no other choice. It’s scary that many young men had committed suicide in London this year. Some attributed this to stress and suppression of feelings.
Thank you so much for stopping by, I really do appreciate it!
🙂 🙂
Liebe Seyi super Foto vom Wetterleuchten wunderschön ein schönes Wochenende wünsche ich dir Klaus
Dank Klaus , Ich habe ein tolles Wochenende , ich hoffe Ihnen war auch schön . Schätzen Sie den Besuch!
Prost.
“All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake up in the day to find it was vanity, but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.” T.E. Lawrence
That’s so great a quotation to register in mind.
I’m glad you think so my friend. Appreciate your visit and do enjoy the rest of your weekend!
🙂
Thank you, Seyi.
I love this, a little prologue that suggests epic things but already presenting mysteries that need to be solved. Dreaming big is something that we should all do, just imagine how great the world would be if we all pushed ourselves to create and better ourselves.
I can imagine. Every great things first emanated from the mind which finally culminated in dreams and then reality. I sincerely ppreciate your visit my friend, enjoy the rest of your weekend!
[…] The first part of this story is here if you want to catch up: https://seyisandradavid.org/2015/08/11/dreaming-when-awake/ […]
I wish I had read this part first. But, it stil stands well alone. I was captivated and wanted more which I already read before this one. Nice write … 😎
Thanks my friend. And I must apologise for just replying your comment now, I didn’t know how I missed it. I stopped over at yours too a while ago. Hope your week has been great so far!
Blessings. 🙂
Apologies aren’t necessary. It can be difficult to keep up with comments and visits to blogs. It’s a blessing when they are there but should never take away from writing words that might touch someones heart.
Blessings to you 🙏🏻
So sad that anyone would feel a need to end their lives. I wish there was something that could save them in this life.
So glad in this story that someone was saved. I look forward to more on this story.
May all those who didn’t make it – rest in peace.
It’s sad and worryingly, it happens a lot with young men in stressful jobs, especially in the cities. It’s somehow difficult to know when someone is suicidal, most times, their families are even in the dark. Like you wrote, ‘May all those who didn’t make it – rest in peace.’
I really appreciate your visit my friend and sincerely apologise for my late reply – kids, holiday, and well, they had resumed school now, so time is somewhat kinder to me now (after my day job).
Enjoy the rest of your weekend my friend!
Much love. 🙂
No worries on the timing of your reply. I totally know where you are coming from. 😉
{Hugs}
wow !!!