Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Walk (07/20/06)
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TITLE: The First Step | Previous Challenge Entry
By Joyce Sykes
07/26/06 -
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‘This has got to be a nightmare, a long horrible nightmare.’
Sn’rt, sn’rt, sn’rt.
No, reality sunk in that indeed this was happening right now. It was dirt and not a soft cushioned bed. Surrounded by large smelly beasts, their heavy breathing filled his ears. Their very movements made the ground tremble slightly beneath him.
Deep wrenching sobs filled the air frightening both the swine and the very one who had released the sounds aloud. Tears mixed with the mud and filth just a fraction below his face. What could he do? Where could he go?
“Home!”
‘Home? No, that’s impossible! I vowed to return one day as a very rich and powerful man. Everything Father gave me is gone. He would only turn me away.’
“Home!” Again, the word welled up from deep within.
His thoughts rapidly flashed back. He felt so confident the day he asked his father for his inheritance. The old man visibly aged at the request.
“Son, listen to reason. There is more than enough land and herds for both you and Jacob. Please don’t do this foolish thing. You are asking me to allow you to make the biggest mistake of your life.”
“Father, my mind is made up. I don’t want to be stuck here tending these smelly, stupid sheep. My future is out there. One day, I will come back rich, powerful and known throughout the region. You’ll see!”
Jacob, his older brother, snared when he heard the demands for money. “Don’t do it, Father. You know he will waste it all and come back here without anything. Make him work for it.” As Father turned his weary eyes toward his older son, the briefest of nods revealed it was of no use. “Father, please don’t.”
Jacob rapidly turned to glare at his younger sibling. “You..”
“Don’t!” Jacob stopped instantly at his father’s stern word.
The next morning with infinite sadness in his eyes, Father handed the coveted inheritance to young man whose eyes glistened with a selfish gleam for the bag his father held out. He would have left without so much as a backward glance if it had not been for the bear hug from his father. Jacob stared angrily from a distance, never speaking a single word.
“Son, remember the things we have taught you, remember the ways of Jehovah; do not bring shame to Him. We love you; I love you. You are always welcome here.”
Quickly nodding, the younger man stepped away from the embrace and began walking away. The farther he got, the more lively his step.
‘No more will I be ruled by both Father and Jacob. I am free and I control my life now.’
Later that evening, he stopped at the best inn he could find.
“I want your finest room and the best meal to be had in this place.” Rattling his moneybag, he ensured the innkeeper that he was more than adequate to pay for the services. Even now, women of questionable character eyed him and welcomed him with their eyes. Smugly smiling, he would have his pick tonight.
The days became weeks that soon became months and years; passed by vaguely in his drunken haze. Often he never knew the time or place. As his riches dwindled so did his so-called friends. Then the memory of lying in the mud outside the sleazy inn with the laughter of his friends filled his mind. No one would even give him a morsel of bread.
Once more, the weary traveler heard the words.
“Home!”
The sound was so real; he glanced around to see if his Father stood there. No, just as before the filthy swine surrounded him. Nevertheless, with every drop of energy and determination he lifted his body from the mud.
“You are always welcome here, son,” echoes of the past filled his heart more than his ears.
Turning his body, he took the first step towards the long walk home.
“I’m coming home, Father. Maybe… just maybe you will accept me back.”
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