Storytelling Week 14: The Unlikely Hero

The Comic Book

The Comic Book
"Grandma, Look what I got!" As Billy said running towards his grandmother. She was now residing in a nursing home in the sunny state of Florida. She used to be more lively but age as brought more turmoil on her body. Things in her life used to be vastly different and it made her sad that her time on Earth was nearly over. She sat mainly in a wheelchair cause her body was too frail now to move much. She spent many years being active as she can be and now she knew that time has caught up with her. Billy brought to her a comic book. He was so excited because it was one of the first editions. It was called Hawkman and Hawkgirl. In this time period super heroes did exist. Superman was not just a fictious man but he was real. Most of the time the heroes parade around on TV but Hawkman and Hawkgirl have not been seen in a long time. Little did Billy know its cause his Grandma had something to do with that. As Grandma Joy sat there excited for her grandson she knew immediately what this was. She did not know how to respond to him or reveal this secret that she held deep inside. Immediately Joy went inside her head in deep thought to a different time.

Comic Book

60 Years Ago

Joy was a young 20 year old just trying to figure out the world. She was walking steadily down a street on New York City when a man bumps into her.

Man:  I, uh, joy? Its me. Do you remember me.
Joy: No.. I am sorry I have never met you before.

The moment felt a little awkward. This man who was close to her age felt like he knew her. He tried to convince her that they were somehow meant to be and that she had to take the leap to believe him. Joy calculated her risks too much. She spent the majority of her life abandoned  by her mother and she grew up in foster care. Somehow she always felt out of place. The man kept telling her there are reasons why if only she would just open her heart to him.

Hawkman and Hawkgirl

Later that day she was buying a pretzel on the New York City streets when a Taxi driver started going crazy and almost ran into her. She closed her eyes tightly thinking this would be her last breath and the same man picked her up and saved her. Although it was not just any man. He had wings in his back! He said again, " Joy, do you believe me now." Instantly a part of her changed. It was Roy. Her beloved. The man that for centuries it was said they would meet over and over again. They were meant to be. Her life finally made since. He flew her up to the top of a building. She overlooked the city that she now realized she was meant to protect. She jumped off with Roy and her wings began to unfold from her back. All it took is her remembering this part of herself. Her ancestors all had to do the same thing. As soon as they remember who they are then they receive their powers and their love. From that day forward she knew life would never be the same.

Hawkmand and Hawkgirl

Present Day

She looked at her grandson so full of hope and as she looked at the comic book that was created for her and her now fallen beloved. She smiled. For the secret she bared will never be spoken. Until maybe her next life.

Author's Note:
My story was inspired by multiple different things. I wanted my story to reflect a comic book about Hawkman and Hawkgirl that is part of DC Comics. The story about these two is they are from ancient Egypt. These two were created as protectors of a world. They are also deeply in love and every time they die or killed they are born into a new life. In this new life their mission is to remember who they are cause after they die they forget than after they remember one of them has to find the other and get them to do the same thing. I wanted to write a short story for this but I felt adding when they first met and when she remembered would be a good background story for my readers. Also because of that part of the story I was able to add some parts from the Indian comics I read. The story I got ideas from is called, "Karna: Brave, Generous, Ill-Fated Prince." Karna was also abandoned like my character by his mother and he had his own fate in the end like my character. They both have duties towards specific people. Also Karna had a set of skills and Hawkman and Hawkgirl did as well, they just could fly and he could not. Also with Karna's death and after life he is appreciated more so was my character. Joy spent much of her life protecting people but she did not get the recognition she wanted deep down until her grandson Billy showed her a comic book that was actually about her. I wanted my story to be simply yet still gather concepts from stories I read. This way my story can be somewhat of my own but still inspired by stories I enjoy and can somehow relate them together.

References:
Karna: Brave, Generous, Ill-Fated Prince

Storytelling Week 12: The World War that Changed Millions

Zweiter Weltkrieg/ World War 2
There were raids happening for weeks trying to find those who were Jewish. Johnny was one of them. He was of polish descent and was sent into hiding like many other children during this time. Although he is polish since he has been hiding in a catholic orphanage on the border of Germany he has been able to learn some German so he can speak to the other kids around him. At this point it has been recorded that at least half a million kids have been eradicated and about a half a million were about to meet their maker soon. Johnny was one of five children who were Jewish that were hiding in the church. If they were to be found out the church and others around them were going to be punished. But this group of people did not care. They wanted the children no matter what religious descent to be safe. Through this love and kindness he was able to find God and found that refuge in Him could only keep him safe now. His parents were already killed about 4 months prior to this moment and it was during one of the house raids of Hitler's regime. All he remembers his mother saying was, "Uciec" which is a polish term for run away. He turned out of fear and ran and hid in a hole already dug in the backyard and he covered dirt on top of himself to hide from the Nazis. He heard the Nazis speaking from under the dirt.

Children

"Wo ist dein Kind?"
" Es ist ganz sicher, Sie brauchen keine Angst zu haben."

He could not understand most of what was said but he did know the word Angst meant afraid in German. He felt like they were trying to say he was safe and he shouldn't worry. Johnny was a smart ten year old and knew that he shouldn't feel safe at all.
After a considerable amount of time had passed he picked up his head from under the ground. Johnny heard his parents scream go from loud to soft. He was scared and dirt and tears were all over his sweet innocent face. The soldiers said, "Heil Hitler." Then sped off from what he could make of the surroundings from the dirt hole. Johnny's next move had to be discreet but he did not know what to do. He looked over at another family that was in a hole and decided to make a run for it. He knew they had to be nice for the fear in their eyes is the most familiar face he knows now for he wears the same one.

In Sicherheit/ In Safety
One, two and three and he began crawling out of the hole and running towards the backyard and through the barbed fence that stood between the yards. Johnny arrived at the hole and jumped in. In this big hole that was dug there was two small children like him and the parents were in the hole next to him. The mother and father were headed to a catholic church that they know are hiding Jewish. The family was waiting for the signs be clear of the Nazis and for night to fall.
As Johnny looked at the door of the catholic church he wondered where he be if he did not find this German family and if he did not take the leap of faith running to them. The war was over soon and soon he will be able to begin his new life. The family decided to adopt him and make him a part of their family. The lives of the 6 million who died will rest in paradise from this awful event. All Johnny knows is that because of the refuge he experiences in his God he has the path that he needs to follow.

Child in hiding

Author's Note:
I wrote my story based off the comic "Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: The Miracle Messenger of Love." The story is about Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who showed a simple path to God when they were under place of strict Muslim rule. He provided a new way of seeing Hindu religion. There was a quote that said, " Forsaking all dogmas of religion, take refuge in me." His message is to show that this religion is the way to all safety. I used this as part of my story by allowing my character to be of Jewish descent yet truly finding his God when he finally takes refuge in Him. I first thought of World War 2 because I know a lot of soldiers or people impacted by the war find a God usually. The idea of a protector during war is seen as comforting to people who are in the midst of danger. I felt like World War 2 was a big indication of the fear that was instilled within people of this religious background. I know because I have studied German and the language that there were many people who opposed the Hitler and also did something about it. I used stories I have heard from Holocaust survivors I met when I was younger and with the history I know about Germany to make my story. I was told a story about a survivor who really did hide in a hole for two weeks to hide from the Nazi soldiers that would come in and raid homes. I wanted this to be the focal point to show that with God at Johnny's side he was able to be safe and even found a family. This relates to the comic I read because they both relate to God and how religion tends to save people.

References:
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: The Miracle Messenger of Love

Week 11 Storytelling: The Olympic Journey

Chapter 1: The Beginning
Timothy was a young boy when he decided running was going to be his passion. He remembers being in little league and running around the bases and how freeing it felt. As soon as he entered middle school he joined the cross country and track team and he never looked back. Now he is a sophomore in college and training for the 2024 summer Olympic trials. Over the course of the years that has passed Timothy experienced extreme heart ache. His mother died of a heart attack 5 years back and his father has been a drunk since then. Because of the on going stress at home Timothy did not have time for friends and spent most of his days alone. On this particular day Timothy was sitting in his dorm window watching the rain beat down against the window. His father had no idea he was training for the Olympics. Every time he would try to speak to his father he would either pass out or dismiss him. He was alone or so he thought.

Kid Running

The next day came and went with a blur. Timothy was running on autopilot and even during training at the track he wasn't all there. His fellow teammate approached him and began taunting him, "What is the matter Timothy? Did your mommy not wake you up this morning." Timothy looked at Chandler who was taunting him and shrugged him off. He did not feel like putting up a fight today and looked out at the massive track and field that was in front of him. To his left was a set of bleachers and he stared for a moment of some of the parents who showed up to support their children. Timothy wished he had that same support. Sometimes he wondered why was he even going to the Olympics. No one would care that he was there.

Track Running

Chapter 2: Fresh Start
The next week came quickly and on this particular day was filled with bad news. Coach Mike brought everyone on the track team together for a team meeting to explain that assistant coach Mack was fired. That starting today there would be a new assistant coach named coach Belichick. After coach Mike was done speaking Belichick stood up and started speaking. Timothy could not help but drift into his own thoughts. He was up late last night having to help his father back into the house before he left to get back to his dorm. He sat on the grassy field with his legs crossed and rocking back and forth hoping that the speech would be done soon. Timothy's thoughts were interjected when he heard coach Belichick say his name and to meet him in his office after the team meeting is over. He was nervous now and was hoping he wasn't about to be kicked off the team for a particular reason.

Track Coach

About 10 minutes later the meeting was over and Timothy was on his way to Belichick's office. His palms were sweaty and he did not know what to think. Before he could think a second more he was standing in front of the wooden door that was the entrance to Belichick's office and knocked. He heard someone yell, " Come in!." Timothy opened the door and walked in. Timothy immediately spoke, " Hi. Uh. I am Timothy.' Belichick quickly responded, "I know who you are Timothy. You have beaten every record that has been set in the nation. You are ranked in the top 10 to place in the next summer Olympics. What I want to know is why haven't you gone yet." The coach took a few deep breaths as he was looking at some papers that were spread across his desk. Then he began speaking again, " I have talked to the head coach and he shared your unique situation and because I see such promise in you I want to train with you and help you get to the next Olympics." Timothy could not believe his ears. For the first time in his life someone has decided he is worth the time. He felt skeptical at first but before he ruined the moment he shook the coaches hand and did not look back.

Chapter 3: Four Years Later
Timothy lined up his feet on the track to give himself the best position to help jump start his run. He looked at the other young men next to him who seemed nervous and anxious. Today was the day and Timothy was ready to race. He looked to the stands and saw his coach standing there waiting to applaud his finish. He looked at the track beneath him and then the shot was fired. He began swooping his arms at his sides as fast as he could. He propelled his body forward until complete exhaustion. He was in 5th place, 4th place, and now third. He was rounding the turn of the track and kept running forward. The last stretch was upon him and the cheers grew louder and moments later he finished. Timothy placed in second for the Olympic trials and allowing him to be one of the men to advance to the Olympics. His heart was pounding and his heart felt full for the first time. He looked up in the sky and said, "This is for you mom."

Olympic Trials

Author's Note:
I wrote my story based off of the Indian comic story, "The Boy Who Heard God." The comic is about a boy who heard God at a young age and grew a passion for the Lord. Everyone around him saw him as a untouchable within the society and so he was denied visiting the temple. Instead of Chokha letting that happened he became a temple himself by his reverence to God. My story is not about religion or about my character finding God but it is about him finding a part of himself. I left out a lot of detail for my character because I wanted my readers to be on the outside looking in. My character was closed off person because of his father and losing his mom but he loved to run and never stopped. He had his peers make fun of how he lost his mom and show extreme disrespect towards him. Instead of lashing back my character took the high road and continued to train. He is similar to Chokha because instead of Chokha not worshipping he still continued along the path. I wanted my character to have something he works hard for even with opposition at his door. The best way I felt I could represent this is by a sport. I grew around sports and I have not always been the best but I never let it stop me from doing something I love. The similar idea exists within my character. He never stopped loving to run and just needed one person to believe in him. Sometimes in life all you need is that one person to think the world of you to get you through life. Timothy had his coach. His coach saw he was more than what Timothy thought he was and because of that he was able to attend the Olympics in the end.

References:
Chokha Mela: The Boy Who Heard God

Week 10 Story: When Dark Turns to Light

The Beginning
The waves crashed against the beach as the winds began howling louder. Timothy Rider was just a tiny boy when he got taken away from his parent's home that resided near the beach. He did not remember much but the crashing of the waves and the howling of the wind as he was taken from his home to the van that the agency sent. His parent's were drug addicts for many years and when his mother found out she was pregnant she did not stop. She went from men to men until finally she got Timothy. Timothy was even named after the man who delivered her baby because she was so ill prepared for him. It was only a matter of time till he was taken away from the amount of neglect he experienced.


Beach Storm

One day in the foster home Timothy was adopted by this wealthy no-good family. He was beaten to a pulp on many occasions when he did not mind well. The father, Kennedy Rider, was a well known corrupted businessman. He owned lots of land and even did experiments on animals and people. Most of the experiments were not sanctioned. He wanted to create super soldiers, like the ones you read in the comics. His adoptive father wanted to be the first to actually do it and nothing and no one would stand in his way. So he drank for long hours and worked and with all his frustrations came anger and when that happened Timothy was the first to get the brute of his anger. Because of this Timothy grew dark and angry and when he got older his darker side began to take him over until one day a miracle happened.

Child

Redemption
As the thoughts of his childhood zoomed out of his head in a flash Timothy came back to reality. He was sitting in his business meeting trying to focus on one of his employees sells pitch. A part of his was high from some weed he smoked before work. Lately he has tried everything to calm his anxiety but weed is the only substance that does the trick. He was a cold dark person who would never let anyone see him with emotion. Lately something inside has began to change. He felt like someone was nudging him to be different but he could not listen. Before he could continue his thought he was interrupted.

Smoking Weed

"Ryder. Are you awake? "Do you understand the new sales plan."
"Yes. Continue on."

After that was said Timothy stepped out of the room and of the 28 story building to catch some air. It was during lunch time and the sky was a bright blue and the trees were in full bloom. He began to round corner after corner until he stepped out into this dark alley way. He started to embark down the ill-lit passageway when a peculiar man grabbed him and put a gun to his head and screamed for his money. Timothy's palms instantly got sweaty and his heart pounded intensely in his chest. His thoughts became blurry and in the spur of the moment he was shot. Timothy lay almost lifeless on the hard concrete beneath him. He was grasping for air when he started begging for his life. He begged and pleaded with any God who would listen. " God please. If I turn out ok I will change. My life will be lived in a selfless way, and I will love others and show them respect." After he said his plea he blacked out.

The next day Timothy woke up in the hospital with a bandage the size of a football on his side. The room around him was well lit and colorful with bizarre photos of different settings. For a moment he felt he was seeing things but soon realized where he was, and his first thought was how lucky he was to be alive. Soon the doctors came and went and spoke about the miracle that Timothy Rider was. Timothy felt different. He felt he had honor, courage, and commitment. He could be a better man and from that day he would be. His tombstone would no longer be empty but filled with flowers and love from left behind loved ones.

Man in Hospital Bed

Author's Note:
My story was inspired by a comic called,"Andhaka, The Dark Lord Who Saw Light." The story is about Andhakasura who was a son of Shiva. He was put up for adoption and taken in by an evil family. Later on in life he is redeemed to being a good person. My story reflects that because my character also had a bad hand at life in the beginning. He came from a greedy family. I did not go into grave detail because I wanted my story to be up for interpretation. I provided the beginning to a story that could be molded easily into something entirely new. Even though I allow my story to have more of a different ending I wanted to stay with the basis of the original story. I felt like the original story had a deeper meaning that can be reflected in today's society in a similar way. Kids around the world have a rough start but it does not mean they cant change as an adult. Andhaka had to go through fire to change into a better man. Timothy was shot in a dark alley and because of that it changed him. Sometimes in order to change people need to go through their own "fire" to be able to reach to the other side. Timothy and Andhaka went through their own trials to become the man who they became in the end. Both my story and the original present the same message, which is about how others can change. The world does not have to be set in the ways it is in. The world can be open and filled with diversity where everyone has a chance to be who they want to be and no one could tell them otherwise. My story reflects that.

References:
Andhaka, The Dark Lord Who Saw Light

Week 9 Storytelling: The Forgotten

The Lost

Nights and days began to blur as she tried to continue life without him. She remembered the last goodbye. He held her tightly in his grasp and she never wanted him to let go. The way his face glistened with tear-filled eyes broke her heart into pieces. They spent every day together. She played memories of them in her head over and over on repeat. The first night they kissed, and even the first night they realized they had fallen in love. The memories were endless and she never wanted them to fade. He had left for the United States Navy for deployment. She has not heard from him and she was given information that he was lost at sea. Kallie waited for him to call. Weeks went by and then months, yet still no call. The military police came by to break the news. "Ma'am, I am sorry to say but your husband Jamar has been lost at sea. The SEALs' ship got caught in a big undertow and pulled the ship down." Her cheeks began to swell and her eyes filled with tears. Her ears could not believe it. Jamar, her rock, her husband, her friend was gone. She wished she could fall into a deep sleep that will allow her to skip so many of these days without him.

Navy SEAL

The next couple of months dragged on even more and Kallie grew desperate on believing he would return. She noticed his best friend Mike was coming around more often at her job at the "Giggly Wig Journal,"where she was a writer and reporter. Mike and Jamar had been friends since they were kids and before the accident were inseparable. One thing that drove them into arguments was in fact Kallie. At one point Mike admitted his attraction to Kallie and Jamar became very displeased. Now Jamar is gone and Mike had a mission and Kallie knew it was her. The one problem with Mike is his handsome features. His smile lit up the room and melted women's heart. He had a defined muscular core and arms. His eyes were a deep green and his hair was dirty blonde. He was what young girls call "the dream guy." Even though Kallie knew this could be wrong she kept him at a short distance and allowed him to be her friend. Little did she know that might have been her biggest mistake.

The Betrayal

About eight months had passed since her husband Jamar went missing and Kallie was holding up a little bit better. She decided to believe he was gone. The only thing she could do was move on and hope maybe she could be wrong some day. She typically stays to herself unless Mike came around. Lately he had been fixing things in her home and helping her clean up. She lives in a big house and for her alone it would be hard to keep up. One day Mike started acting strange and Kallie could not figure out why. He would shrug her off when she asked if he needed help fixing some light bulbs. He declined the lunch she had made for him, and he did not speak very many words to her. Kallie soon realized she could not take the tension anymore, and started stomping her way toward the pools edge in her backyard where Mike was. She began yelling, "What the hell is your problem?" In a disinterested tone Mike exclaims,

" What do you mean?"

She continued, " Well, you have been ignoring me, not talking to me, and so I want to know what is your problem?"

He paused for a second and stood along the pool with a puzzled look on his face, and then he explained.

"Well, after everything I have done I figured I would at least get some action if you know what I mean."

Outraged by what he said she yelled at him and told him it would never happen. She said she still loved her beloved husband and until she knew he was truly gone she would remain loyal to him. After she screamed she stormed into the house and did not look back.

Colton Haynes

Beautiful End
After some minutes inside her big empty home she heard a noise coming from the front door. She began to walk steadily toward the door to investigate the sound. As soon as she reached the front door she noticed it was open. As she turned around she saw a figure standing in front of her. She began to cry in disbelief. It was her beloved. She ran and jumped into her arms. She knew he would come back. He brushed her hair out of her face with his manly fingers and told her how he made it off the ship before it crashed and sank. That they survived off this abandoned island in the China Sea and they ate their military rations to help keep them alive all this time. Her heart sank to the floor as she was wrapped in her man's arms. She could not believe he was here and it could never have come at a better time. Life after that point was a blur. She was happy now more than ever and she also found out she had a little boy on the way.

Lydia and Stiles

Author's Note:

My story is based off the comic book story, "She Gave Her Heart to Krishna." The story is about this little girl Mira who gave her heart to the Lord Krishna and promised to only serve him and not another Deity. When she got older she married a prince who was against her strongest belief. She was told to stop worshipping Krishna and she would not. My characters are different. Kallie is a representation of Mira yet she has a happier ending. Kallie instead loses her husband who is a Navy SEAL and she gets tempted in other ways. Mira's loyalty to Krishna is tested and she stays steadfast. Kallie in her own way stays completely loyal because she never touched another man while her husband was away. She was a good wife like Mira and stayed true. Another interesting fact is I started out with the military theme because my husband and I both met in the military. He was my " man in uniform" and I also wore the uniform. I began to think about the first time we were separated due to the military and I remembered how bummed out we were. I took my story from there adding twists and turns in the story so I could provide a more adventurous appeal. My husband is not a Navy SEAL but if he was lost at sea I know I would wait for him. My story is a reflection of how in real life we come to a point where we are tempted in some way. The way we think is questioned and things may derail what we believe in. The key to this all is to remember who you are and where you came from. The only person that will ever be strong enough to live your life is you. I wanted my story to represent that.

References:
Mirabi- She gave her heart to Lord Krishna

Week 7 Storytelling: In Sickness and In Health

The Accident
It was in the middle of the night and the phone rang loudly in Melanie's hear. She was instantly started and her heart skipped a beat. Who could this be she thought? Where am I? Rubbing her tired eyes and wiping off her face, she answered the phone. "Hello", Melanie said sleepily. On the phone was a surgeon who was about to operate on her husband do to a horrendous motorcycle. Her husband
was named Michael. Michael was a kind hearted man, whom loved Melanie deeply. The way their eyes first caught a glance of each other when they first met sent them into a spiraling of emotion. Now he was lying on a hospital bed begging for life, and begging for one more moment on the Earth with his beloved. He decided he had to own a motorcycle and that he needed to immediately go for a late night ride. The time seemed to stop around her and around him as if slow motion was turned on. Everything went silent in her head as she closed her eyes and cupped her face. She took a deep breath, put on a coat and proceeded out the door. Soon after she arrived at the hospital and was told to wait while her husband was in surgery. Instantly she went into her mind of the night they met.

Motorcycle Accident

Summer of 1975
The air was warm and the day was bright and sunny. Melanie sat in her bedroom window overlooking the beautiful bed of flowers in front of her. It was the time when Elton John was considered top 3 out of 100 on the music hit list. The time when a Ford Mustang was around 4000 and gas was 44 cents. Times were different but the way everyone lived was wild and freed. Melanie had dreams of taking on the world and finding a prince charming to sweep her off her feet. She would sit down and watch Charlie Brown with him and carry on her family's tradition. Love was catching everyone in town and she wished to be infected.

The next day she met with one of her friends Melissa, whom spoke her about a party that was happening for the Freshman class. They were both a Freshman in college at Boston University. Melanie studying nursing, and Melissa studying microbiology. They became fast friends on the first day of class a couple weeks back and have been inseparable every since. Melanie was excited there was a freshman bash tonight at one of the fraternities house and was ready for a new start to the new year. Before the party they would do their hair and get dolled up and then head their way out into the night.


1970s Photo

The Party
They both arrived about an hour after the party started and the sun went down. The stars were shining bright and hanging in the sky. The moon shed bright light that lit the whole ground beneath them. Both the girls knocked harshly against the door and waited for a reply. The music inside was banging against the fraternity's boys walls. The door swung open immediately and a storm of noise hit their ears. Melanie followed Melissa into the house and pushed and shoved through the crowd of people. She immediately felt insecure and wondered if what she wore was enough. She was poor and could not afford most the clothes that were being worn by the young girls around her. She felt out of place and decided to head out the door to the backyard to get fresh air. Right before she stepped outside she looked back at her friend flirting with a tall dark haired blue eyed handsome young man.
Melanie stood by the bushes in the background and looked up into the starry night sky in silence. She wondered if she would ever meet the right man or ever feel like she could belong in this world. She always had a feeling she was a part of something bigger and better but yet here she was, lost and lonely more than ever. Then instantaneously a dark figured appeared in the distance. The closer he got the more she was able to see his features. He had broad shoulders and a chiseled jaw. His eyes were a light blue that sparkled in the moonlight. He approached her and began to speak but her heart could only focus on how handsome his features were and how tall he was. Her heart sank and her body felt different. She knew this must be it. He spoke to her gently and nothing in the world in this moment made more sense. She did not know why he chose to approach her but for her it was love at first sight and she never wanted to let go.


Party

Present Day
The doctor emerged two hours later from surgery with positive news. Her husband has emerged from surgery and was awake and that she could visit him. She reluctantly said OK and began to approach the room where he lay. As soon as she turned the corner of the hospital walking way she came to the front of the room. She turned the knob slightly and the door opened.
All around the room was a dark somber feeling. A part of it made her want to become queasy and she felt the happiness zap from her body. She ran over to her husband body who lay limp on the bed. He turned his head slightly to look at her in the eye and used all his strength to move his hand towards hers on the bed. She insisted he save his energy and placed his hand back where it was and kept her tight grasp on him. She told him no matter what she wouldn't leave his side and could not believe she was not there. She tried to blame herself and all he could express in words were, " My darling, you have no idea how high I can fly." In that moment she knew he would not give up so easily on her or on his life. Her body began to feel at peace with his words and in this moment everything was OK.


The Notebook


Author's Note:
My short story is based off of the reading, "Nine Ideal Indian Women." I chose to base my story off of Savitri and Damayanti's story of their lovers. I wanted my story be a twist on how their stories turned out. In the story about Savitri her husband was killed and she followed death around to make sure she could have her husband back in this life. On the other hand, Damayanti's story was different. In her story her husband lost all his belongings and she had to explain to him that it does not matter because she loves him. I wanted my story to be placed in a more modern setting and instead I wanted the woman to be the one who feels love at first sight. I think every relationship is different and who says the woman cant be the first one to notice the man? I wanted to still include that he did approach her, like in the original stories. The men noticed their princess and approached her in romantic ways. In my story Michael sees her from across the room and goes to her. Than later on instead of him dying or losing his belongings I wanted to show their love lasted. They met in the 70s but their love lasted and in this accident it showed they had what it takes to make their love last through sickness and in health.





References:
Narayan's Ramayana, Nine Ideal Indian Women

Storytelling Week 6: Justice Deserved

Introduction

In a city filled with around one million bustling people lived one fortunate man named Moxin Smith, Mox for short. Mox was strong and dedicated to those around him. He was masculine and stood tall over many people. The way he walked in the room captivated those that were in his presence because of his handsome features. He also had a friend named Brady Jenkins. Brady Jenkins was younger but still strikingly handsome. Mox met him during a big brother program that allows people to sponsor a foster kid and help become a positive role model  for them. They were seven years apart and counting, but were inseparable. They both did not have a lot of money or even many loved ones but they had each other, they had their brotherhood. One day Mox and Brady came across an ancient artifact while running through the piny woods near their town. Mox was jogging swiftly through the woods when his foot caught on a hard object sticking out of the ground. At first he thought it was part of a tree that tripped him up, but it was a fine golden point that was sticking out of the ground. Brady sprinted to Mox with heavy breaths wondering what was going on. Suddenly a bright light shot from the ground and a golden egg shaped artifact sprung in the air displaying a light that blinded them. They both fell to the dirty ground unconscious and from this point on their world changed.


Golden artifact

Chapter 1: Becoming a Hero

Mox and Brady lay in the plush ground lifeless. The moon hung high in the sky surround by bright twickling stars that lit up everything that surrounded them. A loud noise startled them both awake suddenly and for a moment they forgot why and where they were. Mox gripped the ground beneath him feeling the dirt fill in between his fingers and smelling the fresh outdoor air. He sat up and looked to his side where Brady lay eyes opened staring at the sky above them. After moments of silence Mox stood up and began walking away without a word. He felt off. His body felt consumed by something he could not explain and he could not bring himself to speak. Brady followed behind him closely to make sure not to lose him.
About an hour later they arrived in Mox's apartment. It was about half past 9 and neither of them have eaten all day. He could hear his stomach growling. He began to take steps towards the kitchen and felt a rush of heat overcome him. He thought maybe it was just hot in his apartment and shrugged it off. Mox walked over to his rusted grill and placed two steaks on it about an inch and half apart for him and Brady. Instantaneously, his fingers began burning and shooting fire in all directions around him. He jolted back and almost fell from the experience. Brady promptly walks in.

"What the hell was that?"
Mox replies, " I have no idea."


Fire Hands

Brady began to feel a strange feeling inside of himself and bolts of electricity began shooting out of him and he took one look at Mox and passed out on the hardwood floor beneath him. Minutes later he was awoken him Mox hovering over him. Both unsure of what to make of their new found power, they stood up and headed toward the living room to sit down. As they were walking toward the couch to sit down Mox received a call. Brady sat waiting while Mox stepped out of the room to take the call.
About 2 minutes passed and Mox came in the room with his phone barely clinging to his hand. Mox's sister was with her boyfriend and he was threatening to do unspeakable acts to her. Mox begins speaking.
"We have to go now. My sister is in trouble and I am afraid of what will happen. I do not know why this artifact chose us but it did. So we should at least try to use this for good. We  can use this as a new beginning for us."
Brady did not have many words to say but agreed instantaneously. They walked out of the door as fast as a cheetah hunts down their prey, and left for the start of their new destiny.

Chapter 2: Hero vs. Villain
The two of them hopped in a cab and began their journey towards Maria's location, which they were able to find because they tracked her phone. About 10 minutes had passed and the taxi parked in front of an apartment complex surrounded by the slums. Every street corner had drug dealers making deals, and prostitutes begging for some time. Mox instantly felt concerned about his sister. He had no idea she was in this environment and struggling worse than he was. He wondered why she never thought to bring it up or explain to him that she needed help. His heart sank the more he thought about it. Brady interjected, " Ready to go man?" With a quick nod opened the door and walked up the apartment steps.
Mox slammed the door open and left a gaping hole where fire came fuming out of him. The apartment was dirty and old. You could see rust and mildew everywhere. He saw this estranged man forcefully handling his sister and he threw his hands up hoping the fire would shoot out of him, and it did. The fire zoomed right past the other man's head barely and hit the fridge door next to them. He suddenly let go of the grasp he had on Maria and looking mortified and started trying to run to the next bedroom to hide. Before he could get there Brady swung out his right arm, pointed at him, and shot an electric bolt that zapped him. He shook for a couple seconds and then fell immediately to the floor. Maria realizing what just happened ran to stand behind her brother for safety. All of them stood together staring at the lifeless. Brady motioned to the door for them to leave and everyone agreed. Stepping out of the apartment Mox wrapped his arm around his sister and felt a sense of relief that she was safe. Breaking the silence Maria says, " So are you guys going to tell me what that was." Both Mox and Brady looked at each other with wide eyes and laughed. Mox finally responds, " Brady should you tell her or should I?"

Electric Hand/ Fire

Author's Note:
  I wrote my story was based off of the beginning of "The Gambling Match" and then to the rest of the chapters that unfold Draupadi fate. My heroes of the story represent Shakuni and Duryodhana as they seek revenge for Draupadi. That is my first different between my story and the original. In the original they were not particularly good people but for my story I wanted them to be. Also I thought it would be a great twist to add her as being a sister so it could allow for more of a bond between my characters. So like in the original they are seeking revenge but in a more admirable way. The villain in my story, which was the estranged man represented the Pandava family as a whole. He represented dirtiness, and malice. I never gave him an actual name in my story because I wanted him to be more of a dark mysterious character. The way I described him was mostly be detailing about his surroundings. He is from the slum area of town, his apartment is dirty, and there is mildew everywhere. It shows he has a lack of respect for himself and for others, like the Pandavas. Towards the end of my story I wanted it to be a more positive end so I allowed Maria to be saved. I also noticed in the stories I have read in this class humor is not included within the writing so I decided to add some for a little flare. I got the idea of allowing my characters to receive powers because I felt it would add more depth and meaning to my story if I allowed them to have a second chance of life. Both Mox and Brady had a hard start to life and I felt they deserved a new one.


References:
N.K Narayan's Mahbharata, Link to Reading B&C
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Week 5 Storytelling: The Last Hit

He pushed her hard against the wall in their living room. They have been having screaming fights for weeks and she felt trapped. Her body trembled in the harsh grasps of his rugged hands. He tossed her around like a piece of junk.  Paul crushed every sense of self she had. His threats grew louder as the days went on and she could not break free. Sally spent nights awake with bloodshot eyes trying to shut the world around her. She came seconds to ending her own life and spent hours pondering if that would be the better choice. But in this moment in time she could not stand it. He begins yelling, "You dumb slut. You will not amount to anything". She hovered in the corner with tears crashing onto her cheeks that were swollen. He began to pace back and forth in front of her yelling threats with arms wailing at both sides. She looked up from her reddened eyes and immediately stood up. She took the lamp that stood on the nightstand that was next to the bed that she was near; Sally whacked him in the head when he got distracted. She ran out the door as he lay lifeless on the bedroom floor. Sally tripped running to the door as the tears on her face began to turn to sweat. She ran out of the house after she quickly composed herself. As she stepped outside she frantically turned her head in both directions as the street lights flicker and began to run down the street.

Domestic Violence

Sally finally stopped running after a long period of time and suddenly walked by a homeless shelter. Not knowing anywhere else to go and not wanting to return to the man who has been abusive towards her, she walked in. The place was far from glamorous. It was only made up of a few rooms. One room had rows of twin beds lined up in a row for people to come and go. The cafeteria was bleak and painted white walls filled the space. Rows of cafeteria benches stood sporadically in the room. Volunteers stood around and were walking in and out of the kitchen getting ready for the afternoon meal. The place made Sally feel like she hit rock bottom. She could not believe this is what had become of her. The pain succeeded on all accounts but she knew that she had to keep going or else hope will be lost. Then suddenly she catches a man staring at her and began to feel flushed. He had manly features and was quite handsome. He stood with broad shoulders and a chiseled jaw. His eyes were a sparkling light blue that reflected brightly under the fluorescent lights.

Homeless Shelter

Harry introduced himself as the director that runs the homeless shelter. He was smitten with her. He felt a deep connection with her and felt like he needed to protect her. She gave us this vulnerability that no other woman possessed. It revealed how feminine she is in nature and it intrigued him, likewise she felt the same about his features. There was an instant connection and within weeks they fell in love. You would never find them separated and even if they were separated by a short distance they could not keep their eye off each other. The happy ending does not end so quick because after it all Sally still was hiding from Paul and she knew he would not stop till he found her. She kept him and that past in the back of her mind. Sally could not bare Harry knowing or getting involved. She kept Harry at a distant as much as she could. She would tell him they can be together when she "gets her life together", but deep down that was far from the case.

Fight Club

Six months came and gone quickly and Sally found a job as a bartender to get by living in a  cheap studio in Bronx of New York. She still was very close to Harry and spend many moments with him, and if she was not he was steady on her mind. Harry would surprise her at work but on this particular day he decided to show up to her studio and walk her to work. As he was rounding the corner he saw an estranged man handling her roughly. He was drunk and using her to keep himself up. Harry sprang into action and beat his face in as soon as his arm was within reach. Sally fell to the ground beneath her and eyes started swelling with tears. He finally was able to see what kept her from his love. He picked her up as if she was his bride and he was taking her in their new home. He whispered sweetly in her ear, " You are safe with me. I will never let another man touch you unjustly." As the police car lights in the background began approaching closer, they still did not lose their gaze. She began smiling and kissed him passionately and the world around them grew fuzzy. Their love blinded them from all the cruelty around them.


Man holding Woman

Author's Note:
I read through the first part of the book version of R.K Narayan's, "the Mahabharata" and created my story based from that. I decided to go with a more realistic approach and incorporate domestic violence. In the story Dhrtarashtras were a family known for demonic birth and were said to be incarnations of demons. They wanted nothing to do but destroy Pandavas family. The Dhartarashtras tricked one of the brothers and took the Pandavas and even the wife Draupadi. My story is based on the ridicule they brought to them and the abuse that Draupadi endured. Sally is resembles the wife and the two other men represent the Pandavas and Dhrtarashtras. I stook with three characters representing the story because I wanted to go more in depth so my readers can follow easier.


References:
Narayan's "the Mahabharata", Link to Reading Online
Background Information about the Mahabharata

Week 4 Storytelling: The Lost Prophets

Stiles stood in the streetlight on the cement pavement and watched the cars zoom past him in the pouring rain. It was a cold somber rainy day and Stiles could not believe the heart ache he was experiencing. His muscles grew tense, and his eyes  began to swell up with tears that were hidden from the rain. He couldn't believe he lost his beloved Malia. She was holding his hand tightly with a grasp that he felt would never let go. Then in the next moment  she was taken. Stiles was involved in bad business, gun smuggling to be exact. He thought he could steal their guns and get away with it, but he did not. It was his goal to save her from his mistakes and maybe even save her from himself. Stiles began to turn around from the spot in the street he was fixated on and headed towards his apartment in the south side of town. He started down on the street path and raised his right hand for a taxi and whistled loudly. A taxi arrived shortly and he got in.

Stiles was sitting on his couch and his body was turned in a way that was able to turn his head toward the big glass window that overlooked the bustling city beneath him. He was awaiting a knock on his door from his friend Rodger who was involved with the attempt to steal the guns from the gang The Lost Prophets. Rodger was a kindred spirit to Stiles. They were one in the same. They both had good intensions in life yet ended in the wrong place at the wrong time. As soon as the thought of Rodger faded from his mind he heard a knock at his door. Stiles quickly approached the door and turned it slightly. In the hallway of the apartment building stood Rodger.


" Hey Man, Sorry I tried to come as fast as I could."
  "Its ok, come in. We need to leave soon."

Rodger went and sat on his couch and crossed his arms together waiting to hear what was to come next.  Then Stiles began speaking.


"Alright so listen up Rodger, if this is gunna work this is what we will have to do . When we go at him we can't be careless. You and Pete will be split up one of you will go to the east side of the house and the other to the west. You both need to make sure you have a clear shot of the back deck. When I signal both of you put the red dots on his chest. I will go through the front with the bag of money and then like I said just wait for my signal."


After he was done Pete had arrived and let himself in and was perched next to Rodger on the couch. Both of them eyeing Stiles and tracing his face wondering if he may be bluffing. Instead Stiles stood there silently and waiting for a response but no one could say a thing. The men after a few moments of silence stood up and head for the door in agreement of what they were about to do. Stiles went ahead to get there first to set up their scheme.

Stiles arrived 20 short minutes later at the house where he told Jessie in the gang he will pay his due. Jessie said if he gives him 1,000,000 dollars than he will right his wrongs. Stiles got the money but no one dared ask him how. Stiles slowly creeped to the door holding tightly to the brown bag of money. The door opened and a big burly man stood in the doorway. Then gun shots started
blazing off in all directions and he hovered low and started to ran. He heard his buddies in the distance blazing their guns repeatedly and in an instant everything went blurry. He had been shot twice in the mid section of his body and the pain overcame him. Malia, who finally had been set free, ran to him and started profusely crying over his body. Soon she was shot and barely grasping for life as well and their arms crossed as her body crashed further into the ground.

Malia woke up the next morning in the hospital not understanding what was going on or where she was. She awakened to flowers and get well cards. She looked to her left and Rodger was standing there. He eventually broke the silence and told her of how the battle ended and how the gang ended up with the money. That Stiles was dead. As soon as those words broke into the air her heart sank. She could not believe her one true love was gone. Nothing could compare to the agony she felt until Rodger broke her the news.

"I know you do not want to hear this Malia but he did not just die. He was an organ donor and his blood type matched what you needed and his heart was given to you. You are alive because of him."

The words hung in the air for so long she did not know how much time has passed. The love he had for her was infinite and now she will always have his heart.







Author's Note: I wrote my story based off of the stories beginning from" The Rainy Season" and the next few chapter after. My character Stiles was based off Rama, who was upset at King Sugriva. He was annoyed that he was not helping him find Sita sooner. So instead he took some of the measures into his own hand and reached out to Lakshmana to go help them start more search parties across the land. I decided to turn my story darker because of the reality of the world these days. Some times people are not so lucky that things go wrong. Stiles died but he did what he set out to do, which was to save his love. Malia (Sita) was pure in heart and because of that was saved. Stiles and his friends, who represent King Sugriva and Lakshmana, were good people but surrounded by bad environment. I wanted my characters to have depth to them. They have good heart but never had a good role model. I wanted to provoke the question of what if Rama was not a good man? What if he was filled with greed. How different would the story be.  I also would like to say I got the name for the gang, "The Lost Prophets" from my husband. He said he wants some of the rights just in case my writings ever become famous.

References:
Narayan's Ramayana, Book Link
Gun Picture
Gun Shot Picture
Talking Men Picture
Movement Picture

Week 3 Storytelling: The Beginning of Kal El

He looked out of his mansion size home at the vast desert canyons in front of him. The sun of his planet pierced the ground and reflected off high rises as a glowing red beam that splintered off in all directions. Today was the day Kal El would become ruler over his planet and his father would pass the throne down to him. His father Jor El was becoming very old. His hair was thinning, his breathing was getting heavier with every step, and his limbs could only take him half as far than before. Jor El reigned for many years of the great planet of Krypton but now it was time to turn in the towel, so to speak.

mansion

Suddenly Kal El heard a CLICK... CLICK outside of bedroom door. He walked hurriedly away from the glass window overlooking the city and opened the door. As soon as he turned the knob to open a flying robot swirled and dived around his head until it made it to the center of the room and quickly deescalated to a stop. After a moment of silence within the room the robot spoke, “Kal El King Jor El is ready to begin your final review now.” As soon as the robot was done he flew through the open door and vanished.  He stood for a moment within the room looking around at what lie in front of him. He house was painted different shades of blue and red and the furniture was handcrafted wooden pieces that stood in elegance bringing an earthy feeling within the home. Kal El continued to survey his environment because he knew very soon his life was about to change but he did not realize how much.

 He showed up about ten minutes early to his final review. Could he be fit for this planet as a rightful king, or is his fate filled with more sorrow than that? He kept pondering. He knew with being king he would possess powers unlike any he has every experienced and deep down Kal felt like he could take on it all. Instantanously, the door from which he was sitting outside waiting opened. His father Jor El came out to great him. Jor El looked pleased and excited to see his son through warm gray eyes. “Oh, my dear boy. How long have you been waiting here? Please come in. I have some very unique news for you.” Before Kal could answered he was rushed into a big room with windows on all sides. If the glass was not so visble then it could almost feel like one was walking in the clouds. Before him were a panel of high ranking officials within the planet’s kingdoms. Anyone from the assistant to the king or the assistant to the assistants were there. Kal stood with his arms down at his side trying to monitor his posture. Jor El quickly begins to tell Kal there has been a change of plans. Kal El shall be sent to earth to help rule and save the people within it. His cousin Kara Zor El will take the thrown as the ruler and instead of Kal El he will be called Superman.

Superman

Author's Note:

The story I based mine off of was Narayan's Ramayna from the chapter called," Two Promises Revived." There was a man named Dasaratha, who is a king. He is ready to give up his thrown and wants his son to be next in line. I got the idea of the father and son dynamic from this part but I decided to use Superman and his father instead to make my story more interesting. Then something in the story immediately changes and Rama does not become ruler but instead lets himself get exiled, while someone else by the named of Bharatha. I changed my story to be more happy. I decided to let superman become who we know him as through being exiled. So in a way he was taken away from his planet but it was because he was destined for more than the planet he is from. The situation is overall happier. I also selected the pictures I did from google because I wanted my readers to have a better visual of what to imagine what is happening within the story.

Bibliography

Narayan's Ramayana. " Two Promises Revived". Link

Week 2 Storytelling: The Bride and Her Prince

 She stepped out onto her hotel balcony and looked into the distance. She could see snow capped mountains and frozen trees that stood planted along the streets winding up to the mountains. Amelia was overwhelmed by the stillness of the she felt in her heart. The wind moved wistfully  across her rosy red cheeks as they were beginning to get stiff from the rigid air.  Her wedding day was tomorrow and she could believe it came so fast. His name is Edward. Edward is this wealthy businessman who is humble and kind. He won her parents hearts instantly and hers soon after. They met through a mutual friend after her heart was broken. She remembers the day like it was yesterday. She was rolled up in a bowl on her king size bed and tears rolled continues down her cheek. If not him then who?. Her relationship to him was passionate. They fought practically all the time and loved just as fiercely. The night they met was magic for him and it didn't take her long to take a liking to him. He was tall with dirty blonde hair and sweet brown eyes. Women stopped to stare and men wished they could be him. He was a catch. The moment he first saw her he knew that he was done with searching. His life finally began. Amelia instantly felt like he was a snob. She thought his good looks would make him uptight and mean. He seemed pompous and that's what her judgment was going to be. He soon proved her wrong of course and fell deeply for him. It wasn't his persistence on wanting to get to know her or the way he would stare at her when he was on the other side of the room. She believes to this day it was the way he stood tall through everything he has been through. She admired him. Edward was unlike that. He grew up with wealth and is still considerably wealthy so hard work was never taught. He can captivate a room with his grace and looks but when it came down to experience real life issues he fell short. Somehow she wished he would be able to understand and relate to her.


The day came and went with a quick blink of an eye. Today is the wedding day and Amelia was putting on her dress for the first time with her made of honor Alice attending to her. She zipped up her dress and fluffed it out while Amelia was trying to stay tightly put. Her heart was pounding and her eyes were watering. "Could is be my everything? Maybe there has to be more." She kept repeating to herself. Then the time came with the church bells ringing and she walked with her white satin ball gown. Amelia's hair was curled and clipped halfway up with a flower clip. This was the big moment. She walked down the
multicolored stone floor toward the churches alter.  There he was with his solid baby blue eyes and dark brown hair. She felt like a model walking in her gown and looked into the many faces that arrived to see the big day. They sat in white chairs on both sides with lights streaming above them. She walked steadily toward him and then came to a stop. She let go of her father's arm and  stood in front of her soon to be husband. She smiled at him under her veil and a smirk appeared on his face.
Suddenly the door of the churches flew open. A lanky man with sweet brown eyes and dirty blonde hair came running in. He screamed, " I OBJECT." The crowd turned and stared blankly not knowing what to make of the scene. Amelia broke down. She cried out, " Allen is that you really you?" This was the man that made her heart skip a beat. The man that crushed her heart when they ended. The man she lay awake at night wondering if it is a dream or reality. She kissed him passionately in the middle of the aisle. She knew now he was it. The fighting they did and the craziness that comes with being together is all worth. Waking up next to him will always be worth it.



Author's Note:
I rewrote the wedding scene within the book, Narayan's Ramayana. The two lovers were destined to be together in this story. Rama just needed to prove he is worthy of Sita the princess.  He had to use a bow to show that he is worthy and even though when their eyes met they knew it was love he had to jump through some obstacles. Instead I made my characters normal people but instead the obstacle was that he had to stop the wedding showing he is the man that deserves her heart. I used the pictures that I did because when I think of a couple on television that fought a lot it was the notebook. I chose the wedding photo because I somehow found one of a couple in the mountains.

The Notebook
Wedding Photo