Tag: fiction

Kingdom of the Trees – Abstract

lazaruscarpenterauthor

Once upon a time, deep within a Kingdom of Trees, the Queen watched her daughter, the Princess, playing in the castle garden.  A warm sun shone across the princess’s golden hair, causing it to glisten and casting beams of sunlight into the shadows. The Princess was around nine years old now, and for her entire short life, she had grown up watching her mother, the Queen, rule the Kingdom of Trees wisely, kindly, and with good humour. She had known nothing but love from her mother, the Queen. After all, there had never been a King of the Kingdom of Trees. The Princess had never known a King. 

Every day, the Queen taught the Princess everything she knew, knowing that one day, the little Princess would grow into a queen herself. So, like all little princesses, especially those of such a young age, she had many difficulties understanding some of the things that went on in the castle. She played with a diablo while the Queen looked on, blinking in the bright sunlight.  The Princess tossed the spinning top and jumped high to catch it.  Her mother thought as she watched, it seemed the Princess had grown up but she knew she was really still a little girl.  The little Princess often pretended to be a queen, and everybody laughed at her jokes and antics; even the Queen smiled.

But the Kingdom of Trees made many demands upon the Queen, and the little Princess did not know or even understand this as she was far too young.  The biggest problem the Queen experienced was the loneliness she felt. She often wondered what it may be like to rule the Kingdom of Trees with a king when the Princess was fast asleep in her bed.  There had been several suitors from the neighbouring kingdoms for the Queen’s hand in previous years; however, the Queen had always said “No”.  She had always said ‘she had no time for such nonsense as she had a daughter to raise and a Kingdom to rule’.  But that was then, and this is now.

As the Queen watched the Princess replace the Diablo with a hula hoop, she thought she and the Princess did everything together.  The Princess laughed as the hoop spun up and down her body, faster and faster it went.  For a long time now, the Queen had very little time to herself, assisting other families, taking holidays with the Princess, seeing to affairs of state relating to the Kingdom of Trees, and the Princess took a part in everything.  But the time was approaching when they would need to do things separately and perhaps even spend time apart. The Queen appreciated the Princess knew this; she also knew that she was worried about it as well.  But they had not really talked about it, although there had been times when they discussed such things, and the little Princess had shown she was very upset at the mere idea.  The Queen knew this because although the Princess didn’t say much, she did have a habit of licking her bottom lip when she was worried.

The Queen had decided whilst watching the Princess hula hooping, to visit Professor Knowitallicus the Wizard.  He was a wise old man and would know what should be done. But she wondered if she should take the Princess with her.  She decided she would and they would both go after lunch.  The Queen sent a messenger to Knowitallicus to let him know to expect a Royal visit that very day.

Harold – the man who was always late!

lazaruscarpenterauthor

Once upon a time, in a quaint little town, there lived a man named Harold who had a peculiar talent for being late. No matter the occasion—birthdays, weddings, or important meetings—Harold always seemed to arrive just after the moment had passed. Friends and family often joked that he was on a different schedule, one that ticked a little slower than everyone else’s. As a child, Harold’s tardiness was endearing. His parents would chuckle as he stumbled into the classroom, breathless and flushed, always missing the morning bell by a few minutes. In his teenage years, he was perpetually late for dates, leaving girls waiting with a mix of exasperation and amusement. “Better late than never,” he would say with a sheepish grin, and somehow, they never held it against him for long.

As an adult, Harold’s reputation only grew. He missed job interviews and deadlines, and his friends learned to adjust their plans around him. “Let’s just tell Harold an hour earlier,” they would whisper, a strategy that often backfired when he still managed to arrive late. Yet, despite the frustration he caused, his charm and good-natured spirit kept him surrounded by loved ones. One day, Harold received news that he had a serious illness. Determined to live life to the fullest, he decided to throw a party to celebrate his life. He meticulously planned every detail, inviting everyone he had ever known. But, true to form, he miscalculated the time it would take to prepare. The party was supposed to start at 4 PM, but he arrived at 5:30, just as the last guests were leaving.

“Harold, we were just about to leave!” they exclaimed, laughing at the irony.

But Harold, ever the optimist, simply shrugged and said,

“Well, at least I made it for the cake!”

And they all stayed a little longer, sharing stories and laughter, grateful for the time they had. Months passed, and Harold’s condition worsened. He was in and out of the hospital, but even there, he was late for his own treatments. The nurses would chuckle, “We’ve got to set an alarm for you, Harold!” He would laugh along, making friends with everyone he met, turning each medical appointment into a lighthearted gathering. Finally, the day came when Harold’s time came to an end. He passed away quietly, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and love. When the day of his funeral arrived, friends and family gathered in the church, reminiscing about their favourite Harold stories. But true to form, Harold was late even for this final event. As the clock ticked on, people began to murmur. Just then, the church doors swung open with a loud creak, and Harold, or rather, his spirit, walked in. He floated in, grinning widely as if he had just walked in from a party.

“Sorry I’m late!” he shouted, and laughter erupted in the sombre room.

At that moment, everyone understood that Harold had never indeed been late. He had always arrived just when he was meant to, filling every moment with joy, love, and laughter. And so, they celebrated his life and the wonderful chaos he brought into theirs, proving that sometimes, being late is the best way to make a grand entrance.

Image by http://www.gillsplace.com

Lily and Jack

lazaruscarpenterauthor

Once upon a time, in a small, sunlit town, two cradles sat in a cosy nursery. Inside one cradle lay a girl named Lily, with bright blue eyes and curly hair. In the other, a boy named Jack cooed with a shock of dark hair and a mischievous grin as he reached out to touch the world around him. Their parents were close friends, and from the very beginning, their lives were intertwined. As infants, Lily and Jack shared playdates filled with giggles and laughter. Their families often found them reaching for each other’s toys, their tiny hands clasped together. As they grew, their bond deepened; they learned to walk, talk, and explore the world side by side. They built forts in the backyard, rode bicycles down the lane, and spent countless summer afternoons chasing fireflies.

Through childhood and adolescence, they faced the ups and downs of life together. They were each other’s confidants, sharing dreams and fears. Jack would make Lily laugh when she felt shy, and Lily would calm Jack’s wild spirit when he needed peace. They danced through school dances, cheered each other during sports, and supported one another through heartbreaks. As they entered adulthood, their friendship blossomed into love. After many adventures, Jack finally asked Lily to marry him on a starlit night beneath the old oak tree where they had spent many evenings dreaming of the future. With tears of joy, she said yes, and they celebrated their union surrounded by friends and family. Their marriage was a beautiful journey that spanned 70 years. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments. They travelled the world, explored new cultures, and created a home that was always warm and inviting. They welcomed children and later grandchildren, filling their lives with even more joy and love.

As the years passed, Lily and Jack grew old, their hands still intertwined as they reminisced about their shared history. They often laughed about their adventures as children, recalling the mischief they had caused and the dreams they once had. Their love had weathered storms and celebrated triumphs, each moment adding to the tapestry of their lives. On their 90th anniversary of friendship, they threw a grand celebration, inviting everyone who had been part of their journey. Friends and family gathered to share stories, laughter, and tears, honouring the extraordinary bond that had started in that nursery many years ago.

As they stood together, surrounded by loved ones, Jack took Lily’s hand, looking into her eyes with the same love he had felt since they were infants.

“You’ve been my best friend and greatest adventure,” he said softly.

Lily smiled, her heart full.

“And you’ve been my home,” she replied.

In that moment, they knew that their incredible journey—one that began in cradles and flourished over decades—was a testament to the power of love and friendship. As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the gathering, they felt deeply grateful for every moment they shared, knowing their hearts would remain intertwined for all eternity. 

Benny the Donkey

lazaruscarpenterauthor

Once upon a time, in a lush, green forest, there lived a little donkey named Benny. One day, while exploring the woods, Benny wandered too far from home and soon found himself lost among the towering trees. The sunlight flickered through the leaves, and Benny felt a twinge of fear as he realized he didn’t know the way back. As he wandered, Benny stumbled upon a small clearing filled with twinkling lights and laughter. Curiosity sparked within him, and he approached cautiously. To his amazement, he discovered a group of cheerful elves busily preparing for the holiday season. They were wrapping presents, decorating trees, and singing jolly tunes. The elves spotted Benny and immediately rushed over, their eyes sparkling with delight.

“A lost donkey! How wonderful!” exclaimed one of the elves named Tinsel. “You must come with us to Santa’s grotto!”

Benny, feeling a mix of excitement and relief, followed the elves through the forest. They led him to a magical place filled with shimmering snowflakes and the sweet scent of pine. Santa’s grotto was a cosy haven, bustling with activity. Benny was welcomed with open arms and given a warm, fluffy blanket to snuggle in. As the days passed, Benny found a new home among the elves and quickly made friends with the reindeer. There was Dasher, the fastest; Dancer, the most graceful; and Blitzen, who loved to play tricks. Benny and the reindeer grew inseparable, spending their days playing games in the snow and sharing stories under the stars. One chilly evening, as Christmas approached, Santa called upon Benny.

“Would you help us deliver the presents this year?” he asked with a twinkle in his eye.

Benny’s heart swelled with joy. He had never felt so needed. On Christmas Eve, Benny teamed up with the elves and reindeer to load the sleigh with brightly wrapped gifts. He felt proud as he carried the heavier packages, his strong little legs working alongside the swift reindeer. Together, they soared through the night sky, delivering joy to children all around the world.

When the night was over, Benny returned to the grotto, his heart full. He had found not just a home but a family. Every year after, he became an essential part of Santa’s team, spreading cheer and magic, proving that sometimes, getting lost can lead to the most beautiful adventures. And so, Benny the Donkey lived happily ever after, embraced by the warmth of friendship and the spirit of Christmas. 

Image by AI

The Rope

lazaruscarpenterauthor

On a frigid day near the summit of K2, four climbers—Anna, Marco, Sarah, and Tom—were making their ascent up a perilous icy wall. The air was thin, and the biting wind howled around them, but their spirits were high. They had trained for months and were determined to conquer the mountain. As they neared a treacherous overhang, Anna, the most experienced of the group, led the way. Suddenly, her foot slipped on a patch of ice, sending her tumbling backwards. In a split second, her fall yanked on the ropes, pulling Marco and Sarah off balance. They all dangled precariously, suspended in the deadly expanse between the rock face and the abyss below. Panic erupted as Tom, the last climber, struggled to maintain his grip. He could feel the strain on the ropes intensifying, threatening to snap under the weight of three climbers. They had trained for moments like this, but nothing could prepare them for the gut-wrenching decision they now faced.

“Tom! You have to cut the rope!” Marco shouted, his voice strained. “It’s the only way to save yourself!”

“No!” Anna cried, her voice filled with desperation. “There must be another way! We can hold on!”

But they all knew the truth. The ropes were fraying, and the longer they stayed suspended, the less chance anyone would survive. Tom’s heart raced. He looked at each of his friends, seeing the fear and determination in their eyes.

“We can’t all make it!” Sarah shouted, tears streaming down her face. “You have to choose!”

The weight of the decision crushed Tom. He felt the cold metal of the knife in his hand, heavy with the burden of choice. He looked at Anna, who had always been his mentor and friend. Then at Marco, whose laughter echoed in his memories, and finally at Sarah, whose dreams of reaching the summit were so close yet now so distant.

“Please, Tom!” Marco urged. “Save yourself!”

At that moment, Tom realized their bonds were deeper than the ropes that bound them. He took a breath, fighting back tears.

“I can’t do it,” he said, trembling. “I can’t choose.”

But the mountain was unforgiving. With the rope straining and their dire situation growing, Tom knew he had to act.

“I’ll cut the rope,” he said finally, his voice resolute yet sorrowful.

He reached for Anna’s rope first, knowing she had the best chance of making it to safety.

“Tom, no!” Anna screamed, but he pressed on, his heart breaking as he made the cut.

With a final cry, the rope fell away, and Anna disappeared from view. In a moment of silence, the remaining three felt the weight lift. Tom had chosen to save the two who remained. He secured the remaining rope and pulled Marco and Sarah up to safety, his heart heavy with grief. As they reached the summit, the wind howled in mourning. Tom looked out over the vast expanse, the beauty of the world below overshadowed by the loss of his friend. They had conquered K2, but at a cost that would haunt him forever. In the years that followed, Tom would climb again, but he would always carry the memory of that day—the day he had to choose life and let go, a choice that would forever define him.