The Red Spark
DH Steppler
Copyright © 2012 DH Steppler
All characters appearing in this story are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental.
With that said, yes, the characters in this story are fictional; though I have taken a few liberties in borrowing names and certain personality traits from my own loved ones in creating these characters. The names were used because the name fit the character.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior consent of the publisher.
The Publisher makes no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Neither the publisher nor author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any commercial damages.
2012-10-06
Dedication
For Ollie, Kevin, and Margaret
Acknowledgments
My daughter, my sweet Margaret I thank you for showing me grace beyond belief and patiently giving me space to work. I’m proud to be your mother; your belief in me is motivating. I am also deeply appreciative of the expertise of my brother Fred Becker who wrote ‘Tiny Little Soul Makers’. Freddy’s head is full of a wealth of inspiring ideas and the riches gained from knowing him are continually replenishing. I thank my son Kevin for always encouraging me even when he held his tongue. The smile of surprise over something he read in my story will always be treasured. Kevin, in addition thank you for our long, meaningful discussions. To my family of friends whose interest and encouragement on a day to day basis wrapped me in good wishes I say ‘back at ya’. - D.H. Steppler
An Unknown Danger
That red spark was an enticement and a daring invitation to the unknown but thinking that you have enough knowledge about something doesn’t make it so, at least not in my case.
There were so many other decisions that should have been considered before I made that leap. One of those considerations should have been for my own safety.
Sitting in the garden breathing the premium air produced by my loving growing friends and feeling the warmth of the morning sun on my body, I was reckless even though there was peace all around. That very peace was the impetus of my recklessness.
Things I should have questioned were about my location for that adventure. I knew better than to jump the particles in a location were I was vulnerable to the elements. Experimenting was my secret passion and most of the time I was methodical about the process of any experiment. Being the person that I am, my natural unawareness became a great detriment.
Looking at the ring on my left pinkie finger, Ricky was her name, I saw the invitation she sent from the minute particles that danced, first all around Ricky and then grew to surround me. I’d planned to ignore her but she sent her big guns and enticed me with a beautiful red spark.
For quite sometime I’d wanted to take that adventure and learn what the red spark meant and go wherever Ricky beckoned me to go. I’d ridden her particles out into the universe many, many times and found the action to be rewarding. Taking the scents and flavors found within the dancing particles to currents out into the universe enabled me to reach Michael when we were not able to connect with one another physically. Ricky’s particles were my ride.
Both Michael and I had taken the trip many times together and met up on the current of our combined flavors to connect on a level beyond what seemed humanly possible. Our union within that current was complete, creating the most perfect and absolute wholeness, taking the two of us as one halves and making us one whole. We were always bolstered by the connection while together on that current. We counted on that completeness to hold the pain of separation at bay until we could be together and actually connect physically to assuage our need for each other. When the time was right, Ricky and her particles brought us back to our bodies to awake carrying that glorious joining into our conscious lives, making each and every trip a valuable and rich experience.
With that history going for me I assumed that there was no danger. No, that’s not fair to say; I have to admit that danger was not even a consideration.
I focused and made the leap. My only thought was to give Ricky the lead and allow her to take me where she wanted me to go. The redness was all about me along with a turbulent wind and a frightening feel of chaos. All of the spinning seemed unnecessary and disorienting but that didn’t last long. Eventually I found myself observing the happenings aboard the cruise ship where Michael and I met.
It was that first day and the night of the terrible storm that seemed to only affect the two of us. I didn’t, at first, understand what I was seeing and hearing – not unlike me to take longer to catch on to things than most but eventually I got it.
I was standing in the dark drinking my scotch and offering it to the intruder who was also trapped out of his cabin when from upon that red current, I saw the great wind that knocked the scotch out of my hand and sent me flying into the sliding glass door. At the same time the wind hit the intruder and sent him into the window with great force. For a fleeting second I was sure that I was not the target of that ball of wind that I’d some how gotten in the way of its true target, the intruder.
The intruder was Michael. Just like me he had been trapped out of his cabin and came to my cabin by way of the patio adjoining door to see if my door was locked as well.
When I awoke, there was an oxygen mask over my face and I was on a stretcher in the garden. Charlie was standing next to the stretcher with a look of fear in his eyes. His hand was holding mine and I could hear him talking to the paramedic.
“I found her slumped over the table. She was breathing but I couldn’t rouse her.”
“Her blood pressure is fine. Oh, there she’s coming round.”
I heard the paramedic say.
When I tried to sit up, I found that my body didn’t obey my commands. Where was the calm and rejuvenating effect that was always evident after a ride into the universe? Charlie was kissing my forehead and I felt like crying. He pulled ever so slightly on my hand and I came to a sitting position and breathed deeply hoping for my strength to return.
The worry in his eyes made me smile at him to assure him that I was ok. That smile and the fact that I wrapped my arms around him and buried my face in his chest gave us both the relief that we needed and released us from the gripping fear.
Eventually Charlie carried me into the house and put me on my bed.
“Stay right there. I’m going to fix some soup and I’ll be right back.”
Tut, my Baby Blue Amazon parrot, came screeching into my room.
“Helen, squawk, Helen, I love you Helen.”
I followed with my usual response.
“Hey,
