eBooks „conversation“
188 eBooks were found for the search term „conversation“.
Jones M
The Crystal
Book One
- Fantasy
- English
- 126570 Words
- Ages 16 and up
- 1380
- 6
...five people entered the Starbucks cafe. I visibly frowned.
They all wore black hoodies and black sunglasses, earning themselves looks of suspicion from me.
"Who do you think they could be?" Rachel asked, and I shrugged in reply.
"I don't know, but I think they may be murderers."
"Who do you think they are?" Selena asked, butting in on our conversation.
"We don't know," Rachel answered, "but what I know is that they look slightly creepy."
"Do you think they're people hiding from the government?" I asked. Selena's eyes widened as another thought escaped her lips.
"Or is it... Ordinary Brothers?" I tensed at the boy band's name. I looked at the five people who sat at a table, waiting for service from any of us.
"Please," replied Rachel with a snort. "I doubt they would dare come out in the open. On the pictures posted online, they always travel with bodyguards."
My eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"They need protection from crazy fangirls like this one," she said while pointing a finger at Selena.
"Hey!" she pouted.
"I'll just deal with this. I don't want Geoffrey to hear of this and scream at us for not doing our jobs," I said as I headed towards the group of five suspicious people seating at a far seat in the cafe.
The first thing I noticed when I was going to them was that they all tensed. I shrugged off the reaction, thinking it was no big deal. Selena's first guess was starting to make a lot more sense.
"Hello. What can I get you guys?" I asked. There was no way that I would give out my name to strangers who were giving me a bad vibe.
"Emery?" one of them asked. Another nudged the one who spoke. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"How do you know my name?" I asked. None of the five people answered. I decided to shrug it off, believing that I wouldn't like the answer.
"So what would you have?" I asked. The same one who said my name gave me their orders. As I went to the station and had their orders prepared, I couldn't help but think that I knew them. I had just gotten the orders placed on my tray when Selena's phone rang.
♪ Baby, you light up my world like nobody else...♪
My breath caught in my chest.
"I'll get that," she said as she took her phone and headed into the kitchen.
I felt as if I was frozen in time. My eyes were widened in shock, and I had no idea of what to do.
That voice... it was the same voice...
Everything began to click. The five suspicious people who entered the cafe, the fact that they wore hoodies and dark sunglasses, and how one of them knew my name.
It was my damn bullies!
[more]
Keywords: fantasy, bully, magic, tour, band, youngadult, mature, violence, mean, music
For Free
OLUSEGUN FESTUS REMILEKUN
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS TO COMMAND THE WEEK
21 POWER PACKED DECLARATIONS TO TAKE CHARGED OF THE WEEK
- Religion
- English
- 35457 Words
- No Age Recommendation
- 171
INTRODUCTION
‘’As for me, I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Evening, morning and noon, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice. He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.’’ Psalm 55:16-18.
Praying prophetically by the power of declarations is the best way to take charge of your day, week, month and the year. Every great man has a secret and that secret is called the key. The key is a very small instrument with extraordinary power and influence, the one who has the key to the car controls the speed of the car. The key to your blessing is your mouth.
The word of God once declared in faith can frame your world and it becomes a world of power, wealth, favor and success. There is a lot of power in your tongue. Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21). The miracles are in your mouth; so, declare God’s word consistently and on daily basis too.
Praying prophetically by the power of declaration, in the morning, afternoon and night is a top secret to win the battles of each day and accomplished your vision, mission, goals, and assignments for the day and the week.
Prophetic declarations are bold and clear. They are not suggestions neither are they confessions. Kings are those who make decrees and declarations because they rule. You are a king (Revelations 5:10). So declare and release the power for the miraculous in your life, every morning, afternoon and evening before you sleep and you will have ceaseless victory, breakthroughs, and blessing on a daily basis.
“Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, what doest thou?” Ecclesiastes 8:4
Shout it loud, prophesy it, announce it, demand it, decree it, declare it, because you are a king, and the Almighty God will back you up!
Now, you have an instrument in your hands to live with, you have no excuse for a failure again. I know some lives issues will not yield to pampering nor bother about secret weeping; rather they listen to heartfelt prayer with an open declaration.
The prophetic declaration prayers in this book, have been divided into three segments on daily basis; morning, afternoon and night for your daily victories and breakthroughs.
This is a must book for every believer. Get your copy now! This is your season of victory and favor, in Jesus powerful name! Amen!!
Please note that for these prayers to work for you, the following procedures have to be put in place:
You must be genuinely born again.
You must walk in Holiness.
Be an exemplary believer in love, word, action, and conversation as well as in purity (1Tim 4:12).
Do not defile your body. For, it is the temple of God.
You must be a faithful tither and cheerful giver.
Remain blessed, in Jesus Name. Amen!
[more]
Keywords: DELIVERANCE, BREAKTHROUGH, Morning prayer, Afternoon Prayer, Evening Prayer, Night prayer, Breakthrough Prayer
$3.99
JJ Pengilly
Blinkered
Tale of a Monkey on a Stick
- Fiction
- English
- 78341 Words
- Ages 16 and up
- 296
- 1
Horse racing is the Sport of Kings, but also the historical workplace of the underclass. Jockeys may inhabit both worlds and can rise, if talented and lucky, from pauper to feted royalty. Duncan Pengilly is at the peak of his powers and anointed at the top of his profession - a prince in silks. Following a fall Duncan now finds his murky past inhabiting the safe and confident place of his present. He fears for his safety - his sanity and his future - after he suffers a series of visions or hallucinations that render sitting atop a thoroughbred at full speed even more fraught with danger than it otherwise might be. At the same time his personal relationships also face the same prospects of imminent fracture. Risk and reflex are stock in trade for any successful jockey and Duncan responds to the threat by undertaking a reckless quest to find the source; to find a cure. In doing so he will be forced to confront his past in kaleidoscopic episodes and painful detail. Memories and dreams, imagination and truth. Blinkered offers a journey of discovery through the quagmire of the stable yard and glory of the racetrack, with observations and insight seen through both binoculars and Through the Looking-Glass. "Thomas Mann sat on a sumptuous black leather armchair on the business side of the desk. The only device or aid atop his desk was a cream telephone. Duncan sat uncomfortably on a chair of more humble expectations; a rigid frame perched upon a rigid frame. Duncan’s eyes darted about the room. It was sparsely decorated; a certificate of accreditation framed and set conspicuously on the wall behind the desk; a framed photograph of Mr Mann shaking hands with an unsmiling ex-Prime Minister (most widely remembered not for policy but for the manner in which he was to gain power) hung at an angle on the wall to the right. Duncan had expected a better show, piles of slow burnt ash and ample displays of flash-trash, objet d’tective: a gun, warm, though not still smoking, courtesy of Messers Smith and Wesson; knuckledusters, spotted with blood and tarnished with wear and abuse; handcuffs on the desk to be jingled and jangled at flat spots in the conversation; and there would be mug shots of criminals most vile, poor haircuts, bent and broken noses and distinguishing tattoos; a coffee crusted mug and food scraps, potato chips and various fluorescent colours of pizza toppings would brighten the desktop and floor; and where were the pornographic photographs, open files and fingerprint kits, the magnifying glass, the fucking detective stuff!? Duncan sat disillusioned and disappointed. A waste of time, he thought, preparing some excuse to leave before further embarrassing himself." [more]
Keywords: horseracing, jockeys, literature, horses
$0.99
Samuel Butler
The Way of All Flesh
- Fiction
- English
- 162010 Words
- Ages 12 and up
- 308
- 2
The Way of All Flesh is a semi-autobiographical novel by Samuel Butler that attacks Victorian-era hypocrisy. In 1998, the Modern Library ranked The Way of All Flesh twelfth on its list of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century.
The story is narrated by Overton, godfather to the central character. The novel takes its beginnings in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries to trace Ernest's emergence from previous generations of the Pontifex family. John Pontifex was a carpenter; his son George rises in the world to become a publisher; George's son Theobald, pressed by his father to become a minister, is manipulated into marrying Christina, the daughter of a clergyman; the main character Ernest Pontifex is the eldest son of Theobald and Christina.
The author depicts an antagonistic relationship between Ernest and his hypocritical and domineering parents. His aunt Alethea is aware of this relationship, but dies before she can fulfill her aim of counteracting the parents' malign influence on the boy. However, shortly before her death she secretly passes a small fortune into Overton's keeping, with the agreement that once Ernest is twenty-eight, he can receive it.
As Ernest develops into a young man, he travels a bumpy theological road, reflecting the divisions and controversies in the Church of England in the Victorian era. Easily influenced by others at university, he starts out as an Evangelical Christian, and soon becomes a clergyman. He then falls for the lures of the High Church (and is duped out of much of his own money by a fellow clergyman). He decides that the way to regenerate the Church of England is to live among the poor, but the results are, first, that his faith in the integrity of the Bible is severely damaged by a conversation with one of the poor he was hoping to redeem, and, second, that under the pressures of poverty and theological doubt, he attempts a sexual assault on a woman he had incorrectly believed to be of loose morals. This assault leads to a prison term. His parents disown him. His health deteriorates.
As he recovers he learns how to tailor and decides to make this his profession once out of prison. He loses his Christian faith. He marries Ellen, a former housemaid of his parents, and they have two children and set up shop together in the second-hand clothing industry. However, in due course he discovers that Ellen is both a bigamist and an alcoholic. Overton at this point intervenes and pays Ellen a stipend, and she happily leaves with another for America. He gives Ernest a job, and takes him on a trip to Continental Europe. In due course Ernest becomes 28, and receives his aunt Alethea's gift. He returns to the family home until his parents die: his father's influence over him wanes as Theobald's own position as a clergyman is reduced in stature, though to the end Theobald finds small ways purposefully to annoy him. Ernest becomes an author of controversial literature. [more]
Keywords: the way of all flesh, samuel butler, classic english literature, satire, psychological fiction, epic drama, biographical
$2.99
Andreas Wenth
ChatGPT - Parle-moi!
Ton guide pour une communication réussie avec ChatGPT avec 400 exemples d’invites
- Fiction
- French
- Words
- No Age Recommendation
"ChatGPT - Parle-moi! Ton guide pour une communication réussie avec ChatGPT avec 400 exemples d’invites" de Andreas Wenth est un guide complet pour découvrir le monde de la génération de la parole basée sur l'intelligence artificielle. Le livre propose des conseils pratiques pour utiliser efficacement Chat-GPT dans divers domaines, allant de la prise en charge des clients à l'éducation et au divertissement. Il aborde également des aspects importants tels que la protection de la vie privée et l'utilisation responsable de Chat-GPT.
Le potentiel de Chat-GPT est illimité. Il peut nous aider à révolutionner la manière dont nous communiquons et à augmenter l'efficacité de nos interactions." - Andreas Wenth
Sommaire:
Introduction à Chat-GPT et ses applications
Conseils pour créer des prompts
Exemples de bons et de mauvais prompts
Scénarios et méthodes de test
Domaines d'application de Chat-GPT, notamment les affaires, l'éducation, la santé, le développement personnel, les relations, la productivité, la musique, l'art et la créativité, ainsi que la programmation
Utilisation responsable de Chat-GPT dans la société
A propos de l'auteur: Andreas Wenth est un expert en matière de communication digitale et enseigne en tant que professeur universitaire et formateur en entreprise. Il est également propriétaire de l'agence de communication primée clicksgefuehle.at depuis 25 ans.
En lisant "Parlez avec moi ! Votre guide pour une communication réussie avec Chat-GPT", vous découvrirez également des exemples concrets de prompts pour différents domaines d'utilisation de Chat-GPT. Les prompts sont des phrases ou des questions qui servent de base pour lancer une conversation avec un modèle de langage comme Chat-GPT.
Dans ce livre, vous trouverez des prompts pour améliorer votre communication professionnelle, développer votre personnalité, résoudre des problèmes relationnels, augmenter votre productivité, explorer votre créativité musicale et artistique, et même apprendre la programmation. Les prompts proposés dans ce livre vous aideront à mieux comprendre comment utiliser Chat-GPT de manière efficace et à en tirer le meilleur parti.
En suivant les conseils et les exemples présentés dans ce livre, vous serez en mesure de communiquer de manière plus efficace, de résoudre des problèmes plus rapidement et de prendre des décisions plus judicieuses. Vous serez également en mesure de découvrir de nouvelles opportunités pour utiliser Chat-GPT dans votre vie professionnelle et personnelle.
La technologie de l'intelligence artificielle (IA) a révolutionné de nombreux domaines, de la santé à la finance en passant par la recherche scientifique. L'utilisation de l'IA dans la communication est également de plus en plus répandue, et c'est là que réside l'importance de ChatGPT.
ChatGPT permet une communication plus rapide et précise, en offrant des réponses automatisées à des questions fréquentes. Cela permet de libérer du temps pour les employés et d'améliorer le service client. En outre, ChatGPT permet également de détecter les tendances dans les données de communication, ce qui peut aider les entreprises à mieux comprendre leurs clients et à améliorer leur stratégie marketing.
En outre, l'utilisation de ChatGPT dans l'éducation peut également être bénéfique. Il peut aider les enseignants à répondre aux questions des élèves de manière plus rapide et à améliorer l'apprentissage en ligne. Il peut également être utilisé pour créer des programmes d'apprentissage personnalisés pour chaque élève, en fonction de leurs besoins individuels.
L'utilisation de ChatGPT dans la vie personnelle peut également être bénéfique. Il peut aider les individus à mieux gérer leur temps, à améliorer leur productivité et à atteindre leurs objectifs personnels. [more]
Keywords: Kommunikation, chatGPT, Intelligence artificielle, Productivité, Business, Prompts, Midjourney
€4.99
Yellow11
Cry Baby
- Romance
- English
- 912 Words
- No Age Recommendation
- 581
- 3
It was not the best day Temari had experienced, as she walked through the dark wood forest that led her to the Leaf village. It was pooring and didn't look like it would let up any time soon, the rain carressed her body as she walked to the front gate to meet a certian lazy shinobi. You could tell by the look on their faces that neither of them wanted to be there, both drenched in the relesing of the clouds. As they walked to the hokage's office both stayed silent, watching the rain scatter after hitting the ground. As Shikamaru knocked on the oak wood door that led to a very let down Tsunade Temari regreted ever coming on this mission. Her brother Kankuro had gone on the mission with her and found himeself in the care of one of the best medic nin's to be alive.
After hearing Tsunade confirming their entry they relized the relieved look on her face, and reterned the mutual feeling. "He's not doing to well but he's going to live..." Tsunade got right to the point, "Do you wish to see him?"
"yes, if you could please take him to me" Temari said with a serious tone in her voice. Temari followed Tsunade into the intensive care unit, knowing it would hurt to see Kankuro like this trying to surpress the terror that he wouldn't be alright. Shikamaru noticing the fear in her eye's walked up beside her and took her hand resuring her it would be alright. Temari noticed immediately pulling away trying not to blush.
Tsunade opened the sliding door reviling a torn version of Kankuro, wich sparked Temari's anger. Shikamaru tried to hold her back but she managed to slap his hand away and run forward to Kankuro's side. Kankuro whispered something to Temari that shikamaru couldn't quite catch. Then all of a sudden after his last words to Temari his head dropped to the side of his pillow, his eye's slowly closing into a deep slumber that he would never awaken from. "KANKURO!!!!!!!!" Temari screamed causing a passing nurse to run to the room in a panic, only to realize that one of the paitients had passed on.
Shikamaru in a state of schock stared open mouthed at the flatlining heart monitor. The sound of his heart failing kept replaying in Tamari's head. Angrily she pushed away from the metal hospital bed and stormed out of the room. Shikamaru raced after her leaving a very confused Tsunade behind. Earlier Tsunade had checked Kankuro herself and came to the conclution that he would live so she was aghast at Kankuro's corpse.
Tears filling her eye's and all sense of derection lost, she gave up on trying to run and merely stood outside the hospital that her brother spent his last dying breaths in. Shikamaru stood a few steps behind her and noticed from the shaking of her sholders that she was crying. He slowly appraoched her being cautious of her unruly temper, knowing at any second she might explode. "Temari..." he said softly as if not to set her off "I-I'm really sorry..."
Temari whipped around and screetched at him tears running down her face; "AREN'T YOU GOING TO CALL ME A CRY BABY?????!!!!"
"No, I'd never do that to you...especially not after what you just went thrugh."
"Stop acting like you know everything about me!!!" Temari screamed
"Temari I might not know everything about you but I do know your not a crybaby." Temari didn't know how to react to what Shikamaru had just said to her, why was he being so sensitive? Confused and feeling half derranged she turned to walk away. Shikamaru grabed her wrist and this time she didn't resist his touch.
"What are you doing Cry baby, can't you see i don't want to be here?". Even though she said that she still didn't pull away, Temari and shikamaru stood there gazes locked.
"T-te-"Shikamaru started to say but was cut off.
"Someone needs to go tell Gaara..." Tsunade inturupted. The two quickly Pulled apart at the sight of Tsunade, there was a moment of akward silence.
"What do you guys need to tell Gaara?!" Naruto appeared out of no where scaring all three of them.
"N-Naruto!" Tsunade said suprised that he heard their conversation. "We were just saying that someone must inform Gaara that Kankuro..."
"Didn't make it." Shikamaru said finishing Tsunade's sentence.
"Oh...Temari I'm sorry" Naruto said suddenly a change of tone.
"There's no reason to be sorry it was my fault" Temari said choking on every word. She couldn't take the presure of knowing it was her fault that Kankuro was dead. "I'll go and tell Gaara the news, I am his sister after all."
"With yesterday's Ambush I won't let you go alone." Tsunade said looking at both Temari and Shikamaru.
"I can go alone Tsunade I know how to take care of myself..." Temari attempted knowing she would have Shikamaru go with her anyways.
"No, I can't let you do that...." Tsunade said Starring at Shikamaru, " I'll have Shikamaru go with you, he is your guide." Tsunade said smiling. "Now go pack up and be at the front gate at 4:06 pm." Tsunade said while walking away to go back inside. Temari sighed as she started to walk to her hotel.
"Troublesome" Shikamaru muttered walking back to his house.
'Shikamaru's back to his normal self now' Temari thought to herself. [more]
Keywords: Shikatema, fanfiction
For Free
Isioma Jemimah Okonicha
1001 Stories Of Greatness, Series 2
- Fiction
- English
- 5944 Words
- Ages 16 and up
- 44
1001 stories of Greatness are short fictional stories about how to tap into your potential by first looking within you to discover your hidden advantage and strength. Discovering who you can become starts with first accepting to look inward. If you do not look inward, how do you know your genius?
These stories give pointers to how to live fulfilled and free lives. And they are not meant for a selected few, but rather everyone of any age who has become responsible for their decisions.
To those who have lost time doing nothing significant and staying unfulfilled, I'm glad to tell you that time lost can be regained as long as you do not quit!
And for those who are just starting out in life, it is important to let you know that every decision you make will determine whether you truly live or merely exist. So make decisions wisely.
1001 stories of greatness contain wisdom that you need on your journey, especially for the times when every road seems blocked. You can navigate your well as long as you have the right information and knowledge.
Chapter 1 begins:
As the sun began to set over the small town, the group of friends gathered around the table on the patio, ready to unwind after a long day. They had planned a laid-back evening, with good food and even better drinks to share.
The first round of drinks was a round of refreshing cocktails, made with crisp white rum, tangy lime juice, and a splash of sweet simple syrup. As they sipped on their drinks, the friends chatted and laughed, catching up on everything that had happened since they last saw each other.
Next, they decided to switch things up with a round of rich, smooth red wines. Each of them chose a different bottle, eager to try something new and share their favorites with the group. As they sipped and savored the complex flavors of the wine, the conversation turned to more serious topics, as they delved into discussions about their careers, relationships, and the future.
As the night went on, the group consisting of young boys and girls in their teens, decided to switch to something a little stronger. They brought out a selection of fine whiskies, from smooth, honeyed single malts to bold, peaty blends. They poured themselves generous glasses and sat back, sipping slowly as they talked and listened to music.
As the night began to wind down, the group decided to end their evening with a round of after-dinner drinks. They brought out a tray of cordials and liqueurs, including rich, creamy Kahlua, sharp, bittersweet Campari, and smooth, velvety Bailey's. They mixed and matched, creating unique, layered cocktails that perfectly capped off their evening.
As they finished their drinks and said their goodbyes, the friends all agreed that it had been a perfect evening, filled with good company, delicious food, and a wide variety of delicious drinks. They made plans to do it all again soon, already looking forward to their next gathering and the new drinks they would discover and share.
But among the group was Mira, silent and lost in her thoughts, she had always been a bright, curious child, full of energy and enthusiasm for life. But as she grew older, her life became increasingly troubled and abusive.
Her father was an alcoholic and a drug addict, who was prone to violent outbursts and abuse. He would lash out at Mira and her mother whenever he was in one of his drunken rages, leaving them both bruised and battered.
Mira's mother, exhausted and beaten down by years of abuse, was unable to protect her daughter from her father's wrath. She tried her best to shield Mira from the worst of it, but there was only so much she could do.
As a result, Mira grew up feeling scared, vulnerable, and alone. She struggled with low self-esteem and a deep sense of worthlessness, believing that she was somehow to blame for her father's behavior.
As she entered her teenage years, Mira began to act out, seeking attention and validation from anyone who would give it to her. She became rebellious and wild, getting into trouble at school and with the law.
Her mother, desperate to get her daughter back on track, sent her to live with her aunt and uncle in a small town on the other side of the country. Mira was resistant at first, but eventually came to see the move as an opportunity to start fresh and leave her troubled past behind.
[more]
$1.49
DAVID MITCHELL
A CHRISTMAS STORY
- Fiction
- English
- 3213 Words
- No Age Recommendation
- 1563
- 7
A CHRISTMAS STORY
By
DAVID MITCHELL
-------------------------
The year was 1932. The Crydale Orphanage was a grim and forbidding looking building and being late evening the lights were being extinguished one by one by the staff.
Outside in the dark and gloomy street a young girl staggered through the snow carrying her new born baby boy. She had left home because her father was a strict disciplinarian and would not hear of the girl’s illegitimate baby being brought into his house – it must be remembered, this was 1932 when attitudes were quite different.
Her name was Elly, and she was destitute. She was desperately unhappy but her only thoughts were for her tiny baby wrapped warmly against the very cold weather - for this was December and just a few days before Christmas. As she walked along she passed the gaily lit shops displaying colourful Christmas items. Here and there she noticed the Christmas trees with their coloured lights and fleetingly her memory took her back to happier times when she was younger and her father then seemed more tolerant, even kind. In her state of total and forlorn unhappiness the tears rolled down her cheeks and she kissed her small baby thinking all the while how determined she was that his future will be much better than her past.
As she drew nearer the orphanage she could see through the large window. No doubt this expansive room was where the orphans gathered each morning. It was empty and dark now. She was thinking deeply about what she proposed to do. Her plan was to leave the baby on the doorstep, ring the bell, and retire to a safe distance where she could not be seen; just so that she could be sure the door was answered and the baby found by the orphanage staff.
In her plan, she reasoned that later on, when she was a little older and had perhaps secured a job, and was receiving an income, she could return and re-claim her son. She watched carefully as the front door of the orphanage opened and a young lady bent down and picked up the small baby lying on the doorstep. And so, when Elly was satisfied that her baby was now in good care she withdrew and went on her way, sobbing all the while. This was not at all what she wanted to happen; but in the light of her father’s cruel and totally unreasonable attitude she felt no other course was open to her.
However, she brightened up a little when thinking that, if good fortune should come her way, it may not be too long before she would be able to return to the orphanage and reclaim her small son to care for him as a loving mother herself.
So that was the manner in which little Chris arrived at the orphanage. They decided to call him ‘Christopher because it was so close to Christmas. The stern lady in charge of the orphanage, Mrs Briggs, ran the establishment in quite a strict manner but, like a lot of people who seem to be quite fierce in their demeanour, deep down in her heart she was a kindly soul and loved all the children that came under her care – every single one.
Quite a number of children were lost to her as a result of adoptions through the years and she was very sad at the loss of each one and was at once sad at the departure of every child - but on the other hand she was glad to see them settled in a happy home. But somehow that never happened to Chris. For some reason that nobody could quite understand he was never selected for adoption. Later the orphanage began a new policy of advertising “HAVE AN ORPHAN FOR CHRISTMAS” and this seemed to be a big success. Some children had even been adopted permanently after being a “Christmas Child”.
But this was now Christmas 1937. The snow had begun to fall and all of the children had gone to their ‘foster parents’ for the holiday - but not Chris. He was due to go to a Mr & Mrs Holden but with just over a week to go they advised the orphanage that Mr Holden had been called abroad, and that Mrs Holden would be accompanying him. As they had no idea how long they would be away they said they would have to reluctantly cancel the arrangement for Chris.
It was too late then to find another temporary foster parent and so it looked very much as though Chris and Mrs Briggs would be the only inhabitants of the orphanage over the holiday. Mrs Briggs was quite resigned to her task, but she didn't mind at all. She got on very well with Chris and although the resources available to her were meagre she told herself that she must try to make it as nice a Christmas as possible, if only for the sake of little Chris.
However, on the day before Christmas Eve Mrs Briggs received a call from the Holdens to say that Mr Holden’s mission abroad was accomplished sooner than he had anticipated, that they were now home, and that they would love to have Chris for Christmas after all as originally planned. When little Chris heard this his little face broke into a wide beaming smile. Poor old Mrs Briggs hesitated for just a moment when given the news. She had been looking forward to spending Christmas with just her and Chris. On the the other hand she wanted Chris to have a wonderful Christmas and so she too allowed herself a smile or two, and accepted that she must spend Christmas alone.
And so it was that Mr & Mrs Holden collected Chris from the orphanage that very same day and took him to their very handsome home where a beautiful Christmas tree stood in the lounge, fully decorated with lights and ornaments, and with presents spread underneath; a lovely log fire was roaring up the chimney and the atmosphere was very nice, cosy, and very homely.
Chris was then introduced to other members of the Holden family. First of all, there was Aunt Emily - a dear old soul who wore her spectacles perched on the end of her nose and seemed to be knitting all the time; she also often appeared to be chatting to herself as some old folk do. Then there was Grandfather Holden who held his hand out for Chris to shake. Chris did so dutifully for all the children at the orphanage were taught good manners. It was a very jolly atmosphere indeed and everyone seemed to be in a good mood – just as Christmas should be.
But after a little while Mrs Holden noticed that Chris was looking rather sad and that one or two tears were rolling down his cheeks. “Why Chris my dear” she said “what ever are you crying for ? Aren’t you happy to be with us ?” At which the great big tears welled up in his eyes and poor little Chris began to sob. Urged by Mrs Holden to say why he was sad Chris then said “Well Mrs Holden, I am surely very happy to be here with you but I cannot help thinking of poor Mrs Briggs back at the orphanage. She will be all on her own for Christmas now that I have come to you and I am feeling I aught to be there with her to keep her company and make sure she has a nice Christmas too”. At this, all the Holden family could not help but remark what a very nice little boy Chris was to be thinking of others at this time.
And so the conversation on the subject seemed to wane and die away. But not in Chris's mind. He went to sleep in his room but during the night he tossed and turned for he was still thinking of poor old Mrs Briggs and how very lonely she must be all by herself.
The next morning everybody arose from bed. The snow lay crisp and several inches deep. It was a true Christmas scene All were looking forward to the day’s festivities. However, Mr Holden seemed to be absent. Chris did ask once “Where is Mr Holden ?” but was told by Mrs Holden “Oh, he has gone on an little errand for me - don’t worry, he’ll be back quite soon – in time for Christmas Dinner to be sure”.
But now it was approaching time for the great Christmas Dinner and still Mr Holden had not returned. Mrs Holden had purchased a nice fat turkey and the smells were wafting through from her kitchen and were truly delicious. They were making everyone feel very hungry indeed. But where was Mr Holden ? Well, there was no need to worry for just at that moment the front door opened and in a flurry of snow flakes blown in by the wind there stood Mr Holden - and with him was none other than Mrs Briggs herself ! She had been absolutely thrilled and delighted when Mr Holden telephoned her to extend an invitation to join the Christmas party for she had resigned herself to spending Christmas by herself, as Chris had feared, and wondering what to do !
She had considered her Christmas Dinner but rejected the idea of cooking the turkey she had managed to buy for the occasion. Cooking a turkey for one person would not be sensible she thought. And so she decided she would save the turkey and Christmas Pudding until after the holidays when the children returned. "I'll just manage with a sandwich" she thought to herself. But when Mr Holden phoned to invite her to join the Holden family she accepted very gracefully; however she could not hide her absolute delight and happiness. The Christmas she was not looking forward to at all had now changed for her totally and completely. She was determined to enjoy the occasion together with Chris and the Holdens and appreciated their kindness very much.
So little Chris, once he had recovered from the surprise and the great pleasure of seeing that Mrs Briggs had joined them rushed to her and gave her a big hug. They then joined the others and all enjoyed a truly splendid and jolly Christmas dinner - Mrs Holden, a very good cook, did them all proud and there was plenty for everybody. There were Christmas crackers to pull and small gifts inside - there was much laughter as each cracker was pulled. Chris loved everything - especially the Christmas Pudding.
After the great dinner it was time to open the presents which still lying at the foot of the Christmas tree. Of course there were gifts for Chris and even a couple for dear Mrs Briggs - Mrs Holden had quietly taken the labels off two of her presents and placed new labels which said "TO DEAR MRS BRIGGS - WE WELCOME YOU TO OUR FAMILY". At this even the stern Mrs Briggs melted and a tear or two could be seen on her cheeks.
The Holdens were so taken with Chris, and he with them, that after the holiday was over they offered to accept him on a permanent basis and not too long afterwards, after all the necessary legalities had been completed, Chris went to live at the Holden’s home. But he never forgot Mrs Briggs and went to see her periodically at which she was very pleased indeed.
But what about the poor mother of Chris - Elly ? Well, after leaving her baby at the orphanage she did manage to obtain a live-in position as a scullery maid with a well-to-do family. She was quite happy there but the position was very poorly paid. There was no absolutely no chance of obtaining her own place to live and try to reclaim her little baby who, of course, had now grown up somewhat. The years passed by but there wasn’t a day when she didn’t think about her little boy and wondered how he was faring. Sometimes she retraced her steps on that awful day when she left her small son on the doorstep of the orphanage. She wanted to ring the bell and enquire about her baby; but each time she lost her nerve and walked on. And then one day, quite out of the blue, she was informed that her wealthy aunt had passed away and had left her a legacy of £15,000 in her Will.
She was totally astounded and not a little surprised because this aunt had not been especially kind to her when it became known she was pregnant and, like her father, treated her with disdain. Maybe in time she relented, changed her mind, and decided to help her niece after all even if her father wouldn‘t. But most of all Elly was very happy for her first thoughts were that she could now find somewhere to live, reclaim her son, and live happily as a small family. Back then with the average wage around £3-£4 per week one can imagine the value of £15,000 ! Elly felt exceedingly rich.
So she made contact with the Orphanage. At first she was rebuffed because the orphanage itself was controlled by a number of regulations - one of these being that they may not reveal the details of any adoption. Mrs Briggs felt exceedingly sorry for Elly and tried to pacify her. But Elly, who rather foolishly had thought that all she need do is to re-claim her son and all would be alright.
Elly sought advice and was told the prospects of seeing her son again were bleak. And so Elly returned to the orphanage and threw herself upon the mercy and understanding of Mrs Briggs. Elly pleaded and pleaded with her until something within Mrs Briggs snapped and she just knew at that moment that she would have to help this pathetic young lady. So she went to her desk and wrote a name and address. She then turned to Elly and said "NOW ELLY, YOU KNOW THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO DIVULGE WHERE YOUR SON IS NOW. I JUST CANNOT DO IT. IT CANNOT BE DONE. BUT SOMETIMES I AM CARELESS AND LEAVE LITTLE PIECES OF PAPER AROUND - her eyes then went to her desk "I REALLY MUST CURE MYSELF OF THIS HABIT" Elly looked up, saw Mrs Brigg's eyes wander to her desk, and gratefully collected the piece of paper on which, of course, was the Holden family's address. She kissed Mrs Briggs before departing and Mrs Briggs advised her to tread very carefully and with understanding.
And so Elly contacted the Holdens, and made an appointment to see them - and little Chris. Mr & Mrs Holden were of course shocked to learn of this development for they had cared for Chris just as if he was their own son. He was now attending a very good private school and the Holdens were giving him every chance to progress in life. But they were nice and understanding people and therefore agreed to meet Elly.
The reunion between mother and son was a remarkable and heart warming spectacle to behold. Chris was a little reticent and shy at first, but something attracted him towards his mother. He went to her and she placed both arms around him and smothered him with kisses as only a loving Mum can. Pitifully she pleaded with the Holdens to let her have her son back. Chris, of course was quite bewildered about all of this because although he loved his long lost real mother and took to her very naturally, he also loved the Holdens. His poor little mind was in a turmoil and he was very confused.
Problems of this kind are extremely difficult to solve at any time but when they occur between nice and understanding people it is often possible to reach a conclusion which is satisfactory to all concerned
And so it was that Elly and the Holdens agreed to share the affections of Chris. Elly succeeded to find a small cosy flat quite near to the Holden's place and some of the time Chris went there and some of the time he spent with the Holdens.
It was a very happy arrangement and it worked very well with surprisingly few problems. Chris was a studious little boy, did well at school. When he grew up he attended university and chose medicine as his profession. When he qualified as a doctor Elly, the Holdens, and even dear old Mrs Briggs - now rather old and somewhat infirm - were all there to witness his awards.
This is just a Christmas story - but we should all try to remember that such problems and situations do occur. That is part of life. But between nice people, who are understanding and are prepared to see the other's point of view there is always a solution to be found - provided the willingness is there to recognise it.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY ! [more]
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