{"id":1190,"date":"2022-08-25T15:20:39","date_gmt":"2022-08-25T15:20:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/?page_id=1190"},"modified":"2022-09-25T20:13:43","modified_gmt":"2022-09-25T20:13:43","slug":"a-ghost-is-born","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/?page_id=1190","title":{"rendered":"A Ghost is born"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"1190\" class=\"elementor elementor-1190\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4a54c29 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4a54c29\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-a07db89\" data-id=\"a07db89\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-21abef6 elementor-widget-mobile__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-lightbox\" data-id=\"21abef6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"lightbox.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t        <div id=\"bdt-lightbox-21abef6\" class=\"bdt-lightbox-wrapper\">              \r\n\t\t\t<div data-bdt-lightbox=\" animation: slide; video-autoplay: true;\">\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t    <a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"no\" href=\"http:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/neon-book-1-back-cover-5.png\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bdt-toggler-poster bdt-background-cover\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Neon-book-1-for-website.jpg');\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    \t<\/a>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>     \r\n        <\/div>\r\n        \t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-f3dc86d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"f3dc86d\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-040cea3\" data-id=\"040cea3\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3386b86 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3386b86\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.16.0 - 17-10-2023 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-medium\">Chapter 7<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-83499f8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"83499f8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-xl\">Benjamin's first day<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b2282aa elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b2282aa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.16.0 - 17-10-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p>The sun shone through my window blindingly, right in my eyes. I had forgotten to pull the curtains again. Oh well. Rolling out of bed, my feet carried me to the window. It had snowed again. Some snow was fun as a kid, but there came a point when even I had had enough.<\/p><p>Hmm, what was Poppa doing in the back by the pool? He seemed to be clearing a path to the pool house. Normally, I was the only one to hang out in the backyard once the snow started for winter. What was he doing back there? Maybe he had Christmas decorations stashed back in the pool house.<\/p><p>The only thing that concerned me was that I\u2019d get to see Benjamin again. He might be here to work, but I was sure there would be a few moments when I might be able to at least talk to him some more. It seemed like someone to talk to might help him. Throwing my robe on, I bounced down the stairs in my rainbow bunny slippers, touching maybe every third step.<\/p><p>When I skated into the kitchen, smells of breakfast momentarily distracted me as I careened across the floor, crashing into the table. Carefully and deliberately, I sat down in one of the chairs at the table with the dignity of a cat who had just gotten caught doing something silly.<\/p><p>\u201cGood morning, Momma. What time is Poppa going to pick up Benjamin?\u201d I stretched toward the ceiling while yawning. \u201cHopefully the sun will stay out today so it\u2019s a little warmer outside. That would be nice for Benjamin and Poppa.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI do believe late morning.\u201d Momma brought over a plate of rainbow-sprinkle-covered pancakes and set them on the table in front of me. \u201cYour Poppa told me to have lunch ready for four, so I do believe he wants to make sure Benjamin has two good meals, since we had already discussed dinner plans.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat would be awesome!\u201d He was going to get to be here most of the day then. Cool. \u201cBenjamin deserves a nice day and a couple good meals; life has not been easy on him.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBethany, you have no clue about Benjamin; we know virtually nothing about him.\u201d Momma was trying to be logical. \u201cAlthough today we will learn a lot by his work ethic and how he acts when not working. We will just have to wait and see.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI have faith he will do wonderfully.\u201d No way he would let me down. It was not even an option. \u201cBeing outside in the snow shouldn\u2019t bother him that much. I\u2019m sure he will listen to Poppa, and then he can come inside on breaks.\u201d<\/p><p>Poppa appeared from the direction of the back door. He shivered while stomping his feet, looking very cold. \u201cPrincess, it almost sounded like you were talking about taking care of a puppy when I came inside. Following my directions and behaving to come inside.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYes, Bethany, your father is correct.\u201d Wait, when did they both start picking on me? Momma poked some more. \u201cBenjamin is a human being whom we have chosen to help, and we should treat him as such.\u201d The look on her face immediately told me I was not in a lot of trouble but needed to pay attention.<\/p><p>\u201cSorry. I\u2019m just excited and hope it all works out.\u201d Benjamin was not an animal! How could they think I even thought such a thing? \u201cCan I come along when we go to get him?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSure, I guess that would not be a problem.\u201d Poppa was beginning to work on his breakfast. \u201cJust make sure to dress extra warm, it is a bit colder than they forecasted, and it is pretty brutal out there.\u201d<\/p><p>Bouncing up out of my seat, I skidded out of the kitchen all smiles. \u201cOkey-dokey, Poppa. You just let me know when it\u2019s about time to go, and I will be ready.\u201d This was going to be the best day! New friends and new beginnings\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.<\/p><p>***<\/p><p>Boy, clocks should be set in little kid time. The clocks in the house must be using adult time. Every minute seemed to drag on and on. But eventually, after what felt like days, we were on our way to the big mall. Poppa was not kidding. It was really cold outside; poor Benjamin must be freezing.<\/p><p>\u201cPoppa? Are you really going to work outside today with Benjamin?\u201d After some thought, it did not seem like the brightest idea. The icicles were shivering it was so cold today. \u201cIt is really cold. I would not want you to get sick.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYour Momma and I were discussing that earlier.\u201d Poppa was ready for this question. \u201cYou may have noticed I was shoveling a path out to the pool house? If the wind does not slow down, we will organize the pool house. It is a mess and needs some attention.\u201d<\/p><p>The pool house? He almost never went in there. But it was a mess, and it could have used some attention, so I guessed that was a good plan. It was a plan that got Benjamin out of the cold for a bit. \u201cOK, that sounds at least a little warmer or at least\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. less cold.\u201d<\/p><p>Traffic was moving relatively slow today. The fresh snow had everyone driving a little more cautiously on the highway. The mall finally came into view, the inviting glowing arches of the arcade glowing in the distance.<\/p><p>Looking up and down the sidewalk, I did not see Benjamin! Where was he? After a short search for a parking spot, Poppa parked and hurried around to my door before I could get out. \u201cI do not see him. We might have to take a walk. Hopefully he did not forget.\u201d<\/p><p>Forget? Nope, he would not forget. Not with a chance to make a little money. Or maybe get some warm food. He had to be here. \u201cAre we early, Poppa?\u201d Holding his hand, we slipped and slid our way across the parking lot to the sidewalk. \u201cMaybe his watch stopped, or he doesn\u2019t have a watch.\u201d He was here somewhere. We would find him.<\/p><p>\u201cWe will look a bit, princess.\u201d Poppa did not sound 100% optimistic. \u201cWe do not really know Benjamin at all. I hope we find him, but there are no guarantees.\u201d<\/p><p>This was not how this day was supposed to work out\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. no. It was not. Trudging through the snow and slush, my feet were beginning to freeze, but as long as Poppa wanted to look, I was not going to say anything. So, we walked\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. and walked\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. and then walked some more.<\/p><p>***<\/p><p>Unhappy little kid feelings were beginning to get the best of me when Poppa paused. He was looking down a delivery access alcove between two stores toward some old dumpsters. Beside one of the dumpsters was what looked like a human-sized pile of rags. The coat and hat were the right color\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. Was it him?<\/p><p>Tugging on Poppa\u2019s hand, I moved in the direction of the dumpsters. Poppa\u2019s firm hand held me back, but he moved also\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. albeit slower and more cautiously. \u201cPrincess, we do not know him\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. remember that. Hopefully he at least remembers us from yesterday.\u201d<\/p><p>How could he not remember us? Remember me! Really? He had to remember. The pile of rags shifted slightly as we approached. The voice sounded sad and maybe a little lost. \u201cGo away! You said as long as I stayed away from the front, I could be back here. I listened\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. now leave me alone.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBenjamin?\u201d Poppa\u2019s voice held a whole lot of uncertainty. \u201cBenjamin? It is Mr. Hamilton. We talked yesterday, and you were going to help me with some work today.\u201d Poppa tried to gently steer me behind him protectively.<\/p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t mock me and tease me like the others do\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u201d Benjamin\u2019s voice sounded rough. \u201cNo one cares that we have been discarded\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. People just say stuff to make themselves feel better.\u201d Looking up at us, his eyes were not focused on anything in particular. \u201cNo one ever wants to help. I\u2019m too far gone\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. The last time\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. I\u2019m sorry, you don\u2019t want me. You can\u2019t\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. I won\u2019t fall for that again\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u201d<\/p><p>Not being able to restrain the inner kid, I pulled away from Poppa, bouncing over to Benjamin. \u201cHey now\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. you, sir, are in need of some positive and happy people. I happen to know some. Hamiltons are not fakes. We only say what we mean.\u201d<\/p><p>His gaze met mine. \u201cI enjoyed yesterday. I almost felt human for a little while\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. I don\u2019t deserve that feeling anymore.\u201d Reaching into his pocket, he produced the shiny token. \u201cI\u2019m just a homeless man. You can have this back.\u201d His hand extended with the token in his palm. \u201cMaybe give it to someone who deserves it.\u201d<\/p><p>What? Oh, what was wrong with him? My mind drifted back to the article Poppa had read me the other day about\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. oh, yeah\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. that was probably what was wrong\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. poor Benjamin. \u201cA hero like you deserves a bunch more than my little token. You saved a lot of people; you deserve to be treated like more than a homeless man.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBethany?\u201d Poppa\u2019s voice warned me to be careful; his hand squeezed my shoulder. \u201cBenjamin\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. I\u2019m sorry. I dug a little when Bethany showed me the Purple Heart. We will not mention it again if you don\u2019t want us to, but I would like you to come home with us for the day.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSaved people? How many didn\u2019t I save\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u201d His eyes began to defocus again, like he was looking off into oblivion. \u201cSo many more I could have saved. So many more I wanted to save.\u201d He closed his eyes, scrunching his eyebrows together in thought. His right hand began to shake slightly.<\/p><p>Pulling away from Poppa, I took his hand and closed it over the token, squeezing it. \u201cYou are a hero, even if most of these people don\u2019t know it. It does not matter. You are a hero. You gave so much; let me give a little back to you\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. please? Just come with us today.\u201d<\/p><p>His eyes opened, focusing on me, then moving to Poppa. \u201cI have been gone so long. I\u2019m afraid\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u201d<\/p><p>Poppa reached down, offering him a hand up, which he accepted.<\/p><p>\u201cAfraid of what the world has become\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. of what I have become. How do I find my way back?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou, sir, let us help you with that.\u201d Once on his feet, Poppa patted Benjamin on the shoulder. \u201cAt times, the Hamiltons might not be considered the smartest people on earth, but we follow our hearts, and it has gotten us this far. I trust Bethany\u2019s heart\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. that this is the right thing to do\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. for you\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. and us.\u201d<\/p><p>Nodding, Benjamin began to shuffle toward the parking lot. \u201cI don\u2019t deserve another chance. But I will try and do my best, since you seem to want to give it to me\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. thank you.\u201d<\/p><p>Bouncing up, I grabbed his hand just as I slipped on some ice. He reflexively pulled me to my feet. \u201cHey, I hope you don\u2019t think this is going to be easy, Benjamin. Hamiltons might not always be the smartest, but we do work hard, and I think Poppa has a lot of work lined up for you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou think my work is going to be the hard part?\u201d Poppa chuckled as he walked on the other side of Benjamin. \u201cThe physical work is the easy part. In between tasks, you are going to have to deal with Bethany. You may wish I left you here after an afternoon of dealing with an energetic little girl.\u201d<\/p><p>Benjamin chuckled\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. actually chuckled! There might be hope! \u201cSir, I have dealt with a lot of things, and that may top the list of most daunting. I will do my best to not let you down.\u201d<\/p><p>Hand in hand, I swung his arm slightly as we walked toward the car. Now the day was going in the right direction. I thought it was going to turn out just fine. Yes, just fine indeed.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-d69ae8e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"d69ae8e\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2e4661c\" data-id=\"2e4661c\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ba2fa5c elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"ba2fa5c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.16.0 - 17-10-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"120\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Young-Bethany-small-120x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-image-1224\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-65ad24d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"65ad24d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-medium\">Chapter 59<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dc98534 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"dc98534\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-xl\">Does love still exist?<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f2b686a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f2b686a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Six months had passed since my chance encounter with Tommy. Almost every day since then we had just happened to bump into each other. I suspected I was being stalked, but his friendly carefree smile always lit up my day, even when it was miserable and rainy.<\/p><p>\u201cExcuse me, miss. You come to this lake often?\u201d Tommy\u2019s voice sounded mischievous. \u201c\u2019Cause I\u2019m not sure I\u2019ve ever seen a girl as beautiful as you around these parts.\u201d<\/p><p>Kneeling by the water, I was rinsing off my hands and splashing some water on my face before settling down for a meager dinner. It was as close as I could get to cleaning up. Looking over my shoulder, I shot back, \u201cWatch out, mister, I have heard some of the wildlife around these parts is rabid.\u201d<\/p><p>Chuckling, he didn\u2019t skip a beat. \u201cWell, in a previous life I was a lion tamer. So I think I can handle a little wild and crazy.\u201d<\/p><p>Tommy stood by my small campfire smiling from ear to ear, but he had his backpack. It looked like all of his stuff too. \u201cWhat\u2019s up? Are you a turtle now?\u201d Trying to keep my tone steady, I continued. \u201cOr you just looking to move on to better pastures. Leave the high life behind you?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWell, it kinda goes like this.\u201d He paused, trying to think of the best words. \u201cMy landlord showed up and threw me out. I\u2019m kinda out of options short term. Could I maybe crash by your campfire? Until I can find another place?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMajor bummer.\u201d Trying to not dwell on it too long, I prattled along. \u201cBut at least you got here in time for dinner. There is plenty to share.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou don\u2019t have enough for yourself.\u201d Tommy sounded like he was scolding me. \u201cYou are skin and bones. I\u2019ll be fine. Just need a place to crash.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t you lecture me.\u201d Whoops, maybe that was a bit snippy. I tried to tone it down. \u201cTrust me. I would not share with just anyone. You\u2019re kind of one of my only buddies nowadays.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThanks. Hey, how can you hang out here?\u201d His voice got a little shaky. \u201cThis park gives me the creeps. You know it\u2019s haunted? People disappear in here all the time.\u201d He was glancing around like he was looking for ghosts in the shadows. \u201cThe only reason I came in here is because I knew it was where you were hiding.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cCentral Park? There is nothing to be afraid of here.\u201d I smiled, trying to put him at ease. \u201cThere are no ghosts, and the park is not haunted. It\u2019s nice and peaceful here. You are right though, the gangs and gutter trash never come in here for some reason.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s not the first time I have been called a ghost.\u201d The deep voice rumbled from the nearby bushes. \u201cNor will it be the last, I suspect.\u201d A towering man emerged from the shadows. He was wrapped in furs and had a carved wooden staff in his right hand. \u201cWho is this person, Bethany? Do you wish him to be here?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAhhhh!\u201d Tommy yelped and was across to the other side of my camp behind my tent before I could react. \u201cSee, ghosts! No way does that big guy sneak up on me! No way!\u201d Peeking from behind my tent, Tommy looked quite silly.<\/p><p>\u201cUrsula is not a ghost.\u201d Chuckling, I tried to calm him down. \u201cHe is just a big teddy bear.\u201d Turning toward him, I added, \u201cBut you do move, like, crazy quiet. I never hear you until you say something.\u201d Blinking, I looked around\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. Ursula was gone.<\/p><p>\u201cBoy, you have nothing to fear from me.\u201d He had materialized behind Tommy somehow, gently grasping his shoulder with his left hand. \u201cAs long as Bethany wishes you to be here, you are under my protection.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAhhhhhh!\u201d Tommy jumped about three feet in the air at the sound of the voice. Then he shot back across the camp toward me when Ursula touched him. \u201cGhoooosstttt!\u201d was all I heard as he flew past me. Tripping, he fell flailing into the lake.<\/p><p>\u201cHey, watch it, Shaggy, you\u2019re getting me wet too.\u201d I laughed, trying to protect myself from the water flying everywhere. \u201cSome protector you are, scared of an old man with a walking stick.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat?\u201d Standing up behind me, he had that indignant look of a cat caught doing something silly. \u201cWho ya callin\u2019 scaredy cat? That dude is creepy quiet. And like eight feet tall. Anyone in their right mind should be scared when he just pops out of thin air!\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cCome here, young man.\u201d Ursula\u2019s voice was gentle but commanding. He motioned to his side. \u201cI\u2019m truly no ghost. And I\u2019m not eight feet tall. In my advancing age, I do believe I\u2019m a bit over seven feet tall on a good day.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWait a sec? Ursula? That\u2019s you?\u201d Even as Tommy walked toward the big man, his eyes got big. \u201cThat\u2019s what they call the ghost of Central Park. You have killed lots of innocent people, haven\u2019t you! So many you can\u2019t count that high?\u201d Poor Tommy looked terrified now, even as he continued slowly walking forward.<\/p><p>A heavy sigh escaped Ursula as he kneeled down. \u201cYes, I have killed many, many people. But none of them were innocent.\u201d Multiple joints let out audible <em>pops<\/em> on the way down. \u201cThe past I cannot change. Only those who enter my domain with ill intent have to fear me and imminent death. You, boy, came here only seeking your friend.\u201d<\/p><p>Tommy stood in front of Ursula. Since Ursula was kneeling, Tommy could look him in the eyes. \u201cUmmm\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. Mr. Ghost, sir, I mean Ursula.\u201d He didn\u2019t sound like he had two brain cells working right now. \u201cSorry, all the stories kinda make you sound like a psychotic mass murder, not a friendly hermit. It\u2019s going to take me a bit to work that through my head.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cGive me your hand, young one.\u201d Ursula reached forward his left hand open, palm up. \u201cOnce again, you have nothing to fear since you entered my land with good intentions.\u201d<\/p><p>I was not sure who was slower, a turtle, a snail, or Tommy. Slowly, he placed his hand on top of Ursula\u2019s. The size difference was comical! Tommy\u2019s looked so tiny. The big man slowly curled his fingers, covering the smaller hand in his.<\/p><p>A big sigh escaped Ursula as he closed his eyes and exhaled. Tommy seemed to be rooted into the ground as he quietly waited. \u201cAs I surmised, there is no ill intent in this boy.\u201d Opening his eyes, he stared at Tommy, then looked over to me. \u201cHe came here searching for you with only love in his heart.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat? Love?\u201d Tommy found his voice now. \u201cHold on a second, old man, that\u2019s pretty strong language you\u2019re using there.\u201d<\/p><p>Giggling, I stared at Tommy. He would not make eye contact. \u201cOh really?\u201d I giggled some more. \u201cLove? Now I know I have nothing to worry about and I know you are crazy, old man. There is no such thing as love anymore. Lust maybe, but not love.\u201d<\/p><p>Standing up, he took a few steps toward me\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. towering over me. \u201cBecause of your past, I will let those comments pass this time. But do not mock me, little one. Do not let this one get away. He truly cares for you.\u201d Removing a small package from his pack, he tossed it to me.<\/p><p>\u201cYes, sir. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d Lowering my gaze, I stared at the ground. Sometimes stuff popped out of my mouth before I thought about it. \u201cLove has been very hard to come by for a while; I didn\u2019t mean to doubt you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s all right.\u201d Ursula began moving, and Tommy jumped out of the way. \u201cYou do your best, child, considering the hand life has dealt you.\u201d Touching the tip of his walking stick to the fire, it blazed to twice its size. \u201cMake sure your friend dries off. Then give him some of the fish.\u201d Without looking back, he began shuffling toward the edge of my camping area.<\/p><p>\u201cFish?\u201d I opened the package, which contained dried fish. \u201cThanks. Will do!\u201d Fish wasn\u2019t my favorite, but it did fill the hollow spot in my stomach and was free. \u201cHey, how did you know to bring extra fish?\u201d But I was talking to the bushes; my oversized friend was gone.<\/p><p>\u201cSo, love, is it?\u201d Walking over to Tommy, I just smiled mischievously. \u201cI didn\u2019t think ya had it in ya, friend.\u201d Taking his wet shirt, I slung it over a makeshift clothesline. \u201cThat there is an awful big word for a fella.\u201d Before long, we had the wet clothes off and he was wrapped in one of my blankets, sitting by the fire.<\/p><p>\u201cWell, for the record, I didn\u2019t say it.\u201d Tommy was still a bit defensive. \u201cThe big mind-reading ghost did. I learned a long time ago not to get attached to anyone out here. Just leads to ya getting hurt.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, but it is a nice thought.\u201d I dropped my guard totally just for a moment. \u201cLike maybe knights still protect little princesses. Slaying evil dragons and making everything right. Maybe just one does still exist to save a little princess.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut I guess for the record\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u201d Tommy sounded a little funny. \u201cI do kinda really like to hang out with you. You\u2019re pretty cool for a homeless girl.\u201d He scooted a little closer to me.<\/p><p>\u201cCool is not something I ever considered myself.\u201d My stomach suddenly was doing backflips. \u201cAnd boys\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. well, they\u2019re a definite no-go\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. all jerks.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAll of us?\u201d Leaning over, his nose almost touched mine. \u201cWe\u2019re all jerks? Not a good one amongst any of us?\u201d<\/p><p>Run! My insides screamed, but my body refused to listen. It wanted to stay. Transfixed by his eyes, I could not pull away. \u201cNope, not a one. Every one I have ever met was a booty turd.\u201d Lowering my gaze, hair covered my face.<\/p><p>His right hand touched the left side of my face. Fire exploded through my body. He brushed the hair back from my face to look into my eyes again. His fingers touched the metal data jack on the side of my head.<\/p><p>Jerking his hand back, his eyes got wide. \u201cWhat is that?\u201d As he leaned back, whatever evil spell was being woven unraveled and the two kids were back. \u201cYou have a metal plate in your head?<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab5e2fe elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"ab5e2fe\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"120\" height=\"162\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Homeless-Bethany-preview-page-1.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1230\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-02585fa elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"02585fa\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-18fa68a\" data-id=\"18fa68a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e0328f2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e0328f2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-medium\">chapter 75<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-799f6a5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"799f6a5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-xl\">a dream forgotten<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9f3d75a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9f3d75a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Life had definitely taken a series of weird turns recently. After meeting Karen and surviving Benjamin\u2019s funeral, we were beginning to settle into new routines. Karen was very curious about my past and what happened to me. A subject I totally didn\u2019t want to talk about, but it did distract both of us from the most depressing events of late.<\/p><p>She had been serious about staying with her. The trip to pick up my camping\/living gear had definitely been more than she had bargained for. Even after that interesting afternoon, she still wanted to move forward to make me a permanent roommate. After cleaning everything, it was carefully stored in the garage, but hopefully I would never need it again. I\u2019d done enough camping to last a lifetime.<\/p><p>Now here I sat at a kitchen table in suburbia, totally feeling like a fish out of water, but I couldn\u2019t turn down the generosity this total stranger had shown me. One who was quickly becoming a good friend.<\/p><p>Sitting down across from me at the kitchen table, she placed a plate of eggs and toast in front of me. \u201cSo, I have been wondering\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u201d Uh-oh, seldom was that a good place to start a conversation. \u201cWhen we first met, that first day, I noticed you had a data jack. That\u2019s not standard issue for most homeless people.\u201d<\/p><p>I smiled while brushing my hair aside, exposing the platinum jack ports. \u201cYeah. I figure it\u2019s not. They\u2019re just the remnants of a little girl\u2019s dream, one which I gave up on a long time ago.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOh really? What was that dream?\u201d Whoops, I grabbed her curiosity a little too well. \u201cMost little girls I know don\u2019t dream about having metal implanted into their skulls.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIf you want to grow up to be a famous grid runner you do.\u201d I should not be telling her this, but she was the closest thing to a friend I had right now, and it couldn\u2019t hurt anything\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. most likely. \u201cWhen I was little, I lived for the weekly issues of <em>Cyber Force<\/em>. They were the awesomest. Closest thing you can get to being a superhero and not be one.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou read <em>Cyber Force<\/em>?\u201d Karen perked up a bit more than I expected at their mention. \u201cI figured those comics had gone out of style way before you would have been reading them, considering I read them growing up.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cGuess not. They were the bestest.\u201d In between bites, I tried to figure out where this conversation was going. Something wasn\u2019t quite right. \u201cBut as I said, the dream was stillborn. My parents died right after I got the implants, and then I became a little kid lost in the system.\u201d I shivered as memories of what the system had done to me crept forward in my mind.<\/p><p>\u201cWell, I doubt the hardware went bad.\u201d Smiling, Karen was warming up to the subject more than I expected. \u201cA few internal diagnostics and possibly software updates and I bet you would be good to go.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cUmm. This conversation took an interesting turn.\u201d Thrusting the painful images popping into my head back into their corners, I suspiciously moved forward. \u201cYou seem to know a bit about the grid, or at least know someone who does.\u201d The thought of doing anything major with them had honestly not crossed my mind\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. like ever.<\/p><p>\u201cYeah. You might say that.\u201d Brushing the hair on her left temple to the side, a pair of shiny data jacks became evident. \u201cMind you, the skill set of a corporate wage slave is a bit different than <em>Cyber Force<\/em>, but I know my way around the grid.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cReally? What kind of work do you do?\u201d My voice jumped an octave or two in my surprise and sudden excitement. \u201cCybersecurity for a big corporation?\u201d<\/p><p>Karen\u2019s laugh was a bit contagious. \u201cOh, how I wish. No, I was just an office clerk. Oh, occasionally they let me snoop around, but only if they thought something was going wrong. So, sadly, it\u2019s a very dull existence. Are your jacks platinum? That was not cheap.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI think so.\u201d Reaching up absently, I touched the jacks. \u201cYou have to remember I was like nine or ten when I had it installed. Too many years have passed since then\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. probably almost eight I think\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. Time gets kind of wishy washy out on the streets.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou were out there that long?\u201d All happiness fled my friend. \u201cIt\u2019s hard to believe I knew Benjamin that long; I must have met him not long after he lost track of you.\u201d Her eyebrows scrunched together in thought, then she smiled again. \u201cIf you want, I have a small private server and some hookup jacks if you wanted to see if your gear still works.\u201d<\/p><p>What? Whoa. Wait a second. \u201cUmmm. That would be cool, but I haven\u2019t done anything beyond ultra-basic stuff when it was originally installed. So I\u2019m not sure how that would go.\u201d And some of that stuff had been a little weird if I remembered correctly. But the thought of actually getting onto the grid was unthinkably cool.<\/p><p>\u201cHonestly, if your jack really is platinum, I want to see what kind of gear you have installed up in that pretty little head of yours.\u201d All of a sudden I wasn\u2019t sure about how she was staring at me. \u201cMy jacks about broke my bank account, and I went low end. Yours are anything but low end.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWell Poppa had money.\u201d I had never figured out how much exactly, but it was a lot. \u201cAnd he would do anything for me. So eventually he figured if I wanted to do this grid stuff, then he was going to give me the tools to do it. Start early and be the best.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI still have time off for a few more days, so we have plenty of time to investigate.\u201d Breakfast was disappearing fast. I wondered how soon she wanted to start. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, most of it will be fun stuff, nothing too hardcore since you have had no formal training.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah. Try to take it easy on me.\u201d I stabbed the last of the eggs on my plate, smiling ear to ear. \u201cIt\u2019s been a very long time since I even got to play any video games.\u201d Giggling to myself, I was beginning to get excited about the future\u2019s prospects. \u201cI was pretty good at them when I was a little kid.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou were a video game junky?\u201d She seemed surprised yet again, kinda funny. \u201cYeah. But only old-school stuff. I was more of a retro fun kinda kid. But don\u2019t get me wrong. I\u2019m sure I could handle the newer stuff if given a chance.\u201d My smile grew bigger as I nibbled on the final piece of toast.<\/p><p>\u201cDo you have big plans for the rest of the morning? Or would you like to go investigate that hardware in your head?\u201d Taking my empty plate, she wandered off toward the sink with a huge smile on her face. \u201cI\u2019m thinking you like the idea from your initial reaction.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWell, yeah.\u201d Truth be known, I was terrified. What if the hardware didn\u2019t work right? I had gotten knocked around a bit over the years. \u201cIt might be kinda cool.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI figured you might be up for a little excitement.\u201d She patted me on the back as she walked by. \u201cFollow me. Let me show you to my little fun cave. It\u2019s for nerds and geeks only.\u201d Heading out of the kitchen, she rounded the corner and opened a door I assumed led to the basement.<\/p><p>\u201cHmmm, a secret cool cave in the basement? Sounds like you might know Batman.\u201d Following along after her, I could not shake the feeling something was not quite right. \u201cWe deserve a little fun. It\u2019s been rough recently.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI could not agree more.\u201d Strolling across the basement casually, she walked right past an awesome-looking computer and gaming setup, ignoring it totally. \u201cThat\u2019s good and all, but I think I need to break out my good stuff for you, my friend, just intuition I guess.\u201d<\/p><p>Pausing in front of a door at the back corner of the basement, she pressed her thumb to a little panel. \u201cPretty low tech, but on a budget, a fingerprint scanner was all I could afford, sadly.\u201d The door clicked loudly three times and then slowly swung open.<\/p><p>Walking up beside her, I peeked in just as the lights kicked on. Glancing around, my eyes got huge. I looked back at Karen in disbelief. \u201cYou\u2019re a little more than an office wage slave, aren\u2019t you?\u201d Multiple computer banks lined the walls. I couldn\u2019t even begin to guess how much digital horsepower was sitting in the little room.<\/p><p>\u201cUmm\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. maybe. I like to enjoy myself when I\u2019m not working.\u201d She smiled as she walked past me into the room. \u201cAnd to have the level of fun I require takes some money and equipment. That seat over there should be comfy to chill a bit.\u201d She pointed to a chair beside one of the banks of computers.<\/p><p>Moving slowly toward the chair, I suddenly felt like a lab rat unsure what might happen. \u201cUh, this is all kinda overwhelming actually. It\u2019s all fun and games until you have to do it. What if my gear is dead? Or not functional? Will it hurt me?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat would be very depressing if your gear had expired along the way somewhere, very sad indeed.\u201d Opening and closing drawers, she finally pulled out a bag containing a cable. \u201cHere we are. I figure I should break this out. Your jacks deserve the best to make sure you have maximum input and output.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re making this sound really weird.\u201d I eyed the cable suspiciously when she handed it to me. \u201cI will admit to being a little nervous. This suddenly is becoming very real.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOh, it will be fine. It\u2019s not going to hurt or anything.\u201d Continuing to smile, she plugged the other end of the cable into her mainframe. \u201cIf your gear isn\u2019t good anymore, nothing happens. If it does still work, you should end up in a computer-simulated room. And I will join you shortly once I make sure everything is running fine.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOK. If you say so.\u201d Karen had no reason to hurt me, so why not trust her? This was an awesome opportunity! Thoughts of my last experience in a simulation filled my mind, causing my heart to speed up. \u201cSo just lean back and plug in?\u201d I tried to cover my nervousness with a big smile.<\/p><p>\u201cDifferent grid runners handle it differently. You can actually still sense the outside world. Most of us just like to ignore it while we\u2019re in having fun.\u201d While she chatted, she was booting up a computer. Typing and clicking. \u201cPlug in and tell me what you feel.\u201d<\/p><p>I slowly raised the cable to my temple, suddenly unsure. I looked over at Karen hesitantly. \u201cThis isn\u2019t going to hurt? You promise.\u201d It had not before, but that was a long time ago.<\/p><p>\u201cNope, no pain. Well, at least not with what we are going to do.\u201d She smiled, motioning for me to plug in. \u201cReally, it will be fine. I promise.\u201d<\/p><p>Swallowing hard, I slipped the plug into my socket and\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. Nothing happened! What? Bummer\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. Rats\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. double booty apple rats. Karen\u2019s eyes suddenly got big, looking at a monitor in front of her. She did a double take between me and the monitor. \u201cAre you OK, Bethany?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, I\u2019m fine, but nothing is .\u00a0.\u00a0.\u201d My thought trailed off as my entire body started tingling, literally all over. Every hair bristled. Euphoria as I had never experienced settled over me. Numbers started scrolling before my eyes. Internal memory checks\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. processor checks\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. Total diagnostics\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. It all flew by my eyes faster than I could comprehend.<\/p><p>In the far distance, Karen\u2019s voice echoed around my head. \u201cBethany? Bethany? Are you sure you\u2019re OK?\u201d Unable to respond, I just watched numbers and computer code scroll by in front of me on the insides of my eyeballs. I didn\u2019t care\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. I was in heaven.<\/p><p>The green words blinked in front of me: Diagnostic complete\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. System 100% functional. Again, Karen\u2019s voice was in the back of my mind. \u201cBethany? Say something\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u201d The blinking words went dark, and I tumbled into the darkness of my mind. I didn\u2019t care\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. . I had entered nirvana.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-736a615 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"736a615\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2820d8f\" data-id=\"2820d8f\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ffaa0c4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ffaa0c4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-large\">order today on amazon!<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dc070c9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dc070c9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Free on Kindle Unlimited or $4.99 e-book<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div data-wpl_tracker=\"{&quot;analytics&quot;:true,&quot;analytics_category&quot;:&quot;Outbound Link&quot;,&quot;analytics_action&quot;:&quot;click&quot;,&quot;analytics_label&quot;:&quot;born e-book&quot;}\" class=\"events-tracker-for-elementor elementor-element elementor-element-758838d elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"758838d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Ghost-Born-Gregory-Bruner-ebook\/dp\/B0B2NN9V9Y\/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XNLDJNEJ4F8P&#038;keywords=a+ghost+is+born&#038;qid=1661441437&#038;s=digital-text&#038;sprefix=a+ghost+is+born%2Cdigital-text%2C100&#038;sr=1-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">order now<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ad3fb97\" data-id=\"ad3fb97\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6e69961 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6e69961\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-large\">Order your Signed paperback here!<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3db058a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3db058a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Author signed copy only $20.00 plus shipping and applicable taxes<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div data-wpl_tracker=\"{&quot;analytics&quot;:true,&quot;analytics_category&quot;:&quot;Outbound Link&quot;,&quot;analytics_action&quot;:&quot;click&quot;,&quot;analytics_label&quot;:&quot;born author copy&quot;}\" class=\"events-tracker-for-elementor elementor-element elementor-element-37889f8 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"37889f8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/gregory-l-bruner.square.site\/?fbclid=IwAR15_3pqt9YXpVJvZxfR-fAiWfeu4Bgll2OTBl948MQX6yZ1o82t3ysQn28\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Order now<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chapter 7 Benjamin&#8217;s first day The sun shone through my window blindingly, right in my eyes. I had forgotten to pull the curtains again. Oh well. Rolling out of bed, my feet carried me to the window. It had snowed again. Some snow was fun as a kid, but there came a point when even &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/?page_id=1190\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">A Ghost is born<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"page-builder","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"","footnotes":""},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1190"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1190"}],"version-history":[{"count":115,"href":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1190\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1991,"href":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1190\/revisions\/1991"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1190"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}