The Story of Promiseum - Dream Walker

The field seemed to stretch on forever. He looked around. There were no trees or any significant landmarks as far as he could see. The grass was primarily green and had long stalks topped with copper-colored grains. When the wind blew, there appeared to be gentle waves rolling across the land. The vast ocean of grass was knee-high and dotted with patches of flowers in every direction. He could hear birds and crickets, but no matter how close he looked, he couldn’t see them anywhere.

He took a step forward to start what promised to be a long journey. As he walked, he noticed that everything looked the same. The scenery didn’t change at all. He didn’t know where he was going or how far he even walked. He had nothing to determine the direction or distance. There were still no landmarks. And though it was bright out here without a cloud in sight, there was no sun in the sky.

He didn’t even know how long he had been walking or if he was even getting anywhere. The scenery was playing tricks on his mind. While walking, it seemed like he had walked for miles. But when he stopped, it didn’t look like he moved at all. Several times, he even thought that he saw someone out of the corner of his eye. He couldn't make anything out, just a dark figure. When he turned to look, however, there was no one there. I need to get out of this field, he thought.

Then, without any warning at all, he found himself at the edge of a cliff. Where did that come from? He thought. It was like the ground just fell away. Looking down from the top of the cliff, he saw a vast forest from miles above. Even from this vantage point, there didn't seem to be an end to the forest. At the base of the cliff, there was what had to be a giant lake. From this distance, however, it wasn't much more than just a puddle. Standing at the edge of the cliff, looking down. He felt like there was something about this lake. He didn't know what it was, but he had an overwhelming urge to be there. So, he leaned forward and allowed himself to fall over the edge. Why did I do that? He thought as the ground raced to meet him. He was just starting to panic when he noticed that the land was advancing slower than it had been. What’s going on? He thought, am I slowing down? He realized that he was indeed slowing down. The farther he fell, the slower he got until about two feet from the water, where he just stopped.

Before he could form another thought, however, he started to fall up. There was no other way to describe it. It was like gravity had reversed, and he was falling into the sky. All around him were animals, plants, even large rocks, and trees falling up with him. Or maybe they were being sucked into the atmosphere. All he knew for sure was that it felt surreal as everything rose and swirled around over his head, then disappeared into the sky.

Then he noticed something out of the corner of his eye that caught him off guard. It was a fish. I know what you’re thinking. In this instance, that wouldn’t be very surprising, but this fish was giant and swimming through the air like he was still in the water. The fish was long and kind of slender, maybe six feet long. His fins were long and flowing, and they contained every color of the rainbow.

The fish swam up to him and said, “Hi, I’m Samson, pleased to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you as well. I’m Danny,” he said. “Wait a minute, why am I talking to a fish?”

“I don’t know,” Samson said sarcastically, “it’s your dream.”

“I’m sorry,” Danny said. “Is this the way I’m supposed to go?”

“Not yet,” said Samson.” Maybe next time.”

Danny suddenly opened his eyes and realized that he was in his bed. It was just a dream! Yet, there was something different about this dream. It seemed like any other dream, but somehow, it felt more tangible than any dream he could remember. He also had the feeling that it was more significant than any other dream. It was strange enough to hear a fish talk, but why would he say not yet and maybe next time?

Anyway! He didn’t have much time to think about it. Today was the day, and this day was going to be busy. And he still had a lot to do. Today, he moves into his new apartment, above his business, in the building downtown that he just bought. Not only is he helping his two best friends move in with him, but tomorrow was the grand opening of his shop downstairs.

He had worked hard and has looked forward to this day ever since he was fourteen. Back then, he started out by mowing yards in the suburbs and doing odd jobs around the city. Since then, he has expanded his operation into a profitable business. Now he was ready to expand again. And with his two best friends at his side, he couldn’t ask for a better life. His full name is Daniel Thomas Lancelot Knight, but he just goes by Danny. Danny is super intelligent and probably the nicest guy you'll ever meet. No one knows precisely how brilliant Danny is because he doesn't like to show off. Besides, the way he sees it, he has nothing to prove. He is 5'11", 185 lbs., with an above-average muscle build and tone. Which he attributes to all the hard work that got him to where he's at today. He has sandy brown hair and brown eyes with what appears to be streaks of gold. Also, Danny is reasonably popular in the fact that pretty much everyone he meets likes him. He prefers, however, to mostly stay to himself, and has very few close friends.

He woke up almost an hour before his alarm. Oh well, he could use the extra time to get ready anyway. He always starts his day with some light stretches, then a quick shower. He likes to start with extra warm water (to relax and wash), then cold water (to wake up and get his heart pumping). Finally, after getting dressed, he has breakfast and brushes his teeth. He decided to use his extra time to clean out his car, something he doesn't always have time to do. His car isn't anything fancy. It's just an older model Corolla in silver. Typically, you don't need a car in such a big city since the bus goes almost everywhere. However, it does help when you have a lot of appointments. You don't have to worry about getting there too early, or late because the bus only runs at certain times. And sometimes, you need to take things with you that you can't take on the bus. With the nature of Danny's business, he usually has to haul a lot of stuff. He also has a medium-sized pickup truck for hauling more significant items, already parked at his new place. Now it was time to go. First thing, he had an early appointment with Mr. Hampton; so, he pulled out of the driveway and headed toward his office. The drive wasn't far. Danny was living with his mom in a townhouse apartment in the city. Which was only a mile or so from historic downtown. And Mr. Hampton's office was right as you entered the downtown area, just a few miles away. The building was a small savings and loan owned by Mr. Hampton. His office was on the right side of the building. And had an entrance to his secretary's office from outside the building. The secretary sent Danny right in.

He immediately extended his hand and said, "thank you for meeting with me so early, Mr. Hampton."

Clasping his hand in a firm shake, Mr. Hampton said, ''I work for you now. Please call me Walter."

Walter J Hampton is a man of many talents. He's like a "one-stop-shop" in the business world. He has a master’s in business and accounting, he's a lawyer and can handle any case from taxes, to criminal, to civil suits. Walter owns a small savings and loan company, is an investment broker, and if all of that isn't enough, he's also a licensed real estate broker. And that's just some of his many accomplishments. To look at him, you would never know he's seventy-one years old. You would swear he couldn't be a day over fifty-five.

Walter and Danny met five years earlier when Danny was trying to open a personal checking account and a business account for his new business. No one else would even take him seriously at fourteen. He was about to give up and explore other options when a client suggested trying this small savings and loan business. She said, "Mr. Hampton could handle all of his financial and business needs." She was right! It was the best business decision he ever made! After going over and signing the last of the contracts and other paperwork, it was all final. They shook hands again, and Danny said, "thank you, Walter, I couldn't have done it without you."

"Yes, you could,” he said. "It just would have taken longer. Besides, I see great things in your future."

By this time, it was late in the morning. Danny hired a moving company to move all the big and heavy items for himself, Emily, and Robert. Even though it was a Monday, his mom didn't have any classes today. She would supervise the move from that end. Which was good for him because he still had a couple of jobs to do in the field. First, he had to trim some bushes and trees and edge a sidewalk, which took him till lunch. After lunch, all he had to do was replace a broken light fixture. Then he headed home. He got home with enough time to clean up and change before the movers got there. When they arrived, he showed them where to put everything. He even gave them a generous tip and an invitation to the grand opening in the morning.

When Walter showed him this building, he knew it would be perfect. It was a typical downtown building, with two floors. The buildings on either side were built right up against it. As you faced the building, it had a turret jutting out into the sidewalk on the right side. It had three giant picture windows, and it took up almost half the building. It was made for the grand display case behind it. The first floor was recessed into the building on the left side, creating a covered entryway with the second floor extended over it. There was another picture window to the left of the door with a smaller display case behind it. There was nothing on the second floor, so he had an apartment built to his specifications. The second floor was so big that the apartment only took up half of the space, so he had it made at the front of the building. The back half of the second floor is a forty by forty-four-foot storage space, complete with a freight elevator.

You enter the apartment through the storage area. A Grand Archway with pocket doors leads to the dining room to your immediate left as you enter. Separating the dining room and kitchen was a large island with a bar on one side with four stools. On the other side was a large cooktop grill combo and workspace with a built-in chopping block. The kitchen was also equipped with a commercial freezer, refrigerator, and dual ovens, all recessed into the back wall. There was a row of cabinets with a sink on the same wall.

Back In the living room, straight across from the entry door, there was a hallway leading to the three bedrooms. The first room on the right was Robert's room. The other room on the right was for Emily, and between the two was a shared bathroom. Across from Emily's room was Danny's master suite. The master bath had another door exiting into the Hall, doubling as a guest bath.

Now he was just waiting for Emily and Robert to arrive. Emily Lynn James is Danny's best friend. They met at daycare when Danny was four years old. Danny said her eyes were beautiful, and they have been best friends ever since. She is 5'9", 135 lbs., with reddish-brown hair and green eyes. She is brilliant and sweet, though she can be a little shy sometimes.

Robert Kelvin James is Emily's brother and Danny's other best friend. Emily introduced them when Danny was finally able to come over for a visit. They have all been best friends ever since. Though Robert and Emily are twins, he is taller. Robert is 6'2" and 210 lbs., primarily muscle. His dad tried to get him into sports when he was younger. Robert never did get into any sports, but he did enjoy working out with his dad. Robert loves working with his hands, fixing, and building things. His specialty is cabinets and shelves. He also likes working on cars and is pretty good at it too.

When they finally arrived, Danny was in his room. He had been setting it up, but he was all done now. When he came out, he was ready to offer help if they needed it. Suddenly, everything just stopped and then started again in slow motion. He had known her for most of their lives and had seen her almost every day. He saw her grow up from childhood through puberty and was fully aware that she was a woman now. She was beautiful and desirable, and none of that was a surprise to him. What caught him off guard was just how happy she looked. He never thought that she could be more beautiful than she already was, but that smile on her face made his heart race. And, for a moment, nothing else existed. Just her, and this perfect moment in time!

"Hey bro, are you all right?"

"Huh, What?"

"Are you all right?" Robert asked.

"Oh, yeah," Danny replied, "I guess I just needed a moment to process everything. How about a tour?"

"That would be great," Emily said.

So, he led them around the house and gave them "the grand tour.” They had an early dinner and spent the rest of the evening arranging furniture and talking about the past. Then it was time for bed. Tomorrow will be a big day with the grand opening and getting settled into their new positions. Before going to bed, Emily stopped Danny in the hallway to thank him for everything he had done. Then she kissed him on the cheek before disappearing into her room. He could barely remember brushing his teeth and changing for bed, but somehow, he managed. Life was good!