Light of Darkness

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “Me too. How about we get some food in you and take your mind off the matter?”

  My stomach growls. “Sure, that would be great.” She smiles, giving me a kiss on the cheek, and then leaves for the kitchen.

  I focus a bit of energy into my arms and push myself up, resting against headboard of my bed. I zone out, staring at the door to my room. The smell of burning flesh crosses my nose, and I see smoke bellow in from underneath the door. I close my eyes, trying not to think about it.

  The door opens. “Hey, Hero, got food for—what’s the matter?”

  I open my eyes and only then notice the tears streaming down my face and the fear momentarily paralyzing me. Wiping away the tears, I smile. “It’s nothing. Come on, let’s eat.”

  Over and over, his words play in my head as we eat: We, the Generals, walk among you here on New Birth once again. I feel myself freak out a little every time. I look to Valene for reassurance. Her golden eyes light up, and she rubs my leg.

  “It’ll be fine, Hero. Everything will be all right.” Her face suddenly ignites in flames, causing me to jump. “Kyle?” she asks, gripping my leg.

  I sit there, watching in dread as her skin blackens and cracks, while her eyes become pockets of bright, smoldering embers—just like in my nightmare. With a trembling breath, I shake my head and smile back at her, assuring her that everything is fine. She lies down on the bed, staring at me with her burning eyes. I lie back and close my eyes, hoping the sight of her in flames is gone when I open them again.

  It’ll be fine, Hero. Everything will be all right.

  Man, I hope she’s right. I really hope she’s right.

  There are so many people that have helped and encouraged me along this journey.

  To my mom, dad and family—thank you for supporting me, pushing me to be who I am today and pushing me forward toward my dreams.

  A BIG thanks to BHC Press and staff for the opportunity to get my work out into the world.

  Thank you to my oldest friend, DeWyane, for being my first writing partner, staying up late with me and coming up with story ideas in your dad’s basement.

  Thank you, Carina, for your harsh, but fair feedback and editing skill. Your insights made me push a little harder to be that much more creative.

  Lastly, I want to thank my best friend and brother, Russell. You’ve listened to my ramblings for years now (still do). You have read and re-read every iteration and idea I have ever come up with for this story. You have been there for me through thick and thin, and given me such great advice and encouragement. It wouldn’t be what it is without you, Bro.

  Lonnie Davidson was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. Growing up, he spent his summers at his father’s home, in Pennsylvania, where his imagination and writing skills were cultivated. Often, he and his father would watch old cartoons, and movies both foreign and domestic. They would read comic books, as well as play board and video games. This variety of animation and role playing developed Lonnie’s appreciation for the artistic imagery as well as the stories and moral lessons they taught.

  During the school year, his mother would push him to reach higher levels of academia. When he wasn’t doing school work, Lonnie was filling the pages of notebooks with fantastical stories. Over time, with his mother’s motivation and his father’s inspiration Lonnie graduated top of his high school class and went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree from Ohio University (OU? Oh yeah). Although his degree is not in literature, he never lost the passion for storytelling or the love for creating a world outside of the one we know.

  Even as a man, Lonnie has never lost that child-like love for story telling or letting his imagination run wild on paper. Through his works, Lonnie hopes to paint a vivid picture with words of the worlds that occupy his imagination.