by Terry Schott
Chapter 60
“Belief is a remarkable thing. If we believe that we can do something, we can. If we believe that we can’t do something, then we can’t. Our belief system limits us, shaping our entire lives, as well as the lives of those around us. In order for any progress to be made, a Heretic is required.
Heretics do not share the common beliefs of the masses, they think bigger. They are scorned and mocked and laughed at for their strange beliefs, yet still they believe. People challenge them, scoff at them, dismiss them as absurd. Yet still they believe. Time passes and sometimes others join the Heretic, one or two at first, and then even more begin to tag along.
When enough time has passed, if the Heretic has been particularly persistent in their beliefs and persuasive in their ability to share the message they believe in, the Heretic disappears. Where once a lonely believer of strange ideas had stood, now stands a visionary thinker, a remarkable person who had the strength and wisdom to look at the world differently; a person who leads us to a better understanding of the universe, and a deeper view of ourselves.
Our limits increase; we advance and prosper.
Thanks to the Heretic... and thanks to Belief.”
Excerpt from “A Players’ Handbook for the Game of Life”
Trew Radfield – avatar
Trew - 39
“Ten years ago I thought I couldn’t have a better birthday, Danni, but look what we’ve accomplished in the last decade. Look where we sit tonight!”
I raise my glass of French red wine and Danni raises hers to me, smiling that beautiful smile that melts my heart and so often makes my mind stop racing. I look past her and see the lights of Paris below us. The breeze is mild and warm tonight, we are the only two people sitting at the top level of the Eiffel Tower, enjoying a romantic meal while violins play softly in the background. Two waiters stand far enough away to not hear us, but close enough should we require anything.
“I’m glad you like it, babe. It gets harder each year to find a better gift for you, and tougher to surprise you.”
She’s wearing a blood red dress, her hair curled and bouncing on her bare shoulders. Diamonds glitter around her throat, matching earrings dangling like cold fire from her ears. She gets more beautiful every day. I look around slowly, just soaking up the moment. Life is really about moments; they come too rarely and they leave too soon. We have had so many incredible moments throughout our lives, but I never want to take a single one of them for granted. I finish by allowing my eyes to come to rest on her. “Come dance with me, sweet girl.” I stand up and walk to her, holding her chair while she gracefully stands up.
We move towards the little makeshift dance floor and start to dance. Nothing fancy, but it feels good.
“Happy early birthday, Trew.” She kisses me. I still feel the electricity and the tingles, exactly like the first time we kissed.
“Sneaky girl,” I say. “How’s a boy to guess at his surprises when you don’t even give them on the correct day?”
She laughs, “I will always surprise you, hun. Even if I have to spring it on you six months from the actual date.”
I dip her and she giggles in surprise. “Six months from the actual date, huh?” I say. “So that means you’re going to get me my Christmas surprise in June?”
“If that’s what it takes.”
We dance til the song ends, then go to the balcony to look out over the city. “It’s magical, Danni,” I say. “Thank you so much. It will make tomorrow seem like a boring, normal day in comparison.”
“Oh, please.” Danni raises her eyebrows at me. “Tomorrow is going to be a major celebration for the digital prophet, Trew Radfield. The man who has shown the world a better way to think about — well, about everything. People will line up outside just to catch a glimpse of you.”
“A glimpse of us,” I say seriously.
“Pfft, not us. Just you, babe. But that’s exactly how I want it. I have lots of work to do and you’re the man on the stage. I’m happy to do my thing from the sidelines.”
“Yeah, it should be okay,” I say doubtfully.
“Trew!” She laughs and slaps my chest gently, leaving her hand resting on me. “It’s a birthday bash in a real German castle! There will be thousands of people there, and the event will be televised.”
“I know. It’s too much,” I say with concern.
“It’s fine,” Danni says. “The movement has exploded. We have a worldwide following of how many now?”
“Millions,” I say.
“Over forty million,” she confirms. “We are helping so many people. They love you, and me; I know that, but you’re the leader, the one who sees where we all come from, and where we all go. You’ve given the hopeless a reason to hope. You’ve fed the hungry by the millions, and you continue to inspire the world to be a better place.”
“Did you ever think it would get this big, Danni?” I ask.
“No.” She shakes her head. “I thought it would be much bigger by now. But my husband is a bit of a slacker. He prefers to spend too much time hugging and kissing his wife and ignoring the real important things in the world.”
I pull her close and kiss her again, this time a long one. I wait until I’m dizzy before I stop, and I can tell she’s dizzy too.
“You are my world, Danni,” I say seriously. “If you weren’t with me doing this, then I wouldn’t have done it.”
“I feel the same, Trew.” She hugs me, then looks at me with sympathy. “It’s just a shame that tomorrow you’ll be an old man. Only a few good useful years left in you now that you’re turning 40. I guess we should get you measured up for a home and wheelchair.”
I laugh and reach out to grab her, but she dances away lightly. “Very funny, lady! You’re almost as old as me. Maybe we can get a wheelchair built for two!”
“Almost, but not quite,” she says playfully. “Besides, I’m going to live another 100 years after I turn 40.”
“Really?” I ask.
“Of course,” she says. “Remember those chicken cells that lived way longer than they were supposed to? Well, if a chicken can do it, then so can a human. It just takes belief, which I have plenty of. Add some talent and knowledge that the computer that runs this universe can be communicated with, and presto! It should be no problem.”
“Hmm. I think you’re on to something there, lover,” I say seriously.
“Of course I am,” she says. “What do you think? Want to join me? Live another 100 years? Can you put up with me for that long?”
“Yes,” I say cheerfully. “I most certainly can!”