"A Dream to Never Stop Dreaming" Story Sample #2

Chapter 2

         Years and days went by. Annabeth appeared on the honor roll in the eighth grade, went through that crazy jungle called high school, applied and was accepted in the best college in the state, was therecipient of the highest honor available for graduation, and went on to do “great, marvelous, wondrous, crazy things,” as she called it. And her mother was with her every step of the way.

Annabeth started a flourishing tour guide business, and learned all about Picasso in art school to build an art gallery. For two years, she had been in the army and navy, and managed to become an officer for both. However, she abdicated her position to start a family. Eventually, Annabeth married, and had three children. She encouraged each and every them to dream and to pursue their dreams, no matter how far-fetched they sounded or seemed. She did not embargo their dreams; on the contrary, she began a “crusade” to advance the idea of dreams in their neighborhood. And her mother was with her every step of the way.

One day, when Annabeth decided to visit her mother at her home, she received a pleasant surprise. She was standing at the porch, arms out wide, as if she had expected her all these years. They embraced warmly, each woman crying deeply into each other’s arms. 

“Well, Annabeth,” stated her mother, “evidently, I was wrong about you. You accomplished everything you said you would so many years ago. I am more proud of you than words can say. I am sorry things were so ungainly between us. My tenets were incomplete. Please forgive me.”

With tears falling down her face, Annabeth answered in a shaky voice, “I am sorry that I said all those mean things about you. Back then, I would have proclaimed it from the rooftop. But I realize now, that your discouragement actually strengthened me. Thank you.”

“You know, now that I think about it, that was a ruse, all of it. Just like you said, I only discouraged you and put you down because I knew that would make you stronger. I put on a good act, didn’t I?” Mom smiled mischievously.

“Don’t worry, you did nothing to deface my character or personality. But I still thank you for all your ‘encouragement.’” 

“I am just glad you did not become a mendicant like I thought you would.” 

“What?” Annabeth cried, obviously torn between humor and hurt.

But she saw her mother was laughing. “You are so serious. You need levity in your life sometimes. You should learn to have fun.”

Annabeth smiled. “Oh, Mother,” she sighed.