tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91332878022793094642024-03-18T03:19:01.705-07:00feuilleton 13rhodahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694315635082071848noreply@blogger.comBlogger372125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-44666049029671184322024-03-18T03:14:00.000-07:002024-03-18T03:17:18.392-07:00zero plus nothing equals - 18. betrayal<br>
<font color = "navy"> by jeremy witherington</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">eighteen </font> of 31
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-17-missing.html"><font color = "red"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-1-room.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "gold" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSR9RJg3TsXJFGNYGgCcwID_o5r-hykHH0o1xsgMsPQwGPpWBhdQvkc0cewvEHDxGcGL7t-JsQBB9wIAvYjpE1wrx2yHkxNHwrLH7p10OnHa_oRlVP9hD-HoRv5G804zY7hMuzNJx66cFgW0ZSaGyLUAImychLgb_CjwUgaP5qH6luryQYs1D-sS2pbg/s1600/zero%20-%2018%20-%20a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSR9RJg3TsXJFGNYGgCcwID_o5r-hykHH0o1xsgMsPQwGPpWBhdQvkc0cewvEHDxGcGL7t-JsQBB9wIAvYjpE1wrx2yHkxNHwrLH7p10OnHa_oRlVP9hD-HoRv5G804zY7hMuzNJx66cFgW0ZSaGyLUAImychLgb_CjwUgaP5qH6luryQYs1D-sS2pbg/s1600/zero%20-%2018%20-%20a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font color = "navy">the stranger rode across the desert,.
<p>
he was bitterly disappointed at not keeping his rendezvous with the queen.
<p>
he decided to get his revenge.
<p>
but against whom?
<p>
against the queen, who had not kept her promise to meet him, no matter what the obstacle?
<p>
though the heavens turn to ash.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAqrxqEAvdNVfnQUbkGcc3Z02YMwVqk6zTGjCIQfWXIyFH4BUOFR4g9FLXSFUL312DmLkr_bbConx6sdaL3qnyqkaYhJDAoQk3ogCTA3PD4aWC4SDYzWLREyR7_R-cVtma79HP1qb_hZQeEe6-YWs84Ma3RnMu6O2gIdKseKsUwvjV-sAmirVVwUrVA/s1600/zero%20-%2018%20-%20b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAqrxqEAvdNVfnQUbkGcc3Z02YMwVqk6zTGjCIQfWXIyFH4BUOFR4g9FLXSFUL312DmLkr_bbConx6sdaL3qnyqkaYhJDAoQk3ogCTA3PD4aWC4SDYzWLREyR7_R-cVtma79HP1qb_hZQeEe6-YWs84Ma3RnMu6O2gIdKseKsUwvjV-sAmirVVwUrVA/s1600/zero%20-%2018%20-%20b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
and the oceans turn to sand.
<p>
those had been her words to him.
<p>
under the old oak tree,
<p>
on the night before she was to be delivered to the king.
<p>
accompanied by ten thousand horsemen of her uncle, the great emperor.
<p>
whose empire had turned into sand.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaGtsHvvOv1sWCR9w1DFyGrroxhiVcHar2THbS8zzRZfozdsy77HUF5dj-_WFoeklty1BtJ8MOJFHjdXdYK1SceJHkHnznN2yuaBrqQ1TgAWxuXAFNF837Px52FAfeBHO8bQudwm5v5_hAZahJbZwaw_WWdQ7774h5F7dKyB1ItV9iLWUD14V1Hjepg/s1600/zero%20-%2018%20-%20c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaGtsHvvOv1sWCR9w1DFyGrroxhiVcHar2THbS8zzRZfozdsy77HUF5dj-_WFoeklty1BtJ8MOJFHjdXdYK1SceJHkHnznN2yuaBrqQ1TgAWxuXAFNF837Px52FAfeBHO8bQudwm5v5_hAZahJbZwaw_WWdQ7774h5F7dKyB1ItV9iLWUD14V1Hjepg/s1600/zero%20-%2018%20-%20c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
the very sand the stranger was riding across on his strange beast.
<p>
night fell, and the stranger decided, having put a hundred leagues between himself and the town, which was the only remnant of the empire, to stop for the night.
<p>
when he fell asleep, the strange beast wandered away in the direction of the great mountain.
<p>
the stranger slept, blissfully unaware of the beast’s perfidy.
<p>
everybody had betrayed him.
<p>
the queen.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kCN1REVfAj6vpKuUa4nLMtmJkCXxan2MTjJ7B8-CknJkD9tFQyKxOp0tL-C5rlH-Okt6ZBu4HHaQ2e-mfT5lG6e6Wgia8y8JqywkbVhVTel9QB25tTf4OpofXj6t2NhCA9YO2W2HIg_5oaK3fuM4to_4atP5P4TtxIXdZEgp2NyyCZ_ejVc5kHqLsg/s1600/zero%20-%2018%20-%20d%20-%20alt.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kCN1REVfAj6vpKuUa4nLMtmJkCXxan2MTjJ7B8-CknJkD9tFQyKxOp0tL-C5rlH-Okt6ZBu4HHaQ2e-mfT5lG6e6Wgia8y8JqywkbVhVTel9QB25tTf4OpofXj6t2NhCA9YO2W2HIg_5oaK3fuM4to_4atP5P4TtxIXdZEgp2NyyCZ_ejVc5kHqLsg/s1600/zero%20-%2018%20-%20d%20-%20alt.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
the beast.
<p>
and the world.
<p>
he had a dream in which he was walking down a dark road.
<p>
he decided to get his vengeance,
<p>
not against the queen, whom he still loved.
<p>
not against the beast, whose betrayal he was unaware of.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUPBKf_z6Kk9QpOy9vnsxFXQj925qkNboeejWeTS3Ic9oGRtUh5moXdc9srSyuKR_hxy6b8jzAFQG7zs6B2lGcHKbw-n6uwjp54HYcmmYskAuMK-1sDNFfCK_qA-qFs2sT7BYJBjE8muF80gNHNL5Fu-eDrQNN2RRYu6-V6ekrleoZpM548L0nDE1hw/s1600/zero%20-%2018%20-%20e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUPBKf_z6Kk9QpOy9vnsxFXQj925qkNboeejWeTS3Ic9oGRtUh5moXdc9srSyuKR_hxy6b8jzAFQG7zs6B2lGcHKbw-n6uwjp54HYcmmYskAuMK-1sDNFfCK_qA-qFs2sT7BYJBjE8muF80gNHNL5Fu-eDrQNN2RRYu6-V6ekrleoZpM548L0nDE1hw/s1600/zero%20-%2018%20-%20e.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
but against the world.
<p>
against the world.</font>
<br>
<br>
<center><font color = "red"> to be continued </font></center>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</td></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>
jeremy witheringtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05933215952838493778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-23353862574090177702024-03-17T05:19:00.000-07:002024-03-18T03:18:29.719-07:00zero plus nothing equals - 17. missing!<br>
<font color = "navy"> by jeremy witherington</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">seventeen </font> of 31
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-16-funeral.html"><font color = "red"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-1-room.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "blue" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWo6s0qqb8A38xuJ9KEemlX2AUE_VP54JdnQbvTpYBQBUrXqkLblgvAmq5yEsV_IloSyEuM6dN9RFoO4SJpbB-2lApFEsJwJ8rA29sjdV60hd98EAPU08jjdsw9L9OXDO08DzXt80SA7PSUi_VqmHnO6aRPj5Usd6PijJBQQoft8h7nncl4SlaNqLeQ/s1600/zero-17-a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWo6s0qqb8A38xuJ9KEemlX2AUE_VP54JdnQbvTpYBQBUrXqkLblgvAmq5yEsV_IloSyEuM6dN9RFoO4SJpbB-2lApFEsJwJ8rA29sjdV60hd98EAPU08jjdsw9L9OXDO08DzXt80SA7PSUi_VqmHnO6aRPj5Usd6PijJBQQoft8h7nncl4SlaNqLeQ/s1600/zero-17-a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font color = "navy">i am sorry, doctor, but your protege has not returned. i do not suppose you have any objection to our starting the conference without him?
<p>
of course not. i warned the headstrong youth of the consequences of his impetuous folly, and now he must suffer them.
<p>
very well then, everyone else is here. let us begin.
<p>
our first speaker is doctor dee, also known as number one.
<p>
algernon was lost.
<p>
and alone.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy895jLwrW0763TUCOfsTH4xXeDVKk2-QdjzQDJp8tV8BHvRTLZxUIn8NocEFn6vQulc02gIXJcAF-kkngCYJsrsyh98MLsITXc9AW4u3qSu9Zx4n0ixweaWFCSMxuo3M0sYv9_2Qh4M1XBTEiMiSx1LSyh8Jw47SVKITUafAXuShIDDA5AFrWUv_jQw/s1600/zero-17-b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy895jLwrW0763TUCOfsTH4xXeDVKk2-QdjzQDJp8tV8BHvRTLZxUIn8NocEFn6vQulc02gIXJcAF-kkngCYJsrsyh98MLsITXc9AW4u3qSu9Zx4n0ixweaWFCSMxuo3M0sYv9_2Qh4M1XBTEiMiSx1LSyh8Jw47SVKITUafAXuShIDDA5AFrWUv_jQw/s1600/zero-17-b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
people flowed past him a kinetic dance of obfuscation, blotting out the doors and windows of the myriad shops and cafes in the endlessly looping streets.
<p>
just when he thought he recognized a shop from a previous passage, he would be swept past it.
<p>
not that he wished to enter any of them.
<p>
all he wanted was to get back to the safety of the hotel.
<p>
he turned on to a quieter street.
<p>
surely he had not been on it before.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeNk3XzTERN9t_Rif-SzMvSRquRFrBDRiaL_H1o4ABy49CnIjU8XTcsChI_Mw9I44N53iQ-i1EJ7OK_yzyCUpkAROIlI62v1QYXGz32S3axRH7dX8tmfZnXRzOn9DpkwDod9zjfE4tNtC1iWCAOxDEr53DUNBWRPitU0Kmpf2LOdt01fqwVIZOi8_ng/s1600/zero-17-c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeNk3XzTERN9t_Rif-SzMvSRquRFrBDRiaL_H1o4ABy49CnIjU8XTcsChI_Mw9I44N53iQ-i1EJ7OK_yzyCUpkAROIlI62v1QYXGz32S3axRH7dX8tmfZnXRzOn9DpkwDod9zjfE4tNtC1iWCAOxDEr53DUNBWRPitU0Kmpf2LOdt01fqwVIZOi8_ng/s1600/zero-17-c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
the street sloped up a hill, and seemed occupied not by shops, but by dwellings with curiously small windows.
<p>
old fashioned automobiles were parked in front of the dwellings, and algernon thought he heard the sound of children shouting, although he could not see any actual children.
<p>
the street grew narrower, and the buildings and the automobiles and the shouts disappeated.
<p>
he reached the crest of the hill.
<p>
and looked down upon a city square, with not too many people walking around it.
<p>
and there was a movie theater - perhaps the same one he had seen on first leaving the hotel by its side door!
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4olJ-w7vbK9Nrv-Or9QtDJRIUlxsL0Gm4mmHHKRUYWpsHlWgNYw3Dg8HaHfTG3A_Cx0Yu1wCfONeIz4EXfn5wXUHCQJJDtOqg1x2vYtTu7HyK_XKfEN3BiYZ0XE9nmENNmy1XrOHQzTmepMG2tVRJTnc66lFqTYPrPP2wYdqnN3-nFp9zsPXlz9Iag/s1600/zero-17-d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4olJ-w7vbK9Nrv-Or9QtDJRIUlxsL0Gm4mmHHKRUYWpsHlWgNYw3Dg8HaHfTG3A_Cx0Yu1wCfONeIz4EXfn5wXUHCQJJDtOqg1x2vYtTu7HyK_XKfEN3BiYZ0XE9nmENNmy1XrOHQzTmepMG2tVRJTnc66lFqTYPrPP2wYdqnN3-nFp9zsPXlz9Iag/s1600/zero-17-d.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
but it was not to be.
<p>
the marquee of the theater did not read “ to be continued”.
<p>
it read -
<p>
how will you meet your end?
<p>
algernon took a deep breath.
<p>
he resolved to ask one of the passersby where he was, and how to get back to the hotel.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7fMNDzJood-aqKAImKn2NiGA8haF7HwpZYHkdkVmZ6EbTv8o87ON51K7YYygKlBFM5zNrGV8IJX7k7L4f_VW8zRD0fDeForsuRHrnsbxoxrD5oxWZH5pBu-30pHQNDzHXMRobEmsuT_fOX792xh741ndZ4V_-o6ygSNXvfznh0ys2zjMWKEHtBThMw/s1600/zero-17-e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7fMNDzJood-aqKAImKn2NiGA8haF7HwpZYHkdkVmZ6EbTv8o87ON51K7YYygKlBFM5zNrGV8IJX7k7L4f_VW8zRD0fDeForsuRHrnsbxoxrD5oxWZH5pBu-30pHQNDzHXMRobEmsuT_fOX792xh741ndZ4V_-o6ygSNXvfznh0ys2zjMWKEHtBThMw/s1600/zero-17-e.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
he had heretofore refrained from this bold step, fearing the worst.
<p>
but now there was nothing else for it.
<p>
excuse me, sir -
<p>
but his first target went by him unheeding -
<p>
so far from being daunted, algernon felt a fresh surge of optimism.
<p>
excuse me, miss - </font>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaKR9KtJYZIRz9Y0Xx7d1_77DZwlg86yTDpkVRNfdZFcsSEQZwb3n1DTImKSOFU6ylKdJlAVSrO0Lb8JfTVHJce59WdqZ4UztlLwuGGICL-k-zqfuaCI5ZXYfr56HIhZc74qamh7gmFBPhOXUw5okNDm63Gb0SjCBLFdHofWO1AdVQtWqvvi8kPM1kw/s1600/zero-17-f.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaKR9KtJYZIRz9Y0Xx7d1_77DZwlg86yTDpkVRNfdZFcsSEQZwb3n1DTImKSOFU6ylKdJlAVSrO0Lb8JfTVHJce59WdqZ4UztlLwuGGICL-k-zqfuaCI5ZXYfr56HIhZc74qamh7gmFBPhOXUw5okNDm63Gb0SjCBLFdHofWO1AdVQtWqvvi8kPM1kw/s1600/zero-17-f.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-18-betrayal.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</td></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>jeremy witheringtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05933215952838493778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-21434948453301376032024-03-16T04:40:00.000-07:002024-03-17T05:21:45.838-07:00zero plus nothing equals - 16. the funeral<br>
<font color = "navy"> by jeremy witherington</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">sixteen </font> of 31
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-15-hotel.html"><font color = "red"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-1-room.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "black" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxodOcASmSh11zBTYy_CRto_D-B7Uf9-maQE4sHKbnS3eeu0kJM60jw5q28VJ6MicEv2Xz7jAapLl_sB4a3XHoZEdmf6lhfbnqUUzcNuDr-c5EJAKEVGovaMRTmkKBeS39f_2kKu3KoizfePQageJX0mqxUEClm83QgRJfuw-CLsNhwYs7aQSx6XViwA/s1600/zero%20-%2016%20-%20a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxodOcASmSh11zBTYy_CRto_D-B7Uf9-maQE4sHKbnS3eeu0kJM60jw5q28VJ6MicEv2Xz7jAapLl_sB4a3XHoZEdmf6lhfbnqUUzcNuDr-c5EJAKEVGovaMRTmkKBeS39f_2kKu3KoizfePQageJX0mqxUEClm83QgRJfuw-CLsNhwYs7aQSx6XViwA/s1600/zero%20-%2016%20-%20a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font color = "navy">sam jones woke up.
<p>
he rolled over and went back to sleep
<p>
he had a dream in which he was walking down a dark road.
<p>
he could not remember his name.
<p>
was it dave fenster?
<p>
or was it siddharta lollipop?
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fiNtYXcQzjZys4s5kTuAuZuttn1DLseu_QK2oM2pxXFogN0_6IR8xY-CJfz442hcl1w5XppJVmZa7pAZ2EyiDXi22Yy-zIUG4zCuWiheeV-JWCT5FOlLgQtgsW5agLGW6k7IFzh8HbUpe8xA8hD9d_EbF1keEVrl5iHp81j1eTbflU68lLrl_kcvmA/s1600/zero%20-%2016%20-%20b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fiNtYXcQzjZys4s5kTuAuZuttn1DLseu_QK2oM2pxXFogN0_6IR8xY-CJfz442hcl1w5XppJVmZa7pAZ2EyiDXi22Yy-zIUG4zCuWiheeV-JWCT5FOlLgQtgsW5agLGW6k7IFzh8HbUpe8xA8hD9d_EbF1keEVrl5iHp81j1eTbflU68lLrl_kcvmA/s1600/zero%20-%2016%20-%20b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
that is a funny name, sam thought halfheartedly.
<p>
but it is not my name.
<p>
no, it is not, he heard a voice say.
<p>
the voice came from the front seat of a long black limousine parked by the side of the country road.
<p>
get it the car, the voice continued, we have work to do.
<p>
suddenly sam remembered.
<p>
<<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLSz9dF27Eg6tZwsOlmG7b7eQwr3rM0FhtlonQSqkghUfxySRxR-TlwnzbpUY1Lp-5MIkjytwtkL9ZYytyGs33XYavt6NLdIlK3UAv43A5InPNhq_y4af2M-ucNrw7-5ehrguXF2bvqva8o3sFl_gGtn4NAXwKQ0ttnvuKFQFuCH4i_ZpYhQCMwecOL0h/s1600/zero%20-%2016%20-%20c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLSz9dF27Eg6tZwsOlmG7b7eQwr3rM0FhtlonQSqkghUfxySRxR-TlwnzbpUY1Lp-5MIkjytwtkL9ZYytyGs33XYavt6NLdIlK3UAv43A5InPNhq_y4af2M-ucNrw7-5ehrguXF2bvqva8o3sFl_gGtn4NAXwKQ0ttnvuKFQFuCH4i_ZpYhQCMwecOL0h/s1600/zero%20-%2016%20-%20c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
he was not sam jones, or dave fenster, or whatever lollipop.
<p>
he was nick olivetti, and the driver was dave fenster.
<p>
nick got in the back seat of the long black limousine, and dave fenster started it up.
<p>
sorry if i was late, nick muttered.
<p>
you were not late, dave reassured him, as he maneuvered the limousine around a sudden bend in the road.
<p>
we have all the time in the world, he added.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAqeNf8IUTVuwu8g5jC_mPIo5Y-EmOVDEbzj6Kh-IHDbO-cmNXIuGYmciaw5yncJCP3efGyGim65MMsrYIiXfA79NYcYJY27PVngmfKLZ1e7KxqxZvLOKrMdQV4r-F9GWxpqHGpAuBqjo7RUQogIp81QG7hu5U6Khxesh1AWU9IlrtZ7Kbfn_azKiPw/s1600/zero%20-%2016%20-%20d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAqeNf8IUTVuwu8g5jC_mPIo5Y-EmOVDEbzj6Kh-IHDbO-cmNXIuGYmciaw5yncJCP3efGyGim65MMsrYIiXfA79NYcYJY27PVngmfKLZ1e7KxqxZvLOKrMdQV4r-F9GWxpqHGpAuBqjo7RUQogIp81QG7hu5U6Khxesh1AWU9IlrtZ7Kbfn_azKiPw/s1600/zero%20-%2016%20-%20d.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
where are we going? nick asked innocently, as the moon suddenly appeared through the trees.
<p>
to a funeral.
<p>
not mine i hope, nick replied with a laugh.
<p>
you know, dave replied, you always had a great sense of humor for a guy who never said anything funny in his life.
<p>
suddenly bright yellow headlights flared up ahead.
<p>
who can that be, nick asked, who would be out on a country road like this at this time of night?
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowXHoC3kSl3ZSza2mJ9aHWOEMQFG15Ll6qD0vM8A7G7cQY7Cj75EVszWrt-bS3h4ERXOzqjy1_D9fdRwKDbYQxsfqR320aZmAGVqa7xyiBgEX61f3t9EVkgpL1fjwGOMQ8cWXNqYCCO3djcq73rbyj2xIP2yPOz78cgum3DzrcS9KpUskk4Dnk657KQ/s1600/zero%20-%2016%20-%20e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowXHoC3kSl3ZSza2mJ9aHWOEMQFG15Ll6qD0vM8A7G7cQY7Cj75EVszWrt-bS3h4ERXOzqjy1_D9fdRwKDbYQxsfqR320aZmAGVqa7xyiBgEX61f3t9EVkgpL1fjwGOMQ8cWXNqYCCO3djcq73rbyj2xIP2yPOz78cgum3DzrcS9KpUskk4Dnk657KQ/s1600/zero%20-%2016%20-%20e.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
you are a real bright boy, aren’t you?
<p>
almost as bright as these lights bearing down relentlessly upon us.
<p>
you use some real big words for a guy who never said anything intelligent in his life.
<p>
look out!
<p>
<p>
the car with the bright lights somehow whizzed past the long black limousine.
<p>
dave fenster laughed.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wrelrq5qlOo7VnGmx_QZ8kICPo0oeqCNszoVaeartgp7FTP1pRR_3xYXxcSFS7l5zl5X08u8aSpG_3TSfyp79Y6GjBngAdpfXNTlZoX5tI4OMs99ZhOTSVfYQKEp0DzESjkCThnKo86LcBvkhPXDxbZsrvbjALIoRK7fPks4hIGCJJx5bZeZhSVgF2Ro/s1600/zero%20-%2016%20-%20f.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wrelrq5qlOo7VnGmx_QZ8kICPo0oeqCNszoVaeartgp7FTP1pRR_3xYXxcSFS7l5zl5X08u8aSpG_3TSfyp79Y6GjBngAdpfXNTlZoX5tI4OMs99ZhOTSVfYQKEp0DzESjkCThnKo86LcBvkhPXDxbZsrvbjALIoRK7fPks4hIGCJJx5bZeZhSVgF2Ro/s1600/zero%20-%2016%20-%20f.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
you weren’t nervous, were you? he asked nick over his shoulder.
<p>
who, me? nick replied nonchalantly.
<p>
the road got bumpier and darker.
<p>
the moon disappeared again, behind the tall black trees.</font>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgvAZtTWLb5L5F2IUJwpPeB1-ntz5hLuzyxLjrAFI-RQJU-zFonRs7Q_5cOK1hyC1nNX2DFb11zqNKv6fYKCKC8UQaLHWSMVpRjfig6s6mCRbaKZ7_U1FeRqrHrV40m4o6Ex1UsH_BVqlxl4D_ovyuilkFFReW5uEu1LxfXL3A3hJ1j3CDFKzyXAbbFNW/s1600/zero%20-%2016%20-%20g.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgvAZtTWLb5L5F2IUJwpPeB1-ntz5hLuzyxLjrAFI-RQJU-zFonRs7Q_5cOK1hyC1nNX2DFb11zqNKv6fYKCKC8UQaLHWSMVpRjfig6s6mCRbaKZ7_U1FeRqrHrV40m4o6Ex1UsH_BVqlxl4D_ovyuilkFFReW5uEu1LxfXL3A3hJ1j3CDFKzyXAbbFNW/s1600/zero%20-%2016%20-%20g.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<p>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-17-missing.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</td></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>jeremy witheringtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05933215952838493778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-48551096027224728382024-03-15T03:59:00.000-07:002024-03-16T04:43:39.190-07:00zero plus nothing equals - 15. the hotel<br>
<font color = "navy"> by jeremy witherington</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">fifteen </font> of 31
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-14-stranger.html"><font color = "red"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-1-room.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "green" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeqwHaKBVgGLgTynp81-7VDhutOAgnTMbWZAR1ZeumO3XIIeOEGxYNQDAwfBoSNzMx6liCCA_yvykCR7sWsEtilatSBNkjAW2t0w8vkzHNm9e5I0tDxS8yTnu3gAOBqck-Khn_ad_Ws-5BwX9xNEA3Ip5vLy6vN32dOVxmq278wGR9fR9NHLbCTHMHKhO/s1600/zero%20-%2015%20-%20a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeqwHaKBVgGLgTynp81-7VDhutOAgnTMbWZAR1ZeumO3XIIeOEGxYNQDAwfBoSNzMx6liCCA_yvykCR7sWsEtilatSBNkjAW2t0w8vkzHNm9e5I0tDxS8yTnu3gAOBqck-Khn_ad_Ws-5BwX9xNEA3Ip5vLy6vN32dOVxmq278wGR9fR9NHLbCTHMHKhO/s1600/zero%20-%2015%20-%20a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font color = "navy">algernon looked out the window of the hotel.
<p>
the desert stretched away for miles.
<p>
the hotel rose thousands of feet into the air.
<p>
and algernon could not wait to go downstairs to explore the thousands of shops and restaurants on its lower floors and in the city surrounding the hotel.
<p>
albert einstein stood im one of the doorways of the suite and looked pityingly at algernon.
<p>
beware, my boy, he intoned. you may well lose your way if you go downstairs, and not be back in time for the conference.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0r3cSWSE4kSASgoigOxROOFxUJa2Fz4RA3axVDAuEMQJibqzHdHVDX5YYMEIPlDeumuggNgVoF_GRCOGbe1fUJQNLKG4PO2u40b9WIAwsTuXIz4pg1qS_KQcQkCmg8riR_sAt3M5VZ9e5khK22g5ZPpUlRxVpHbAimoQPI8PqXDsLVPGAEvndfxmWjA/s1600/zero%20-%2015%20-%20b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0r3cSWSE4kSASgoigOxROOFxUJa2Fz4RA3axVDAuEMQJibqzHdHVDX5YYMEIPlDeumuggNgVoF_GRCOGbe1fUJQNLKG4PO2u40b9WIAwsTuXIz4pg1qS_KQcQkCmg8riR_sAt3M5VZ9e5khK22g5ZPpUlRxVpHbAimoQPI8PqXDsLVPGAEvndfxmWjA/s1600/zero%20-%2015%20-%20b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
nonsense, algernon responded merrily. i have a perfectly good tracking device attached to my person. no harm can befall me.
<p>
professor einstein sighed. very well, but do not say i did not warn you.
<p>
algernon got on the elevator and waved goodbye to the sage.
<p>
he was the only person on the elevator and it quickly deposited him in the ground floor.
<p>
he was surprised at how empty the lobby was.
<p>
there were only a few chairs and sofas and no one sitting on any of them.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-ql4dVJdPzZMOS7VEw-csGaa2WS49mTRe6VM7ThGDVAPJi7A2uxnEOr8UTRRzUKePol5PgwY-4GFglrwUHvcJ3YtDr33REo5eo1kdmaCgNqSwRaNEz3ATmOgYhBTeOHI2sN7fffK_RyyMt2FDKoApkhG8oVKAS8ZPOGfDZFo1mh75UbtJFt-pZ3TNQ/s1600/zero%20-%2015%20-%20c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-ql4dVJdPzZMOS7VEw-csGaa2WS49mTRe6VM7ThGDVAPJi7A2uxnEOr8UTRRzUKePol5PgwY-4GFglrwUHvcJ3YtDr33REo5eo1kdmaCgNqSwRaNEz3ATmOgYhBTeOHI2sN7fffK_RyyMt2FDKoApkhG8oVKAS8ZPOGfDZFo1mh75UbtJFt-pZ3TNQ/s1600/zero%20-%2015%20-%20c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
he saw a desk in the distance and a man with a pencil mustache and sporting a purple bow tie with white polka dots on it standing behind it and staring, with what algernon perceived to be a glum countenance, into space.
<p>
algernon turned toward the revolving door out to the street but as he did so he noticed a sign over a door to his left saying - shops.
<p>
that is just what i iwant, algernon thought, i can have jolly fun gazing at the merchandise and not worry about getting lost, because i can always ask the people in the stores how to hget back to the lobby here.
<p>
and so he walked through the door marked “shops”.
<p>
he found himself in a short corridor with a floor sloping upward away from the street where he could see a few well dressed people strolling casually along.
<p>
the corridor turned sharply to the left.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYUCexXVnEK9LHXY2QSEfou3OpOXASE4zFwOVpciNYXhZ9HnYWA0u_T5Beh0Ma8q5C6IM5TWIPmRgqyOFx1Bd_ZVevaYC1fm_YQGGm9AaVE_OVKOKeXYqa_wqECwikam354Kykt64nbzp_lPUCkm9DdH2fOq_7HijujQFTjk9PD_DVEY4eHXLnXE4vg/s1600/zero%20-%2015%20-%20d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYUCexXVnEK9LHXY2QSEfou3OpOXASE4zFwOVpciNYXhZ9HnYWA0u_T5Beh0Ma8q5C6IM5TWIPmRgqyOFx1Bd_ZVevaYC1fm_YQGGm9AaVE_OVKOKeXYqa_wqECwikam354Kykt64nbzp_lPUCkm9DdH2fOq_7HijujQFTjk9PD_DVEY4eHXLnXE4vg/s1600/zero%20-%2015%20-%20d.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
to another, shorter corridor, with a staircase at the end of it.
<p>
the staircase was unmarked, and only went down, not up.
<p>
algernon went down it.
<p>
and found himself on another, very different looking street, with crowds of people, many of them not at well well dressed, thronging it.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifT7BWtl-Q7_JBmIS9AMGUMVgBUSt1pB_pMYfagGY_munkB5EiGRkedAFOj11h3gKaiEgdCaDlp7ZuT5kumISVP6eSyWF1S1HLU7e73Nk3y2QDqMTMK1jLhqRsowibJqVRCEQcMZPtNnntlBU42HO1YI_GJTiDEszzvjnPnhNtw5j651qk_BdfW2DTxw/s240/zero%20-%2015%20-%20e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifT7BWtl-Q7_JBmIS9AMGUMVgBUSt1pB_pMYfagGY_munkB5EiGRkedAFOj11h3gKaiEgdCaDlp7ZuT5kumISVP6eSyWF1S1HLU7e73Nk3y2QDqMTMK1jLhqRsowibJqVRCEQcMZPtNnntlBU42HO1YI_GJTiDEszzvjnPnhNtw5j651qk_BdfW2DTxw/s320/zero%20-%2015%20-%20e.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
and across the street was what looked like a movie theater, with an old-fashioned marquee reading simply-
<p>
how curious, algernon thought.
<p>
he was tempted to turn back into the hotel.</font>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQitG8VQRtccfyjTQIW16KtHso72up3vl2hj3dqe-qrRRbwMNjNXcAtpd-fiDdJpMDfCQmechMcV2rdM6krE8HnZVFMXNhrLbfjhiQW3AaOOXNN3PSLCUPriHUw23xxPPjAr1ahmAGyYEjWiqR-pLFfy2pbLvAYuoXAozvUWIOAecHijYCkRMbwALtLw/s1600/zero%20-%2015%20-%20f.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQitG8VQRtccfyjTQIW16KtHso72up3vl2hj3dqe-qrRRbwMNjNXcAtpd-fiDdJpMDfCQmechMcV2rdM6krE8HnZVFMXNhrLbfjhiQW3AaOOXNN3PSLCUPriHUw23xxPPjAr1ahmAGyYEjWiqR-pLFfy2pbLvAYuoXAozvUWIOAecHijYCkRMbwALtLw/s1600/zero%20-%2015%20-%20f.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-16-funeral.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</td></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>jeremy witheringtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05933215952838493778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-83659927756235805732024-03-14T03:21:00.000-07:002024-03-15T04:02:11.166-07:00zero plus nothing equals - 14. the stranger<br>
<font color = "navy"> by jeremy witherington</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">fourteen </font> of 31
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-13-number-one.html"><font color = "red"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-1-room.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "tan" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPOoC7OopbGBRpFLb6HSr8bT4bKfRjH01m8PBoRsWyA7mlJGDsqfP4utbTHyLe3Zkbv9Nbfzd__avp0gvg8yfOhxLOq9C_q2YshJszeKEzLKQh06YtrK7-Yi_Wjsw1viqklbwYd-BGbMw1eM-3BsvgoOlYYTCrLYdPmZe79-LJyv7laABxpHDx6V4pQ/s1600/zero%20-%2014%20-%20a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPOoC7OopbGBRpFLb6HSr8bT4bKfRjH01m8PBoRsWyA7mlJGDsqfP4utbTHyLe3Zkbv9Nbfzd__avp0gvg8yfOhxLOq9C_q2YshJszeKEzLKQh06YtrK7-Yi_Wjsw1viqklbwYd-BGbMw1eM-3BsvgoOlYYTCrLYdPmZe79-LJyv7laABxpHDx6V4pQ/s1600/zero%20-%2014%20-%20a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font color = "navy">avast, thou knave!
<p>
what a curious phrase.
<p>
even for a curious dream.
<p>
number ten woke up.
<p>
his connection had been repossessed.
<p>
so he decided to tell himself a story.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ONH_9ejddNA9-kU_GvgJenFO5zXOg5qO-T6DdJbIrE-uSGx-AvZ9TqCxJEzuBkwNuCXEMA26tbT-RA2qW_W7d0lxngr5CpcrcZ_U-jhOTTU8EqG7w3jed5BkZgxhgaKkEASIcsf3d6SU6rtpQIBoHIKr_PzoEdQNlzPoptFgen1hOaqCqUvzqYZFvA/s1600/zero%20-%2014%20-%20b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ONH_9ejddNA9-kU_GvgJenFO5zXOg5qO-T6DdJbIrE-uSGx-AvZ9TqCxJEzuBkwNuCXEMA26tbT-RA2qW_W7d0lxngr5CpcrcZ_U-jhOTTU8EqG7w3jed5BkZgxhgaKkEASIcsf3d6SU6rtpQIBoHIKr_PzoEdQNlzPoptFgen1hOaqCqUvzqYZFvA/s1600/zero%20-%2014%20-%20b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
it was a bland afternoon in the town of nowhere.
<p>
but the young person was determined to be served.
<p>
the king was irate.
<p>
business was bad, and he was under the weather.
<p>
he knew he must not get too excited.
<p>
the sun shone on the coral reef on the horizon.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRm5kJ5_ERMfuoLucKSBWqjee6biQq_9pWeTkmTVJlHZ05OigCfoeGhAFiKzsoYwqnM8UP-CCpp9XVJdRGPpLssRz9DqTKFP-bIPh0r3Z8Jzni93fYYq_JCuW8GppwlT8s34nQVLurLPeBfiVKIaEaf2ya7Lt5TYWlRgzqszNgAiKMxdpcUzFhmhXGWw/s1600/zero%20-%2014%20-%20c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRm5kJ5_ERMfuoLucKSBWqjee6biQq_9pWeTkmTVJlHZ05OigCfoeGhAFiKzsoYwqnM8UP-CCpp9XVJdRGPpLssRz9DqTKFP-bIPh0r3Z8Jzni93fYYq_JCuW8GppwlT8s34nQVLurLPeBfiVKIaEaf2ya7Lt5TYWlRgzqszNgAiKMxdpcUzFhmhXGWw/s1600/zero%20-%2014%20-%20c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
the knave was sad, and gazed longingly at the young person.
<p>
the king blamed the knave for the bad business the town was doing.
<p>
and the king also did not care for the longing glances the knave was directing at the young person.
<p>
suddenly a stranger appeared on the horizon.
<p>
the stranger was riding a strange beast, such as had never been seen before.
<p>
the stranger arrived on the dusty street and tied his strange beast up in front of the saloon.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglN1-s-OFwU8Xp6LZHP-oqxGTQalqTRjbfRl_BGnyXtD6V8CDNDfLhDRCet4BZnqZGS55_bkquvguwHp_jZnMT4VTzGOzrCBTv7kf8MZShs9lJ1R2cCp5URRI4bsN9dsoY6L9DzYYTZfJ9QFpNuDJU3vHVSblpq151kOF7hvKdxQ1rX8ZKaqXAIf7Jhw/s1600/zero%20-%2014%20-%20d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglN1-s-OFwU8Xp6LZHP-oqxGTQalqTRjbfRl_BGnyXtD6V8CDNDfLhDRCet4BZnqZGS55_bkquvguwHp_jZnMT4VTzGOzrCBTv7kf8MZShs9lJ1R2cCp5URRI4bsN9dsoY6L9DzYYTZfJ9QFpNuDJU3vHVSblpq151kOF7hvKdxQ1rX8ZKaqXAIf7Jhw/s1600/zero%20-%2014%20-%20d.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
as the church had been burned down earlier that week.
<p>
howdy, the king politely addressed the stranger .
<p>
what is good about it? the stranger replied, apparently mishearing the king’s word.
<p>
well, the king, polite as ever, replied, the sun is shining, and plans are in effect to rebuild the church which so unfortunately burned earlier this week.
<p>
where is the queen? the stranger rudely interrupted him.
<p>
i am afraid she is indisposed.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTiD5GyDbQZedOaH76SdIiC2B-gSA4_i2R4kHPqTJSIFojR0hfmnoY9v3J-6G-AohvRWi5OXh13akF1HIvx_TR6KT_OTlwFwR8-rZgy0hl-805_YQGaYTFoOIe9kMrxrggGDbpk9of7-FD54Z75HIQB-YyUT3gPLL8Z978j6ImWnWs82ojCdh94rBTA/s1600/zero%20-%2014%20-%20e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTiD5GyDbQZedOaH76SdIiC2B-gSA4_i2R4kHPqTJSIFojR0hfmnoY9v3J-6G-AohvRWi5OXh13akF1HIvx_TR6KT_OTlwFwR8-rZgy0hl-805_YQGaYTFoOIe9kMrxrggGDbpk9of7-FD54Z75HIQB-YyUT3gPLL8Z978j6ImWnWs82ojCdh94rBTA/s1600/zero%20-%2014%20-%20e.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
in that case i will be on my way.
<p>
would you like a drink? the saloon is open, even though the church burned down.
<p>
without bothering to reply, the stranger turned and untied the strange beast which he had tied up only moments before, and remounted it.
<p>
and rode out of town, never to be seen again.
<p>
this is all the knave’s fault, the king mused bitterly.</font>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQgt-Catuz5YOF-df-cSVbCOaBItXVgvSekttOXd5uFoKKYXOBuyxB9xfdEHFXvg1JczQeCoz5oXdGUEDegHuPygUlHj2-FbzZfzDVydsEDwFGEUAAFmfHH7bMykgMxdGo1-oFv4IoHIQs_5MwqOUsOeUtIh4SVEu2SdfbaYHCo9XuQtG2i7EwKkaAA/s1600/zero%20-%2014%20-%20f.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQgt-Catuz5YOF-df-cSVbCOaBItXVgvSekttOXd5uFoKKYXOBuyxB9xfdEHFXvg1JczQeCoz5oXdGUEDegHuPygUlHj2-FbzZfzDVydsEDwFGEUAAFmfHH7bMykgMxdGo1-oFv4IoHIQs_5MwqOUsOeUtIh4SVEu2SdfbaYHCo9XuQtG2i7EwKkaAA/s1600/zero%20-%2014%20-%20f.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-15-hotel.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</td></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>jeremy witheringtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05933215952838493778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-39145817823289513012024-03-13T08:30:00.000-07:002024-03-14T03:25:35.490-07:00zero plus nothing equals - 13. number one<br>
<font color = "navy"> by jeremy witherington</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">thirteen </font> of 31
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-12-sally.html"><font color = "red"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-1-room.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "purple" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQj7I9foi1WF_f5kpJtuLoe7_7gLqrlUR40tl3nwvuGBq60oayIOmBlpOem3oxF1xf7UUBMYWX_uOv_3QvQlvgSwPjKO2sVi5xvt5LelSSyfLTR6LWZQKbe0y5wKq7XTL5opYdO5O8C44kFflHGVxstGbpRtBRh2J-5SajRy_Qlp1EkFAIWYD_thgXQ/s1600/zero%20-%2013%20-%20a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQj7I9foi1WF_f5kpJtuLoe7_7gLqrlUR40tl3nwvuGBq60oayIOmBlpOem3oxF1xf7UUBMYWX_uOv_3QvQlvgSwPjKO2sVi5xvt5LelSSyfLTR6LWZQKbe0y5wKq7XTL5opYdO5O8C44kFflHGVxstGbpRtBRh2J-5SajRy_Qlp1EkFAIWYD_thgXQ/s1600/zero%20-%2013%20-%20a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font color = "navy">number one woke up.
<p>
they were lonely.
<p>
well, kind of lonely.
<p>
actually, quite lonely, if you really want to know.
<p>
number one suddenly thought of number ten.
<p>
number one called number ten on an impulse.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWzE3mOYbY88Yt05gdGkcFdyVmefr2lkmyLx-w8NJimyT3L3qY8hAkdPxO5zs6951FqGVwOrifXsUCrtF6C4Iyf1ucdY6VKNznhCI0l4yGIj_PdJdaXhB3KdX39MHLx6Di4SGVFdNJUxXKgtEQR0Co0vsVjpaR-SZ9pdrcoLChdYzOmOte73a0lZjrQ/s1600/zero%20-%2013%20-%20b%20-%20alt.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWzE3mOYbY88Yt05gdGkcFdyVmefr2lkmyLx-w8NJimyT3L3qY8hAkdPxO5zs6951FqGVwOrifXsUCrtF6C4Iyf1ucdY6VKNznhCI0l4yGIj_PdJdaXhB3KdX39MHLx6Di4SGVFdNJUxXKgtEQR0Co0vsVjpaR-SZ9pdrcoLChdYzOmOte73a0lZjrQ/s1600/zero%20-%2013%20-%20b%20-%20alt.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
did they not call them on the phone?
<p>
hello, is this number ten?
<p>
you woke me up.
<p>
i am sorry, i was feeling lonely.
<p>
i was not feeling lonely, i was feeling sleepy.
<p>
i am sorry. it was thoughtless and unconscionable of me.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NLOlbZO2I8hnFLOegNdPG09IOPS_NPkakxtvWlOrCyan7vzYpxzvOT80Rw5NEOO-tyxjG3zCPO2lYnNLu6oUwJuE-OpDFxR9kxsAVm7usi5N6UsTsmo1Ru62pdQbBsaG7cfhnTlol3seg_GA-8nmay6DPxXOxvXOGhF0a8Xq4NopsnBmQfpPh1UQYw/s1600/zero%20-%2013%20-%20c%20-%20alt.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NLOlbZO2I8hnFLOegNdPG09IOPS_NPkakxtvWlOrCyan7vzYpxzvOT80Rw5NEOO-tyxjG3zCPO2lYnNLu6oUwJuE-OpDFxR9kxsAVm7usi5N6UsTsmo1Ru62pdQbBsaG7cfhnTlol3seg_GA-8nmay6DPxXOxvXOGhF0a8Xq4NopsnBmQfpPh1UQYw/s1600/zero%20-%2013%20-%20c%20-%20alt.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
i bet you do not even know to sell unconscionable.
<p>
i believe the phrase you want is spell unconscionable.
<p>
now you are being hostile. goodbye.
<p>
number one stared at their phone.
<p>
what an ampersand number ten was, they thought ruefully.
<p>
number ten closed their eyes.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQGGDwHSoDhqbGR7Hb433uWl279fH7SgsQhz1BnCkwtf7peLypZQkyq79Rp_1QVgBQZ8DVbM3mXJx-606TUPaKfXRVnXxwnrwNXPo9vv26PdwWDcd0WeOJCSY5fb87pxKtyQ54d989L7MHx2EdSVRs7arYmTeWTxG1Fx26LrPiagGrbaLKO_b3NBDxw/s1600/zero%20-%2013%20-%20d%20-%20alt.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQGGDwHSoDhqbGR7Hb433uWl279fH7SgsQhz1BnCkwtf7peLypZQkyq79Rp_1QVgBQZ8DVbM3mXJx-606TUPaKfXRVnXxwnrwNXPo9vv26PdwWDcd0WeOJCSY5fb87pxKtyQ54d989L7MHx2EdSVRs7arYmTeWTxG1Fx26LrPiagGrbaLKO_b3NBDxw/s1600/zero%20-%2013%20-%20d%20-%20alt.gif"/></a></div>
<p
.
the city spread out like a vast iguana on the side of a restless volcano.
<p>
it was the year ___________.
<p>
depending on how you look at it.
<p>
it was the beginning or the end
<p>
do you mean, the beginning of the end?
<p>
there was nothing good on.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wO-rq5DgEGF1vB_Kp17EBXpUF0RB5T_e4j5W2ZpflYzModdjnOdhPsMqns8vGhgWrjUCvsOg5YCeODc_RO16AcV6r7q_gVZZ0P3yr3FoumjvUyjldQy_Ax5qNNe64EZQOcOqNacmERmSbbVe-gJBXB5wnnPpEfhalaWKPatKBLq0TuhMZjRdaOjuQg/s1600/zero%20-%2013%20-%20e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wO-rq5DgEGF1vB_Kp17EBXpUF0RB5T_e4j5W2ZpflYzModdjnOdhPsMqns8vGhgWrjUCvsOg5YCeODc_RO16AcV6r7q_gVZZ0P3yr3FoumjvUyjldQy_Ax5qNNe64EZQOcOqNacmERmSbbVe-gJBXB5wnnPpEfhalaWKPatKBLq0TuhMZjRdaOjuQg/s1600/zero%20-%2013%20-%20e.gif"/></a></div>
<p
>
number one was still lonely.
<p>
well, maybe a little less lonely.
<p>
they went back to sleep.
<p>
and dreamed they were walking across a desert inside a great walled city.</font>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixX2slHTs5yx2KlRSgRXXTlmEfH8DRTrboEK5BsG-vVEu5BjK3AsxO0hyphenhyphenKz35dYATSaihvsiEqfIjlRYtpdoaVFGtnwC2nkOgnnxSDAkFspT-m5alPzHLalMeVGxfticwmK9XUH8p4X5odNAk2xLUWCDqBz2cx-jOnBRGUjpLp_mA4q0Nsdop3Lng0Vg/s1600/zero%20-%2013%20-%20f%20-%20alt.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixX2slHTs5yx2KlRSgRXXTlmEfH8DRTrboEK5BsG-vVEu5BjK3AsxO0hyphenhyphenKz35dYATSaihvsiEqfIjlRYtpdoaVFGtnwC2nkOgnnxSDAkFspT-m5alPzHLalMeVGxfticwmK9XUH8p4X5odNAk2xLUWCDqBz2cx-jOnBRGUjpLp_mA4q0Nsdop3Lng0Vg/s1600/zero%20-%2013%20-%20f%20-%20alt.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<p>
<br>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-14-stranger.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</td></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>jeremy witheringtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05933215952838493778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-45943708584385167732024-03-12T10:47:00.000-07:002024-03-13T08:34:23.259-07:00zero plus nothing equals - 12. sally<br>
<font color = "navy"> by jeremy witherington</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">twelve </font> of 31
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-11-jose.html"><font color = "red"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-1-room.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "red" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlwUDcaMEjnWWq2QlW1t3xBd0JwkBILLTGQMfOiN-NswDVNAGeQQbBgtThYW8xp-Knm2z0GUmYlVyZD2b0Cf7srWWbbynFmBIccIoKaFfZz3EGg_UKRd42MaG3l5ucPqdcy1fHEeofDECq9ihrVR6li3DIKOfDuShzdgypoTAM9m9clch8GYgMj5tbQ/s1600/zero%20-%2012%20-%20a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlwUDcaMEjnWWq2QlW1t3xBd0JwkBILLTGQMfOiN-NswDVNAGeQQbBgtThYW8xp-Knm2z0GUmYlVyZD2b0Cf7srWWbbynFmBIccIoKaFfZz3EGg_UKRd42MaG3l5ucPqdcy1fHEeofDECq9ihrVR6li3DIKOfDuShzdgypoTAM9m9clch8GYgMj5tbQ/s1600/zero%20-%2012%20-%20a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font color = "navy">sally johnson woke up.
<p>
she got up and got dressed.
<p>
she had a dream in which she was lost in a strange city.
<p>
will i ever find my way, she wondered.
<p>
i had better watch my step, or they will find me, whoever they are
<p>
they will think i have returned from the dead.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenZ8neDO2JIvDYPTd48k3JlpKIsnl0Rx8z5YrBz9TGMPYaqPN3OnEPQ1bw_EKgA_ADnO89F1JNIa2vivmO-mKhkTyXzHwDAXx11fdQp7pYeh97C2dbYE2mjfgKk7WcTpfQZ303Hwp7nAhyphenhyphenIsWlCCWmh-vK3bYWDk1gt0XonOUXVaCGtCjrsRqlI4DLtXZ/s1600/zero%20-%2012%20-%20b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenZ8neDO2JIvDYPTd48k3JlpKIsnl0Rx8z5YrBz9TGMPYaqPN3OnEPQ1bw_EKgA_ADnO89F1JNIa2vivmO-mKhkTyXzHwDAXx11fdQp7pYeh97C2dbYE2mjfgKk7WcTpfQZ303Hwp7nAhyphenhyphenIsWlCCWmh-vK3bYWDk1gt0XonOUXVaCGtCjrsRqlI4DLtXZ/s1600/zero%20-%2012%20-%20b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
forgive me, i did not mean to ignore the program.
<p>
it will not happen again.
<p>
flowers bloom in the spring.
<p>
unfortunately sally was not a flower person.
<p>
except in her dreams.
<p>
where the flowers were behind the windows of the endless stores she passed trying to find her way back to the hotel.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7No-C8ZIXw9zzSTdfOmXthma7WRVHq_0S7HNco_LALuWlteAJmn5iI1Pgs05GcGDyArpYqgesITRcDMR59GPi9fbY3UIcJaDNVTAobXQeYQoGJvAYwzy4OFUe06-guL3BqSUVJnQxulyi9b8SAfSQAlDe33CTKu5eAmKtEAd4D1Oq7OeTC_BD27Bzyunn/s1600/zero%20-%2012%20-%20c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7No-C8ZIXw9zzSTdfOmXthma7WRVHq_0S7HNco_LALuWlteAJmn5iI1Pgs05GcGDyArpYqgesITRcDMR59GPi9fbY3UIcJaDNVTAobXQeYQoGJvAYwzy4OFUe06-guL3BqSUVJnQxulyi9b8SAfSQAlDe33CTKu5eAmKtEAd4D1Oq7OeTC_BD27Bzyunn/s1600/zero%20-%2012%20-%20c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
where she was supposed to be attending a seminar at that very minute.
<p>
a seminar on ” loss - its true meaning”.
<p>
how ironic, she thought.
<p>
a seminar on loss and i really am lost ha ha.
<p>
on an impulse she decided to enter one of the endless stores with flowers in their windows.
<p>
as luck would have it, at that moment she woke up from the dream.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpOO3RExZ987jUWbI0Sl5NVqKLo5ARPRcGqTqrLEtP6GP05TQSxFO60nuxhLGWeZUc67e0xW_kDSgNW81wHl28V0AfBnqPT5NodQLeXc4bJ53LxOZLr9GarA0tW80ccmfhZGVJOdxymSVmxfB-FxywjHG9K0PjvR2yutN9ClwJhTdzQRYF0P1dHBQ6s0L/s1600/zero%20-%2012%20-%20d-%20alt.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpOO3RExZ987jUWbI0Sl5NVqKLo5ARPRcGqTqrLEtP6GP05TQSxFO60nuxhLGWeZUc67e0xW_kDSgNW81wHl28V0AfBnqPT5NodQLeXc4bJ53LxOZLr9GarA0tW80ccmfhZGVJOdxymSVmxfB-FxywjHG9K0PjvR2yutN9ClwJhTdzQRYF0P1dHBQ6s0L/s1600/zero%20-%2012%20-%20d-%20alt.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
outside the sky was gray.
<p>
it was too late to go anywhere, even if she had somewhere to go.
<p>
maybe it was cold outside anyway.
<p>
maybe it was cold in paris or rome.
<p>
or all the other places she would never see before she died.
<p>
get a grip, sally told herself, and get up and make yourself a sandwich.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKyZeChwHy4oD0csTMwQUyt7fN7S8dT1uskA2Dzpli1P-P7d8gOmCRkHKdfOYEunNuiWVLx_-4c7lpuqGs6PwfzHzEHh-ykK715zq5T2ITB5aw8tcq66KrdHgfwyXfhymFen2fmHevwBB3kFR3y5RK4L7bg82TVcSKP4KVkl6qb1Rl_BV7fj02vy57sWP/s1600/zero%20-%2012%20-%20e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKyZeChwHy4oD0csTMwQUyt7fN7S8dT1uskA2Dzpli1P-P7d8gOmCRkHKdfOYEunNuiWVLx_-4c7lpuqGs6PwfzHzEHh-ykK715zq5T2ITB5aw8tcq66KrdHgfwyXfhymFen2fmHevwBB3kFR3y5RK4L7bg82TVcSKP4KVkl6qb1Rl_BV7fj02vy57sWP/s1600/zero%20-%2012%20-%20e.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
a nice peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
<p>
eating it would beat walking through the endess streets in her dream of the strange city.
<p>
which was not paris or london or hong kong or singapore or even new york.
<p>
but where was it?
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurOuvwyYRGxJop50hJFcxzGD8Xmhub4Q8Qu7Kga7AAeaE43_BS4Q6ueuSsQh2MINkqsYS2zQuw19Rs7Mb2K3fv67NTvhWlbPJc1woecky0p1YbPnvMMdsLd9lRqg4_NDGW_iSV46gUBEJ2GG_4uekYHrwskTXzHEbfWL7a0n-FfHC3uEGw0CFVTDh5eNl/s1600/zero%20-%2012%20-%20f.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurOuvwyYRGxJop50hJFcxzGD8Xmhub4Q8Qu7Kga7AAeaE43_BS4Q6ueuSsQh2MINkqsYS2zQuw19Rs7Mb2K3fv67NTvhWlbPJc1woecky0p1YbPnvMMdsLd9lRqg4_NDGW_iSV46gUBEJ2GG_4uekYHrwskTXzHEbfWL7a0n-FfHC3uEGw0CFVTDh5eNl/s1600/zero%20-%2012%20-%20f.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
and where was she?
<p>
and who was she?</font>
<p>
<br>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-13-number-one.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</td></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>
jeremy witheringtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05933215952838493778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-78104471912957415642024-03-11T00:39:00.000-07:002024-03-12T10:49:23.204-07:00zero plus nothing equals - 11. jose<br>
<font color = "navy"> by jeremy witherington</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">eleven </font> of 31
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-10-road-at.html"><font color = "red"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-1-room.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "gray" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZjcc50g7FpfqI0Dd-8m4Bmif0hJW3ccDLn2Of_HpSbx1Qu0W7XqfyA9VrQ06hvLxOvKy9BHn_N62ey-vop0if0o_0XhWCFHEbkuAud6s040H6aHOkSMJwsUd78hfsNVCq2ASCyIDyRsmNYMiSsYspPT9P3vSLFw8MfvEJ6DRFm3dl_KagfVe_VWuSA/s1600/zero-11-a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZjcc50g7FpfqI0Dd-8m4Bmif0hJW3ccDLn2Of_HpSbx1Qu0W7XqfyA9VrQ06hvLxOvKy9BHn_N62ey-vop0if0o_0XhWCFHEbkuAud6s040H6aHOkSMJwsUd78hfsNVCq2ASCyIDyRsmNYMiSsYspPT9P3vSLFw8MfvEJ6DRFm3dl_KagfVe_VWuSA/s1600/zero-11-a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font color = "navy">jose chen woke up.
<p>
he got up.
<p>
he made himself a ham and cheese sandwich.
<p>
its juicy deliciousness invigorated him and cleared his mind.
<p>
he had to do something today - what was it?
<p>
suddenly he understood everything.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKpVPXx9dLaQGNyspAK8Sp8vnsduL_acuZZfOLi325FhzrZ2Jp0x1ugNFT6yhyikuEPTvTJv8zqomjh3GBnofpcqOYpygmKMl6TPzGhTHxl6Vhy3KPIWK5ae7CMb6aAtTrJLD0B79FEpmAVLatkXiJLflV4Jn4tomd3Xc50TrOYqQHDPEukqbWviZAA/s1600/zero-11-b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKpVPXx9dLaQGNyspAK8Sp8vnsduL_acuZZfOLi325FhzrZ2Jp0x1ugNFT6yhyikuEPTvTJv8zqomjh3GBnofpcqOYpygmKMl6TPzGhTHxl6Vhy3KPIWK5ae7CMb6aAtTrJLD0B79FEpmAVLatkXiJLflV4Jn4tomd3Xc50TrOYqQHDPEukqbWviZAA/s1600/zero-11-b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
but he had a hard time remembering anything.
<p>
but there were always exceptions.
<p>
up up and away.
<p>
sometimes it was exasperating.
<p>
jose’s best friend was named rick.
<p>
rick was a great guy with a great sense of humor.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkO9dcyY1WnJmsBb9WELf8Ja5cj9Kkib160XYf-ZPE7tiChDN-dhxMvMaLGROljIwYzIjNCFwSLC9RMODxaxWYdhb9KTJLZYdIsH0_odB2xjHbLJ12UlhHOr8o7IW6jxULyhD-csCRKryWfcVb0Jb0wxxZHc58mZ2-JgKx-ONYDDB6UA1PHV6480RFA/s1600/zero-11-c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkO9dcyY1WnJmsBb9WELf8Ja5cj9Kkib160XYf-ZPE7tiChDN-dhxMvMaLGROljIwYzIjNCFwSLC9RMODxaxWYdhb9KTJLZYdIsH0_odB2xjHbLJ12UlhHOr8o7IW6jxULyhD-csCRKryWfcVb0Jb0wxxZHc58mZ2-JgKx-ONYDDB6UA1PHV6480RFA/s1600/zero-11-c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
jose had not herd from rick in a while.
<p>
maybe he was not such a great guy as jose remembered.
<p>
be that as it may, jose remembered him fondly.
<p>
things might have turned out differently.
<p>
you never know,
<p>
jose had another friend named pedro.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcmt8_rWR4DOo3CbhCUCCXFHaDhDc1blQRVEy5OKMo3ewgwOTKqiytUdUbxEL4G1kM6vHAIOqadL947_1VahZE9oIm4y-lt1UQwkLOLp84fLRiqQkVFttR3Sgxrp_6ifqXgz5IVaX-M9sf9b8neuKbJPxph2Mv-o6SEuGahfCTXqsWVQnJ0LJgFWMbg/s1600/zero-11-d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcmt8_rWR4DOo3CbhCUCCXFHaDhDc1blQRVEy5OKMo3ewgwOTKqiytUdUbxEL4G1kM6vHAIOqadL947_1VahZE9oIm4y-lt1UQwkLOLp84fLRiqQkVFttR3Sgxrp_6ifqXgz5IVaX-M9sf9b8neuKbJPxph2Mv-o6SEuGahfCTXqsWVQnJ0LJgFWMbg/s1600/zero-11-d.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
in another universe he might have kept in touch with pedro.
<p>
but sadly, not in this one.
<p>
it was had to all very sad.
<p>
suddenly what jose had to do popped into his head.
<p>
he had to go to work.
<p>
of course!
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Xgd8qkJ-E8jPy_esUeOiY-tvaCjLdGxgHxoFlO14I7J8fHLzTTC976ViIioPQhP5J9CJZ_O9R5sXcybzMaHPqgR0Q25bnWdtpbpht040esLSrFbcbFYbyTcdoonz3cKJKraYe1ZKFwNeRCKJ1GWC0oIdpTU5Nt9hrKGAtbm_cXzQ4eY9BycKzRZ4wA/s1600/zero-11-e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Xgd8qkJ-E8jPy_esUeOiY-tvaCjLdGxgHxoFlO14I7J8fHLzTTC976ViIioPQhP5J9CJZ_O9R5sXcybzMaHPqgR0Q25bnWdtpbpht040esLSrFbcbFYbyTcdoonz3cKJKraYe1ZKFwNeRCKJ1GWC0oIdpTU5Nt9hrKGAtbm_cXzQ4eY9BycKzRZ4wA/s1600/zero-11-e.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
and to go to work he had to get dressed.
<p>
and out the door.</font>
<p>
<br>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-12-sally.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>
jeremy witheringtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05933215952838493778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-42352776979231178242024-03-10T05:33:00.000-07:002024-03-11T00:41:43.517-07:00zero plus nothing equals - 10. the road at night<br>
<font color = "navy"> by jeremy witherington</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">ten </font> of 31
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-9-bunky.html"><font color = "red"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-1-room.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "gray" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wJmE28vhQCsaBOp4MxUQCn1ToW0iNtURzfUuxt3WN1ZLzvjMWFe36udIbaCIbaI_-OkQfifm5L3-Rrd0XCudwspxos4KWS3p4VP9cZnJ1lZADzeZ5us_iqn1Fy3kyFIgIi_NKr_ldwMv6teSeaSQAvQ9ZJLAvrSTpZy8FkASQ59JN8HyOQ73w52KoQ/s1600/zero%20-%2010%20-%20a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wJmE28vhQCsaBOp4MxUQCn1ToW0iNtURzfUuxt3WN1ZLzvjMWFe36udIbaCIbaI_-OkQfifm5L3-Rrd0XCudwspxos4KWS3p4VP9cZnJ1lZADzeZ5us_iqn1Fy3kyFIgIi_NKr_ldwMv6teSeaSQAvQ9ZJLAvrSTpZy8FkASQ59JN8HyOQ73w52KoQ/s1600/zero%20-%2010%20-%20a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font color = "navy">the red dog ran down the dark street, chased by a man wearing a blue hat and waving a butterfly net.
<p>
a woman in a green dress stood in a lighted window and watched the man in the blue hat chase the dog and wave the butterfly net until they both faded from sight.
<p>
it is so sad, she thought. they were there, and now they are gone.
<p>
a ilmpid tear rolled down her heavily rouged cheek and she stifled a sob.
<p>
a man sat behind her on the left side of a long couch upholstered in dark purple, with his left arm, encased in the sleeve of a maroon smoking jacket, extended over the top of the right side of the couch.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFxO2_U4dYAp8lHi9WEoOhYQa72idZCmPaqHZ6szi64FmDIHrzyIdrU4p606BlJl_2wJUEJJCveHPr3AIKpGritcvDp08BsdrjTGHi96f2M57eHUqBlBWNFKB4_XKn5bsbuYaRECBqpLSAQAUEEtqWSro6Myo0E4GvxPgltiTcaGdAWO6R35dPb3PUg/s1600/zero%20-%2010%20-%20b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFxO2_U4dYAp8lHi9WEoOhYQa72idZCmPaqHZ6szi64FmDIHrzyIdrU4p606BlJl_2wJUEJJCveHPr3AIKpGritcvDp08BsdrjTGHi96f2M57eHUqBlBWNFKB4_XKn5bsbuYaRECBqpLSAQAUEEtqWSro6Myo0E4GvxPgltiTcaGdAWO6R35dPb3PUg/s1600/zero%20-%2010%20-%20b.gif"/></a></div>
<p?
what are you going on about now? the man asked the woman.
<p>
nothing. i was just feeling sad.
<p>
sad about nothing, i suppose.
<p>
i saw a man wearing a blue hat chasing a dog down the street with a butterfly net.
<p>
really? what kind of damned fool chases a dog with a butterfly net, especially at this time of night.
<p>
who knows? he might have been an interesting character, but i will probably never know now.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Wr88OQYK5F-rgCdyQ8n0aMMZDsoxYmOJ4jCeNwIecLLCcAkPjT0IICGuscQSbtFyNzM94DE-ThdHEii8H8GSJ-4AhOFl-wrPi4Xpq6WDucled1hUMc2WyF4cY-QDXTnJUyH8vVDhfMsBgEQXMJRaSXGizhcBcPhVBnnYvNd1-0c9hXOY8jBtVXpKUQ/s1600/zero%20-%2010%20-%20c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Wr88OQYK5F-rgCdyQ8n0aMMZDsoxYmOJ4jCeNwIecLLCcAkPjT0IICGuscQSbtFyNzM94DE-ThdHEii8H8GSJ-4AhOFl-wrPi4Xpq6WDucled1hUMc2WyF4cY-QDXTnJUyH8vVDhfMsBgEQXMJRaSXGizhcBcPhVBnnYvNd1-0c9hXOY8jBtVXpKUQ/s1600/zero%20-%2010%20-%20c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
tell me more about this fellow. what color coat twas he wearing? i suppose he was wearing a coat, as it is a bit chilly out.
<p>
his coat was a curious shade of puce.
<p>
all shades of puce are curious.
<p>
there you go again, making light of everything i say.
<p>
i am sorry. why don’t you go for a walk? it might clear your mind of all the wretched detritus that has been cluttering it up lately.
<p>
that is a good idea. thank you for your sympathetic understanding of my brain problems, which have been relentlessly ongoing lately.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXU1gMXi2D4ZJBaVXEKDKLgeKwK7BpXZ-ulKem691ja0P9eO2BtbrZArdnvkqKeAzQ9STwz0WoDY8xJN4QLafIz2CJeKEw76v5YKuLC_UeoTWCcO847A3ZGy0BjLu7-ljPsNjikzuoynnntAX9ROOQuvpIoCyKRd_Edfi1xzs1Mj0kyUQr-EpMta-wGQ/s1600/zero%20-%2010%20-%20d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXU1gMXi2D4ZJBaVXEKDKLgeKwK7BpXZ-ulKem691ja0P9eO2BtbrZArdnvkqKeAzQ9STwz0WoDY8xJN4QLafIz2CJeKEw76v5YKuLC_UeoTWCcO847A3ZGy0BjLu7-ljPsNjikzuoynnntAX9ROOQuvpIoCyKRd_Edfi1xzs1Mj0kyUQr-EpMta-wGQ/s1600/zero%20-%2010%20-%20d.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
don’t mention it. be sure to wear a jacket, as it is a bit chilly out.
<p>
*
<p>
the woman in the green dress put on a pale blue coat witth a pink hood and stepped outide.
<p>
the night was cold, but, lost in her wandering thoughts, she hardly noticed that it was.
<p>
the man in the maroon smoking jacket took hsi arm down from the right side of the dark purple couch and heaved a melancholy sigh.</font>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcDlV_FFN_mjvdjzuHpOo11hKS8E69kO1c0wFp5nlIjrKhxEtBNoWQOEe3CnE8_wy_6f_CuEjXFSmkVbOUEqAKmF_4-lbnFhj9OqoCeaC-ThnaXr_hLg8mHzFU5kPvUzC1q9y4oYZPCSVLHATsELuTWFN0YPX8ru8ywIPWVrJF2dkJvTAYsOK0NBSvJqA/s1600/zero%20-%2010%20-%20e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcDlV_FFN_mjvdjzuHpOo11hKS8E69kO1c0wFp5nlIjrKhxEtBNoWQOEe3CnE8_wy_6f_CuEjXFSmkVbOUEqAKmF_4-lbnFhj9OqoCeaC-ThnaXr_hLg8mHzFU5kPvUzC1q9y4oYZPCSVLHATsELuTWFN0YPX8ru8ywIPWVrJF2dkJvTAYsOK0NBSvJqA/s1600/zero%20-%2010%20-%20e.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<p>
<br>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-11-jose.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>jeremy witheringtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05933215952838493778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-90812582918159371082024-03-09T04:25:00.000-08:002024-03-11T00:49:08.373-07:00zero plus nothing equals - 9. bunky<br>
<font color = "navy"> by jeremy witherington</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">nine </font> of 31
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-8-apple.html"><font color = "red"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-1-room.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "gray" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCZWlnuvk64_BffRm5wgJDvfqtXV5OfM1aMh7tZtGgFX0Vt9AZokxwJ2CNcsUbCMTVLEFdvHe4018XvgbcQJZF6dwRlHWIaNP-vzvOkYJzshkVHkj1g4DqFs9ClORl8H2h-zJz6MI5LRnVvydzpufxnlwElUHx9AZf7mztt4m9ySYFKhSM2kWpCakEQ/s1600/zero%20-%209%20-%20a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCZWlnuvk64_BffRm5wgJDvfqtXV5OfM1aMh7tZtGgFX0Vt9AZokxwJ2CNcsUbCMTVLEFdvHe4018XvgbcQJZF6dwRlHWIaNP-vzvOkYJzshkVHkj1g4DqFs9ClORl8H2h-zJz6MI5LRnVvydzpufxnlwElUHx9AZf7mztt4m9ySYFKhSM2kWpCakEQ/s1600/zero%20-%209%20-%20a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font color = "navy" >warren hastings, the third richest man in the world, was getting out of his limousine one morning in front of his office building, when he decided to have a little fun.
<p>
what he considered in his strangely inaccessible brain to be fun.
<p>
he took a magic marker out of his pocket and wrote on the side of the building -
<p>
bunky is smiling.
<p>
debbie willis johnson, an aspiring journalist and photographer captured the moment.
<p>
harrison walker, a personal assistant to mr hastings, who followed him out the limousine , considered the message on the wall and decided to leave it as it was and hastened after him into the building.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQWy_DUdYwavoDXy9X4EJiEQHSe3BQ9468t9JGedN2s_IshUvIwzJAiSK1yeTKAQ4dvJYG8QTfRUuMGYzVbs8yPVk6cEX40GK82zsAOCkiYd_2m8qZE1FvhticnFXL8YKSc4e7wwr6g2azcGkv49jxD8hYoxi0sEflc0iq9kQ777MbQTf3EszV3MxfhR2/s1600/zero%20-%209%20-%20b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQWy_DUdYwavoDXy9X4EJiEQHSe3BQ9468t9JGedN2s_IshUvIwzJAiSK1yeTKAQ4dvJYG8QTfRUuMGYzVbs8yPVk6cEX40GK82zsAOCkiYd_2m8qZE1FvhticnFXL8YKSc4e7wwr6g2azcGkv49jxD8hYoxi0sEflc0iq9kQ777MbQTf3EszV3MxfhR2/s1600/zero%20-%209%20-%20b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
what were the make and model of the limousine?
<p>
let me get back to you on that.
<p>
the rest of the morning passed peacefully.
<p>
mr hastings did what he did and harrison walker assisted him in doing it.
<p>
bunky was forgoten.
<p>
except by debbie willis johnson.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji43k4jBfkAgO2Ov_w2693GqDX09Ut0-2GPX0bULK876lk8PeMcT-VQoVborB8Ld1v2d2ZTZeOou8GJKgSn2aVyNu0HYCMV2MCGByoiAcQcFtpu_8oLset5-5WDozy1QseSmD6EG8P46l0bgx8jUQDnNlNqOg1C8W3bvxTFHF7chG3sfcqPhAAeSx-Zqy9/s1600/zero%20-%209%20-%20c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji43k4jBfkAgO2Ov_w2693GqDX09Ut0-2GPX0bULK876lk8PeMcT-VQoVborB8Ld1v2d2ZTZeOou8GJKgSn2aVyNu0HYCMV2MCGByoiAcQcFtpu_8oLset5-5WDozy1QseSmD6EG8P46l0bgx8jUQDnNlNqOg1C8W3bvxTFHF7chG3sfcqPhAAeSx-Zqy9/s1600/zero%20-%209%20-%20c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
harrison walker went to lunch with gorgeous george mathews, warren hastings’s chief of staff, and mentioned in passing the curious incident of the morning in which mr hastings had written his whimsical (?)
message on the side of the building.
<p>
george mathews wasted no time in calling one of his underlings and giving him or her their marching orders.
<p>
harrison and george resumed attacking their salads.
<p>
and there the matter might have rested.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQ08DlaGOaz-CxLuTUtHYuQxz7eSlnpxm_HVxOH261km5_7sCkY8YrLlVF_i93kFyJmUjU5QLKrhtpczTH-WCAqKeW3tsmZbnlnbZTjLkaiG1ygGXua7HOX1KUAFcUQRFuw2-pYujZhxBAkn5LO3Lfg1ipLRoqlGrSzYjuyj3dlZqhkCrozU8Zf8s1inu/s1600/zero%20-%209%20-%20d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQ08DlaGOaz-CxLuTUtHYuQxz7eSlnpxm_HVxOH261km5_7sCkY8YrLlVF_i93kFyJmUjU5QLKrhtpczTH-WCAqKeW3tsmZbnlnbZTjLkaiG1ygGXua7HOX1KUAFcUQRFuw2-pYujZhxBAkn5LO3Lfg1ipLRoqlGrSzYjuyj3dlZqhkCrozU8Zf8s1inu/s1600/zero%20-%209%20-%20d.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
sam o’neil, the city editor of the gazette, was not much interested in debbie willis johnson’s story.
<p>
but he wished to get into debbie’s good graces, so he purchased her photo of mr hastings message on the building wall for a modest sum.
<p>
debbie was short of loose cash and happy to get the money.
<p>
and there the matter might have rested.
<p>
later that afternoon, after a not particularly delicate negotiation with some unscupulous rascals from asia, george mathews casually asked warren hastings -
<p>
who is bunky?
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexLyi3tYCzHuy7n4W67v40jmhr2PnoR2lCVo2kdICSaDQP5ycFSsyX6dT45VXLM4JtGeAr5Vrr3bA25P6tXLnb-5_HJkxR_e9TfoW3w1ay3bnYippkVtve5TylZ0Y-sexN5jCGAP-TOIOam7Ev67GG-SIwpg8UFdEih69jYX9qWhk0dNFMPlDsZojyDPF/s1600/zero%20-%209%20-%20e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexLyi3tYCzHuy7n4W67v40jmhr2PnoR2lCVo2kdICSaDQP5ycFSsyX6dT45VXLM4JtGeAr5Vrr3bA25P6tXLnb-5_HJkxR_e9TfoW3w1ay3bnYippkVtve5TylZ0Y-sexN5jCGAP-TOIOam7Ev67GG-SIwpg8UFdEih69jYX9qWhk0dNFMPlDsZojyDPF/s1600/zero%20-%209%20-%20e.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
bunky? mr hastings asked with a great show of bewilderment -
<p>
i don’t know anybody named bunky.
<p>
nobody in the 21st century is named bunky.
<p>
you watch too many old movies. they will rot your bran.
<p>
and then where will you be?
<p>
george made a mental note to have the message removed from the side of the building.</font>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_k6d51550mOTlPQSvQBYVHipyGTLTj33DV_OY27d8U8A-QvQpQMuZjUfDp6_MMD9JHioYLF7nRuaV4wJ9bvzpO0Lho-31W89jum5AGxfmwL1T0_u40WDuEXF6XLbrhK4JweZjZai35eqRCN2x_fgVUgDndbZqQyGV43b9RgStuyo0QWibm-6snaHTXeU/s1600/zero%20-%209%20-%20f.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_k6d51550mOTlPQSvQBYVHipyGTLTj33DV_OY27d8U8A-QvQpQMuZjUfDp6_MMD9JHioYLF7nRuaV4wJ9bvzpO0Lho-31W89jum5AGxfmwL1T0_u40WDuEXF6XLbrhK4JweZjZai35eqRCN2x_fgVUgDndbZqQyGV43b9RgStuyo0QWibm-6snaHTXeU/s1600/zero%20-%209%20-%20f.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<br>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-10-road-at.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<br>
<br>
</td></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>jeremy witheringtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05933215952838493778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-86182065758086121612024-03-08T04:47:00.000-08:002024-03-11T00:49:25.720-07:00zero plus nothing equals - 8. the apple<br>
<font color = "navy"> by jeremy witherington</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">eight </font> of 31
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-7-frank.html"><font color = "red"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-1-room.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "red" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kdvuMzB20GmxfiaJ22Zc6_KhxIUHS133BnGCWtqH8nsrjSHkmfYNl7Z0XwX3FOyK1dD8HoDvv3Mb7ixgruD7CGLhOU0dbh4LSabyuQnRfGrSKCCH4GaaeceUQaqab1ejiUzkgiHto6HKhlgtxFON86MD_157Wb2nzUocjSIxMiLBhq_v7d8T7a8Tzu74/s1600/zero%20-%208%20-%20a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kdvuMzB20GmxfiaJ22Zc6_KhxIUHS133BnGCWtqH8nsrjSHkmfYNl7Z0XwX3FOyK1dD8HoDvv3Mb7ixgruD7CGLhOU0dbh4LSabyuQnRfGrSKCCH4GaaeceUQaqab1ejiUzkgiHto6HKhlgtxFON86MD_157Wb2nzUocjSIxMiLBhq_v7d8T7a8Tzu74/s1600/zero%20-%208%20-%20a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font color = "navy">an apple fell from a tree
<p>
a banana grew on a second tree
<p>
a cat climbed a third
<p>
a dog walked around a fourth
<p>
eddie had a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich
<p>
frank had a mushroomburger with spicy fries
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7s6DoYvYvvOJT0Z8XPLNuOUQBODRSCVT_668NlL0mtE59r4-3b6I_ub4uWswrf-UAqCdkAxvSfGk1zSXkyzYocekBfz_C0BLYThlymlFbH-Aj8nMwFW8KGNg1BEhkgLbpN_zlG4AfnuBVxePuETotqE7c-YgQyM3YUBSy3lUE8ssenHrUm06Lx-4-Eq7g/s1600/zero%20-%208%20-%20b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7s6DoYvYvvOJT0Z8XPLNuOUQBODRSCVT_668NlL0mtE59r4-3b6I_ub4uWswrf-UAqCdkAxvSfGk1zSXkyzYocekBfz_C0BLYThlymlFbH-Aj8nMwFW8KGNg1BEhkgLbpN_zlG4AfnuBVxePuETotqE7c-YgQyM3YUBSy3lUE8ssenHrUm06Lx-4-Eq7g/s1600/zero%20-%208%20-%20b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
gloria went for a walk around the block
<p>
but she was in no hurry
<p>
i wish i had better news to give you
<p>
jerry rushed into the cafeteria
<p>
he knew something the others did not
<p>
their luck was about to change - not necessarily for the better
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyEuziUq13Xr8iRYBDh8ENLZc2ZP1u4gV5f7PzMgdudRjavycE8nn3EfpcPmeZIEHz5lBSI36GL4DkzuxnSStKlEoYkLKlu_DsyvrKmgS0e_T11FhygAWiWrARZLGIiB-O3u9tzeh7NNq3KwSM-lUNrctzbyiFPPt0bmq6EPFsYqTAXuRYeBhw4P8zK4L/s1600/zero%20-%208%20-%20c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyEuziUq13Xr8iRYBDh8ENLZc2ZP1u4gV5f7PzMgdudRjavycE8nn3EfpcPmeZIEHz5lBSI36GL4DkzuxnSStKlEoYkLKlu_DsyvrKmgS0e_T11FhygAWiWrARZLGIiB-O3u9tzeh7NNq3KwSM-lUNrctzbyiFPPt0bmq6EPFsYqTAXuRYeBhw4P8zK4L/s1600/zero%20-%208%20-%20c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
maybe some day things will be different
<p>
nobody knows anything
<p>
eddie and frank and gloria all went back to the office
<p>
jerry patiently waited for his two hot dogs and then hurried after them
<p>
the street was strangely quiet
<p>
roberta, the branch manager, raised her eyebrows at jerry when he finally arrived
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTjg_jEUO8nxzo5ujBGWRTWSyrcatPv3x7SOOwiiEEmeen41MfTTqigjW0CfwW0gjc6etReVjq0wloMA-UBmrPkfbqcOa9HeQ6uOSmpmhAxwvn5k7ATCPo7HgjFIynkQjAfpfi_IeFZO94EHHX267b6RueH37lSQxHUOdXaJ6K9baDYr3wuR-FnHx4B1U/s1600/zero%20-%208%20-%20d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTjg_jEUO8nxzo5ujBGWRTWSyrcatPv3x7SOOwiiEEmeen41MfTTqigjW0CfwW0gjc6etReVjq0wloMA-UBmrPkfbqcOa9HeQ6uOSmpmhAxwvn5k7ATCPo7HgjFIynkQjAfpfi_IeFZO94EHHX267b6RueH37lSQxHUOdXaJ6K9baDYr3wuR-FnHx4B1U/s1600/zero%20-%208%20-%20d.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
roberta suspected jerry of being a snitch
<p>
but tomorrow will get here soon enough
<p>
unless it does not
<p>
eddie and frank took the news in stride, but gloria played the victim card
<p>
who is anybody to criticize her?
<p>
except me and you of course
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfca81SUbRLY5WVEoqZ9C9kNk2aGqxikgww6q_65rH0iFsXfSOfGKRq7mO-khhCaqVwgQCvCUjzkW81xxT9LJ5nzbQIPfYiw5hZSQcpYAGc5piI7aFtdGD9cEa4HQUhEJOnffg6tD6CA1YeMY9sIOeed64w4IXiXREDlwGg9auBYsu3ryDj1ppnEi06DaK/s1600/zero%20-%208%20-%20e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfca81SUbRLY5WVEoqZ9C9kNk2aGqxikgww6q_65rH0iFsXfSOfGKRq7mO-khhCaqVwgQCvCUjzkW81xxT9LJ5nzbQIPfYiw5hZSQcpYAGc5piI7aFtdGD9cEa4HQUhEJOnffg6tD6CA1YeMY9sIOeed64w4IXiXREDlwGg9auBYsu3ryDj1ppnEi06DaK/s1600/zero%20-%208%20-%20e.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
the young always laugh at the old - it is nature’s way
<p>
zoroaster was a prophet who lived a log time ago
<p>
maybe he liked apples
<p>
maybe he never saw a banana in his life</font>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEMnPhm5Hbe8Loj2E8fZFbWEcvT7w2zbYGaMROVFmvq0ka5yTIWr05VHWYwDrgi_o181ukPJyWe80KNwIogizaimFwkh8zSj0G5eiyoenhHfDP_8LoOoz0tq9ye9xOzL6tPIiKne_ibr3wZW-Tpc8Ayujx7b4k7gsRD0ZCNABPYv5tjhZC7j8Fma_kMM5/s1600/zero%20-%208%20-%20f.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEMnPhm5Hbe8Loj2E8fZFbWEcvT7w2zbYGaMROVFmvq0ka5yTIWr05VHWYwDrgi_o181ukPJyWe80KNwIogizaimFwkh8zSj0G5eiyoenhHfDP_8LoOoz0tq9ye9xOzL6tPIiKne_ibr3wZW-Tpc8Ayujx7b4k7gsRD0ZCNABPYv5tjhZC7j8Fma_kMM5/s1600/zero%20-%208%20-%20f.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<p>
<br>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-9-bunky.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<br>
<br>
</td></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>rhodahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694315635082071848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-35329994504816998712024-03-07T03:38:00.000-08:002024-03-11T00:49:47.064-07:00zero plus nothing equals - 7. frank<br>
<font color = "navy"> by jeremy witherington</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">seven </font> of 31
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-6-william.html"><font color = "red"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-1-room.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "gray" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghiRB8fsA6Iq8Otk5y2nibts96djcrKHZpmO6g88Nt4sGom9m0hXQ-n-yiMKo6R_-EkDXeYkHo-TcJAYJdas6_2_mgsIWfa_s4MH1jPDTYXeE2lQXLB6chVLvkd5dSFSeooYbsMEi3Lu0FqL1WnKH_rB27adBZtAy1nG9XB_EeDq1HSVGlgsIlDOai-A/s1600/zero%20-%207%20-%20a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghiRB8fsA6Iq8Otk5y2nibts96djcrKHZpmO6g88Nt4sGom9m0hXQ-n-yiMKo6R_-EkDXeYkHo-TcJAYJdas6_2_mgsIWfa_s4MH1jPDTYXeE2lQXLB6chVLvkd5dSFSeooYbsMEi3Lu0FqL1WnKH_rB27adBZtAy1nG9XB_EeDq1HSVGlgsIlDOai-A/s1600/zero%20-%207%20-%20a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font color = "navy">frank woke up.
<p>
he got up.
<p>
he made himself a ham and cheese sandwich.
<p>
he noticed he was running low on ham and on cheese, although he still had almost a whole loaf of bread, because he had bought two for one on a special sale the last time he ordered.
<p>
but he was out of mustard, and also of ketchup.
<p>
after he finished the sandwich and washed it down with a cup of water, he decided to go down to pop’s store and buy some ham and cheese and mustard and maybe even some ketchup.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHmeIPMtCKZSKCK5XBDA5xb4WFUxq73XHZag4zzmCOFJCfmqhyBY2Ej-_KD9qdItIX-tyr3pIpWZMNP2ZPv7_m-fOBRvIZR9hRXzk_2KEP5jAvG_666eE6sQ7SjhXypHJl4J67207o0E-sb9lr1zJwuIychgM9vuBybDuFqQWTx7n28j6-pQ3H1DtFA/s1600/zero%20-%207%20-%20b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHmeIPMtCKZSKCK5XBDA5xb4WFUxq73XHZag4zzmCOFJCfmqhyBY2Ej-_KD9qdItIX-tyr3pIpWZMNP2ZPv7_m-fOBRvIZR9hRXzk_2KEP5jAvG_666eE6sQ7SjhXypHJl4J67207o0E-sb9lr1zJwuIychgM9vuBybDuFqQWTx7n28j6-pQ3H1DtFA/s1600/zero%20-%207%20-%20b.gif"/></a></div>
<br>
he put his shoes and hat on.
<p>
he turned the handle of the door to the hallway.
<p>
but the door did not open.
<p>
then it hit him like a thunderbolt.
<p>
of course.
<p>
it was the _________ century.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFpf2B1TnbRrEl-6wkVG4W9LIiUsNqOOTxsx8lVM1AbPlUc2WUCQYT6RtQDVZ4ikFvXPnRAJZNqQTLy3ZOWLL-5pdsbHMl92EJmZdYbiyTl-lNpacWZtB30inXPPsdmxy__lc__N5yTffHN5IX4cY4AX6DcuEV97hohMgtqCmKB3BQ1VxbA4iFG88Nw/s1600/zero%20-%207%20-%20c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFpf2B1TnbRrEl-6wkVG4W9LIiUsNqOOTxsx8lVM1AbPlUc2WUCQYT6RtQDVZ4ikFvXPnRAJZNqQTLy3ZOWLL-5pdsbHMl92EJmZdYbiyTl-lNpacWZtB30inXPPsdmxy__lc__N5yTffHN5IX4cY4AX6DcuEV97hohMgtqCmKB3BQ1VxbA4iFG88Nw/s1600/zero%20-%207%20-%20c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
if he needed anything, he had to request it on the intercom.
<p>
he went over to the intercom, which was located beside his water tap, and pressed the button.
<p>
how may i help you, the voice intoned silkily.
<p>
frank often dreamed that the voice belonged to a real human female woman, like glenda back in the day.
<p>
he almost said, hi, baby, it has been a long time.
<p>
but instead he said, i want to go down to pop’s store and buy some ham and cheese and mustard.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RwD24sPaUxV8eHVzZyFAQadpId1Y0S9jjdgcVexy9wltqmxeDJLqBlle3qVEosMVmSaaCZ10baKhaQZglvoprVZBI2qw2JXr2qtUOTF6gCqtAOYlxK0TO0DzrDaUjG9jGtH-RdZLgSBCV2mfkwnAYvbnbw18-JFMCBrMZ-I8hRjwcmRO9JQKbImlyA/s1600/zero-%207%20-%20d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RwD24sPaUxV8eHVzZyFAQadpId1Y0S9jjdgcVexy9wltqmxeDJLqBlle3qVEosMVmSaaCZ10baKhaQZglvoprVZBI2qw2JXr2qtUOTF6gCqtAOYlxK0TO0DzrDaUjG9jGtH-RdZLgSBCV2mfkwnAYvbnbw18-JFMCBrMZ-I8hRjwcmRO9JQKbImlyA/s1600/zero-%207%20-%20d.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
the correct terminology is go down to pop’s store <i>to</i> buy some ham and cheese and mustard, the voice intoned silkily.
<p>
i am just a regular guy, frank responded testily, i used to ride the rails with ambrose bierce and geronimo and jack london.
<p>
be that as it may, the voice replied without missing a beat, the door is closed until zero zero zero one, you may make requests for ham and cheese at that time. mustard is seasonal, and not requestable at this time. thank you. goodbye.
<p>
frank hung his head in despair.
<p>
he pressed the button on the waterspout and pushed himself a cup of water and drank it down in one gulp.
<p>
it was all so sad.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXT7_glz7Evbp7hATkIYPRoF5fYxypzayVTOTQr16DEohIiiPNsI332WpSlRrX7MbEGNRPbV6YGSym-XYqrBsM43-xndJuYi-Ys2E76MhPPjZkzWroFB6Zmwhu6S5NgElbdNJXlI4x_sn3uQsXviyFtomTkRrPUBTFdFO_6vFr8TI_Afv-TDJZJji0Q/s1600/zero%20-%207%20-%20e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXT7_glz7Evbp7hATkIYPRoF5fYxypzayVTOTQr16DEohIiiPNsI332WpSlRrX7MbEGNRPbV6YGSym-XYqrBsM43-xndJuYi-Ys2E76MhPPjZkzWroFB6Zmwhu6S5NgElbdNJXlI4x_sn3uQsXviyFtomTkRrPUBTFdFO_6vFr8TI_Afv-TDJZJji0Q/s1600/zero%20-%207%20-%20e.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
not like the old days,riding the rails free as a bird between omaha nebraska and yuma arizona with doc and the kid and jake.
<p>
and meeting glenda down by the old mill stream.
<p>
would those days ever return?
<p>
and what about ____</font>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNcO0VZ16LtbCcgT5sGAKs8Dzmi9Oi4ip4T4pqcDuWMvPS4R1oGJV7syT9k6W5pQACFX2LrNdVlXq1qwSUgsGYyukmh6MMZFZrytIRyV6Y2z7ijA4mQ4FU7CeOYFEFPe9ulC-B_MXXVSQRvq8fFEuIaguLNEHtUhngHMhy_vKoGzAD3PBsgOTzLATYg/s1600/zero%20-%207%20-%20f.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNcO0VZ16LtbCcgT5sGAKs8Dzmi9Oi4ip4T4pqcDuWMvPS4R1oGJV7syT9k6W5pQACFX2LrNdVlXq1qwSUgsGYyukmh6MMZFZrytIRyV6Y2z7ijA4mQ4FU7CeOYFEFPe9ulC-B_MXXVSQRvq8fFEuIaguLNEHtUhngHMhy_vKoGzAD3PBsgOTzLATYg/s1600/zero%20-%207%20-%20f.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<p>
<br>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-8-apple.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</td></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>jeremy witheringtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05933215952838493778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-17578070091108595062024-03-06T10:11:00.000-08:002024-03-07T03:40:21.646-08:00zero plus nothing equals - 6. william wilsonbr>
<font color = "navy"> by jeremy witherington</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">six </font> of 31
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-5-eddie-and.html"><font color = "red"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-1-room.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "aqua" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSwP5UIF-fI2OYeamH7eWGCb_h40Mcem45pqncY5ZMknrTTDLvgQIwAtuc606Db_UxGrmOwxXrjRT2nqCY2d65X5sziuBTKDcvlF2CsBPJCcAMzxel8vaNJIyEai2wjypSPK2MxXiXSuhkZ06yVGUDbvBeqpk0D1gkzxCFYGNBrmDIMSygMlCKou0SXR4/s1600/zero%20-%206%20-%20a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSwP5UIF-fI2OYeamH7eWGCb_h40Mcem45pqncY5ZMknrTTDLvgQIwAtuc606Db_UxGrmOwxXrjRT2nqCY2d65X5sziuBTKDcvlF2CsBPJCcAMzxel8vaNJIyEai2wjypSPK2MxXiXSuhkZ06yVGUDbvBeqpk0D1gkzxCFYGNBrmDIMSygMlCKou0SXR4/s1600/zero%20-%206%20-%20a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font color = "navy">an empty road, going nowhere.
<p>
an empty horizon.
<p>
a cloudless sky.
<p>
a man walks along the empty toad, toward the empty horizon.
<p>
he is a strange man.
<p>
he has one gray eye and one blue eye.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcDyCeO2PNx1WGevqU2y7JA3iIq2DiKpeFrWWYMNcUGo6ktLTfcXeBHAKNqGqYHFO8jD2v7F3hlw7AxtAoGrCynTvmDP5-R7Ljw8UUU3c6YGKgw4u4QbV1dXkkrzrKp_BTCYy41if7Q1jGiSafQbJGD4-vGeNKnRBYJ0UG7hRxM6sHvinixVQ28gDmnI4/s1600/zero%20-%206%20-%20c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcDyCeO2PNx1WGevqU2y7JA3iIq2DiKpeFrWWYMNcUGo6ktLTfcXeBHAKNqGqYHFO8jD2v7F3hlw7AxtAoGrCynTvmDP5-R7Ljw8UUU3c6YGKgw4u4QbV1dXkkrzrKp_BTCYy41if7Q1jGiSafQbJGD4-vGeNKnRBYJ0UG7hRxM6sHvinixVQ28gDmnI4/s1600/zero%20-%206%20-%20c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
the gray eye is cold and menacing.
<p>
the blue eye is sad and lonely.
<p>
he wears a hat which is tilted on his head and comes down over the sad blue eye so that only the cold and menacing gray eye would be visible to anyone he chanced to meet on the road.
<p>
the left side of the hat is green and has a red feather stuck in it.
<p>
the right side of the hat is brown and is adorned with a button saying “you don’t know me”.
<p>
the man wears a long black coat which comes down to his shoes. the coat was formerly black but has turned gray and is stained with wind and rain and with ketchup, mustard and turkey gravy.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFLbohu1XUl-UgIEtbBwe2rbfdd8cV1C0PRuqmLZcGGrr4BKHR-qsx7-SZiT-RlusBBVLv_FE7JPjxLgrfPZaMP8NbOAEKZ-sMk7mJkwq5NkZI6a6w-BwIbDNzNiqRvgRiYYxIZP6ar-gq-W7CpP3bh0H4mFp6Ac2Z5-FL6XkZo5WlshlIZt_q_bhQQ6H/s1600/zero%20-%206%20-%20b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFLbohu1XUl-UgIEtbBwe2rbfdd8cV1C0PRuqmLZcGGrr4BKHR-qsx7-SZiT-RlusBBVLv_FE7JPjxLgrfPZaMP8NbOAEKZ-sMk7mJkwq5NkZI6a6w-BwIbDNzNiqRvgRiYYxIZP6ar-gq-W7CpP3bh0H4mFp6Ac2Z5-FL6XkZo5WlshlIZt_q_bhQQ6H/s1600/zero%20-%206%20-%20b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
the man walks along.
<p>
the empty horizon does not get any closer.
<p>
what is the man’s name?
<p>
it is william wilson.
<p>
he once knew better days,
<p>
he was the middleweight judo champion of the world.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbOcjqpR2yCjj0IwgbVrGl8iFX79Y2QtvP3zd_cVOO7eUo060TpOjItIuqNC9nVCXAn-hyjBdM_XJCneG_Rn8GgorZKYeQLH5CP6ZSLi5eR9bWay6nVnlvw0A-VAl2JMK_8uJxTb99f-rZpgNhUlYgF0T99JJGHEq1TM0RnvEWbbZQ_aaTmrah4x8ozzK/s1600/zero%20-%206%20-%20d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbOcjqpR2yCjj0IwgbVrGl8iFX79Y2QtvP3zd_cVOO7eUo060TpOjItIuqNC9nVCXAn-hyjBdM_XJCneG_Rn8GgorZKYeQLH5CP6ZSLi5eR9bWay6nVnlvw0A-VAl2JMK_8uJxTb99f-rZpgNhUlYgF0T99JJGHEq1TM0RnvEWbbZQ_aaTmrah4x8ozzK/s1600/zero%20-%206%20-%20d.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
and the most successful screenwriter in the world.
<p>
and the biggest drug dealer in the world.
<p>
and the emperor of the universe.
<p>
it all began to come apart one night when he was hanging outside the club paradise talking to some other beautiful people besides himself.
<p>
this punk came along and thought he could mess with william wilson when the sun went down and darkness covered the earth.
<p>
the punk’s name was billy.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAQ3HEKVN5JNkPrD4BwugoT1aVcJxsrbcdsyQQI0cGW_DeUDBIwkDd83x8exXRKPZ58CBTgOBvgaLbyxP6xi6MmN7s8ja_LRH4EGwKdLL8QWtyPtroSa6zGg3FK8bSEfO6NZtH6fWQJ_cnzFKmyVZKq25P5ZdAS7P0ogRXvrc_E67l1R5I-HZBhu8uvTV/s1600/zero%20-%206%20-%20e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAQ3HEKVN5JNkPrD4BwugoT1aVcJxsrbcdsyQQI0cGW_DeUDBIwkDd83x8exXRKPZ58CBTgOBvgaLbyxP6xi6MmN7s8ja_LRH4EGwKdLL8QWtyPtroSa6zGg3FK8bSEfO6NZtH6fWQJ_cnzFKmyVZKq25P5ZdAS7P0ogRXvrc_E67l1R5I-HZBhu8uvTV/s1600/zero%20-%206%20-%20e.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
not billy the kid or billy the anything, just billy.
<p>
billy had a girl back home in sioux city iowa named sally jane.</font>
<p>
<p>
<p>
<br>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-7-frank.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<br>
<br>
</td></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>rhodahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694315635082071848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-52634584063745245832024-03-05T04:00:00.000-08:002024-03-06T10:13:55.247-08:00zero plus nothing equals - 5. eddie and mabel<br>
<font color = "navy"> by jeremy witherington</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">five </font> of 31
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-4-desert.html"><font color = "red"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-1-room.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "orange" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5vO8yeGIPB_fm2ocueIG_r0EuLc_-FocGEzLxslMsb0oNXSMq9esfJc6Z-iRC5kx20QfTfrue_y0oPiLSR9Nz6x26dXtgs18NIjVkN8NpeJrch65UajKOwim3El6ibdwv8TYQJAEWicVCFlMRdTp4_hOVWJJ-6DYsJWve1002VzjW0GmiOJBHQgLKQ/s1600/zero%20-%205%20-%20a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5vO8yeGIPB_fm2ocueIG_r0EuLc_-FocGEzLxslMsb0oNXSMq9esfJc6Z-iRC5kx20QfTfrue_y0oPiLSR9Nz6x26dXtgs18NIjVkN8NpeJrch65UajKOwim3El6ibdwv8TYQJAEWicVCFlMRdTp4_hOVWJJ-6DYsJWve1002VzjW0GmiOJBHQgLKQ/s1600/zero%20-%205%20-%20a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font color = "navy">eddie woke up.
<p>
he rolled over and went back to sleep
<p>
he had a dream where he was walking across a desert approaching a city filled with gas stations.
<p>
the whole city was gas stations and nothing but gas stations.
<p>
eddie had never worked in a gas station before.
<p>
he was more of a pizza delivery guy.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmOH3bmKQFGAhfP2a3z1tEHdY0TM6FTcHYHANoF14BpzatgCH8dONXUQ_jgCkc6wh5yNQlGayq2ZfLmiD1g26TAWCZjo2vczuTlOPXLmFUKuRDVxfctnYX8-yvDTToecOKy1TU_SfR_JJPD-YOJXkUezWEdg90xD_I-6VNycOSHcs2RHxgQ1tAbh4WQ/s1600/zero%20-%205%20-%20b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmOH3bmKQFGAhfP2a3z1tEHdY0TM6FTcHYHANoF14BpzatgCH8dONXUQ_jgCkc6wh5yNQlGayq2ZfLmiD1g26TAWCZjo2vczuTlOPXLmFUKuRDVxfctnYX8-yvDTToecOKy1TU_SfR_JJPD-YOJXkUezWEdg90xD_I-6VNycOSHcs2RHxgQ1tAbh4WQ/s1600/zero%20-%205%20-%20b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
he knew how to deliver pizza.
<p>
you got outside and around and sometimes met some interesting people.
<p>
not that often, but sometimes.
<p>
and sometimes you got some big tips. again not that often but sometimes.
<p>
and sometimes delivering pizza you met women, or so he heard from some of the other guys like frank, or so they said.
<p>
the women eddie delivered to just paid him and sometimes gave him a reasonably good tip, but that was that.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtGuOc6F-nnrkgs2mWTlH-XngEOGEgKcsHsdhYIBKhZ43MbkC6bRq2ZtxxKHe7JspyPOaAzZ8C8_CTEeeLedn4rr-bncoAfiZlgzHjoR1PR2fzqEM4-VOho5XI2m02j3PMOfoQ0LivfVaqgTMRi-GgL1sQ2T7-Jg8_CeJHdnrPiKwYb0lq_XrMBW6Vw/s1600/zero%20-%205%20-%20c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtGuOc6F-nnrkgs2mWTlH-XngEOGEgKcsHsdhYIBKhZ43MbkC6bRq2ZtxxKHe7JspyPOaAzZ8C8_CTEeeLedn4rr-bncoAfiZlgzHjoR1PR2fzqEM4-VOho5XI2m02j3PMOfoQ0LivfVaqgTMRi-GgL1sQ2T7-Jg8_CeJHdnrPiKwYb0lq_XrMBW6Vw/s1600/zero%20-%205%20-%20c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
and usually there was a guy already there, a husband or boy friend or whatever.
<p>
not that eddie was calling frank a liar or anything like that.
<p>
be all that as it may, eddie was standing beside a gas pump at one of the gas stations in the city full of gas stations.
<p>
and a fat lady with a name tag on her gas station uniform shirt that said her name was mabel came out of the gas station office and stared at eddie.
<p>
eddie wondered what was going on, because he had never actually met anybody named mabel, or seen or heard the name anywhere except in a movie or a comic book.
<p>
you looking for work, big guy? mabel asked eddie.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVnDYMo9WBAGg0uRPRj1cgXWU7JRgm0n5enMbJU3q1LdEml9ZIBBNFqJDTZTWi0MtXQ3-azTuv1om2xQeBF_IdT_tIFbre0kAtaqMzNlN-JCcz6eCFHUoSWqfLaXRetL6UgqK6_YA4fIvZ_XC4eZtOwosfF4qogJiUqMbwwOR12siEIgPhmQ8tO5TQQ/s1600/zero%20-%205%20-%20d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVnDYMo9WBAGg0uRPRj1cgXWU7JRgm0n5enMbJU3q1LdEml9ZIBBNFqJDTZTWi0MtXQ3-azTuv1om2xQeBF_IdT_tIFbre0kAtaqMzNlN-JCcz6eCFHUoSWqfLaXRetL6UgqK6_YA4fIvZ_XC4eZtOwosfF4qogJiUqMbwwOR12siEIgPhmQ8tO5TQQ/s1600/zero%20-%205%20-%20d.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
no one had ever addressed eddie as “big guy” before, as far as he could remember.
<p>
sure, why not? eddie answered promptly. maybe a little too promptly.
<p>
what kind of answer is that? mabel retorted with a slight frown on her chubby face.
<p>
i just mean i’m game, that’s all. i am more of a pizza delivery guy than a gas station guy, but i can take anything you throw my way.
<p>
i am glad to hear that.
<p>
i am glad you are glad to hear that. so what is it all about?
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLe2AV1NiG1VDXYkQp1FLQzJ9pDCoa2Jl2ihwD2lyS_UH_y5dOAFSc1TQ5O7CDExd5h6SfHsm0s9cQZK9Lcsxn1dmYabHdv-SXru0j6Q-BPXUx4fjDL1ni-phpPGlhR9upZhXoSTB8gJOoTqck2Y2x6vU8dRjZviKC0J3obUzcBYI4CYG3Jg4NGSOxQ/s1600/zero%20-%205%20-%20e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLe2AV1NiG1VDXYkQp1FLQzJ9pDCoa2Jl2ihwD2lyS_UH_y5dOAFSc1TQ5O7CDExd5h6SfHsm0s9cQZK9Lcsxn1dmYabHdv-SXru0j6Q-BPXUx4fjDL1ni-phpPGlhR9upZhXoSTB8gJOoTqck2Y2x6vU8dRjZviKC0J3obUzcBYI4CYG3Jg4NGSOxQ/s1600/zero%20-%205%20-%20e.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
what is anything all about? i think you might be just what the proverbial doctor ordered, mister pizza delivery guy.
<p>
eddie just nodded a bit as he did not know quite to say in this curious situation.
<p>
come on in to the office and we can talk turkey, mabel said drily.
<p>
eddie followed her in to the office.
<p>
looks like it might rain, eddie offered as mabel took a seat at a little desk in the office.
<p>
it doesn’t rain much around here.</font>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDAK9hCzanuCMPXwQk2cI62m8Dh6IfChyphenhyphenymJwlguaRNTdgUOmNszB67gtd9dii_FskDCsnD4W-xn9HQ8JP1kC9habpc37bOKKpE8QkXPGruX5FUkyZqe6ih5ogavrqzyI-lC-QGU5nJbQYC9gNAWCMEM0x7gVRcPrjT_hh9nETRnzyODenVKO0voyrw/s1600/zero%20-%205%20-%20f.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDAK9hCzanuCMPXwQk2cI62m8Dh6IfChyphenhyphenymJwlguaRNTdgUOmNszB67gtd9dii_FskDCsnD4W-xn9HQ8JP1kC9habpc37bOKKpE8QkXPGruX5FUkyZqe6ih5ogavrqzyI-lC-QGU5nJbQYC9gNAWCMEM0x7gVRcPrjT_hh9nETRnzyODenVKO0voyrw/s1600/zero%20-%205%20-%20f.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<p>
<p>
<br>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-6-william.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<br>
<br>
</td></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>jeremy witheringtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05933215952838493778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-57280272270718396082024-03-04T03:54:00.000-08:002024-03-11T00:50:07.172-07:00zero plus nothing equals - 4. the desert<br>
<font color = "navy"> by jeremy witherington</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">four </font> of 31
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-3-treasure.html"><font color = "red"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-1-room.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "black" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwU0_nd5GGQifCeFcNbaFItLNorhAaARdq-cR-EgUdOaY7QXKHr55rtFgjI9umOGY3Wav2koWHE3iZxtZiFAFX00M4lcnfxdYalyTkxJF3_bOg2oBf4pXlEGNHYoeeJL4iL9-BK6ZReRLMe1hZrZH3iLW9LOPYOHrB0LtZ-3KsLWYIyanyl9QWxAVuN7ex/s1600/zero%20-%204%20-%20a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwU0_nd5GGQifCeFcNbaFItLNorhAaARdq-cR-EgUdOaY7QXKHr55rtFgjI9umOGY3Wav2koWHE3iZxtZiFAFX00M4lcnfxdYalyTkxJF3_bOg2oBf4pXlEGNHYoeeJL4iL9-BK6ZReRLMe1hZrZH3iLW9LOPYOHrB0LtZ-3KsLWYIyanyl9QWxAVuN7ex/s1600/zero%20-%204%20-%20a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>'
<font color = "navy"> billy jones woke up.
<p>
he rolled over and went back to sleep
<p>
he had a dream in which he was walking down a dark road.
<p>
the road led to a desert and continued across the desert.
<p>
a mountain loomed on the horizon and the road pointed to it.
<p>
what is the point, billy wondered, of putting a road across the desert pointing to a mountain when you can see the mountain for yourself and just head for it.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgT0H0qoQ-0kW496oPsoDFJiZSW1Ue8N2EgcwS7MLr1i9aejxle3dhfahxmKv_Z9nf7hfWlpw1iO5M1dtYWEvz3BFWtDNG3m_HhHvb_2paUqf3jdLJNrXJXIt_-zkWc84Tm5noJQHyayDTjpfJvnKcMQhHWGiQ-JNilrwZYe7szIJ1vCLkPb8kAvGz5DU/s1600/zero%20-%204%20-%20b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgT0H0qoQ-0kW496oPsoDFJiZSW1Ue8N2EgcwS7MLr1i9aejxle3dhfahxmKv_Z9nf7hfWlpw1iO5M1dtYWEvz3BFWtDNG3m_HhHvb_2paUqf3jdLJNrXJXIt_-zkWc84Tm5noJQHyayDTjpfJvnKcMQhHWGiQ-JNilrwZYe7szIJ1vCLkPb8kAvGz5DU/s1600/zero%20-%204%20-%20b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
he soon got his answer.
<p>
the road stopped and there was nothing but sand between him and the mountain.
<p>
the sand got in his boots.
<p>
the boots he had paid five silver dollars for back in tombstone.
<p>
just so folks would think he was billy the kid, not just plain old billy jones.
<p>
but it had not worked out.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrsYIm6vcSU3dm0z3H2nUgBtIY1-wJoUnN8GYMNkQ9b1bR8Ks8WbspDjre2634NT7uySxjFGBp8k_1f1JAhFT4sqDueNxVirSUJJYt9XrVgknMew81MKSiG-42Z3wxMIzBazZYm3GmvwXBLGYCPYIZIPJVCbr6fcelAWznuQa2zt0LBWynq9mgZo8zh4y/s1600/zero%20-%204%20-%20c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrsYIm6vcSU3dm0z3H2nUgBtIY1-wJoUnN8GYMNkQ9b1bR8Ks8WbspDjre2634NT7uySxjFGBp8k_1f1JAhFT4sqDueNxVirSUJJYt9XrVgknMew81MKSiG-42Z3wxMIzBazZYm3GmvwXBLGYCPYIZIPJVCbr6fcelAWznuQa2zt0LBWynq9mgZo8zh4y/s1600/zero%20-%204%20-%20c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
people just laughed at him.
<p>
he tried to join the smith gang, but they just laughed at him and called him a punk and a tenderfoot.
<p>
he didn’t know what a punk was, but he was no tenderfoot.
<p>
he asked mister henry morgan, the proprietor of the general store, if he could get a job sweeping up, but mister morgan just laughed at him.
<p>
he told ernestine fallover, the clerk at mister morgan’s store and the prettiest gal in town that she was the prettiest gal in town and she did not exactly laugh at him but just said -
<p>
yes of course i am the prettiest girl in town, who else did you have in mind?
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosy_ljresIAWPsdfRO73OiAy1SyN5GwwJMcq4CEgJ_U9yVCivTmnXjNk_5ynXOjzjv3vn0LbEKtXueEoLdOA11p_GHpedCHtMiGxRaeDWZHt8IxiabTxk1yWPAbONB8wckNBeFYYEkunTU6t8WUejvJZfUd7gqIyIxuIcfU_mieTtTVPalcOSAnDm24z4/s1600/zero%20-%204%20-%20d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosy_ljresIAWPsdfRO73OiAy1SyN5GwwJMcq4CEgJ_U9yVCivTmnXjNk_5ynXOjzjv3vn0LbEKtXueEoLdOA11p_GHpedCHtMiGxRaeDWZHt8IxiabTxk1yWPAbONB8wckNBeFYYEkunTU6t8WUejvJZfUd7gqIyIxuIcfU_mieTtTVPalcOSAnDm24z4/s1600/zero%20-%204%20-%20d.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
and buck bangover and grandpa givens over at the stove and the cracker barrel laughed fit to bust.
<p>
and now he had sand in his boots!
<p>
billy woke up.
<p>
it was stil dark.
<p>
he did not know how long he had been awake.
<p>
or how long he had been alive.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLax48pjy0UmFo-6KgsHzJ3vAFoE55Yn7LT82KDuB206BfDVDjhxW-SQc6JdoxCkdY4Ij7Ejpbhv3sbYfnzzHEUVQY1qDEbiwtx5_eVpm13kuRIHbjkc1x69Su9FM2GQG75SfxjzNNkzy2HxXWqq6msKSodgO_i5wIYYZdeSNzhj65LVKWc0oMAUZpz_C/s1600/zero%20-%204%20-%20e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLax48pjy0UmFo-6KgsHzJ3vAFoE55Yn7LT82KDuB206BfDVDjhxW-SQc6JdoxCkdY4Ij7Ejpbhv3sbYfnzzHEUVQY1qDEbiwtx5_eVpm13kuRIHbjkc1x69Su9FM2GQG75SfxjzNNkzy2HxXWqq6msKSodgO_i5wIYYZdeSNzhj65LVKWc0oMAUZpz_C/s1600/zero%20-%204%20-%20e.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
trapped in this town.
<p>
trapped on this planet.
<p>
hunted down like a gorilla escaped from the circus.
<p>
in the wind and rain.
<p>
<p>
across the desert.
<p>
with the moon behind a cloud and sand in his boots.</font>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfhXJH-9oYIRdnbMsJyw19TjYS6P64FUMf1Rd4yxXyIYFmbPxO5ssM-uWIb34kCekWF1tVo09UqqgFMyvwwyIyqPfbNHvxTeSSwY_6lG4yGKjp2Vppr0qr4c4Ey8ZYbgy9NI7l8M5L7bzFOczYpcOpvAT6IgH4ya4Shm5iDtZXcE0R4QZFMjcnUASzbYs/s1600/zero%20-%204%20-%20f.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfhXJH-9oYIRdnbMsJyw19TjYS6P64FUMf1Rd4yxXyIYFmbPxO5ssM-uWIb34kCekWF1tVo09UqqgFMyvwwyIyqPfbNHvxTeSSwY_6lG4yGKjp2Vppr0qr4c4Ey8ZYbgy9NI7l8M5L7bzFOczYpcOpvAT6IgH4ya4Shm5iDtZXcE0R4QZFMjcnUASzbYs/s1600/zero%20-%204%20-%20f.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<p>
<br>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-5-eddie-and.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<br>
<br>
</td>></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>
jeremy witheringtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05933215952838493778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-8616117566703683942024-03-03T05:03:00.000-08:002024-03-04T03:57:42.409-08:00zero plus nothing equals - 3 . treasure<br>
<font color = "navy"> by jeremy witherington</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">three </font> of 31
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-2-lawn.html"><font color = "red"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-1-room.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "black" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivr9E-cpHJSHLx2TWgiJTGy8je9YzX38xw2oD2BlaicpKOCfJSUyI4k9RKwNVnKQmWZM6je_hkBGz6_alMTNwBFKDkuwde1yntfdWxFfI7WwJuw_9jpk-AoEKPG1cx2uCLesi_E9cAd-UvGG_d18lyfPoSSwPcnXuYAtZR_QMCXd6I37_a9yjUr97QSZ_n/s1600/zero-3-a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivr9E-cpHJSHLx2TWgiJTGy8je9YzX38xw2oD2BlaicpKOCfJSUyI4k9RKwNVnKQmWZM6je_hkBGz6_alMTNwBFKDkuwde1yntfdWxFfI7WwJuw_9jpk-AoEKPG1cx2uCLesi_E9cAd-UvGG_d18lyfPoSSwPcnXuYAtZR_QMCXd6I37_a9yjUr97QSZ_n/s1600/zero-3-a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font color = "navy">albert albertson woke up.
<p>
he got up.
<p>
they think everything is a joke, he mused.
<p>
and yet i am still here.
<p>
i wonder why.
<p>
the quality of my life has been mediocre from the start.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBs8VV8XSLZoeguwXelVYKixXwnj7E6m3urEsidmQJqCqujfA7Non3t2SdvRDZ0djzopvQRU4qf0Zp1B8duU3g0_vpdOvnyw5D_VR2xPT9rQaHlxhhEk6Cwh1GfklNg1Ei5kcKPsf_tpEarr1qBZGyPd_XVowKgvu8xrtN3lTfGmbL_czzMcgfMVXrmUW/s1600/zero-3-b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBs8VV8XSLZoeguwXelVYKixXwnj7E6m3urEsidmQJqCqujfA7Non3t2SdvRDZ0djzopvQRU4qf0Zp1B8duU3g0_vpdOvnyw5D_VR2xPT9rQaHlxhhEk6Cwh1GfklNg1Ei5kcKPsf_tpEarr1qBZGyPd_XVowKgvu8xrtN3lTfGmbL_czzMcgfMVXrmUW/s1600/zero-3-b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
and yet i began with every advantage.
<p>
i was invited by fate to conquer the world.
<p>
my name is albert, but my friends call me buddy.
<p>
there are many versions of my life available.
<p>
here is one that i remember.
<p>
my parents were deep sea divers who spent their lives seeking lost treasure.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaO4UTqVApohdn0oqyohScE4_RrBjKpIutJX4vZ5v3uhX2WuAmxFM3762NuLrv4S06SBkczHoe77_eUkXBTS0n1YE-Tik-mPdhACP_g-LltH5x4SIKEUxnG0OAjK3_lUyyveFMysveCZwMYytwZ9huvL2V32hy8fiu2Wr96Cgs2XrTg-JmH0zy7wH22QRM/s1600/zero-3-c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaO4UTqVApohdn0oqyohScE4_RrBjKpIutJX4vZ5v3uhX2WuAmxFM3762NuLrv4S06SBkczHoe77_eUkXBTS0n1YE-Tik-mPdhACP_g-LltH5x4SIKEUxnG0OAjK3_lUyyveFMysveCZwMYytwZ9huvL2V32hy8fiu2Wr96Cgs2XrTg-JmH0zy7wH22QRM/s1600/zero-3-c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
i grew up expecting a miraculous twist of fate to transform our lives at any moment.
<p>
but i really understood nothing.
<p>
i see i am boring you - i will try to get to the point and tell a good story.
<p>
roger jones was my best friend.
<p>
sam brown was my worst enemy.
<p>
imagine my surprise and chagrin when they teamed up against me and deprived me of what was rightfully mine.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCaBV5t1MtpDCDtdGHkeWMleTQqZzj4txtVgaDI3h9FgZNnxox7MSRDNzhLTYtV-pEpo7pyljt9kNYX40NyULdwALrJk0Fe1F7vTECdvuwaY_n0nYOwzhF5bHJ_8oOyUVCjvvdmMUu_eF8_DcyQ53fHMS4oQJkAXOOR1_fUsnaWV3HhLY_viRu7RRBoUc/s1600/zero-3-d.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCaBV5t1MtpDCDtdGHkeWMleTQqZzj4txtVgaDI3h9FgZNnxox7MSRDNzhLTYtV-pEpo7pyljt9kNYX40NyULdwALrJk0Fe1F7vTECdvuwaY_n0nYOwzhF5bHJ_8oOyUVCjvvdmMUu_eF8_DcyQ53fHMS4oQJkAXOOR1_fUsnaWV3HhLY_viRu7RRBoUc/s1600/zero-3-d.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>
just when i thought i had it made.
<p>
my parents had died when their little boat was sunk off the coast of madagascar in a sudden storm when they were searching for the treasure of captain lloyd, one of the more obscure pirates of the golden age of piracy.
<p>
at the time i was enrolled at a jesuit school in the south of france.
<p>
when mr tompkins, the lawyer, visited the school to inform me of my parents’ passing, he brought me a box of old maps, which was my only inheritance.
<p>
the maps were faded with age, and many were barely intelligible.
<p>
roger was my best pal at the school, and he had all the money in the world.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSqfNld9LCX8IvSh1CgpmC23Pz-rmQOq1pDclT4enDf_mxf6tVaGDivmq_EPFulfj4SrMay7zgi4dNjymsft_3zQqgHLc1gMIloH_mKm_Tua4L36qzAZBUAHDVZ4eo5wv_rC0b5QFwuD4gC7oJFUiEZMabfaPHwvKxv5fv9VUthdJi8N8fmmyFMpaupNY/s1600/zero-3-e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSqfNld9LCX8IvSh1CgpmC23Pz-rmQOq1pDclT4enDf_mxf6tVaGDivmq_EPFulfj4SrMay7zgi4dNjymsft_3zQqgHLc1gMIloH_mKm_Tua4L36qzAZBUAHDVZ4eo5wv_rC0b5QFwuD4gC7oJFUiEZMabfaPHwvKxv5fv9VUthdJi8N8fmmyFMpaupNY/s1600/zero-3-e.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
i showed him the maps.
<p>
roger kindly offered to continuing paying for me to finish the school year.
<p>
but when the year was over we would set out to find some treasure.
<p>
he would pay all the expenses, and we would split the earnings fifty-fifty. </font>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWY53E8RR-6XhQGlM91nX9wAPeeLURpuyE2mrpaVHzUeBxS-lybPWJlRMyaFM5m4YaY7mNuctQXElQT2mt3g2RyO3RoreON1tUneo8SfODbErDfcDzC8JuGCxbJCuemzxxLi-FPDXK82YFDls7e57kZaxtIbEmxuSMFTMihlJyLFjch6zNRb3VYIbQ4Ph/s1600/zero-3-f.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWY53E8RR-6XhQGlM91nX9wAPeeLURpuyE2mrpaVHzUeBxS-lybPWJlRMyaFM5m4YaY7mNuctQXElQT2mt3g2RyO3RoreON1tUneo8SfODbErDfcDzC8JuGCxbJCuemzxxLi-FPDXK82YFDls7e57kZaxtIbEmxuSMFTMihlJyLFjch6zNRb3VYIbQ4Ph/s1600/zero-3-f.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<p>
<p>
<br>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-4-desert.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<br>
<br>
</td>></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>jeremy witheringtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05933215952838493778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-9384377012884536782024-03-02T05:05:00.000-08:002024-03-03T05:09:53.805-08:00zero plus nothing equals - 2. the lawn<br>
<font color = "navy"> by jeremy witherington</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black"> part <font color = "red"> two </font> of 31</font>
<br>
<br>
to read part one, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-1-room.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "lime" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSmtAUZYDZYlSiLhxoUhf2EGFZst_aXerdQ0RNX434rUe8qs_X1oMvX88iTwRUQpqnWytpRnWXQcnKLfVIk-'33"QVaS_EuuzH5RvAyyRj5gRLMMBEceM6_EOW4CVJPSCoZ0xGxFiHaLKVkQ3NyQf24H6tJzwk5fvoszRHKfWadMobKsOe8w4Esnutp9i4L2R/s1600/zero-2-a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" heght = "160" wodth = "320" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSmtAUZYDZYlSiLhxoUhf2EGFZst_aXerdQ0RNX434rUe8qs_X1oMvX88iTwRUQpqnWytpRnWXQcnKLfVIk-QVaS_EuuzH5RvAyyRj5gRLMMBEceM6_EOW4CVJPSCoZ0xGxFiHaLKVkQ3NyQf24H6tJzwk5fvoszRHKfWadMobKsOe8w4Esnutp9i4L2R/s1600/zero-2-a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font color = "navy">richard the lion hearted woke up.
<p>
he rolled over and went back to sleep.
<p>
he was walking down a long corridor lined with paintings of ladies in pink and white dresses playing croquet on green lawns under blue skies.
<p>
miss cecily was defeating miss emily roundly at the game.and miss emily did not like it one bit.
<p>
now, cecily, lady desdemona admonished cecily loudly, let emily win a game. it is the civilized and ladylike thing to do.
<p>
i declare i do not care why i should, cecily retorted brashly, as i am feeling neither ladylike nor civilized this morning.
<p>
lord randolph, who had been smoking a cheroot and observing the proceedings from a spot on the sidelines, guffawed loudly.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcOx090cfzqAxmvXU-2CKBG_I1JGbambbAD0aRDKHnpexDxNBGuB7ldZVJlLEY51MPMiqK3B9hmMsGeWN8sHGOoYQxyq74cDHudG-f5-nC6J9fGqLZ097YV-Gg0OS6DdLBHiHOQgNHurZQSBMAW_jcHTKNeJFigB9uNv5uIeo4pZCr3muFTTECQDdY77Z/s1600/zero-2-b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcOx090cfzqAxmvXU-2CKBG_I1JGbambbAD0aRDKHnpexDxNBGuB7ldZVJlLEY51MPMiqK3B9hmMsGeWN8sHGOoYQxyq74cDHudG-f5-nC6J9fGqLZ097YV-Gg0OS6DdLBHiHOQgNHurZQSBMAW_jcHTKNeJFigB9uNv5uIeo4pZCr3muFTTECQDdY77Z/s1600/zero-2-b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
i say, that is a spirited filly, his lordship announced to his chum and toady, the honorable bartholomew billingsley, who waa standing ready in his shadow,
<p>
i do not care to be referred to in such terms, miss cecily shouted.
<p>
and with that, she flung her croquet mallet in to the ground, narrowly missing hittting miss emily on her dainty foot, and flounced off.
<p>
oh dear, what is to be done? lady desdemona muttered. i do hope she pulls herself together in time to be presented to the duke of g———— at sunset.
<p>
no fear of that, lord randolph chortled salf-satisfiedly, and the honorable bartholomew billingsley laughed appreciatively.
<p>
go after her, will you, lady desdemona implored richard, who had been observing the scene silently from the shade of the old oak tree. see that she does not do anything foolish.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5kAFfhGGsYUL5UjBe2KiW-xhiicevs7sBX4MmWoXuBVPyZsYnm9KGRAm66ELSCD_VelOF_6sotT4clxAm2kiyPrNMcHZmArps-gf9nBpmZ8JNdiuBnqlxODLhOFS89RsPiJtbLLuEspQTmW7414BFtQS6U-Jl9VPVxY-DwUz0YdmomWeckZ3fbs3Fo1A/s1600/zero-2-c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5kAFfhGGsYUL5UjBe2KiW-xhiicevs7sBX4MmWoXuBVPyZsYnm9KGRAm66ELSCD_VelOF_6sotT4clxAm2kiyPrNMcHZmArps-gf9nBpmZ8JNdiuBnqlxODLhOFS89RsPiJtbLLuEspQTmW7414BFtQS6U-Jl9VPVxY-DwUz0YdmomWeckZ3fbs3Fo1A/s1600/zero-2-c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
no fear of that, lord randolph shouted again, and the honorable bartholomew billingsley laughed appreciatively. again.
<p>
what a bother, richard thought, but he did as lady desdemona commanded.
<p>
the rolling lawn stretched out eternally down to the meandering river.
<p>
richard encountered his old schoolfellow sir lancelot sitting on a rock, reading a slender new volume of verses from the poet laureate.
<p>
did you see miss cecily go by? richard asked lancelot.
<p>
i saw a flash of something pink and white go by. might that have been she?
<p>
no doubt. be a good fellow and accompany me, will you. if she has committed some folly like jumping into the river i might need all the assiatance i can get.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqEvMc10gBJH6cGZgGnqMxE_LaIT0ipXMwkx_L2IIGRP1KK-4OXlvzOxKvdPRNpXqpblFYs9Oi6BH4rYDMnGbEKIl9Tnw2nhuoFU8ddw2E6pmJXuB5B39CifC5hyBYV1IW2LWa5cVxCmz7hxTV5IwSkl6C1JjgKOhC4_-6Pi9g9RDw0bDHfDuMKtGhlzw/s1600/zero-2-d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqEvMc10gBJH6cGZgGnqMxE_LaIT0ipXMwkx_L2IIGRP1KK-4OXlvzOxKvdPRNpXqpblFYs9Oi6BH4rYDMnGbEKIl9Tnw2nhuoFU8ddw2E6pmJXuB5B39CifC5hyBYV1IW2LWa5cVxCmz7hxTV5IwSkl6C1JjgKOhC4_-6Pi9g9RDw0bDHfDuMKtGhlzw/s1600/zero-2-d.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
why, of course, old man. anything for a pal.
<p>
but when richrd and lancelot reached the river, they saw only miss cecily’s straw bonnet, with its white ribbon, heading placidly downstream.
<p>
what a great bother, richard thought bitterly. i shall probably have to resign my commission in the guards.
<p>
and the worst of it was, that that cad randolph had been witness to his humiliation.
<p>
do you think it worth diving in, richard asked lancelot, putting the best face on it he could.
<p>
i do not see why not, lancelot replied. nothing ventured,, nothing gained.
<p>
a trio of clouds passed overhead.</font>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeL5vN4-z9QRbCFB4Nkx5ywJT84cJfZPSet_q_DuIBm-UjFM_KO7GCfyMuqMxRGWFiVpAiqXwkkmMnKrovKqod2y1lKGAakmc4HCfeFp6u_uXVFPrFnIjjeTGPyBMt3kZGAKBOFyqVHUKvJo7tRUTRdmTL9SPwIw1PJEjHAupOujg4mNiSAi6-wyr4MEI/s1600/zero-2-e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeL5vN4-z9QRbCFB4Nkx5ywJT84cJfZPSet_q_DuIBm-UjFM_KO7GCfyMuqMxRGWFiVpAiqXwkkmMnKrovKqod2y1lKGAakmc4HCfeFp6u_uXVFPrFnIjjeTGPyBMt3kZGAKBOFyqVHUKvJo7tRUTRdmTL9SPwIw1PJEjHAupOujg4mNiSAi6-wyr4MEI/s1600/zero-2-e.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<br>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-3-treasure.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</td></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>jeremy witheringtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05933215952838493778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-12370363879918752532024-03-01T05:40:00.000-08:002024-03-02T05:08:39.683-08:00zero plus nothing equals - 1. the room<br>
<font color = "navy"> by jeremy witherington</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">one </font> of 31
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "black" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepP8R5XVWOtb3h7goL_SLHR3gmt80RfD7hbCQm0GUoY4BqF0NF58KC4eetzK7mcYkxxNiX8Zk_n_dHbrb6k68skNigEFTPQP42x1Lh44zOFSVih6FxUwRzQp0p0QHRK9bI0yqveDwXGPzB8nxBovqxiJyeYzfSz7xZDlGVQxQUNUNCFRfmqdkLuK1tP_K/s1600/zero-1-a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepP8R5XVWOtb3h7goL_SLHR3gmt80RfD7hbCQm0GUoY4BqF0NF58KC4eetzK7mcYkxxNiX8Zk_n_dHbrb6k68skNigEFTPQP42x1Lh44zOFSVih6FxUwRzQp0p0QHRK9bI0yqveDwXGPzB8nxBovqxiJyeYzfSz7xZDlGVQxQUNUNCFRfmqdkLuK1tP_K/s1600/zero-1-a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font color = "navy">isaac newton woke up.
<p>
he was lying on a bed.
<p>
in a room.
<p>
a small room.
<p>
there was nothing in the room except the bed - just a cot - he was lying on.
<p>
and himself.
<p>
he had a shirt and pants on, and socks and shoes.
<p>
it was dark.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHf0s6iV4L1mHA2ZEDEmocpFhX8LFhcvuRvStMotQc8kBpcuxpXSKGv3fSM1VfpBCM1otbW5oNJlmAFUgIgtwcRv9waYlJXxVy-zzvmDVjcJHv5z0a9SrU8aUQQf7w1FOWYOWxW_WGxl-i_7djawMmGAXXnookbPgT3jvRJwWUoPQXpCYEaIXVQIxL4obM/s1600/zero-1-b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHf0s6iV4L1mHA2ZEDEmocpFhX8LFhcvuRvStMotQc8kBpcuxpXSKGv3fSM1VfpBCM1otbW5oNJlmAFUgIgtwcRv9waYlJXxVy-zzvmDVjcJHv5z0a9SrU8aUQQf7w1FOWYOWxW_WGxl-i_7djawMmGAXXnookbPgT3jvRJwWUoPQXpCYEaIXVQIxL4obM/s1600/zero-1-b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
he tried to remember where he was.
<p>
he sat up.
<p>
he checked the pockets of the pants he was wearing and they were empty.
<p>
he got up off the bed and looked for a light or a light switch but did not find either.
<p>
there was a small window with a shade pulled down and he raised it.
<p>
it was raining out.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXnn-klirP23UFtT3f0blhpDRkoCJk0sLJTWVEYel3pKtLtXiC81VAUAxfDtqInybjwuMvgaR5eE0lO0CaS6lraYBa3ZOCyyEn3sjx5ynpodFSmgZawqM6hMwPUGDytv6Oa5lePHh0SF3DkODkXq7Yl6w8w5zuWzmEWKgiYrV26kDZYe6s-nJWe0A479M/s1600/zero-1-c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height = "240" width ="240" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXnn-klirP23UFtT3f0blhpDRkoCJk0sLJTWVEYel3pKtLtXiC81VAUAxfDtqInybjwuMvgaR5eE0lO0CaS6lraYBa3ZOCyyEn3sjx5ynpodFSmgZawqM6hMwPUGDytv6Oa5lePHh0SF3DkODkXq7Yl6w8w5zuWzmEWKgiYrV26kDZYe6s-nJWe0A479M/s1600/zero-1-c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
with the shade raised he could see a little better, but still saw nothing on the floor.
<p>
he knelt down and looked and felt under the small bed but found nothing.
<p>
there was a door in the room.
<p>
it opened on to a short hallway.
<p>
there was another door across from the room he was in, and a door at one end of the hall with some lettering on it that he could not make out. a bathroom?
<p>
at the other end of the hall was a door clearly marked exit.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcObgZIIjy1jaVyZnlZzZBnyZ4_hMb75tyIkj_L-B6ACbbUY_fNG4111oeCSSPy1vTlObqmciPe3AcODhHpNnifDQaKfBoFobx2u52rHowuvf4ZgXmNd6aKdfRnob70sIFbG7AtfqVABODd_auLpAHrhWxNUrwYsPYQaQItjs4wh4UqNFUBwI4oqOz0LX/s1600/zero-1-d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcObgZIIjy1jaVyZnlZzZBnyZ4_hMb75tyIkj_L-B6ACbbUY_fNG4111oeCSSPy1vTlObqmciPe3AcODhHpNnifDQaKfBoFobx2u52rHowuvf4ZgXmNd6aKdfRnob70sIFbG7AtfqVABODd_auLpAHrhWxNUrwYsPYQaQItjs4wh4UqNFUBwI4oqOz0LX/s1600/zero-1-d.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
he went back into the room and lay down on the bed.
<p>
why did everything have to be so complicated? he wondered, not for the first time.
<p>
he went back to sleep.
<p>
maybe everything will be revealed when i wake up again, he thought.
<p>
the rain beat on the window.
<p>
and the window began to shake a little from the wind </font>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XRJM-NyTlp-RCO6Fgs-iyKZ_yQJtN9zM6wN9ebyVvfPBCmHSs-H2t0ckpdXbnTfHdze6dKWeaVVewEAXj3-XrEBAynTVMdwCEjiTUhEe5i4QyBnOOlWdM9UkbNqqZSqp2FojJK7rvtVgSo1XPQkibXhXvepgwTqHxxpyMb4lMKu16I0n_AO_tV-c6XL4/s1600/zero-1-e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XRJM-NyTlp-RCO6Fgs-iyKZ_yQJtN9zM6wN9ebyVvfPBCmHSs-H2t0ckpdXbnTfHdze6dKWeaVVewEAXj3-XrEBAynTVMdwCEjiTUhEe5i4QyBnOOlWdM9UkbNqqZSqp2FojJK7rvtVgSo1XPQkibXhXvepgwTqHxxpyMb4lMKu16I0n_AO_tV-c6XL4/s1600/zero-1-e.gif"/></a></div>
<br>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2024/03/zero-plus-nothing-equals-2-lawn.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<br>
</td>></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>jeremy witheringtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05933215952838493778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-51054920392717726562023-12-17T05:04:00.000-08:002023-12-17T05:10:14.793-08:00are you even trying ? - 23. across<br>
<font color = "navy"> by nick nelson</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">twenty-three </font> of 23
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/12/are-you-even-trying-22-fall.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/11/are-you-even-trying-1-old-story.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "black" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXs9HYenUEby_acgwNjFYA9Zi1SWWdJboNtPr8T-sE743RvDrQYudebRgOiWFtwrV5VDdSrpVcB5WsV7FqbCIwXwEH7tfQMGPGUo7a4mAx86-cY0HhbHY-s0B9pOfV20RQnIv24upTbPxl/s0/ayet-23-a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXs9HYenUEby_acgwNjFYA9Zi1SWWdJboNtPr8T-sE743RvDrQYudebRgOiWFtwrV5VDdSrpVcB5WsV7FqbCIwXwEH7tfQMGPGUo7a4mAx86-cY0HhbHY-s0B9pOfV20RQnIv24upTbPxl/s0/ayet-23-a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font>billy drove the long black limousine across the desert. an enormous moon lit up the night sky..
<p>
the sun would not come up for another four hours. veracruz, or yucatan or morocco or macao, was still a long way away.
<p>
beside him, juiet yawned.
<p>
somewhere an animal howled.
<p>
stop, juliet said.
<p>
why?
<p>
i want to get in the back and get some sleep.
<p>
billy cruised to a stop. juliet got out, and johnny got out of the back seat, and juliet and johnny switched places.
<p>
billy drove on in silence.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkSPch50hz2-Upxn9my1GXR8VS3VZKWOW0TrPDcEgcTMqaCGSdTVGPzCNIoTDmDts-6IDcombm0-Jg25F8SKWHbqoQaPAOtR4XuNpWpaZRBANBjTThYP8b5KwvqXdYZcKub2ZIzMMgz2VteKMkc9OhIgo921NziQIK7p3EQpgU-FHNmxi88ZthXmDMmu-/s1600/ayet-23-b-alt.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkSPch50hz2-Upxn9my1GXR8VS3VZKWOW0TrPDcEgcTMqaCGSdTVGPzCNIoTDmDts-6IDcombm0-Jg25F8SKWHbqoQaPAOtR4XuNpWpaZRBANBjTThYP8b5KwvqXdYZcKub2ZIzMMgz2VteKMkc9OhIgo921NziQIK7p3EQpgU-FHNmxi88ZthXmDMmu-/s1600/ayet-23-b-alt.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
another animal howled, either closer or just louder than the one before. neither billy nor johnny commented.
<p>
johnny had already realized that billy was not the talkative type.
<p>
neither was johnny.
<p>
what was there to say?
<p>
they would either be caught or they would not be.
<p>
<center>* </center>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05nNeytjdYYJ4soAjBfIW4J1iNWDURroKbW8D2l9fFXi3lp4VVCy4goQJorvQ9xgRrTuBy6o8mo2W1zMEG5NGm2rFDdurJWHL4XJws2krD4ztYHHDjai4KIKFfkN6rBFQEu0XOt87U9Fwy24FpbLYCZ6scLXNb-aySnUksqyQJNXomz5xJ3krp6x7L77U/s1600/ayet-23-c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05nNeytjdYYJ4soAjBfIW4J1iNWDURroKbW8D2l9fFXi3lp4VVCy4goQJorvQ9xgRrTuBy6o8mo2W1zMEG5NGm2rFDdurJWHL4XJws2krD4ztYHHDjai4KIKFfkN6rBFQEu0XOt87U9Fwy24FpbLYCZ6scLXNb-aySnUksqyQJNXomz5xJ3krp6x7L77U/s1600/ayet-23-c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
i am sorry i could be of more assistance, capone told mr b.
<p>
there was nothing you could do, mr b assured him. i am not blaming you.
<p>
but i consider myself to owe you something. just let me know if there is ever anything i can do for you.
<p>
i will keep it in my mind, mr b said.
<p>
capone nodded, and got to his feet and left.</font>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnrFmnuCZjtFQdSITcsECMtG7_YyvhxufKtjOKu4Unonlwboi6C47YZJuQFcWL9B0HUtdUgszoarB2YnjEmyAV-KqtaYHYnXHoBDwk5fi7gzV9lXTrGWtbSIxzKSRn0RuhQ2f2icDJmH7Psvnp6x4_4OTXe4disVwwad86_fkflyrVyYBrAySPcyxICSQ/s1600/ayet-23-d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height = "320" width = "160" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnrFmnuCZjtFQdSITcsECMtG7_YyvhxufKtjOKu4Unonlwboi6C47YZJuQFcWL9B0HUtdUgszoarB2YnjEmyAV-KqtaYHYnXHoBDwk5fi7gzV9lXTrGWtbSIxzKSRn0RuhQ2f2icDJmH7Psvnp6x4_4OTXe4disVwwad86_fkflyrVyYBrAySPcyxICSQ/s1600/ayet-23-d.gif"/></a></div>
<br>
<center><font color = "red"> the end </font></center>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</td>></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>nick nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12878965709630967783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-48645283504577158852023-12-16T04:11:00.000-08:002023-12-17T05:11:02.382-08:00are you even trying? - 22. fall<br>
<font color = "navy"> by nick nelson</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">twenty-two </font> of 23
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/12/are-you-even-trying-21-rise.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/11/are-you-even-trying-1-old-story.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "black" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHv4GJPYwbboHUNNqpfzLLA5nhD56kzWqHXzDjf99jZVqN8CPJzCNL_ZBItW-eC-_jzfZxbGXRZ5yZgQCPD3TsALSklpL4w6V0uWJRqV_yxiUOtl8Ta6n6qBic5fzr4QKu1oAfrj6boY/s0/ayet-22-a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHv4GJPYwbboHUNNqpfzLLA5nhD56kzWqHXzDjf99jZVqN8CPJzCNL_ZBItW-eC-_jzfZxbGXRZ5yZgQCPD3TsALSklpL4w6V0uWJRqV_yxiUOtl8Ta6n6qBic5fzr4QKu1oAfrj6boY/s0/ayet-22-a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font>mrs worth looked up from the crossword magazine she had been flipping through, trying to decide whether to do a difficult puzzle, or a not so difficult one.
<p>
can i help you, sir? she asked the visitor.
<p>
i want to see my old pal johnny.
<p>
is your old pal johnny expecting you?
<p>
no, but i know he would like to see me.
<p>
do you have anything to show that he might want to see you?
<p>
no, but i know that he would.
<p>
you will have to do a little better than that, sir. the director is a busy person. he is in conference now, in any case.
<p>
i can wait.
<p>
not in here. show some evidence that he might want to see you, or be on your way.
<p>
gee, that’s harsh. are you going to throw me out?
<p>
obviously, i am not going to pick you up myself and throw you out. but i have all the resources of organization a at my disposal at the touch of a button.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAAj5LbgtY8bmvArMp0izxo9dDRRFal-xEuZiEYbkQS-c02orQ9C26VvmUnlgZf8zLXPcCO1MmFMJqG-bzTHmheud1yvYe3Wxd7kJcwUbfE1tz7nQJu-VIHGRNHt9bVVRXKUtaM17hUXi/s0/ayet-22-b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAAj5LbgtY8bmvArMp0izxo9dDRRFal-xEuZiEYbkQS-c02orQ9C26VvmUnlgZf8zLXPcCO1MmFMJqG-bzTHmheud1yvYe3Wxd7kJcwUbfE1tz7nQJu-VIHGRNHt9bVVRXKUtaM17hUXi/s0/ayet-22-b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
how about organization b?
<p>
i think organization a is capable by itself.
<p>
can i leave a message?
<p>
this is the modern age, sir. there are numerous channels and applications by which you can leave a message.
<p>
i would like to leave a note, on paper, if that is all right with you.
<p>
you want me to give you a piece of paper, and what, a pencil?
<p>
no, i have it all written down.
<p>
mrs worth shrugged. fine. just leave it on the desk.
<p>
the visitor took a small piece of paper, folded in fours, out of his pocket and stepped up and placed it carefully on the desk.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6SfRIE7GguLexiCILyFFmZOyCgBtuH0SKK_y0__Mgz8RHX2Zj_6uWsEwrRt4tVOJDN8UrEtFSFIj_cRS3ec8zbmc2bx4Mkdufhk0XUHkA1UrA7tGHDJYpvQ0RLu6ny6IA1AOEENN_W4g/s0/ayet-22-c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6SfRIE7GguLexiCILyFFmZOyCgBtuH0SKK_y0__Mgz8RHX2Zj_6uWsEwrRt4tVOJDN8UrEtFSFIj_cRS3ec8zbmc2bx4Mkdufhk0XUHkA1UrA7tGHDJYpvQ0RLu6ny6IA1AOEENN_W4g/s0/ayet-22-c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
you see, he smiled at mrs worth, i came prepared.
<p>
mrs worth did not reply.
<p>
when the visitor had left and closed the door behind him, she unfolded the piece of paper.
<p>
on it was written:
<p>
highway 93.
<p>
<center>*</center>
<p>
buddy stopped the truck. there were no lights, or any other signs of life, visible on the highway.
<p>
wait here,buddy told johnny. i will be right back.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlqzmRJrXuS9XWge8VxEMIFxr_G2w2da2JcQtC11ndKpq71kdtEk3z-ajr6JuX-cBm9YLMkxObwzFcnOXS2Uvg1c2iU5Fp_ZT0k3GRm8pYEP_qU5E7_mHnUioGL8SQI02sD42BdxN_90F/s0/ayet-22-d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlqzmRJrXuS9XWge8VxEMIFxr_G2w2da2JcQtC11ndKpq71kdtEk3z-ajr6JuX-cBm9YLMkxObwzFcnOXS2Uvg1c2iU5Fp_ZT0k3GRm8pYEP_qU5E7_mHnUioGL8SQI02sD42BdxN_90F/s0/ayet-22-d.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
this is my last chance, johnny thought.
<p>
he counted to sixty-six. the cab door opened soundlessly, and he climbed down.
<p>
johnny ran.
<p>
he ran and ran and ran.
<p>
he came to the old house.
<p>
it had no lights on, but he felt sure there was someone in it.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibcS0vueolp0wJmGlBnW6YZr78t3HDx1jFhSvxijVFz2OtlYCQlY-5D1yWkV1ziYcFDYFA3dBRfl0tYY7OXQZxBl-RozpVr-w2Zzl92s9Z-8rRpVdTS_QFUeMPg2hxA_xkucP6fLeviRr/s0/ayet-22-e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibcS0vueolp0wJmGlBnW6YZr78t3HDx1jFhSvxijVFz2OtlYCQlY-5D1yWkV1ziYcFDYFA3dBRfl0tYY7OXQZxBl-RozpVr-w2Zzl92s9Z-8rRpVdTS_QFUeMPg2hxA_xkucP6fLeviRr/s0/ayet-22-e.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
he crept up to the window and looked in.
<p>
juliet was sitting on a long sofa, and billy the kid was pacing up and down in front of an unlit fireplace.
<p>
johnny tapped on the window.</font>
<br>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/12/are-you-even-trying-23-across.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<p>
</td>></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>nick nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12878965709630967783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-39495405773988722532023-12-15T04:37:00.000-08:002023-12-16T04:12:48.290-08:00are you even trying? - 21. rise<br>
<font color = "navy"> by nick nelson</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">twenty-one </font> of 23
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/12/are-you-even-trying-20-belong-to-me.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/11/are-you-even-trying-1-old-story.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "black" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7bqFb3LLk_b-axqppqzUByXTrmxQooh8a446w95VYAT-NpuNj6Blj999XpoooVzfOzoypPHksNg9D8GLRjWEFunlPsvsTz_rhZ4UdvnPO5nCi0NUbJhIC-eTbmPliUcwTBNKSeLMvis/s0/ayet-20-a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7bqFb3LLk_b-axqppqzUByXTrmxQooh8a446w95VYAT-NpuNj6Blj999XpoooVzfOzoypPHksNg9D8GLRjWEFunlPsvsTz_rhZ4UdvnPO5nCi0NUbJhIC-eTbmPliUcwTBNKSeLMvis/s0/ayet-20-a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font>johnny bit into the ham and egg sandwich, and quickly rose to the top of the organization.
<p>
johnny had what it took. it was all about the organization. the organization came first.
<p>
he was tough but fair. if you played ball with him, he would play ball with you.
<p>
he was loyal. as he climbed the ladder, he took old sarge, cookie, and mrs worth with him.
<p>
old sarge was his bodyguard and chauffeur, , cookie was his chef and valet, and mrs worth was his secretary.
<p>
johnny traveled all over the world. his name was never in the media, but he rubbed elbows with anybody who was anybody.
<p>
it looked like he was on tap to take over the organization, when mister a retired.
<p>
and then it all came crashing down.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DoNuPvMfMN9kypd64ze1Uirp61sNP3PKRPNaIKY_uviDeqbwjEcQS9uQMLTj3uHib1CEYMaDiOsxLF5clioURGYFyGK8BvtFpJA8xgG28Qq-gmxu35Y5NRM1iXGxaTj6_-Hj2RtNBxI/s0/ayet-21-b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DoNuPvMfMN9kypd64ze1Uirp61sNP3PKRPNaIKY_uviDeqbwjEcQS9uQMLTj3uHib1CEYMaDiOsxLF5clioURGYFyGK8BvtFpJA8xgG28Qq-gmxu35Y5NRM1iXGxaTj6_-Hj2RtNBxI/s0/ayet-21-b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
big as he was, johnny had an open door policy. it had always served him well.
<p>
the humblest supplicants from within the organization and even from without, could come into his office, and plead his case, if they could get past old sarge and mrs worth.
<p>
a guy came into the office, one rainy afternoon..
<p>
a big guy, a little out of shape, but looking like he used to be in good shape. not dressed too sharp, but not like a bum either.
<p>
his red white and blue tie was neatly knotted.
<p>
old sarge was in the waiting area, reading ring magazine.
<p>
remember me? the guy asked old sarge.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlM4UE8-k88bBtO58NU1K83qlwbeO9ByUNJcb9fVIjSpXzuEnFKDq_KvBZwKAoIgc34h1rqO2d_9QtoynN4oji3j__E6W-F5nxVwEnfcT_DV2Ro16rmZxkY81IH5kvhmV_yee2XT50mUg/s0/ayet-21-c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlM4UE8-k88bBtO58NU1K83qlwbeO9ByUNJcb9fVIjSpXzuEnFKDq_KvBZwKAoIgc34h1rqO2d_9QtoynN4oji3j__E6W-F5nxVwEnfcT_DV2Ro16rmZxkY81IH5kvhmV_yee2XT50mUg/s0/ayet-21-c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
can’t say that i do, pal, old sarge replied, barely looking at the guy. old sarge was asked this question many times, often more than once in a day.
<p>
you sure about that?
<p>
and something in the guy’s voice … set off a distant bell in old sarge’s brain, maybe from back before he was old sarge, when he was just a little fellow running barefoot in the dust trying to catch snakes under a yellow sky…
<p>
what can i do for you? he said, looking right at the visitor for the first time.
<p>
i would like to see your boss. i think he would like to see me.
<p>
all right, then, go through that door. the secretary might let you through. then again, she might not.
<p>
thank you, the visitor replied. he went through the door, where mrs worth was waiting for him.</font>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXvhjUE0WKJWXKg6u7zAAYNx1RH7uPwVZagb08IDRrmLC4zhLuZVvEtFLlXtyDDz6eI7yUmP66CkrenqCOK0F-EqpIu_uxN9fpz99MEu0cAzMbG3M4Hrhgz2agajYTVElo9sgdr2kr_KhTz70n2dN6507x4qpILiXjWapd5pA_NyY9cdJzpUONqagJ_ZX/s1600/ayet-21-d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXvhjUE0WKJWXKg6u7zAAYNx1RH7uPwVZagb08IDRrmLC4zhLuZVvEtFLlXtyDDz6eI7yUmP66CkrenqCOK0F-EqpIu_uxN9fpz99MEu0cAzMbG3M4Hrhgz2agajYTVElo9sgdr2kr_KhTz70n2dN6507x4qpILiXjWapd5pA_NyY9cdJzpUONqagJ_ZX/s1600/ayet-21-d.gif"/></a></div>
<br>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/12/are-you-even-trying-22-fall.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<p>
</td>></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>nick nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12878965709630967783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-2551510623120742362023-12-14T04:14:00.000-08:002023-12-15T04:39:04.038-08:00are you even trying ? - 20. belong to me<br>
<font color = "navy"> by nick nelson</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">twenty </font> of 23
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/12/are-you-even-trying-19-big-business.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/11/are-you-even-trying-1-old-story.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "black" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-bUGCnWi_wwqUJ4M4uD-vrepKTUciESWsl2VWAPIiYOfa5aKGozCEjgmkiqdMi8moPuQHro9u41nlIdR73632i_gWnfaLz_QLRLM9H8nII0qADQgTrqVa5KQh4Nmy7hvbM1TXaZrUsg/s0/ayet-20-a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-bUGCnWi_wwqUJ4M4uD-vrepKTUciESWsl2VWAPIiYOfa5aKGozCEjgmkiqdMi8moPuQHro9u41nlIdR73632i_gWnfaLz_QLRLM9H8nII0qADQgTrqVa5KQh4Nmy7hvbM1TXaZrUsg/s0/ayet-20-a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font>a tall stoop-shouldered individual was waiting for johnny in the shadows outside the office.
<p>
i am old sarge, he said to johnny , and you belong to me.
<p>
i’m hungry, johnny replied.
<p>
can’t it wait until morning?
<p>
i would rather not.
<p>
old sarge stroked his long jaw thoughtfully. all right, he said, but then you owe me.
<p>
i thought i already belonged to you.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakHEgZUhmaxI7qwKUeoD16e5LX5KiCoYZa2oyuFN-MEt-KqfdS4eAQmojpcggXkVJqd3NoLmjbUh6LVZyytK-YAtPm7gC3wfqJ3foymjEVG36vu4XzoWuY_5UfSkYV_Z2bsyczSS9iwc/s0/ayet-20-b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakHEgZUhmaxI7qwKUeoD16e5LX5KiCoYZa2oyuFN-MEt-KqfdS4eAQmojpcggXkVJqd3NoLmjbUh6LVZyytK-YAtPm7gC3wfqJ3foymjEVG36vu4XzoWuY_5UfSkYV_Z2bsyczSS9iwc/s0/ayet-20-b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
yes, but then you will belong to me and owe me both.
<p>
whatever, i just want something to eat.
<p>
all right, come over to the food court with me. we will see if cookie is still awake.
<p>
if you are old sarge. how come you are not wearing a uniform? johnny asked as they walked along through the darkness,
<p>
i only wear it on special occasions.
<p>
johnny did not ask what the special occasions might be.
<p>
they reached the “food court”, which looked like an all night diner, the kind you might find in pittsfield massachusetts or altoona pennsylvania.
<p>
a fat man was waiting behind the counter.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4OcTL8ojM6RDwLLQEJuyHsQpsQ2vre-PyfTnyaAxtlXrVoVHOdDZNFb1d59ukeE_Ws3PqH-d_dUEe-VxmftIMxGOosvWo0lHE9SIdr1M8-H1nKckdmGohdc1c4Ed1Y2Zrcei5MFU1Xg/s0/ayet-20-c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4OcTL8ojM6RDwLLQEJuyHsQpsQ2vre-PyfTnyaAxtlXrVoVHOdDZNFb1d59ukeE_Ws3PqH-d_dUEe-VxmftIMxGOosvWo0lHE9SIdr1M8-H1nKckdmGohdc1c4Ed1Y2Zrcei5MFU1Xg/s0/ayet-20-c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
this is cookie, old sarge told johnny. he sat down on a stool at the counter. give this punk whatever he wants, within reason. after you get me a cup of coffee.
<p>
johnny did not object outwardly to being called a punk. he sat down, leaving a stool between himself and old sarge.
<p>
what will you have? cookie asked johnny, in a soft, hoarse voice.
<p>
a ham and egg sandwich. and a peanut butter and a jelly sandwich.
<p>
i can handle that, cookie replied. you want coffee?
<p>
yes, please, johnny replied politely. neither sarge nor cookie commented on his good manners, and cookie moved away down the counter.
<p>
johnny looked around, for the first time he noticed someone sitting in a booth in the corner.
<p>
it was buddy, with a cup of coffee in front of him. he did not show any sign of recognizing johnny, and johnny did not show any sign of recognizing him, and turned his gaze back behind the counter.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwUTrHLJ_TCCoZ0g-YHmYu96XIKGlGWpvy7acGTw5ZwQzeC5w0wI8vlKZ7cQi7joGfyUNcK258MrzOaTJBPm2PeSZqza9daKlH8WeG0NRbFq1IFmpjngCaHQ-dhNe69KIDHHtJtjIKWc/s0/ayet-20-d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwUTrHLJ_TCCoZ0g-YHmYu96XIKGlGWpvy7acGTw5ZwQzeC5w0wI8vlKZ7cQi7joGfyUNcK258MrzOaTJBPm2PeSZqza9daKlH8WeG0NRbFq1IFmpjngCaHQ-dhNe69KIDHHtJtjIKWc/s0/ayet-20-d.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
johnny noticed that there were no menus, or other signs, on the walls.</font>
<br>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/12/are-you-even-trying-21-rise.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<p>
</td>></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>nick nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12878965709630967783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-38380550848318723632023-12-13T09:11:00.000-08:002023-12-14T04:26:45.497-08:00are you even trying? - 19. big business<br>
<font color = "navy"> by nick nelson</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">nineteen </font> of 23
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/12/are-you-even-trying-18-organization.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/11/are-you-even-trying-1-old-story.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "black" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0Frc8dhpDODtAEvtHcoPfYVUcDt2VyfUM0P4omv3MBUaLN8CrY1pz3oywLfwrIziAIwVIpifSF7D5gFWgYUd2VGW9QVUWmXdELeGVr1EsNzXmcEDSSICv9fIOUnwCx1HwgqKHbQn970/s0/ayet-19-a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0Frc8dhpDODtAEvtHcoPfYVUcDt2VyfUM0P4omv3MBUaLN8CrY1pz3oywLfwrIziAIwVIpifSF7D5gFWgYUd2VGW9QVUWmXdELeGVr1EsNzXmcEDSSICv9fIOUnwCx1HwgqKHbQn970/s0/ayet-19-a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font>go ahead, mrs worth repeated, what do you think the biggest business in the world is?
<p>
bacon and egg sandwiches. speaking of which, i could go for one right now.
<p>
that is not correct. want to try again?
<p>
peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. i would settle for one of those.
<p>
for someone whose life is about to undergo a radical transformation, you certainly have snacks on the brain.
<p>
snacks? i am starving.
<p>
neither of those answers is correct, mrs worth replied, ignoring johnny’s plea. want to make one last guess?
<p>
no. why don’t you just tell me?
<p>
kinetic promulgation. the biggest business in the world is kinetic promulgation, and you have have been recruited into its ranks.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJUO4YqI2QadVD3JxWkNOcRNfHRbK3m9IJoryQdHcmWjLyloVe7PAgJw_iNR9ezwGRvvTgtG9j2nLjlFNyiUt5bls7hd2yNED-MS058ql4sjNf3hT0U84QQMDQl3-EJRYy4w7YiF-deM/s0/ayet-19-b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJUO4YqI2QadVD3JxWkNOcRNfHRbK3m9IJoryQdHcmWjLyloVe7PAgJw_iNR9ezwGRvvTgtG9j2nLjlFNyiUt5bls7hd2yNED-MS058ql4sjNf3hT0U84QQMDQl3-EJRYy4w7YiF-deM/s0/ayet-19-b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
why me? i am not a kinetic and i don’t know how to promulgate anything.
<p>
you don’t need any prior knowledge. you will be trained from the ground up.
<p>
great, just give me something to eat.
<p>
you have a one track mind, don’t you? i think i will assign you to the territorial expansion division.
<p>
whatever.
<p>
any questions?
<p>
um - do i get to wear a uniform?
<p>
why? would you like to wear one?
<p>
i was just asking.
<p>
you might wear one, after you are trained, and depending on your assignment. anything else?
<p>
not really. i just asked about the uniform because you wanted me to say something and you would get all hot and bothered if i asked about food again.
<p>
i have a question for you, mrs worth said, eyeing johnny with a steely resolve.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iDzjKmTOpOZcp8brjy35A26HpnTM5VnZCIIqkJ7U1y-X9zYDWTGolBq7Sh_RtbA87vDPFUOyGrfuuGwvMgp9uKjeAVwH8zi-FJizqJOYVg1Q9YLhMLXz5TkfsKbWEg_0BUwuiIEAE5A/s0/ayet-19-c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iDzjKmTOpOZcp8brjy35A26HpnTM5VnZCIIqkJ7U1y-X9zYDWTGolBq7Sh_RtbA87vDPFUOyGrfuuGwvMgp9uKjeAVwH8zi-FJizqJOYVg1Q9YLhMLXz5TkfsKbWEg_0BUwuiIEAE5A/s0/ayet-19-c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
shoot.
<p>
what were you doing out on highway 65, desperately seeking transportation?
<p>
i would prefer not to say.
<p>
mrs worth shrugged. your brain will be scanned, and we will find out eventually anyway.
<p>
be that as it may, johnny replied evenly, i would prefer to keep my own counsel at this particular point in time.
<p>
have it your way. mrs worth pressed a button on the underside of her desk. wait outside, someone will come along for you.</font>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8K3vW-S3DfWygLtYJTkXLbm4nKHcxIjWiriT9dp8Cr5vBikDFAzVzba3ehod8CKRD6NyN1xapP682iwoC_qBs6cSXHYJTpmTKXBZp4PXmj9kYMvn3AxP8I5BwNdegAhS8VmCVgfpz1xa-ksIB-VB99lifSen984EEbEc-E_uy1ZovhOsxfrg19j2RUNd/s1600/ayet-19-d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8K3vW-S3DfWygLtYJTkXLbm4nKHcxIjWiriT9dp8Cr5vBikDFAzVzba3ehod8CKRD6NyN1xapP682iwoC_qBs6cSXHYJTpmTKXBZp4PXmj9kYMvn3AxP8I5BwNdegAhS8VmCVgfpz1xa-ksIB-VB99lifSen984EEbEc-E_uy1ZovhOsxfrg19j2RUNd/s1600/ayet-19-d.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<br>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/12/are-you-even-trying-20-belong-to-me.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<p>
</td>></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>nick nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12878965709630967783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-18577798576164807472023-12-12T01:37:00.000-08:002023-12-13T09:12:56.550-08:00are you even trying? - 18. the organization<br>
<font color = "navy"> by nick nelson</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">eighteen </font> of 23
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/12/are-you-even-trying-17-river.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/11/are-you-even-trying-1-old-story.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "black" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYJd7Mtf1d2CM_Gm0NaSSFt7wkz2ND_nXtAEou4qI6ZHvGk1OUwadAPcAsOV8trQVZQRA3YY0ikathexdEekZP0IHTpQzpd7vbs-_BbwUsmMhLNOczcMUc3noKszgJd8yLKpGlgXtKeI/s0/ayet-18-a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYJd7Mtf1d2CM_Gm0NaSSFt7wkz2ND_nXtAEou4qI6ZHvGk1OUwadAPcAsOV8trQVZQRA3YY0ikathexdEekZP0IHTpQzpd7vbs-_BbwUsmMhLNOczcMUc3noKszgJd8yLKpGlgXtKeI/s0/ayet-18-a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font>the truck stopped in front of a small wooden building with a faded sign marked “office”. the building’s one window was lit up.
<p>
buddy and johnny climbed down from the cab.
<p>
well, kid, buddy said, it was a pleasure knowing you. he started off into the darkness.
<p>
wait, johnny said, what about me?
<p>
buddy looked back and nodded at the office. they will take care of you in there.
<p>
and with that he was gone, swallowed up in the night.
<p>
there was no sign of anybody coming out of the office, so johnny tried the door.
<p>
it opened easily. he stepped into a narrow corridor. there was an open door to his right, to a small room.
<p>
a grayhaired woman was sitting at a desk, writing something. a small lamp on the desk provided the only light, the light johnny had seen in the window.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_csZTkMQ7t99eE1_GqIQx_Zfx1urt9PWDawE9iyvdpwjbr7sXng529cqanaFbyt_CebapCGIofaZBH9HRjTGCuIzkq1ihwlX2aytblhxmbKmLOmqiuo7kJYWjTgnbD30xxcO9FW7DRkR/s0/ayet-18-b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_csZTkMQ7t99eE1_GqIQx_Zfx1urt9PWDawE9iyvdpwjbr7sXng529cqanaFbyt_CebapCGIofaZBH9HRjTGCuIzkq1ihwlX2aytblhxmbKmLOmqiuo7kJYWjTgnbD30xxcO9FW7DRkR/s0/ayet-18-b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
have a seat, the woman said, without looking up at johnny.
<p>
there was a single folding chair in front of the desk, and johnny sat down in it.
<p>
the woman oontinued her scribbling, for more than a minute. johnny waited.
<p>
finally she finished, and pushed aside the notebook or ledger she had been writing in, and looked at johnny.
<p>
who brought you in? she asked.
<p>
his said his name was buddy.
<p>
buddy. he dos not always bring in the best recruits. but not always the worst either. she stared at johnny, as if daring him to contradict her.
<p>
what am i being recruited for? johnny asked.
<p>
for the organization, of course. what else? organization a, to be specific, as opposed to organization b.
<p>
what is your name? johnny asked.
<p>
mrs worth.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x_ajX3b568VUFCowug3cTVZahCDTT8Mu66O-6behZ4muPpHmeqzPB9Dq3pZwwCEKcB6cgfUs1cxOkupWjh4RSNmWZaTJesDhx-bpd9yB5VnmUR1Rk31mGiWznf_BozIdTFT8OhsFGo02/s0/ayet-18-c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x_ajX3b568VUFCowug3cTVZahCDTT8Mu66O-6behZ4muPpHmeqzPB9Dq3pZwwCEKcB6cgfUs1cxOkupWjh4RSNmWZaTJesDhx-bpd9yB5VnmUR1Rk31mGiWznf_BozIdTFT8OhsFGo02/s0/ayet-18-c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
johnny had expected her to say her name was smith or jones or brown or white, or maybe constance or maybelline, but he did not say so and just nodded.
<p>
i am hungry, by the way, he added.
<p>
let’s take care of business here first. mrs worth told him. do you have any questions?
<p>
johnny wanted to say, what’s for dinner? but he said, what is the organization and what am i going to do in it?
<p>
the world is organized into two organizations, mrs worth replied patiently. organization a, which tales care of the biggest business, and organization b, which takes care of all the other business.
<p>
but what is the biggest business?
<p>
you mean you do not know?
<p>
no, i do not know.
<p>
what an innocent you must be. do you want to hazard a guess?
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGcjSb1W5MkVfk4vyWhojeckMfUhNfNBENAgnvxSEK2RAxQtjozRB_y2Zwu1WuncX6xtqlup3yFbNJ6N3dqU5dNeJxiuXmayQoJtXSbYp-0r3CI3J1uQtyfsmcQGDzH0LJAkEQULl16G_/s0/ayet-18-d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGcjSb1W5MkVfk4vyWhojeckMfUhNfNBENAgnvxSEK2RAxQtjozRB_y2Zwu1WuncX6xtqlup3yFbNJ6N3dqU5dNeJxiuXmayQoJtXSbYp-0r3CI3J1uQtyfsmcQGDzH0LJAkEQULl16G_/s0/ayet-18-d.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
johnny had never heard anyone say “hazard a guess” before. he supposed it meant the same as make a guess.</font>
<br>
<br>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/12/are-you-even-trying-19-big-business.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<p>
</td>></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>nick nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12878965709630967783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133287802279309464.post-10429477942144108302023-12-11T02:47:00.000-08:002023-12-12T01:38:47.089-08:00are you even trying? - 17. the river<br>
<font color = "navy"> by nick nelson</font>
<br>
<br>
<font color = "black">part <font color = "red">seventeen </font> of 23
<br>
<br>
for previous episode, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/12/are-you-even-trying-16-dark-heart.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
to begin at the beginning, click <a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/11/are-you-even-trying-1-old-story.html"><font color = "blue"> here </font></a>
<br>
<br>
<table bgcolor = "black" width = 530><tr><td>
<br>
<center><table bgcolor = "white" width = 510><tr><td>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KZDuBFPfKaou41nk8nOlO-kb2iTAwz7vPdYy_eq8KYc9_AtVaaTN3eoijahy1gz_VT93wU5Z20cJT8LvBJTLKshkYryI3zXkWxAAGKHP0tqUhBM7Jdmr93RpycESOAI-RgmRMutj4yk/s0/ayet-17-a.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KZDuBFPfKaou41nk8nOlO-kb2iTAwz7vPdYy_eq8KYc9_AtVaaTN3eoijahy1gz_VT93wU5Z20cJT8LvBJTLKshkYryI3zXkWxAAGKHP0tqUhBM7Jdmr93RpycESOAI-RgmRMutj4yk/s0/ayet-17-a.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
<font>the crowd was screaming and laughing at a person who had jumped in the river.
<p>
the person was trying to swim, presumably to the opposite shore, but was sinking beneath the waves without making much progress.
<p>
the version was losing to the streetlamp, and no one had seen a soldier or a policeperson since the sun had started to go down.
<p>
poor devil, an old woman said, he must have lost his ticket, to do such a desperate thing.
<p>
tickets! screamed a man with a green face. what good are our tickets now! ha ha ha ha!
<p>
he began laughing hysterically and most of the crowd joined in.
<p>
it was getting late.
<p>
johnny did not know what to do.
<p>
he had been torn between going back to the deserted city where he must have dropped his ticket, and hoping for some other miracle…
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04N8ky0I7usGK9kDYeQ2jx9JxjLCo5FFpNq_9zgshY4XuIG6vmvmnnP_flZhOeAYrplWyj88UCduZ3eWQqu_tLjsBZ7Ui1Tq8KSabY49cqteg4DonEgZtQhk-JWKzJZCAjBGvOoBfKlw/s0/ayet-17-b.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04N8ky0I7usGK9kDYeQ2jx9JxjLCo5FFpNq_9zgshY4XuIG6vmvmnnP_flZhOeAYrplWyj88UCduZ3eWQqu_tLjsBZ7Ui1Tq8KSabY49cqteg4DonEgZtQhk-JWKzJZCAjBGvOoBfKlw/s0/ayet-17-b.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
and now all around him people were saying that there was no hope even if you had a ticket, because the version was not coming back, and the streetlamp was sinking into the river.
<p>
when he saw the savagery on the faces of the mob still taunting the poor devil who was trying to swim to the other shore…
<p>
he decided to go back into the city…
<p>
nobody followed him.
<p>
the street was deserted and did not look familiar.
<p>
where was the store with the big picture of the little girl and the dog in the window?
<p>
this was not even the right street!
<p>
how could he find the ticket he must have dropped, if he was not even on the right street?
<p>
suddenly a jeep with four blue uniformed soldiers with rifles with bayonets slung on their shoulders appeared in front of him.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3QnykiZ04DHhrPArZRFyfO1mtIf0P23KufpufRZfcesJxzGo-ArEqizDv8WNaYTWZLW1QJUMT5F3iD24ynoSP9_Okq6W5NWFCXFlmA5lHV4eb3HnTdVEcg4bmuzW5VjP1S-jPZd4BjM/s0/ayet-17-c.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3QnykiZ04DHhrPArZRFyfO1mtIf0P23KufpufRZfcesJxzGo-ArEqizDv8WNaYTWZLW1QJUMT5F3iD24ynoSP9_Okq6W5NWFCXFlmA5lHV4eb3HnTdVEcg4bmuzW5VjP1S-jPZd4BjM/s0/ayet-17-c.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
where are you going? the driver of the jeep asked johnny.
<p>
she had a hat with some sort of insignia on it - a snake?.
<p>
i lost my ticket, johnny blurted out. it has to be around here somewhere.
<p>
yeah right, the soldier beside the driver drawled. a likely story!
<p>
i earned it, johnny cried. i earned it fair and square. i took the test and earned my ticket fair and square, honest i did?
<p>
keep talking, a soldier behind the driver sneered. he looked familiar.
<p>
nobody who could pass the test and earn a ticket, the driver replied evenly, would be so pathetically stupid as to let it fall out of his pocket.
<p>
especially on judgment day, said the soldier behind her shoulder.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyrTMjPuo3Gcf4LUQ-hLV-CbUrO_227_nIPP2oWxf2N3cqX91nX4GlmHQmb3ZgWEGCFv-LhwdDayFiUczX7_px0ii_aBM1gbKldi3J9dVAGcvo5atWi6CZfGnFWJDpu97laGh_dYdZZw/s0/ayet-17-d.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyrTMjPuo3Gcf4LUQ-hLV-CbUrO_227_nIPP2oWxf2N3cqX91nX4GlmHQmb3ZgWEGCFv-LhwdDayFiUczX7_px0ii_aBM1gbKldi3J9dVAGcvo5atWi6CZfGnFWJDpu97laGh_dYdZZw/s0/ayet-17-d.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
johnny recognized him.
<p>
it was buddy!
<p>
he woke up.
<p>
it was still dark.
<p>
the truck was turning through an open gate.
<p>
buddy was saying something to the guard who had opened the gate.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCMbYDR4E3B6CYNdgRZzk6Z3JVlOmOAcbtWWC37B99CiEb32rFkNjN4Usk_ekjRJeYYeqbhxtHfO3F5TGFJI-2YuuBf1rm-keRF04J-wLBdGeGhZsxqjArb3YCvTUuqLp4WwrSDh6t6E/s0/ayet-17-e.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCMbYDR4E3B6CYNdgRZzk6Z3JVlOmOAcbtWWC37B99CiEb32rFkNjN4Usk_ekjRJeYYeqbhxtHfO3F5TGFJI-2YuuBf1rm-keRF04J-wLBdGeGhZsxqjArb3YCvTUuqLp4WwrSDh6t6E/s0/ayet-17-e.gif"/></a></div>
<p>
johnny must have fallen asleep again.
<p>
and he had woken up again.
<p>
or had he?
<p>
when would he ever learn?</font>
<br>
<br>
<center><a href = "https://feuilleton-13.blogspot.com/2023/12/are-you-even-trying-18-organization.html"><font color = "red"> next </font></a></center>
<p>
</td>></tr></table></center>
<br>
</td></tr></table>nick nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12878965709630967783noreply@blogger.com0