The Power Within-Chapter 1

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There are many forces in our life. Forces believed to be good and others believed to be bad. That's what some like to believe, but what if it's true? What if there are really forces in our life?!

This is a story of a girl named 'Hannah'. Her story began just like any story. Before telling you the story I’d like to introduce you to her family. Her father ‘James’ is a young handsome man in his early thirties. Her mother ‘Samantha’ is a lovely young woman in her mid-twenties, while Hannah is a toddler, about a year old.

On the sixth of August, James was getting ready to travel on a business trip-just a day before Hannah’s birthday. “Oh honey, can’t it wait?” Samantha said. “I’m sorry dear, but this is a very important trip. I have to go, plus it’s my first.” James said. “I know, but tomorrow’s your daughter’s birthday. It just feels bad to have her first birthday without her father.” “I’m sorry, I promise I’m going to make it up for you and her.” He said, smiling as he left. He gave her a kiss and left.

She waved to him as he stepped into the taxi which took him to the airport. At that time, the sun had just set. Samantha went back inside. Hannah had slept a few minutes earlier, but she must have felt her father leave so she woke up and started to cry. “There... There...” her mommy said as she picked her up. “What wakes you up so early?” It’s not like Hannah’s going to answer, but she just looked at her mother for a while then started to cry again.

“You must be hungry.” Samantha said as she took her to the kitchen. She put her into her highchair, then said: “Hmm…What would you like to eat?” She brought her some baby food. Hannah chuckled as her mom came near. Samantha smiled in return. She fed her and gave her some milk, then took her to the living room in hope that she would sleep.

A couple of minutes later she was asleep, so Samantha took her to her room. “Good night darling, sweet dreams.” She said as she closed the door leaving a tiny part open.

That night Hannah slept well, but her mother didn’t. She had a nightmare. She saw dark knights on black horses. They are scarier than they sound, especially for a mother who has a baby and is left alone for the first time. Don’t forget she’s still newly married. Samantha woke up very frightened and as any mother she wanted to check on her daughter. Now when she hurried to her room, she believed that she’ll find Hannah in her bed, safe and sound.
The second she looked at her bed, she screamed. Hannah was gone. Samantha stood there for a moment, panic blinded her and she couldn’t think. Suddenly she realized what she should do, she ran to the phone and called 911. Samantha decided not to call her husband so not to freak him out.

“Yes mam, what seems to be the problem?” a calm voice answered. “My, my, my daughter has disappeared. She’s gone!” Samantha said breathing hardly. “Are you sure? Maybe she’ll be back in a moment.” “No you don’t understand, she’s only a year old.” “Don’t worry, we’re on our way. Just stay calm.” “Thank you.” After that the police officer hung up.

Samantha couldn’t believe what was going on and mostly she didn’t know what to do. Should she tell her husband? What if this was all a dream? She felt a shiver go up her spine, so she went to check if Hannah was really gone. It was true. It was real. There was no Hannah. Suddenly there was a knock on the front door. It was the police. Samantha let them in.

Some asked questions while the others searched. They looked around for any clues, but there was nothing. Hours passed like this, but there was no use. They decided to continue later, studying the situation piece by piece to try to find out anything about the disappearance. “I think you should tell your husband about this. We wish you many luck and remember we will do all we can to find your daughter.” “Thank you, I know. Thank you everyone for your help.” “Do you need someone to stay with you? I can if you want.” “No thank you. I’m okay.”

That was it and the police left. Samantha called her husband and told him everything. He promised to take the first plane back.

When James arrived, Samantha was asleep on the couch. She waited helplessly, her eyes swollen from crying. James didn’t want to wake her up, so he sat beside her for a while. After a few minutes she woke up. “Oh honey!” she said as she hugged him. James’ heart shook when he heard her and saw how she felt. He couldn’t bare see his wife so sad, especially when it felt like it was all his fault.

The police did so much and tried so hard, but Hannah was nowhere to be found. The couple tried to do all they could, they asked people for help. They walked in the streets and knocked on all the doors, trying so hard to figure out where their daughter had gone. All efforts were made and all eyes have cried, but young Hannah was nowhere to be found. It was like the Earth had swallowed her.
Last edited by HHemayed on Thu Jul 14, 2011 5:20 am, edited 4 times in total.
To be alive is not to breathe, eat or drink. It's your ability to prove your existence.




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I have a few small critiques to this piece. First, I was slightly confused behind the mothers motives. Why was she panicking for her daughter so quickly when she was merely nestled safe inside the house? Even if there was a storm going on. I would think she'd be even more worried about simply figuring out a way to get back inside after being locked outside of her own house. Which of course she was, but the fear for her daughter confused me a little. Unless she knew there were something more going on, which I was having a little difficulty pinpointing :( But I wouldn't say it's a major issue, it simply distracts the readers attention.

Second, I was a little confused with the ending. How could her daughter have gone missing? Where must she have been taken? I feel some more clues added would have made the writing of this part easier to grasp :) So maybe you could consider that in your editing. The gist of it seems like it can be interesting enough overall though. You just may want to read it aloud again to yourself and picture yourself with fresh eyes as if you've never read it before. You may find the small details that could have been added to allow the writing to make a little more sense, be a tad more clear.

My last critique, It could have been longer for a chapter. Although, this may have actually been a better introduction rather than chapter. Chapters tend to be a lot fuller. But what you have here is a wonderful enough start :) I hope my review gave you a few things to maybe look over. I would love to only see this story you have here grow for the better from one writer to another :D Keep up the great work, and let your mind unfold into words!
Paul is my little, evil, yellow bundle of joy.




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Hey! This is a nice little prologue we ca say.. Since things r quite fast runnin but thats not exactly bad! There has been a little injustice to the mother's panic! But she is a mother after all so its understandable! You can very powerfully narrate.. That is your asset! I think u should start elaborating your scenes and concentrate in the drama that you create in and around the story cuz there is a large amount of appreciable drama but since it is so fast moving logic seems to have taken a back seat but if you can elaborate then the logic might seem a lot satisfying! I love the way you begin.. Your beginnin kinda tells us that if you ever considered philosophy it would suit u a lot! The proportions in which u use ur drama..ur creativity is well scripted but the way drama,creativity n logic is used is a little invariable! Over all Your talent is great! If u write more often.. You can really rock!




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I like this piece, it has a lot of potential for a good story. There were a few things you could improve on though. One is that the story is easier to read if you space out the paragraphs, I kept losing my place while reading. Another thing is that you should take a look at the way you describe the mother's thoughts and actions, thunder is natural in a storm so why would she be surprised by the sound, or take the gun with her outside.

It's also a little too fast paced, you could have the mom put Hannah to bed and then sit down to read a book or something. It would seem more natural. Last is that you should give the mom a name. This part of the book is seen from her perspective so it's a little awkward just refering to her as 'Hannah's Mom', you even give her father a name and he doesn't come in until the very end.

Taken as a whole though it's a solid beginning and I would love to read more of the series.
DANCE- Like no-one is watching
LOVE- Like you've never been hurt
SING- Like no-one is listening
LIVE- Like it's heaven on earth.

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synismysyn3
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I liked your story, but it did get confusing. Why did the mother suddenly begin to freak out when she was outside in the storm while her daughter was safetly tucked in bed? Her reactions are so random, so unorthodox at times- but still good.
It could be a teensy bit longer for a chapter, but overall, still good.
You need to give more details about the mother- personality, appearance, Hannah.
By the way, don't jump into a story so quick like that. It's abit strange- and it was confusing.
By the way, make sure you describe Hannah- WHY was she taken in the first place? Who took her? Did the person leave any clues- ransom, maybe? Is the mother rich? Was there no reason at all why somebnody took the child?
Make sure you pinpoint Hannah's exact age- her age could be from a newborn to 10 years old.
I really liked your story- it has potential. Keep working on it.




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Thank you all.I'm really happy with your advises.I'll make sure that I'll fix the chapter-when I have more time.Thanks a lot everyone.:)
To be alive is not to breathe, eat or drink. It's your ability to prove your existence.




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I changed it a lot.Please comment.Thanks.:)I hope you like it.
To be alive is not to breathe, eat or drink. It's your ability to prove your existence.



To have more, you have to become more. Don't wish it was easier - wish you were better. For things to change, you have to change, and for things to get better, you have to get better.
— Jim Rohn