Hello Fellow Steemians,

   This is my first mystery/science fiction novel. I originally published this on steemit about a year ago when it was a first draft. Although I am still working on the editing, my 312 page novel is complete. Although a young boy is the main character, this book targets adults.

   Justin Time is a seven year old boy whose life changes drastically after he wakes up from a dream and encounters the stranger.

  
Justin Time

Chapter One: The Stranger

    Barefooted seven year old Justin was roaming his fingers through his straight brown hair while tightly grasping a leash that was being lead by his dog, Ruffus. With the leash tied loosely around his neck, the black sixty pound Labrador retriever plunged forward through the local park tugging Justin ahead.  Justin could feel the cold moist grass between his toes and the warmth from the sun as it started setting behind a pillow of clouds.

   In the distance they could see a colossus like tree with its tentacles sprawling in all directions. Within the labyrinth of branches, hung fruits of many vivacious colors.  Speeding up the pace they galloped closer and realized this enormously magnificent tree, carried no fruit at all, but instead bared hundreds of candy assortments.

   Now dangling above them were hard candies of yellow butterscotch, red cinnamon, brown root beer and much more.  On his tip toes, Justin extended his arm only to discover that they were just outside of his grasp. So then suddenly Ruffus sprouted wings and flew up to the branches and began picking out tasty assortments from the tree. After the candy gathering bonanza was over, both Justin and Ruffus sat on the soft cool grass beneath this spectacular tree enjoying every tasty nibble.

   Realizing it was getting dark and his parents would be worried, Justin told Ruffus they had to hurry back and they had traveled a long distance. Ruffus suggested that Justin get on his back and he would fly them home. Justin climbed onto Ruffus’ back gripping his collar with both hands. Ruffus spread his wings as they gracefully bellowed up and down.

   Justin noticed how small the world was getting below him as they ascended towards the stars. It was now dark and they could see the bright city lights below. The feeling of freedom permeated through Justin’s skin and he could feel a cool breeze brush through his hair.

    Suddenly, a strong gust of wind smacked them, causing Justin to lose his balance and he was swept off of Ruffus. Ruffus yelped and could not reach him in time. Justin plunged downward and could see the earth accelerating towards him. As he continued the free fall, he could see his house directly below. He could hear the loud thunderous barking from Ruffus as it bounced throughout the atmosphere. “I don’t want to die!” he yelled as he fell through the roof of his house and landed in his bed. Justin woke up to a loud thump coming from the open bedroom window.

   He quickly sprang up, sitting on his bed. Justin realized that he was dreaming, yet he could still hear the echo’s of Ruffus barking from downstairs.  “Ruffus. Quiet!” yelled his dad, William, from the downstairs family room.   Justin looked towards his bedroom window where he heard the thump and noticed that it was raining and a cold gush of wind had blown it open. He got up to close the window latching it shut. Looking out of the window he noticed a figure and then the face of a man peering at him through it. Justin’s heart stopped and he couldn’t breath. He then thought to himself how that wasn’t possible since his room is on the second floor of a modest two-story house.  He realized it was a reflection and immediately turned around. Justin’s jaw dropped. Standing there on the other side of the room was a filthy straggly dark haired man. His muddy old jeans were ripped and his sewage stench infiltrated the room. The derelict held his finger to his mouth and said, “Shh, be quiet”.

    I hope you enjoyed the beginning and I will be putting out my next chapter in a few days.

    Thanks,  Justephen