Charles and Claire live in a handsome Georgian townhouse in Dorset, England, and they feel that on the whole life is not bad at all. And it is not for them personally. They are contented with their lot.
Claire is enjoying her early retirement and has embarked on a number of activities to keep herself not only occupied, but, as she put it, give meaning to her days, try and live life to the full. Help others and coach people badminton, teach adults to read are only some of her many activities.
Charles still works part-time in the finance department of a local food producing factory. He has had his career in the City and is no longer interested whatsorever to work in that kind of environment. He fills part of his spare time with writing, reading, walking and the odd game of golf.
Together they share a passion for walking, go out for a meal and visit the family and many friends they love deeply. Another shared interst is travelling and staying at their caravan in Somerset, another pretty county these isles are full with.
So, life is good for they have a lovely family and great friends but the skies have been darkening of late for the world is changing rapidly. This is where this little story started, and the question they ask themselves is where it will end.
The world is divided and there is massive change going on in the USA, and also the uncertainty of Britain leaving the European Union. There is now a cocktail of uncertainties and current affairs that makes any normal human being feel somewhat apprehensive about the future.
Claire and Charles have grownup children and are lucky enough to have the enjoyment of lively, happy grandchildren. But now some worry has started to set in.for their future is at stake. The world is in turmoil, with potential conflicts just around the corner. There is poverty and climate change one worries about.
The hatred being created towards people coming from another country, with perhaps another religion. The reckless games being played by politicians mosttly concerned with their own small interests, their own ego. It is all weighing on our couple.
What to do? Just go on with life and try to be merry, or put all energy towards protecting their family and other loved ones. Embrace the future, whatever may come?
A darkeing has started but Claire and Charles are determined to look at the sun and let the shadow fall behind them. Enlightment embraced.
WILL EDWARDS 