IF MADDIE SAYS SO!

Leon could feel the warmth of his mother’s grasp and taste the Sunday feast she would be preparing as if he were kneeling right beside her. He could hear the loud echoing of Beres Hammond played by his father downstairs in the basement. Leon was surprised by how much he craved being in his family’s presence and chuckled to himself as he lifted the boxes unto the delivery line. Right now he was far away from them, but resolved that his family struggles would be minimized by his absence. He was half correct, however he never took into account the small habits and traits he would come to familiarize with. He never realized how much his family actually inspired his worldly views and made him feel comfortable, and now his favorite and most significant reminder of them was this little smooth black book given to him by his Father. This little black book was intended to be used as a journal, but Leon used it to document his dreams and goals. He called his book, “Maddie” and believed whatever he spoke or wrote into Maddie would come to happen. In this book Leon had manifested his brother’s tumor being safely removed. He had also manifested his mom and dad finding a new affordable home after being forced to downsize financially. Now he was going to manifest a car.

All Leon could think about preparing to close out his shift, was the insanely expensive trip back to his apartment. He lived 45 minutes away and the city in which he worked did not provide public transportation. Leon knew within his heart that he could not continue to make those trips and keep his job simultaneously, but his current job had ample room for promotions and upward mobility and Leon plotted that he was next. Nothing would hinder him from financial freedom. Him and Maddie could take on the world! He not only believed in himself, he also had a written detailed plan on how he would succeed.

Leon clocked out his shift, made his usual rounds speaking with the other coworkers and proceeded calling his Uber. He could not figure it out, but he had a feeling that something important was commencing to happen. When his Uber arrived, he noticed another gentleman already seated in the backseat, alarmed Leon questioned the Uber driver about the details of his ride, as Leon was sure that he selected a single private ride. A shared ride would be cheaper, but Leon preferred a sure peaceful ride, over a potentially obnoxious trip. The driver showed Leon that it was indeed a shared trip. Leon realizing his Uber driver had excess trash on the passenger seat and sat next to the stranger in the back.

Leon indirectly studied the stranger, to Leon’s surprise he too was being studied when the stranger asked bluntly,

"What’s with the black book”? Mildly guarded when it comes to Maddie his magical book, Leon explained, “This is Maddie, and whatever I think, I write, It happens”.

Intrigued the stranger asked if Leon would put his claim to the test. Leon prepared his pen. The stranger stated his name was Cory, and only wanted Leon to record safe travels for them both. This request was eagerly done by Leon and the two enjoyed a hearty conversation thereafter. Cory’s destination arrived first, when he asked Leon,

“What would you want most in the world right now”? Leon replied, “Nothing besides my black book and knowledge of my family’s good health. I also need a car badly, I really don’t know what my next step is, but my mind has been carrying my body and everything that I need to happen has happened the way it should. As long as I’m being honest in all my affairs taking the best steps forward I believe that infinite intelligence will carry me home. Hasn’t proven me wrong yet”. Cory paused, his eyes lit up and he thanked Leon for his enchanted words.

The entire trip home Leon thought about the conversation he held with Cory and for a brief moment questioned if he really believed in his own ideology expressed to Cory. Sure he was well aware that hard work and perseverance was one powerful combination, but he has also witnessed events not happening quick enough, not discriminating against good or bad people. He was a little discouraged, not of his own struggles effecting him, but his inability to soften his family’s burden. As his Uber driver approached his destination, Leon felt the urge to write a goal in Maddie, when he suddenly realized his book was missing. A feeling of dread overcame him, the only place he had been was this Uber. Immediately his thoughts ran to Cory, but dismissed him as a culprit, admitting to himself that it was just a book and that he did step outside briefly when Cory reached his destination. Still that little book came from his father and held all of his goals and aspirations. Leon could not help but feel a little resentment. He really thought in the past year that he had taken steps towards improvement, but he felt stagnant. Through relentless certification and hard work he finally received a job where the money was decent, but would eventually have to part ways. He proceeded out the Uber semi defeated, realizing he would need to spend frugally for the next couple of days. He also concluded that he would take his small savings and move back home, helping his parents with bills and his younger siblings. Leon did not want this, but convinced himself that it would be a better option. Two days later, as Leon is beginning to prepare his resignation letter for his job, he suddenly hears a knock at the door. He immediately opens the door to see a package with his name on it. In this package was Maddie! Maddie also had a note attached to it with his State identification. Leon hadn’t even realized his identification was missing, but remembered using it as a bookmark temporarily.

The note said, “I think I grabbed your book, as I grabbed my jacket. Thanks again for the safe wishes home. You may not know it but, I was exactly where you were now. The only difference is I didn’t have anyone to throw me a bone, but I’m going to throw you one. Just don’t lose faith in your abilities to manifest anything you want. There is power in writing something down and putting action behind it. We rarely see that combination lose ”. Leon smiled than opened his black book to what seemed like another bookmark, however upon further investigation he smiled uncontrollably. It was a check from Cory for $20,000. Ideas and hunches flooded the positively charged mind of Leon. He grabbed his old reliable black book, Maddie and began writing furiously and with purpose.