Aaron Sajadi dashed through the bustling market centre of Kabul. Tightening his backpack, which contained his schoolbooks and binders, he ducked and weaved around vendors, livestock, and on occasion carts full of vegetables and fruits. He had to get home before the set curfew which the Soviet soldiers had placed on all civilians in the Capital city of Afghanistan.
Such was the nature of the region in 1981, it was common for the streets to come alive with gunfire and blinding explosions of flash grenades and bombs. The aftermath of which was sometimes seen at dawn the next day; a bloodstain in the sand, casings of bullets scattered in the ar
*Click*
"Hey, this is Amellia. I can't come to the phone right now, so leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!"
*Beep*
How many times had I heard that message? Dozens? Hundreds? Thousands? It's funny how time had a way of slipping by when you've given up.
*Click* The message plays again.
*Beep* It ends.
*Click* *Beep* *Click* *Beep*
I still pay for the cell phone's service. Every month for the last half-year, in comes the bill and I send it back paid for another four weeks.
*Click* *Beep* *Click* *Beep*
I've heard the message countless times. I committed it to memory a long time ago. It's the same every time... but
"Jack, what the fuck was that?!"
"Oh please, like you would've done anything different?"
"Yeah! I would've! Why did you light him on fire?!"
"First, I just lit his jacket on fire, he just happened to be wearing hairspray. How could I have known?"
"What in the hell is wrong with you?"
"Nothing. Hey, but at least you know that brandy's flammable now, right?"
OC Biography: Nicolai Valentin by NorthernWings, literature
Literature
OC Biography: Nicolai Valentin
GoldenGate File#00942:
Nicolai Valentin
Sex: Male
Height: 182cm (6’1)
Hair color: Brown
D.O.B: February 29th, 1986
Distinguishing features: None
Parents: Unknown
Current Bounty: $750,000
Affiliation: Commander of Northern Rangers (Mercenary Outfit)
Nicolai Valentin was orphaned at a very early age. Growing up in GoldenGate Orphanage, he never knew his birth parents. This fact haunted Nicolai to no end during his youth, and gave rise to the promise to all that he would track down his biological parents.
At age eight Nicolai had shown a great aptitude for problem solving, as well as extraordinary leadership skills. According to reports
"They say you die twice; once when you draw your last breath, and again when someone utters your name for the last time."
- Banksy, Author of War and Peace
I can see the logic and sentiment in that saying, however, I do not agree.
I believe we truly die when our achievements are no longer recognized. When our trials and adventures through life are no longer spoken of, and when our ideas are no longer accepted.
It is not always the name of the person that is remembered; I believe that it is the mark that the person made on the earth that is truly immortal.