Chosen, page 1
Chosen
La Shun L. Carroll
Austin Macauley Publishers
Chosen
About the Author
Dedication
Copyright Information ©
Acknowledgment
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
About the Author
La Shun L. Carroll is a Lifetime Member of American MENSA and full member of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society. He was awarded the Arthur Schomburg Fellowship to pursue graduate studies maintaining it for four consecutive years until receiving his doctoral degree, graduating Cum Laude, from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Subsequently, Dr. Carroll earned his Ed.M. graduate degree specializing in Science and the Public from the University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education. Research interests include metaphysics, logic, science, technology, and education. Non-research interests include writing, illustrating, music, and learning in general. Dr. Carroll was an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Saint Michael’s College in Vermont.
As an undergraduate, Dr. Carroll graduated #1 with a B.A. degree, Magna Cum Laude, from Baruch College, CUNY, majoring in both Philosophy and Natural Science. His scholarly publications include “Theoretical Biomimetics: A biological design-driven concept for creative problem-solving as applied to the optimal sequencing of active learning techniques in educational theory” in the Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences (October 2017), “Fundamentals of Logic, Reasoning, and Argumentation” also in the Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences (April 2020), “Concerning the Ethics of Justice, Care, and Personal Responsibility as a Framework for Criteria Selection in Transplant Recipients” published in The Integral Review (October 2023), “The Conceptual Access-NeTwORk (CANTOR) Thesis: Theorizing the Development or Success of New Internet-Based Products, Services, or Technologies” in the Indonesian Journal of Innovation and Applied Sciences (June 2023), a paper entitled “Unbearable Suffering Obviates Euthanasia: Definitionally-Derived Set of Propositions Comprising the Purpose, Claim, and Benefit Lead to Contradiction Establishing the Paradox of Euthanasia” in History and Philosophy of Medicine (History and Philosophy of Medicine 2022), and a highly cited influential paper entitled “A Comprehensive Definition of Technology from an Ethological Perspective” (MDPI, 2017).
Dedication
This book is dedicated to Adelaide Elizabeth.
Copyright Information ©
La Shun L. Carroll 2024
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher.
Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Ordering Information
Quantity sales: Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the address below.
Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication data
Carroll, La Shun L.
Chosen
ISBN 9798886937695 (Paperback)
ISBN 9798886937701 (ePub e-book)
Library of Congress Control Number: 2024908150
www.austinmacauley.com/us
First Published 2024
Austin Macauley Publishers LLC
40 Wall Street, 33rd Floor, Suite 3302
New York, NY 10005
USA
mail-usa@austinmacauley.com
+1 (646) 5125767
Acknowledgment
I would like to thank Baby, Ashes, Reagan, and Taz—the late sister-feline muses who were by my side for nearly two decades during my creative scholarly and literary endeavors. I miss you.
In addition, I wish to thank my late mother, Marggio Carroll and grandmother, Ellen Carroll, for everything that they sacrificed for me to be in the position I am. I can never repay you.
Chapter 1
The sun filtered through the leaves of the towering oak tree, casting dappled light over the meticulously maintained lawn of the Thompson residence. Ted Thompson lounged on the porch swing, a satisfied smile playing across his face as he gazed out at the small-town charm of Greenfield.
“Ted, can you give me a hand with these groceries?” Susan Thompson called from inside the house. The screen door creaked open as she emerged with her arms laden with bags.
“Of course,” Ted replied, springing up from the swing and rushing to assist her. They carried the bags into the kitchen where David Thompson was already unpacking more items.
“Thanks, son,” David said, flashing Ted a warm smile. “You’re always so willing to help out around here.”
“Hey, it’s the least I can do,” Ted said, returning his father’s smile. “You have given me such an incredible life.”
As Ted continued to help with the groceries, his thoughts wandered to how grateful he was for the stable upbringing his adoptive parents had provided. He could not imagine a life without their unwavering support and guidance. While some of his friends struggled within broken homes and chaotic environments, he found solace in the predictability and comfort that the Thompson household offered.
“Your father and I just wanted you to have the best possible start in life,” Susan said softly, placing a gentle hand on Ted’s shoulder. “We know it wasn’t easy for you when you first came to us, but we always believed you were meant to be part of our family.”
“Thank you,” Ted replied, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I do not know where I’d be without you and Dad. You’ve made my life better than I could have ever dreamed.”
“Always remember, Ted, that no matter where life takes you, this will always be your home,” David added, wrapping his arm around Ted’s shoulders. “We’re so proud of the man you’ve become.”
“Thanks, Dad,” Ted murmured, feeling a swell of pride and gratitude wash over him. He knew he was incredibly fortunate to have found such a loving and nurturing family in the Thompsons. And as he stood there, sandwiched between his adoptive parents in their cozy kitchen, he could not help but feel an immense sense of contentment with the life they’d built together.
Ted stood in front of the full-length mirror in his bedroom, smoothing out the wrinkles on his freshly pressed shirt. His short, dark hair was neatly combed to one side, accentuating his strong jawline, and piercing blue eyes. He straightened his tie with a satisfied smile, admiring his athletic build and polished appearance.
“Looking good, Ted,” he said to himself, giving a small wink before stepping back from the mirror. There was no denying that he carried himself with an air of confidence and poise that set him apart from others his age. It was yet another testament to the nurturing environment provided by his adoptive parents.
As he walked down the stairs, thoughts of his birth family occasionally flitted through his mind. He knew very little about them, but he couldn’t help but wonder if there was someone out there who shared his same striking features and easygoing charm.
“Chosen! Get your butt in here, we’re gonna be late!” Melissa called from the living room, her voice tinged with both exasperation and affection.
“Coming, Mom!” Chosen hollered back, quickly tying his worn sneakers, and grabbing his threadbare jacket. Much like Ted, Chosen had short, dark hair and an athletic build—a fact unbeknownst to either sibling. However, unlike his twin brother, Chosen’s clothes were noticeably well-worn, a visual reminder of the financial struggles he and his mother faced in their small Brooksville apartment.
“Alright, I’m ready,” Chosen announced as he emerged from his cramped bedroom, trying to suppress a yawn. Despite the hardships they faced, he loved his life with Melissa and would not trade it for anything.
“Good, now let’s get going,” Melissa replied with a soft smile, her wavy brown hair framing her warm, kind eyes. “I don’t want you to be late for your job interview.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Chosen murmured, feeling a familiar surge of gratitude and love for the woman who had raised him single-handedly. As they stepped out of their modest home and into the chilly morning air, he couldn’t help but wonder if there was someone out there who shared his same resilient spirit, and perhaps even his face, navigating life in a world so different from his own.
Chosen’s fingers ached as he tightened the worn-out shoelaces of his secondhand sneakers. His breath formed misty clouds in the frosty air while he leaned against the graffiti-covered wall. With each passing car, he mentally calculated the odds of catching a ride to work. He couldn’t afford to miss another shift.
“Hey, Chosen! Need a lift?” A voice called out. A bea
“Thanks, Mr. Jenkins,” Chosen replied with a grateful smile, hopping into the passenger seat. It was not much but it was these small acts of kindness that made the struggles of life in Brooksville bearable.
As the truck rumbled through potholed streets, Chosen glanced at the cracked rearview mirror and caught sight of his reflection. Dark circles marred the area under his eyes, a testament to his sleepless nights spent worrying about bills and job applications. Still, he held onto his determination with fierce tenacity.
“Kid, I don’t know how you do it,” Mr. Jenkins said, shaking his head as they pulled up to the factory where Chosen worked. “Always getting back up no matter how many times life knocks you down.”
“Can’t let life win, right?” Chosen responded, forcing a lighthearted tone. But deep down, he questioned how long he could keep pushing forward.
“Take care of yourself, Chosen,” Mr. Jenkins warned before driving off, leaving Chosen standing outside the factory gates. The harsh clang of machinery echoed through the air as he steeled himself for another grueling shift.
Every break, every stolen moment between tasks, Chosen’s thoughts drifted back to Greenfield—a place he had only ever visited in his imagination. He wondered what it would be like to live there, amidst the manicured lawns and white picket fences. A place where life did not feel like a constant battle.
“Chosen!” His supervisor barked, snapping him back to reality. “Get back to work!”
“Sorry, Sir,” Chosen mumbled, refocusing on the task at hand. He couldn’t afford to get lost in daydreams; he had a life to build for himself, despite the odds stacked against him.
As the day wore on, Chosen’s body grew weary but his mind remained sharp. He found creative ways to speed up his tasks, earning approving nods from his coworkers. With each completed job, he felt his confidence grow—a stark contrast to the polished self-assurance that always seemed to come so naturally to Ted.
“Good work today, Chosen,” his supervisor grudgingly praised as the shift finally came to an end. “Keep it up and we’ll see about that promotion.”
“Thank you, Sir,” Chosen said, a flicker of hope igniting within him as he clocked out. He knew that even if he could never escape the gritty streets of Brooksville, he could still make something of himself. A small smile tugged at his lips as he made his way home, already planning how he would tackle tomorrow’s challenges with the same resourcefulness and determination that had carried him this far.
Meanwhile, miles away in Greenfield, Ted was blissfully unaware of the daily struggles faced by the brother he had never met. But as fate would have it, their worlds were about to collide, and the stark differences between their upbringings would soon be brought to light.
The evening sun cast a warm, golden glow on the modest home that Chosen and Melissa shared, painting long shadows across the narrow street. Chosen’s footsteps were light as he approached the front door, the anticipation of seeing his mother bringing a smile to his face. Despite the challenges they faced, the bond between them had only grown stronger over the years.
“Chosen!” Melissa exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she opened the door. “You made it home earlier than I expected. How was work?”
“Long day but I managed,” Chosen replied, stepping inside and kicking off his shoes. He glanced around the cozy living room, taking in the well-worn furniture and the faded family photos on the walls, each one a testament to their resilience.
“Sit down, honey, I’ll make you some dinner,” Melissa insisted, leading him toward the kitchen. As they sat at the small table, Chosen couldn’t help but notice the worry lines etched across his mother’s face. Though his heart ached for her, he knew that showing any sign of weakness would only make things harder.
“Mom, don’t stress too much about the bills,” Chosen said, trying to sound confident. “I’m working hard and things are going to get better.”
Melissa sighed, looking into his eyes with a mix of gratitude and concern. “I know you are, sweetheart. I just wish life hadn’t been so tough on you.”
“Hey, I’m tougher than it,” Chosen grinned, leaning back in his chair. As if on cue, his phone buzzed in his pocket and he pulled it out to see a text from Natalie.
“Everything okay?” Melissa asked, noticing the change in his expression.
“Yep, just Natalie checking in,” Chosen replied, smiling as he read her words of encouragement. He would never admit it but her unwavering support had been his lifeline on more than one occasion. “I’m going to head out for a bit and see her.”
“Give her my love,” Melissa said, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand. “And be careful out there.”
Chosen nodded, standing up and pulling his jacket on. As he exited the house, he felt a familiar surge of protectiveness toward his mother. He would do anything to shield her from the harsh realities of their world, even if it meant putting up a tough front.
The streets of Brooksville were darker now, bathed in the pale light of the streetlamps. Chosen’s footsteps echoed as he made his way to Natalie’s apartment, his thoughts filled with the stark contrast between his life and Ted’s. But dwelling on what could have been would not change anything; all he could do was face each day with determination and hope.
“Chosen!” Natalie exclaimed as she opened her door, her red curls bouncing with excitement. “You came!”
“Of course I did,” Chosen replied, stepping inside. “You’re my rock, Nat. And I need that right now.”
Natalie’s eyes softened and she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. In her embrace, he allowed himself a rare moment of vulnerability, knowing that with her, he did not have to pretend to be unbreakable. Together, they faced the world and whatever challenges it threw their way.
The sun cast a warm golden glow over the Thompson household as Ted sat cross-legged on the plush carpet in his bedroom. He was rummaging through a dusty old box that had been hidden away in the attic, tucked beneath a pile of worn-out quilts. The musty smell of the box’s contents filled his nostrils as he pulled out various items—faded photographs, newspaper clippings, and a stack of letters tied together with a fraying ribbon.
“David! Susan!” Ted called out, lifting the letters to his face, examining them closely. “What are these?”
His adoptive parents appeared in the doorway, exchanging glances before David spoke. “Those are letters from your birth mother, Melissa.”
Ted’s heart skipped a beat as he carefully untied the ribbon. His hands trembled slightly as he unfolded the first letter, dated just a few months after his adoption. The ink had smeared in places but the words were still legible, each one resonating deeply within him.
“Dear David and Susan,” the letter began, “I hope this letter finds you well and that my dear boy is growing strong and healthy under your loving care. Not a day goes by when I don’t think of him and Chosen, wondering how their lives have turned out…”
“Chosen?” Ted murmured, looking up at his adoptive parents. “Who’s Chosen?”
“Your twin brother,” Susan replied gently, her voice wavering. “We didn’t know about him until much later.”
“Does he…does he live with our birth mother?” Ted asked, his eyes scanning the rest of the letter as he awaited their response.
“Yes, they’re in Brooksville,” David confirmed, his hand resting on Susan’s shoulder for support.
A sudden sense of longing welled up inside Ted, his curiosity piqued by the mention of his twin brother and birth mother. As much as he loved his life in Greenfield, a part of him yearned to explore his origins and connect with the family he never knew.
“Can I…can I meet them?” Ted asked hesitantly, glancing between his adoptive parents.
“Of course,” Susan assured him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “We’ve always wanted you to have the opportunity to know your roots. But we also wanted you to be old enough to understand and make that decision for yourself.”
