In Search Of The Marvelous Lamp
Chapter 1 - Meeting Aladdin
Philadelphia, September 15th, 2024
And, as Eduardo was peacefully sipping a glass of wine, at his new home in Philadelphia, with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation for life, after the difficult months that he had lived during the spring and part of the summer of 2024, certain, that now, feeling recovered and energized, he was to face, in the days and months ahead, a big test to prove to himself, not only that he was healthy again, but, that he could continue to live a Dream, and in fact, that he was a Dreamer, he suddenly was shaken up by a thunderous light. Alarmed, he tried to compose himself.
An apparition. It was Aladdin.
- There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great! ---said Aladdin. --- --- Your resilience, convictions, vision and capacity to Dream are acknowledged by the Master. -- You and your extraordinary, exceptional, ageless, fearless, shameless, hopeful, loving Dreamer friends, are to be given a new blank canvas to create a Dream.--- --- You Dreamers, united in life to celebrate friendship, love and hope shall embark, soon, on a journey In Search for the Marvelous Lamp.
-I hear and obey, o wise and happy Aladdin ---. ---Allah is the Almighty, Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He is God; there is no god but He. Allah Almighty knows what's in our hearts and will judge us according to our acts. --- exclaimed Eduardo.
-The Master wants all of you to know that your journey In Search of a Marvelous Lamp is to be a journey in search of Hope. A Hope that is very much needed in this terrible and difficult world we live in. In Search of the Marvelous Lamp is for you to go in search of a dream that has been stolen by Ali Baba and his 40 thieves, --- said Aladdin.
Eduardo then closed his eyes and saw a world full of myths, greed, fear, rejected ideologies, conflicts, wars, disproven faiths, untrusted authorities, demoralized media, climate change, populism, ignorance, alienation, diseases, hunger, poverty and death. He saw in such images the face of the 40 thieves.
-As you all hear and obey, the Master wants you to prepare, though, when the time comes, to go In Search of the Marvelous Lamp with a lighter and younger heart. To find the Lamp you all need to be a child, in peace, and, ready to take responsibility of the power of our reflections in others. Feeling that way you shall all be ready to empty your hearts of “wishes and desires” so the Genie in the Lamp materialize in all and reminds you all Dreamers of your tremendous worth and potential as human beings.---Find your inner child is a condition to join the journey.--- --- They will be many called but few chosen.---said Aladdin.
When shall we leave? Where do we go? asked Eduardo. The Master shall reveal, to each and every one of you, chosen, to join in this journey, the time and the place--- be alert---.
Await in your places of origin and residence as the Master shall let you know when and where to start the Search --responded Aladdin
Insha’Allah the day shall come soon and we will be able to start making our plans for the trip with pride and full determination to find the Marvelous Lamp and the Master shall reward us all for finding our inner child and for, again, believing in our common humanity. - Eduardo said.
Aladdin continued, in a very loud voice, for everyone included in the guest list to be able to listen, saying, --- the Master’s invitation, to go and Search for the Marvelous Lamp, is his way to give you all, his very dear chosen friends, the gift of Self believe and Self-reliance as you all need to believe again in yourselves and listen to your hearts. Times ahead are tough and this shall be the Master’s gift to all of you, he loves, for they will be better prepared to face the world and its challenges by acknowledging that Happiness is an art that all Dreamers have to master. Only knowing your value, your strengths and believing in you, you can be satisfied and happy. The world needs of you to be Happy. said Aladdin.
Aladdin then, embraced Eduardo, and, using his magic, embraced all of the travelers to be and all were united in one big and loving embrace, in all four corners of the world.
He then said --- Working hard to be like children again, in preparedness of your journey In Search for the Marvelous Lamp, is your immediate task and the Master decrees you to do so. ---said Aladdin.
There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great! - We listen and obey - Eduardo responded.
And then Aladdin’s apparition vanished as Pam walked into the terrace and sat by his side and smiled. She sensed something had happened as she felt a regained peace in Eduardo’s spirit and saw his smile. His gentle touch was one from a light and happy heart.
Eduardo pondered upon the message of the Master and he, as you all, await for The Master to reveal the time and the place to proceed with a journey In Search of the Marvelous Lamp.
Chapter 2 - Eduardo and The Magic Carpet
Singapore, September 29th, 2024
And, again, a loud crack of thunder jolted Eduardo from his deep peaceful sleep, in Singapore, in the wee hours of the morning.
--- There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great! --- he heard.
Was he dreaming? Another apparition? Aladdin? As he composed himself in bed he clearly heard in a soft but very firm tone
---Allah is the Almighty, Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He is God; there is no God but He. Allah Almighty knows what's in our hearts and will judge us according to our acts. ---
---I hear and obey, --- Eduardo said piteously, whereupon the Voice said more kindly: ---Fear nothing, but obey me. Beneath your bed lies a Magic Scroll which is to be yours, and no one else may touch it, so you must do exactly as I tell you ---. At the word “magic” Eduardo forgot his fears, and grasped the scroll just as he had been instructed . With a steady breath, he spoke the names of his wife and children, his voice firm despite the swirl of emotions. He slowly uncurled the ancient scroll, its edges yellowed with age, and as he did, a faint wisp of smoke rose from the patchment. The air around him seemed to shimmer, and then as if the scroll itself was alive, words began to materialize in the smoke , curling and twisting into legible shapes. The glowing letters floated briefly before settling onto the scroll’s surface.
In Search of the Marvelous Lamp
https://vimeo.com/1005968228/546556665c?ts=0&share=copy
--- Click on the link said the voice ---. ---Now, share this information with the Dreamers, invite them to click on the link, as this is what was revealed by the Master, as promised, to you all, last week---.
---Prepare yourselves for the journey as was mandated, so you all, as children, may be successful in your Search ---.
---We hear and obey, --- Eduardo responded.
---Verily the works and words of those gone before us have become instances and examples to people of our modern day, that folk may view what admonishing chances befell other folk and may therefrom take warning; and that they may peruse the annals of antique peoples and all that hath betided them, and be thereby ruled and restrained. Praise, therefore, be to Him who hath made the histories of the past an admonition unto the present! Now of such instances are the tales called "A Thousand and One Nights" together with their far-famed legends and wonders.---. Familiarize with them, is my command---. Said the voice.
Then, a second, more strenuous clap of thunder echoed through the room, shaking the very walls. Eduardo froze, the scroll still clutched in his hands, the glowing words flickering out. His heart raced as the air settled around him, the smoke dissipating as if it had never been there. For a moment, he questioned everything. Had it all been a dream? The storm outside, the strange words, the scroll—it all felt surreal. But the weight of the parchment in his hands reminded him it was no illusion, though the boundary between dream and reality had never felt so thin.
Exhausted by the strange events and the storm’s passing, Eduardo finally drifted back into a deep, peaceful sleep. His grip on the scroll loosened, and the room returned to its quiet stillness. As he lay there, his last conscious thought was a quiet wish—hoping Pam would be with him soon, safe and near, to share in the warmth and peace he longed for. The thunder faded into the distance, and his dreams carried him gently away, free of fear, filled with hope.
Chapter 3 - Little Eduardo
Singapore, October 8th, 2024
Eduardo woke up early on a typical Thursday morning in Singapore. After enjoying his tea, he headed to the bathroom to shave and get ready for work.
As he looked into the mirror, a familiar voice echoed in his mind, “There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great!” Suddenly, Eduardo’s reflection began to change, shifting and distorting until he saw the face of a child staring back at him—his own face from more than sixty years ago. There he was, little Eduardo, an eight-year-old boy he remembered so well, looking back at him with curious eyes.
The voice continued, firm and resolute, “Allah is the Almighty, Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He is God; there is no God but He. Allah Almighty knows what’s in our hearts and will judge us according to our acts. Go to the Bugis Junction Market without delay.”
“I hear and obey,” Eduardo replied. The voice softened as it spoke again, “Fear nothing, but obey me. Remember the voice of your grandmother as she cuddles you in her arms, telling you wonderful fairy tales. Feel her love, her warmth, her embrace. Feel safe.”
Following the voice’s guidance, Eduardo left his home and ventured into the bright morning. He felt different, almost like a child again, as he wandered through the bustling Bugis Junction Market. Everything seemed new, filled with wonder. The aroma of spices filled the air, and the lively conversations of the market-goers surrounded him.
As Eduardo explored, he came across an elderly Chinese man, sitting cross-legged on a worn-out pillow. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he said, “Young boy, these are no ordinary carpets. They hold magical powers.” He was surrounded by an array of colorful carpets, each one more beautiful than the last
Was the old man really speaking to him as if he were a boy? Eduardo wondered. He stepped inside the shop, where a mirror hung on the wall. In the reflection, he saw himself again as the eight-year-old boy, and he felt a rush of warmth, as if his grandmother’s loving embrace had wrapped around him once more.
Among the carpets, one caught his eye—it seemed old and flimsy, yet its colors were vivid and delicate, and its patterns danced in the light. As he moved closer, Eduardo felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. Startled, he turned, only to see the carpet he had been admiring earlier. Was it following him?
The carpet rolled itself out in front of him, its tassels beckoning him to take a seat. Without thinking much about it, Eduardo sat down slowly, testing if this was real. The old man’s voice spoke again, “This carpet you just sat on can fly to the stars and back. Only someone with a heart full of wonder can unlock its magic.”
Eduardo’s heart filled with excitement. He closed his eyes, thinking of his grandmother, wishing to feel her comforting embrace once more. The carpet began to tremble beneath him, then suddenly, with a rush, it soared into the sky! Eduardo held on tight as they flew higher and higher above Singapore, laughing with joy as they climbed through the clouds.
The carpet carried Eduardo over mountains, rivers, deserts, and forests. He gazed down at a vast ocean where colorful fish played in the waves, and then he saw camels walking in the sand, minarets rising in the distance, and vibrant cities on the horizon.
A loud crack of thunder jolted the carpet, and Eduardo gripped its edges, his heart pounding.
“Welcome to Morocco,” said the voice. “This is your first scouting mission. You are to lead the Dreamers on their quest to find the Marvelous Lamp next year, as directed by the Master. Do not fear,” the voice continued, “Antonello, Bharat, Maestro Yuri Napoli, and Sonia are waiting for you. They will accompany you, but only you can truly understand the stories your grandmother once told you. Only you can find the way.
“In this journey, Scheherazade will guide you to meet Sinbad, Alibaba, the Barber of Baghdad, Aladdin, Ja’far, Dalilah the Crafty, and the Hunchback. They will offer you clues, riddles, and maps to help you track the forty thieves and decode where, in this land of tolerance, blend of cultures and religions, and amazing hospitality, could the Marvelous Lamp be found--- the Voice said.
“I hear and obey,” Eduardo replied. The carpet glided gracefully through the winding alleys of a Moroccan souk, its surroundings filled with the scent of spices—cinnamon and cardamom. The buildings around him were painted in deep shades of red and orange, and merchants filled every corner with their vibrant wares.
The carpet picked up speed, and as Eduardo clung to its tassels, he heard a tour guide announce, “Welcome to the Dar El Bacha Palace!” The palace loomed before him, surrounded by lush orange trees and covered in dazzling mosaic tiles of green, gold, and blue. Eduardo inhaled the sweet perfume of the blossoms, feeling a deep sense of wonder.
The carpet paused by a café, hovering just above the tiled floor. A waiter appeared with a tray, serving Eduardo a glass of mint tea and a bowl of orange ice cream. Eduardo savored the refreshing taste, the blend of mint and orange awakening his senses.
Just then, as if on cue, Antonello, Bharat, Yuri, and Sonia arrived and joined him, their expressions calm and expectant.
Chapter 4 - Preparedness
Tangier, October 12th, 2024.
Just then, as if on cue, Antonello, Bharat, Yuri, and Sonia appeared, each transformed into the forms of children no older than eight years old. They approached Eduardo with calm, expectant looks in their eyes. Despite their youthful appearances, Eduardo recognized them immediately. He saw in their eyes, now childlike, the promise and dreams of great things.
As he beheld them, Eduardo thought of the Dreamers. He had seen those eyes before, in all of them. Yes, they all dreamed of great things.
Eduardo firmly believed that all human beings were spiritually connected. The Dreamers were undoubtedly so. Their bond was woven through invisible threads, an unbreakable union among their souls, which manifested in a series of signs and events that others might dismiss as mere coincidences. Some of the Dreamers saw them as sacred connections, arising from past lives or the forces of destiny; for Eduardo, it was much simpler: it was the union of souls bound by love.
Eduardo thought that the Dreamers, like him, were all passionately in love with life, seizing each day to immerse themselves in the world’s splendor. Faced with a world that often leaned toward cultural plurality and contestation, the Dreamers had always found opportunities to reflect on how their connections with others could be forged and strengthened.
— “There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great!” — Eduardo suddenly heard. — “Yes, Eduardo,” the Voice affirmed. — “The Dreamers have chosen to love. Love involves choice—the choice to create meaning from raw experiences, to be bold and vulnerable, to reach beyond oneself to communicate and commune. When we choose to love, we move against fear, against alienation and separation. The choice to love is a choice to connect and find ourselves in one another,” said the Voice.
As little Eduardo contemplated this message, the magic carpet was unrolled before him once again. It was larger this time. Little Antonello, Bharat, Yuri, and Sonia sat upon it, reaching out their hands to lovingly invite him to join them.
In the blink of an eye, a wild journey of unexpected discoveries commenced. Eduardo beheld palaces, houses, shops, subterranean rooms, and myriad interior spaces. The children and he encountered many characters from the 1001 Nights. They met Scheherazade, who captivated them with her storytelling and clues regarding the whereabouts of the Lamp, along with Aladdin, Simbad, Ali Baba, the Hunchback, the Tailor and the Porter and even Harun al-Rashid, the wise ruler. They soared from the winding alleyways of Fez and the bustling souks of Marrakesh to the wind-whipped beaches of Tangier and the extraordinary vineyards of Volubilis. They lost themselves for hours in medieval medinas, bartering with artisans for hand-sewn leather goods, silver jewelry, and intricately woven rugs. They sipped fresh mint tea from glass cups and savored sumptuous meals, accompanied by exquisite Moroccan wines—white, rosé, and red—before retreating to the tranquility of courtyards and palace gardens.
Morocco was alive with stalls shaded by green umbrellas, shopkeepers selling treasures of the land. Eduardo and the children heard the sizzle of food, soon drowned out by the infectious sound of music and a growing crowd of dancers. Men beat on drums and strummed their strings, creating an irresistible rhythm. Everyone was dancing—even the snake charmers’ snakes swayed to the beat. Three beautiful women, draped in silk, swayed gracefully, the gold beads on their costumes jingling as they gyrated their hips. The children and Eduardo joined in, laughing and twirling, unconcerned if they resembled the snakes more than the belly dancers.
Next, they explored the markets of Fez with a Michelin-starred chef and met some of the country’s top fashion designers, who crafted bespoke outfits for luxury gala events in Morocco. They ventured into the shifting dunes of the desert on camels, staying in custom-built luxury Berber tents. They flew high above the Atlas Mountains and soon found themselves, back again, in the heart of Souk Semmarine, a maze-like market in Marrakech.
As Eduardo gazed up at the sky, sweat trickling down his brow, wondering if they would ever return, they suddenly soared down an alley. They flew out of the souk and higher into the air, dodging shoppers and tourists, marveling at how the carpet knew its way. They descended into a garden filled with vibrant blue and yellow buildings. Peaceful fountains bubbled amid towering cacti and tall palm trees. Deep green vines draped above shaded paths, while bright bougainvillea flowers clung to the walls.
As Eduardo and the children admired the gardens, feeling relaxed and fulfilled under a palm tree’s shade, a gentle breeze carried a voice: — “There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great!”
— “You have witnessed what awaits you and the Dreamers. This is the land where you are to search for the Marvelous Lamp next September,” said the Voice
— “Yes. Inshallah, God willing, we shall be here together, searching for the Marvelous Lamp and living the dream of the 1001 Nights in beautiful Morocco as we write the 1002nd night when we find the lamp that was stolen from us,” Eduardo replied.
— “Now, Eduardo, without delay, take a pen and papyrus. You’ll find them beneath the carpet. Write down the message I will dictate to you, which you must share with all the Dreamers,” commanded the Voice.
— “I hear and obey,” Eduardo responded, uncovering a beautiful silver pen and papyrus as instructed.
— “Ready. Please share the message; tell me what to write,” Eduardo said.
— “I am not dictating what to write; I will only voice what I hear in your heart. It is a simple message. The Dreamers will listen,” the Voice replied in a loving, reassuring tone.
“Dear Dreamers,
Please know with absolute certainty that as I boarded the Magic Carpet, ALL OF YOU, without exception, were with me. Your reflections live within my soul and heart. You were there with me, alongside all your apprehensions, beliefs, fears, religions, phobias, concerns, and tastes. I perceived everything from your perspectives.
I thought of you all, feeling your presence. I considered our lady friends and the comfort needed for us to dress as we wish, without excuses or judgment. I envisioned us savoring a good glass of wine, scotch, or champagne without offending anyone. I thought of our Jewish friends and our Christian friends in this increasingly intolerant world, and was pleasantly surprised to discover a welcoming, diverse population in Morocco.
Trust me, as Aladdin implored Princess Jasmine, we wouldn’t be seeking the Marvelous Lamp if any of my friends felt unwelcome, fearful, or uncomfortable in this country. I assure you, you will feel perfectly safe and welcomed, and you will fall in love with the country and its people. The Royal Palace is also extending us the courtesy of security, which, while unnecessary, I very much welcome, if only to help us navigate the bustling traffic when we are not flying on our magic carpets.
Let us all look forward to the adventure that awaits us. Let us begin dreaming together as we embark on Pam’s 2025 quest, In Search of The Marvelous Lamp. Ultimately, it is the dream-like quality of the Arabian Nights that appeals to us, as our lives are merely stories waiting to be written, intertwined with yours through love and friendship. Let us live our stories together and be the main characters in our tales, where reality is the dream and our dreams become reality. Like Scheherazade, our dream endures only as long as we can tell a story. Our dream lives on as long as we write our lives into existence.
This year, I invite you to join me in writing this 1002nd chapter in our life stories, living it to the fullest.
Let us draw upon the messages and lessons of this gathering to live and write our stories, keeping in mind that we seek the Magical Lamp to craft our narratives rather than waiting for life to happen to us. The Thousand and One Nights is a multitude of tales, where one story frames another, creating an intricate tapestry. Your stories are extraordinary. Like the Arabian Nights, our collective narratives intertwine like a spider’s web, with threads and passages leading in all directions, reflecting the loving friendships that you, my dear friends, embody.
This journey, like others, serves as a reminder for us all to fully participate as writers, directors, and main characters in our stories, never merely as spectators. I know each of you will find the Lamp, and I even foresee your wishes when the genie appears.
So please take a comfortable seat on the magic carpet as we prepare to travel through time and dimensions to the land of deserts, caravans, spices, sultans, princesses, genies, magicians, and mysteries—ready to live a tale untold of our Arabian Nights that, after much excitement, will lead us back to the peace of our hearts, where our eyes will find solace in the familiar gazes and light of our friends.
Let us embrace this opportunity to intersect our daily rituals and aspirations, forging stronger ties with one another. More importantly, let us explore how a sense of collective identity and shared responsibility can be nurtured to contribute to a world increasingly fractured and divided.
I thank you sincerely in advance for trusting me and allowing me to write the introduction to this next chapter in all our lives, as we together shall live and share the story of our journey into the dream of the 1002nd Arabian Night in beautiful Morocco.”
— “Full stop, Eduardo,” said the Voice. — “Your heart has spoken. The Dreamers will listen and find comfort in your assurances. The path is ready. You have eleven months to prepare for the Search. I will be with you in the coming months to guide and counsel you,” concluded the Voice.
— “Don’t leave,”--- Eduardo implored, urgency evident in his voice. — “I need your help. Before we say goodbye, please tell me how I can reach and find the inner children among the Dreamers.”
— “There is no power or strength save in God, the Almighty, the Magnificent. You and the Dreamers shall act in accordance with the wisdom of one of the poets,”--- commanded the Voice.
• For thou wilt find another land when you depart; but no soul shall find the Magic Lamp in Morocco unless they perceive the land through a child’s eyes. Always seek the place and occasion where you are treasured, wanted, and loved. Approach Morocco with an open heart and soul.
• All Dreamers must read “The 1001 Nights.”
• Grieve not over the passage of years but find solace in the flow of time. Have the Dreamers send you a picture of themselves as children, between the ages of five and eight.
• Do not hold on to what you do not understand. For hearing, sight, and mind—these are your responsibilities. Empty your heart and mind of any prejudices or preconceived notions regarding Morocco.
• Send not your messenger on an important errand; for the soul has no faithful minister save itself. The Dreamers, as children, once more, are to witness, search for, and find the Marvelous Lamp.
— “We hear and obey,” --- said Eduardo.
Suddenly, it began to rain. Wind and thunder unleashed an unexpected squall. Neither Eduardo nor the other children sought cover. They looked up at the sky, joyfully turning their faces toward the downpour, allowing the heavy droplets to splatter against their skin and hair as the wind swept them like leaves. They held hands and laughed. In an instant, their bodies felt heavy, a stark contrast to the lightness they had experienced while flying on the carpet.
A phone rang. The wind subsided, and the rain ceased. It was Mel. They were adults again. Eduardo was needed for a meeting.
In the blink of an eye, Eduardo, in a suit and tie, found himself walking towards his office. He was back in Singapore. As he entered, Mel handed him an envelope labeled “Eduardo, Personal.” He opened it and read the card inside.
“The magic is yours to keep, as long as you always believe.”
Eduardo smiled, and the Voice whispered in his ear as he walked toward the meeting room, — “This story of yours and the Dreamers will not conclude with the 1002nd Night, for it is a tale of your love for Pam, your children and your friends, a narrative that cannot be told in less than a lifetime.”
With a smile, Eduardo walked into the meeting room, knowing full well that much work lay ahead.
Chapter 5 - The Magic In The Search
Marrakesh, October 14th, 2024
In the blink of an eye, Eduardo was gone. Antonello, Bharat, Yuri, and Sonia stood in stunned silence, their gazes fixed on the sky as they searched for any last trace of the carpet that had carried him away. They watched as the tiny speck disappeared into the horizon. He was gone. As the reality of the moment sank in, they found themselves questioning whether the magical journey of the past three days had truly come to an end.
It was then that they became acutely aware of their return to adulthood. There they were, in the heart of Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech, with the first light of dawn breaking across the sky. A wave of overwhelming emotions swept over them—responsibility, doubt, uncertainty. Where to begin? What was next? They stood in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, as a light breeze began to stir. Soon, the breeze grew into a wind.
Then, a voice—clear and resonant—echoed around them: ---“The magic is yours to keep, as long as you always believe.”--- They heard it as if it were spoken directly to their souls.
---“There is much to do.”---said the Voice
---“The task is clear. You have heard the clues. Now, prepare for the Dreamers’ journey.” ---the voice continued.
---“Send emissaries across the country to announce their arrival. Inform the Palaces and prepare them to receive the Dreamers. Book rooms in cities and medinas. Arrange transport—cars, trains, planes. Prepare the caravan—camels, tents. Hire attendants, guards, and guides. Book chefs and sommeliers, for the Dreamers must be treated royally. They will feast on sumptuous meals, with a selection of fine Moroccan wines. Arrange for tailors and seamstresses, as the Dreamers must be outfitted in rich attire for their journey.”---
The voice paused before adding:
---“Remember, the people of Morocco possess a unique fantasy that transcends reality, and they will understand.”---
“We hear and obey,” Antonello, Bharat, Yuri, and Sonia responded in unison. The task was clear, though the weight of it was immense. They also recalled what Eduardo had often said in the months leading up to this moment: “Every moment of the Search must be unique and magical. Remember we are to be writing, with each one of the Dreamers, the 1002nd night of the Arabian Nights—a night that shall never end, that knows no dawn. It is not just another night; it is a night beyond any other, a spell that can never be broken.”
Now, standing at the crossroads of duty and magic, Antonello, Bharat, Yuri, and Sonia knew exactly what they had to do. The Dreamers awaited their call, and it was time to ask them to join the journey.
Chapter 6 - The Red Koi
November 22nd, 2024
Eduardo arrived early for his crucial meeting. An important one. A long-awaited opportunity to pitch Asia's legal work for the brand.
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park in Singapore was just across the street. He had 10 minutes. Didn’t want to show up early as he would look anxious. Eduardo therefore decided to have a smoke.
Despite Singapore's strict smoking laws, Eduardo sought a secluded spot to light up. It was very early in the morning. Just a bit before 7. The park looked empty. Maybe no one would notice he convinced himself.
As he walked into the park trying to find a somehow hidden oasis for him to light up his first cigarette of the day he saw a pond. A large beautiful pond home to a variety of fish, including koi. Dozens of koi fish were swimming. Beautiful big koi.
A majestic red Koi swimming near the edge caught his attention. Eduardo followed, mesmerized, as the Koi suddenly broke the surface. Eduardo, astonished and surprised heard the Koi say
---Prepare for the Journey— .
Not believing what he was seeing, and, listening, Eduardo leaned in and the Koi continued ---Draw attention and reinforce the message to the Dreamers--- . ---To successfully embark on the quest for the Marvelous Lamp the Dreamers must find their inner child and approach the journey with a lighter and younger heart. Not only the Dreamers ears, eyes, and minds shall be ready, so ought to be their kind hearts.
--- I hear and obey--- said Eduardo. --- I’ll do my very best for them to hear the message, although I have already asked them --- in fact few of them have already sent them he assured the Koi.
With a tone of impatience the Koi said ---Eduardo---. --- The Dreamers are your friends. Remember that friendship marks a life even more deeply than love. I am sure the Dreamers will listen to you.
Ask the Dreamers, once more, that without delay they send you the pictures of themselves as children, between the ages of five and eight. Let them know that in the faraway land and fantastical world we are inviting them to join you we have an army of mythical creatures, sultans, princes and princesses, sorcerers and genies who are to be helping us to find their inner child and we need their photos so they can be identified. Dreamers then shall understand that they are ready for the greatest adventure of all. Not in seeking new lands, but in seeing one with new eyes.--- the Koi stated.
— “There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great!” — Eduardo said, and, then, with a much determined tone, he continued ---the path to greatness is often paved with obstacles, but determination can move mountains. I will for sure urge the Dreamers again to send their Childhood Photos so their Inner child can be found in the magical world as I am determined for them to join the Journey with a child's heart.
Suddenly, in a blink of an eye, the Koi dived into the pond and the encounter ended. The Koi vanished into the depths, leaving Eduardo pondering.
Eduardo didn’t smoke. He crossed the street. A tale could be told again. The Red Talking Koi.
Now it was time for his meeting. Eduardo repeated out loud the newfound mantra as he walked into the elevator for his meeting. --- Determination can move mountains---
Chapter 7 - The Birds
Singapore, December 6th, 2024
Eduardo's stay in Singapore was drawing to a close. He was leaving the next day. It was time for him to return to Philadelphia, where Pam eagerly awaited his arrival. The past few months had been a whirlwind of work and travel, but he had cherished every moment spent with Sebastian, Gabriel, and his Singaporean friends
As he prepared to depart, Eduardo felt a growing sense of anxiety. He had been reviewing the registration list for the Search of the Marvelous Lamp, daily, and, notwithstanding that he felt enormous gratitude for the many registrations he had discovered, he kept noticing that several close and important Dreamers’ names were missing from the list. His concern deepened with each passing day. How could this be? Had he not conveyed the message clearly? Hadn't the voice assured him that the message had been sent to all the relevant Dreamers? In Eduardo’s count, Dreamers, in Philadelphia, New York, Washington, D.C, Mexico City, Bogota, San Jose de Costa Rica, Rio De Janeiro, Toronto, Nice, Edmonton, Istanbul, Madrid, Luarca, Lucerne, Athens, Shanghai, Singapore, Hanoi, Jakarta, and, New Delhi, were not registered. Eduardo, had been visiting the pond at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park for the last three days. He had looked in vain for the majestic Red Koi hoping to find solace and answers.
Early in the morning he was there again. He needed to listen to the Red Koi. Eduardo had so many questions for him. Was he not talking to the Dreamers’ hearts? Were these Dreamers not going to join him in Morocco? Didn’t they trust him? As he was walking again near the edge of the pond, that Friday early morning, he felt a sudden gust of wind, and a familiar voice spoke to him.
--- “What it is that your looking to find in this pond “--- asked the Voice. --- “Let your heart be peaceful” --- “You’ll find no answers in the pond.”--- The Voice affirmed.
— “There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great!” — Eduardo said
---“ Leave this park. Go to the north corner of the Botanical Gardens. Seat in the bench where you usually seat with Pam. It is there that you will find answers”--- the Voice commanded him.
---“I hear and obey”--- Eduardo responded.
Suddenly his heart felt light. Hope returned to him. He was to be able to get to the bottom of the quandary. He will have answers and perhaps clues as to how to convince the missing Dreamers to register. ---“All of them, from the four corners of the world had to be with him” --- he thought.
He ran to the train. In no time he would be able to reach the Gardens. He knew very well where exactly to go. In addition he loved the place. It was a secret garden. It was peaceful.
As Eduardo arrived and sat on the bench, the place and atmosphere soothed his anxieties. The birds chirp and warble was a call to him. The wind calmly moved a specific branch of an old Tembusu tree, in front of him, and, he suddenly noticed a breathtaking sight. In two branches of the tree there were more than a dozen of different birds all singing and chirping the same tune in a most melodic way.
There were small birds and big ones, in fact some majestic ones! Colorful ones and plain ones. Eduardo count them in disbelieve. There were 21 of them. 10 in a higher branch and 10 others in a lower one. 1 of them, a tiny one which appeared to be a little Hummingbird acted as a Concert Master or Conductor of them all. ---“Amazing” ---Eduardo thought. ---“How could this be? What were they singing? Was there any meaning to the melodic tune? --- Eduardo asked himself.
--- “Let me help you identify the birds, dear Eduardo” --- the Voice said. ---“These are birds from all corners of the world. Soon these birds will fly to where they came from. The Dreamers will hear them sing as you are hearing them today. Each one of them will go back to its town or city and chant the melody you are listening to right now “--- the Voice explained, and then continued ---. ---Look at them. There it is the little sparrow of Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, next to him see the Toronto Blue Jay; next is the Magpie or Pica Pica from Nice, in France; the loud one, next to him, is a Colibrí Chillón from Bogota! You’ll be very happy to know that the one next is an Abejaruco from Luarca, in Asturias, followed by an American Robin of Washington, D.C.---
Eduardo couldn’t believe his eyes. He was mesmerized. How could this be? How could these birds from such specific places were to be together, here, in Singapore, with him, this morning?
The Voice continued --- “Next to the London Robin you will find a New York City Pigeon and next to him I’m sure you can recognize the beautiful Toucan, from Rio de Janeiro and the Scarlet Macaw of Costa Rica, and, yes, the spectacular Javan Hawk Eagle from Java, that I invited to this gathering. I know you’ll be able to identify the Singaporean Crimson Sunbird right there just next to the great horned Owl of Edmonton. Next to him, please see the red-winged blackbird of Istanbul and the Monk Parakeet of Madrid “---.
---What do all this mean?—-Eduardo pondered.
The Voice continued ---“Look at the beautiful Black-headed Gull of Lucerne and the Spotted flycatcher from Athens; next in a row you’ll see the Red Parrotbill, symbol of Shanghai and the last two are a A Plaintive Cuckoo (Tìm vit ) from Hanoi, and a Rose-ringed Parakeet from New Delhi” ---and, ---“I am sure you are happy to see that the Conductor is no other than a Hummingbird all the way from Mexico City” --- concluded the Voice.
--- “This moment is such a marvel that if it were written with a needle on the corner of an eye, it would serve as a lesson to those who seek wisdom as I do”--- Eduardo said, and then, asked --- “ What are they singing? I can’t understand it”---.
--- “Listen with your heart not just with your ears; try to truly grasp their feelings. Their chirping is much more than a song. Listen and connect with their deeper meaning”--- answered the Voice.
--- -“There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great!” — Eduardo said as he emptied his mind and allowed himself to listen.
Suddenly Eduardo heard the Birds, in chorus, sing in a most melodious and beautiful tune and was able to understand.
--“ For us together to Search for the Marvelous Lamp there will be no magic star to guide our steps, no ancient prophecies to predict our way, we are to trust our heart and instincts. It is only our heart and the need to share the joy in our lives, with each other, that shall bring us all together, once more. We will embark in Search of the Marvelous Lamp knowing that the greatest gift we are to receive is to find and connect with our inner child and the fact that we travel not alone in this world, but in the company of others. That there are hands that we can reach out for, and, hearts to keep us warm. The hands and hearts of the Dreamers that will meet each other in Morocco. The eternal connections we have built with each other in this world are nothing more that the interconnectedness of souls across multiple lifetimes. Our bond have weaved a collective tapestry of love, identity, and memories. The universe conspires to bring us what we truly desire, but only if we have the courage to pursue it.
To miss the Journey In Search of the Marvelous Lamp is nothing more than the story of the doors we never opened and the lives we didn’t live. Every life choice is like an opening of a door into the future but going through one door means choosing not to enter another. For those that will not follow our journey is to leave more unopened doors shimmer in our memories. Shimmering serving as a ghostly reminder of the lives we might have led. Memory is a powerful tool. It can be both hauntingly beautiful yet scary. “there is no romance in the adventures we didn’t partake.
We are here singing this tune to remind all who have the heart to listen that In Search of the Marvelous Lamp is a journey by which we all hope to reframe our relationship with each other and the ways we see ourselves opening windows to exciting more inclusive narratives. Eduardo is grateful for your friendship, support and optimism since the day you met. Trust him this one more time. Remember: Do not let your fears hold you back, for a timid heart can never experience true joy. Join us! “--
As the melody finished, Eduardo saw all the birds spread their wings and soar at the same time. They gather in a most beautiful murmuration. An hypnotizing site.
---“ Do not be surprised they are flying together. A murmuration is emblematic of unity. Remember we are stronger together. Cooperation is emblematic to success, the birds will sing the melody across the sky and in all corners of this world”---. Said the Voice.
Eduardo felt a sense of wonder. He had connected with nature and as he saw the birds fly he appreciated the vastness of the universe. He took a moment to clear his mind while standing looking up at the sky.
--- “Why are you looking at the sky? --- the Voice asked, and then, with a commanding tone said ---“Believe, and what was impossible becomes possible and, what at first was hidden, becomes visible. Go home, pack, and you, like the birds, fly back to Pam and Maria. There is much to be done.”---
------“I hear and obey”--- Eduardo responded.
Life is like a puzzle, and every piece has its purpose. Trust in the grand design of the universe, Eduardo ruminated, as he walked back home to do as he was instructed.
Chapter 8 - The Missing Children
Philadelphia, January 6th, 2025
Eduardo arrived home at Legacy Circle, the late evening darkness illuminated only by the faint glow of streetlights. It was bitterly cold, with snow falling gently around him. He was alone, having left Pam in the hospital after her knee replacement surgery that morning. Despite being with her after the operation and during the postoperative period, Eduardo had left the hospital feeling saddened, knowing she was in pain and not feeling well due to a bad reaction to anesthesia. Eduardo had spent 12 hours at the hospital, and the combination of worry and exhaustion had taken its toll. As he entered his cold and empty house, he felt a pang of loneliness. He needed to eat, having not done so all day, and so he heated up some soup and poured himself a glass of wine. While he ate, he emailed his children, updating them on their mother's condition and reassuring them that everything would be fine.It was Kings Day, but there would be no celebration, no gifts, and no traditional Kings Bread. Eduardo couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia as he thought back to his childhood Kings Day celebrations, filled with excitement and expectation. He remembered how special his parents made the occasion. This year, however, would be different. After finishing his meal, Eduardo took a hot shower and prepared for bed, feeling the weight of his exhaustion. As he lay down, he started to drift off to sleep, but Suddenly felt a presence in the room, in fact in his bed!
His mind was playing tricks on him, blurring the boundary between what’s real and what’s not. He loved how it felt to be held. The hands touching him were warm against his skin. A timid but powerful gesture of tenderness. The lights are low and his heartbeat is loud. Eduardo was enjoying and loving the feeling of being tucked in, snug and comforted. He didn’t open his eyes. It was as if his mother was tucking him into bed, ready to read him a bedtime story just as she used to when he was a child.
Suddenly, a soft voice whispered in his ear, ---"Eduardo, it is I, Princess Scheherazade"---Eduardo didn't open his eyes, but he knew he wasn't dreaming. Princess Scheherazade continued to speak, her voice soothing and calming. ---"It is I, though these are your mother's hands and her scent."--- Eduardo felt a sense of peace wash over him as Princess Scheherazade began to sing a soft melody, one that transported him to a place of love and togetherness. Eduardo thought he recognized the melody and lyrics although they were extracts of different songs he have heard. ---“Don’t let your heart be troubled; do not stay afraid. It is really I whom you seek; I offer you now my peace; I have waited for this moment to be with you again;In my heart you’ll remain in your heart I’ll stay.
I am here. I am ever with you!
Come stop your crying; It will be all right; Just hold my hand and hold it tight.
Cause you’ll be in my heart from this day on; now and forever more; you’ll be in my heart---“
—- “There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great!” — Eduardo said without opening his eyes. ---Thank you--- he whispered enjoying the ritual designed to transition him into dreamland.
As he listened to her sing, Eduardo felt his heart fill with a sense of wonder and joy. Princess Scheherazade's words echoed in his mind: ---"You and the Dreamers, as children, will be able to find the Marvelous Lamp. Help me as I'm searching for the missing children in you and the Dreamers."------ “Where does the innocence go?--- asked Eduardo. --- It seems the world has a way of beating and pushing it out of us. I have so often thought about how sad it is that the world imposes all these negative and heart-wrenching traits on us. It has taught us to be selfish and greedy; It’s constantly teaching us that there is no time to just ‘be’ and enjoy the moment. We are constantly on the run, on the go! Are we kind to strangers? Do we say hello to random people and random things? Are we easily excitable? Children have this amazing ability to just see the good, to say hello to everyone and everything, to sing randomly or to hear a song on the radio and break out in a spontaneous dance. When last did I do that? When last was I not self-conscious of what people around me might think of me? Where does the belief that our parents are our world and our superheroes go? What happened to Santa Claus, Aladdin and the Wise Kings? Why does growing up mean losing the joys of innocence and falling from trusting our loved ones?--- Eduardo questioned again.
--- Yes, often our innocence is stolen, and we cannot unlearn or unseen what we have, but that does not mean we cannot decide to have those childlike joys and happy emotions. We can start reclaiming our freedom from the negatives. We can start looking after ourselves, think about our thoughts and choose to change your mindsets and patterns. Yes, the negatives will come because we live in the world, but there is love, sometimes far closer than we think and know. Remember, too, that by you having a smile or by you saying hello- you can change someone’s day. You can be a little shining light of joy in the world. Childhood innocence is still yours if you look for it and live by it, even if we live in a difficult world ---. Said Princess Scheherazade, only to elaborate ---Your inner children and that of the Dreamers was stolen by the 40 thieves. During the Search of the Marvelous Lamp the Dreamers and you shall look and find your inner children and once you find it you will all will find your innocence, wonder, joy and creativity. It will be then that you will be able to find the Marvelous Lamp.--- ---Remember what Aladdin told you back in September: “As you all hear and obey, the Master wants you to prepare, though, when the time comes, to go In Search of the Marvelous Lamp with a lighter and younger heart. To find the Lamp you all need to be a child, in peace, and, ready to take responsibility of the power of our reflections in others. Feeling that way you shall all be ready to empty your hearts of “wishes and desires” so the Genie in the Lamp materialize in all and reminds you all Dreamers of your tremendous worth and potential as human beings.---Find your inner child is a condition to join the journey.--- --- They will be many called but few chosen October”.
---“ Eduardo, those were Aladdin’s words to you”.--- Princess Scheherazade said and then she continued:
---“The Master has seen already many of the Dreamers’ inner children in the streets of towns and cities in Morocco. They are lost and need to be found. The Master has sent a number of elves to Morocco to help him find them. The elves need their pictures, you haven’t sent the pictures of all of them as we requested. Please remind all the Dreamers that haven’t sent their pictures to you to do as it is most important to locate them in such vast territory.--- Princess Scheherazade firmly demanded.
---“I hear and obey”—said Eduardo as he made a mental note to ask all Dreamers again to please comply and send their pictures as asked.
Eduardo felt his eyes were heavy. He was drifting into sleep as Princess Scheherazade continued to tuck him into bed. Suddenly she started singing in a soft voice again:
---“ There can be miracles when you believe; though hope is rare it’s hard to kill;
who knows what miracles you can achieve;
when you believe somehow you will; you will, when you believe”---
Eduardo's thoughts were interrupted by Princess Scheherazade's gentle whisper, ---"Isn't it wonderful to be a child again?"--- He smiled, feeling a sense of peace and contentment washed over him. As he drifted off to sleep, he felt grateful for the presence of Princess Scheherazade and the sense of comfort she had brought him. He realized that childhood innocence was still within him, waiting to be rediscovered.In his last moments of consciousness, Eduardo asked Princess Scheherazade to go to the hospital and tuck Pam into bed, to which she replied, ---"Don't worry, I've been with her all evening. She is and will be fine. Now, boy, go to sleep."---With those reassuring words, Eduardo fell into a deep and peaceful sleep thinking that perhaps. if more people experienced the simple acts of magic through the kindness of familial love, if with kindness and service, humanity tucked each other in before we all fell to sleep. the world would be much better.
Chapter 9 - The Children's Home
Philadelphia, January 31st, 2025
Eduardo, not surprised at all, opened the window of his home office and jumped onto the carpet that had knocked on the window seconds before. The carpet's tassels invited him to board. He was leaving behind Pam, who was still recovering from knee replacement surgery earlier in the month, but somehow he knew she would be alright, and he would be back home in no time. Eduardo didn’t wonder where he was going. Somehow he knew likewise he was in route to Morocco again. Where? He didn’t know. Why was he summoned back again? That was the only question he had. --Salam Alaikum and Marhaba -- “Peace be upon you and welcome to Fez”—the now familiar deep Voice said. —- “There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great!” — Eduardo said mesmerized by the sight of Fes from kilometers up in the sky. Eduardo had read that Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world but nothing had prepared him for the site. The Atlas Mountains in the back framed the city which was surrounded by hills and the old medieval city was centered around the Fez River (Oued Fes) flowing from west to east. Eduardo couldn’t find words to express the sense of wonder he felt flying through the ancient streets, knowing that the walls of the city have stood for thousands of years and that it was actually one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Founded in the 9th century the city was welcoming him. Eduardo had the sense not only of having travelled far away but also of having traveled back in time. ---“The medina accurately looks like a throwback in time; exactly how I have picture a thousand year old city to be”--- Eduardo exclaimed. Although it appears to be early hours of the morning the streets were already chaotic. People rushed by in every direction and children played among the crowds. In an instant, the chaos from outside melted away as the carpet made several turns and dropped Eduardo at the gates of a structure. He approached the door and read a sign: "Centre Fiers & Forts". The gate opened, and a pleasant young gentleman came forward, greeting Eduardo, in French, and introducing himself as Pierre. ---" Bienvenue --- We have been waiting for you"---. He said. Eduardo, somehow, knew he was at the gates of an orphanage. He just knew it. He had visited many orphanages around the world and all of them had the same feeling from the moment you open the door. It was not only the same sound, but, the same smell and atmosphere, very similar to the many orphanages he and the Dreamers have visited in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe. As Eduardo walked through the doors of the orphanage a whirlwind of emotions enveloped him. He was greeted by a group of children with bright smiles on their faces. It was a heartwarming sight to see how they were happy and playful despite the hardships they had gone through. The children’s bright eyes filled with curiosity and yearning tugged at his heartstrings. Simultaneously a sense of vulnerability hung in the air; a reminder of the circumstances that had these children taking refuge in this home. The contrast between their innocence and the challenges they faced created a poignant mix of empathy, compassion and an overwhelming desire to make a positive impact in their lives. Eduardo couldn’t speak. His heart had the desire to touch the children, to embrace every one of them. He really didn't know how to help these children; he just knew he needed to do it. He suddenly was standing in a big room full of parentless children and Eduardo began to weep. He was able to feel God’s heart in that room. He could feel his love. ---"How many orphans are here?"--- Eduardo asked. ---"Only 47,"--- Pierre answered. ---"Unfortunately, we can't help anymore."--- ---"Are there many abandoned children in Morocco? In this area?"--- Eduardo asked. The reply was simple: ---"Sadly, yes. There are many"---. Pierre continued with an explanation: ---"This is a Children's Home, not an orphanage. We want to raise these children not with the identity of orphans but as Children of God. The children are divided into three categories in this home: those orphaned at birth, those abandoned and left on the streets, and the last group, which comprises those who ran away from home to escape abuse or those whose mothers are sex workers and can't take care of them but who still come and visit them from time to time." Eduardo then tried to speak to all three groups. Their stories were interesting; They did not blame anyone for their predicament but were grateful to be alive. They just wanted more out of life. A common thread was their determination. Observing the children’s daily routines, and interactions with caregivers unearthed a complex range of feelings. Laughter echoed in the hallways revealing their resilience and ability to find joy in simple moments. Yet, Eduardo knew that behind the smiles lay stories of loss and longing. The mixture of emotions Eduardo was experiencing during his visit prompted him to reflect deeply on the role of community support and the power of human connection in shaping others’ lives. The children that he was talking to, and, playing with, demonstrated strength and hope that defied their circumstances. Their stories of determination and dreams showcased the power of human potential in the face of adversity. Eduardo took a step back and look at the scene. He suddenly reflected and was reminded that every individual regardless of their background deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. As he was deep in reflection suddenly Pierre interrupted him. ---“I have an envelope for you. Just arrived this morning and I was asked to hand delivered it to you”--- Pierre said as he hand him a manila envelope addressed to him. Eduardo opened the envelope which contained a beautiful gallery of pictures of all Dreamers as children. ---“ These are the missing children, you want to find, Eduardo. You are in the right place to think of them”--- “ The children in this orphanage shall help you find them.”---the Voice said. Eduardo saw the gallery of pictures he hold in his hand and a smile was brought to his face, he then, saw the children in the playground who ignited a glimmer of hope within Eduardo, the hope that compassion and collective efforts can contribute to a brighter future for each and every child, one step at a time. ---“ Just as this children, you are here with are longing for love and affection, the Dreamers, in the photo gallery, you are holding in your hands, are likewise craving for love”--- The Voice said. ---“ Please, Eduardo, ask the Dreamers to look at the picture that they sent you and see it often. Have them familiarize again with that little child, they once were, and give him/her a big hug and ask them to let them know they are here for them and are now their protectors. Have them tell them they are now safe and no one nor anything can harm them. Ask them to tell them how much they are loved and reassure them that all shall be okay. Have the Dreamers make them feel important, loved, happy, and for sure, have them make them laugh”--- ---“ I hear and obey”--- Eduardo said. ---“ The time will come, next September when the Dreamers will be meeting these orphans.--- --- “When they do, they will be able to identify with them. They will be able to see themselves in the faces of these and other orphan children. The children will feel the love and affection offered to them by the Dreamers”--- --- “There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great!” — Eduardo said. It was time to leave. Eduardo walked to the gate. The doors opened and suddenly the whole team was there just waiting for him. Antonello, Sonia, Yuri and Bharat were smiling and urging him to hurry. Volubilis, the Fez Medina and Marrakesh were waiting for an inspection. There was much to do. Eduardo turned his head to the Children’s Home. His parting words to the children were from Christopher Robin, ---“You are better than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”---. He said with a smile.
Chapter 10 - The Prince
Fez, Morocco, February 3, 2025.
Eduardo returned to his hotel room, exhausted from the day's events. It was late. He and his team had worked tirelessly, visiting venues, checking logistics, and rehearsing the implementation of their program. The jet lag was wearing him down, and the visit to the orphanage had been overwhelming and he was emotionally drained
He couldn’t sleep. He knew he was to start working in a few hours again. They needed to complete the program and thereafter in the afternoon he was to fly back to NYC and work in the city for a couple of days before heading back to Pam and Philadelphia.
The news of the last two days have likewise weighed on him. He felt targeted. Mexican, married to and father of Canadians; recent Father in law of an FBI agent and the cherry on the cake came when Maria had called him to say that she was concerned as the NGO she works for in New York City was funded by the Federal Government. The perfect storm.
He decided to get out for a walk. It was fresh. A profusion of luminescent lamps illuminate the dark alleys of the souk. Down the alley a Pharmacist invites him to sit and smell test the natural remedies and musk stored in jars lining his shelves. As he keeps walking with no certain destination, he likewise, sees piles of traditional rugs, neatly stacked piles of roses, jasmine and orange blossom while next door he sees and actually smells cumin, black pepper, ginger and turmeric waiting to be sold in tomorrow’s morning daily frenzy and sensory Medina overload.
He pauses and starts looking the surroundings. He enjoys the Moroccan architecture tucked in the old city. From meticulously craved florals and Arabic script to peaceful alleyways and gardens.
He notices a white rabbit looking at him, then follows it to a dark alley where the rabbit entered a small, hidden door or a mysterious opening in the wall. He entered.
The first thing he had to do in the darkness of the night was to endeavor to find out where he was. He found himself to be on the terrace of a magnificent palace, surrounded with a balustrade of white marble breast high, and groping about, found a flight of stairs, which led down into the palace, the door of which was half open. None but Eduardo would have ventured to go down those stairs, dark as it was, and exposed to danger from friends or foes. But no consideration could stop him. 'I do not come,' said he to himself, 'to do anybody any harm, and certainly, whoever meets or sees me first, and finds that I have no arms in my hands, will not attempt anything against my life, before they hear what I have to say for myself.' After this reflection, he opened the door wider, without making any noise, and went softly down the stairs, that he might not wake anybody, and, when he came to a landing place on the staircase, he found the door open of a great hall, that had a light in it. He advanced a little into the room, and, by the light of a lantern, saw that the persons whom he heard snore were chamberlains, with naked spades laid by them, which was enough to inform him that this was the guard chamber of some noble person or king; which latter it proved to be.
So, Eduardo strengthening his heart and making up his mind, stalked through the vestibule, passing the sleeping guards, into the very middle of the palace, and found no other person in it. Yet it was furnished with silken stuffs gold-starred, and the hangings were let down over the doorways. In the midst was a spacious court off which sat four open saloons, each with its raised dais, saloon facing saloon. A canopy shaded the court, and in the center was a jetting fount with four figures of lions made of red gold, spouting from their mouths water as clear as pearls and diaphanous gems. Round about the palace birds were let loose, and over it stretched a net of golden wire, hindering them from flying off. In brief, there was everything but human beings. Eduardo marveled, yet felt sad at heart for that he saw no one to give him an account of what he was seeing. As he sat between the doors in deep thought, there came a voice of lament, as from a heart grief spent, and he heard a man voice chanting these verses:
"I concealed the pain I suffered at his hands, yet it became known,
And sleepless nights tormented me, as rest fled from my eyes.
Oh, world! Oh, Fate! Spare me your cruelty and harm,
Behold my wretched form, consumed by sorrow and fear.
Will you never show compassion to a noble youth,
Who lost his way and fell from wealth and fame to misery?
When Destiny strikes, human sight is blinded to its ways.
When worries and cares weigh heavily on a generous heart,
How can he escape his fate, and find a refuge from its pain?"
Now, when Eduardo heard the mournful voice he sprang to his feet and following the sound, found a curtain let down over a chamber door. He raised it and saw behind it a young man sitting upon a couch about a cubit above the ground, and he seems fair to the sight, a well-shaped person, with eloquent speech. His forehead was flower-white, his cheek rosy bright. He was a handsome guy.
Eduardo rejoiced and saluted him, but he remained sitting in his caftan of silken stuff embroiled with Egyptian gold and his crown studded with gems of sorts. But his face was sad with the traces of sorrow. He returned the salute in a most courteous way adding, ---"O my lord, thy dignity demanded my rising to thee, and my sole excuse is to crave thy pardon."---
Eduardo, startled, responded, --- "You are excused. I am no Lord, nor a dignitary. I am a simple curious stranger to your city wondering around your palace”.---
---Young man, look upon me as a guest that would like to learn of the secrets of this palace and your lonely presence in it. Likewise tell me the cause of your groaning and wailing. Is there any way I can help you?--- Eduardo asked
When the young man heard these words he wept uncontrollably till his chest was drenched with tears. --- "What is making you weep, young man?"--- asked Eduardo.
He answered, ---"How should I not weep, when this is my case!" Thereupon he put out his hand and raised the skirt of his garment, when lo! the lower half of him appeared stone down to his feet while from his navel to the hair of his head he was a man. Eduardo seeing this his plight, grieved deeply and, overcome with compassion, cried out:
------"Oh dear, dear me, I’m very sorry. I see and can understand your sorrow and desperation. I was minded to ask the mystery of this palace, whereas now I am concerned to learn your story. But there is no Majesty and there is no Might save in Allah, the Glorious, the Great! Lose no time, young man but tell me forthright the whole story. ---"Lend me thine ears, thy sight, and thine insight." "All are at your service!"---
---"Wondrous and marvelous is my case and if my story was to be engraved with needles at the corner of the eye others could learn from these events and could warn those that need to be warned"
---"How is that?" asked Eduardo, and the young man began to tell,
----“I was born a Prince. A happy kid and young man. A very much loved son by parents and grandparents. I was celebrated in everything I did. I used to rejoice in the adventure and visited distant lands. I saw and lived in great cities, little towns, villages, and hamlets always marveled and surprised by all sights. I used to enjoy, as free spirits do, little and big things in life; my liberty, my sense of adventure, my friendships. I was one of the most judicious Princes on earth and always set just value on all my deeds and I also foresaw to do whatever it took to gain admiration and be commended in all I did. For my part, I did everything possible to be master of my realm and render my name immortal in the world. I was then a Dreamer! Although born to wealth, for as long as I can remember, however, I had one goal in mind – to be rich. Not just comfortable or well-off but genuinely, breathtakingly wealthy. What I had was never enough. So, one day, I packed my bags and headed straight for New York City, London, Tokyo, Singapore and Shanghai, leaving behind my family, palace and the opulent, yet, simplicity of my youth. I was ready to take on the world of finance with a relentless determination to succeed.
The big cities were everything I imagined — fast-paced, cutthroat, and filled with opportunities to amass the fortune I envisioned. I was a small fish in an enormous pond, but I knew that with grit and tenacity, there was no limit to what I could achieve.
The journey wasn’t easy. Countless sleepless nights, numerous missed family gatherings, and strained friendships were all part of the price I was willing to pay for wealth. And pay it did — by the age of 30, I was a millionaire. A lonely one, though.
But then life threw me a curveball. I couldn’t Dream no more. I got sick of greed. Greed, the insatiable desire for wealth, power, and possessions. I couldn’t think of anything else. With it came a tremendous desire to protect what I already had accumulated. I became suspicious of my family, friends, communities and the governments where I lived. I developed an addiction to possessions and power. I was never contented nor satisfied; I always wanted more and only for myself. At the same time I became afraid. Fear for everything and everybody.
I developed likewise an obsession with news and occurrences in the world that I presumed somehow would limit or endanger what I had. I stopped travelling. No time for that. When I was to be richer I would do so. No time for romance or friendships. When I was to be really rich I would be able to cultivate love and friends. Material goods, money, and riches become my cult; nothing else.
Suddenly I was paralyzed. Had no interest in the world no more. I constantly saw conflict and threats. I had access to more information than ever before, but constantly scrolling through bad news about huge problems like war and conflict, mass shootings, hate-based violence, and climate change became a huge source of stress. I didn’t need to move. I could keep making money and most important I could build barriers around me so no one could take it away. Little by little I started to become petrified. My transformation started with my feet, which slowly petrified, becoming stone.
Suddenly I was alone. I pushed my parents and family away, my friends away. I lost my zest of life. I suddenly had no other companion than a screen where I would tally my gains and where I watched the daily news. Thinking about the sheer amount of awfulness around me was completely overwhelming—even paralyzing. The problems are far too big for any single person to solve them and hence every day my petrification continued. The world can be a pretty terrible place. From personal losses to national tragedies and global disasters and everything in between… It’s easy to feel depressed about the state of the world. I was not immune. I built a fortress around me becoming its prisoner.
My Father, in his ultimate demonstration of love before he died, sent me the guards that you saw sleeping in the other chamber to help me escape form greed’s grip. To no avail. They couldn’t free me.
My addiction and fear of the world was more powerful than their swords and words. Ultimately I condemned them to a sleep from which they’ll never wake up again.
Not too long ago, though, already in the petrified state that you are looking I am in, miraculously, by simply hearing some lost children sing from afar, I’ve realized that unbridled greed for wealth and possessions is a sickness that is the driving force behind wars and conflicts in the world. Unfortunately I can’t move, I can’t run. I am not free. I can’t see the light. I feel the world is oppressive. I fear to lose my money, my status, my life. Don’t want to ever be poor and unprotected. I can’t dream. I have no hope. I’m condemned to become a stone as I am depressed, paralyzed by the state of the world, its politics, its betrayals, the gloomy prospects of more wars and conflict. This is my fate and my future. There is nothing you can do” ----. The young Prince concluded.
---“ The information which your majesty gives me affords me a means of curing your illness” --- Eduardo said and then continued ---“. If your majesty would be pleased to entertain yourself with the most surprising sight that ever was seen I will show you and leave the rest to me. I promise to show you, in a few moments' time, an invitation for you to join me in a most incredible adventure, “ In Search of the Marvelous Lamp “ that if you were to accept shall free you from your sickness and addiction and liberate you from the petrified state you are now in”--- Eduardo said.
Eduardo then went to the screen in possession of the Prince and typed the webpage address. The invitation was there. The Prince with all calm browsed through it, not once but repeatedly many times, reading carefully and trying to understand its meaning.
---“It is an Invitation for you to Dream again”--- Eduardo explained.
---“In this chaotic world of ours where greed permeates every single aspect of our lives is precisely now the right time when we have to Dream, to Love, To Hope. This is the time we have to go to work. Not when everything is fine but especially when it is the time of dread. This is our job. This is what the world is calling us to do”---Eduardo said.
---“I feel foolish”--- said the Prince. After reading your invitation I can now see clearly that despite the crude realities of our world there is still Love, Dream and Hope in the gulags, in cells, in hospital beds, in extermination camps. There is still hope and love in the rubble of Gaza, of Ukraine, in the Rohingya refugee camps in Myanmar and Bangladesh, in the USA immigration detention facilities, and, …. And…. I think …….in my heart”.---
Eduardo continued ---“Don’t misunderstand, though. Dreamers don’t live without tension, struggle, or flaws. What we don’t have nor entertain is fear. We dream and touch the world not when the stage is set perfectly or because we don’t have shortcomings. We dream of great things in spite of them. Most possibly because of them.”---
---“The great Hope I have for this coming adventure and our search is that it will liberate you and others afflicted with sadness and fear, and will create a virtuous circle where, by witnessing tangible examples of love, kindness, understanding, and light, we might feel renewed fuel for our own worthy pursuits, and these will be replicated or contagious to others. These troubled times are precisely when dreamers need to work. To touch and love others. These are no times for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, and no room for fear. We dream, we speak, we communicate, we hope, and we love. This is how our world will heal. Therefore, young Prince, move your limbs, start packing, as you are to be coming with us in Search of the Marvelous Lamp.”---
Eduardo stopped talking. There was nothing more to be said. Now restored to his human form, the Prince followed Eduardo back to his hotel where they sat at the bar and ordered a beer. The Prince has become Eduardo’s friend and will be joining him in the Search of the Marvelous Lamp next September.
They parted ways pretty late into the night. Eduardo’s heart felt lighter. He was ready to go home.
Chapter 11 - The Missing Children II
You are the eyes and ears of our missing children.Your participation in our efforts to bring them home is crucial, and we cannot emphasize its importance enough.We encourage you to delve deep into your memories and help us locate these children. By exploring past recollections, you will reconnect with your inner child and aid in the search. Our Global Children's Center has compiled global resources for governments, law enforcement agencies, NGOs, and families to facilitate the location of these children.Despite concerted efforts, some children remain unfound.In such cases, it is essential for law enforcement agencies to have procedures in place for disseminating information and photographs of missing children at the local, regional, and national levels. . If you have seen any of these children or know their whereabouts, please contact Eduardo at eramos-gomez@duanemorris.com. If the child you are searching for is not featured in the gallery below, we urge you to provide their photograph as soon as possible. Our global resources will be deployed to aid in their location. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to helping us find our missing children.Chapter 12 - An Ebony Horse Ride
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 21st of March 2025
Eduardo had spent the entire day working, and now it was time to change and head out for dinner. Kuala Lumpur's restaurants were renowned for their excellence, and he was eager to indulge. As he entered the hotel, he stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for his floor. Just as the doors were about to close, a mysterious figure blocked them and slipped in behind him.The elevator didn't stop at Eduardo's floor; instead, it shot upward with unusual speed.---"Don't be alarmed,"--- the stranger said. ---"You will follow me to the rooftop, where an extraordinary sight awaits."---Eduardo recognized the Voice, and as he turned, he saw the man. He was not just old—he was ancient. Bent and bony, bigger than him; his flyaway white hair floated around his head like dandelions gone to seed. He had wrapped himself in a thick knitted black cloak that seemed to envelop himThe elevator doors opened, and Eduardo followed the old man through several corridors and up a flight of stairs. As they reached the rooftop, Eduardo was struck by the breathtaking view of Kuala Lumpur. The old man presented him with a magnificent life-size horse made of ebony wood, adorned with gold and jewels. The horse was saddled and bridled, fit for a king.---"What is the purpose of this wooden horse, and what is its virtue?"--- Eduardo asked while he was marveled with exceeding excitement and was confounded at the beauty of its form and the ingenuity of its fashion. The old man replied, ---"This horse has the power to carry its rider through the air, traversing the distance of a year in a single minute." ---Eduardo was amazed and exclaimed, ---"By Allah, the Omnipotent, this horse is a wonder and a rare invention!"---The Voice commanded, ---"Mount the horse and allow it to take you where you shall behold the earth."--- Eduardo replied, ---"I hear and obey. He is Allah—there is no God except Him: The King, the Most Holy, the All-Perfect, the Source of Serenity, the Watcher of all and The one who protects me”---.He then mounted the horse and struck its sides with the stirrup irons, but it didn't move. The old man showed him a pin on the horse's right side and said,---"Trill this"--- He trilled the pin, and the horse soared into the sky, carrying him higher and higher until they disappeared.The horse gave not over soaring with him till he drew near the sun and saw the curvature of the Earth. Eduardo feared for his life, repenting him of having mounted the horse and saying to himself:--- "Verily, this was irresponsible of me to have mounted a horse when I am not a horse rider, and I have been frightened of horses since I was a child. But there is no Majesty and there is no Might save in Allah, the Glorious, the Great! I am lost without recourse, but I wonder, did not he who made an ascent pin would also have made a descent pin?"---. Eduardo began to explore the horse's mechanisms. He discovered two pins, one on each shoulder, and realized that they controlled the horse's movement. He turned the right-hand pin, whereupon the horse flew heavenward with increased speed. So, he left it, and looking at the sinister shoulder and finding another pin, he wound it up and immediately the steed's upward motion slowed and ceased, and it stopped.Eduardo was in space. He was looking at planet earth from there. Eduardo marveled at the beauty of the planet. He saw the oceans, the continents, and the cities, all bathed in the soft light of dawn.The Earth looked tranquil. The blue ethereal vastness of the oceans harmoniously shared the space with verdant green land—an undercurrent of gentleness and solitude. Beautiful, filled with glowing communities, natural wonders, and striking illumination. The world was bustling with activity and life.
---“How glorious, O Lord”--- Eduardo sighed. ---"Such space and beauty that one can’t tear oneself away!---
Eduardo was seeing the Earth as a gleaming planet suspended in inky darkness, an oasis of life in the silent void, and it filled him with awe.
With tears falling down his cheeks, he described what he was witnessing, his tone hushed. ---“What you have given me is the most profound experience I can imagine,”--- “It’s extraordinary. Extraordinary. I hope I never recover from this.” ---"No one could be briefed well enough to be completely prepared for the astonishing view that I have”--- he exclaimed.
Suddenly Eduardo saw the sun light diminish against a backdrop of sky. He saw a circular piece of that sky appear, suddenly detached, blackened, and backlighted; from nowhere it came and overlapped the sun. It did not look like the moon. It was enormous and black. Eduardo thought of an eclipse. It looked like a lens cover, or the lid of a pot. It materialized out of thin air – black, and flat, and sliding, outlined in flame. Suddenly the earth vibrant and colorful before now lay under darkness and stillness following the closing of the lid. It was not the world he had seen minutes before. Eduardo was seeing planet earth swaddled in darkness; he was seeing a sprawl of black sky and blue sky together, with unfamiliar stars in it.
Our home planet in darkness revealed, to him, a different reality. Darkness is not void of illumination. It is the contrast, the area between light and dark. Darkness reminded him of his believe that darkness is where dreamers and learners of all ages peer into the universe and think of questions about themselves and their space in the cosmos. As Eduardo was seeing our planet in darkness, he noticed a dim light twinkling. Beyond that it gleamed another light, beyond that a third and, some paces away, a fourth, and a fifth, and then he noticed many more lights growing continually closer and brighter. Suddenly there were hundreds of lights glowing giving the dark earth a striking illumination.
The lights were motionless. There seemed to be something in common between them and the stillness of the darkness. It appeared some weighty secret was buried under the eclipse and only the lights knew of it.
As Eduardo was going into ecstasies over the lights, intoxicated by him experiencing a profound feeling of awe and interconnection to Earth and its people, the Voice spoke again, ---"Do you know what those lights are?"---
Eduardo saw hundreds of lights twinkling below; The Voice explained, ---"Those are the lights of your friends, the Dreamers. Each one of them has a spark of light within, a light that grows brighter with every act of kindness and compassion. Inside each one of the Dreamers there is a spark of light. It glows warm like a dancing firefly. Their little light flickers and feeds from the beautiful world. Every sunrise or hearing a bird sing or cuddling someone it grows brighter. The light started to light others.
They were born at just the right time. The time when the world needed the kind of light that their souls grow. They are a gift of light to the world. They grow their light by helping others showing everyone how to love and be loved. It is a sort of magic, but their magic does that. They were born for it; they were born to share their own glow with the people around them. They are the brilliance of our planet when it is in darkness. They are a compilation of stories for close to 90 years. They are a post-world war generation; Cold war, the landing of the moon, post-cold war era, rise of China, children. They’ve lived through all that and so much more. Amongst them they are warriors, refugees, immigrants, survivors of political coups and upheavals in their countries, economic calamities, and crisis. Some have experienced sicknesses and family tragedies. They are the Children of Light, born to share their radiance with the world. They have lived through wars, crises, and upheavals, yet their lights have never dimmed. They are the brilliance of our planet."---.
---"I know”--- Eduardo said and continued, ---"I could never thank God for the gift of their friendship. They enlighten my life. Us Dreamers, we are all connected. We are really all in this together. Our fate is bound up. We may have different nationalities or religions; we might even have different politics, but ultimately, we are connected. Totally connected by our shared humanity and our responsibility to care for the planet. We’re totally connected with life. For my part I can confess, to you, Voice, that I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the lights, in the Darkness that I saw engulfed our planet, minutes ago, make me Dream.”---
The Voice then invited Eduardo and the Dreamers to "Dream, Dare, and Do," and to embark on a new adventure in search of the Marvelous Lamp in Morocco. ---”I hear and obey”--- Eduardo answered.Eduardo turned the left-hand pin, this time, whereupon the horse began to descend, little by little, toward the face of the earth. His heart was filled with joy and gladness, and he thanked Almighty Allah for the extraordinary experience. He then began to turn the horse's head whithersoever he would, making it rise and fall at pleasure, till he had gotten complete mastery over its every movement. He ceased not to descend the whole of that evening, for that the steed's ascending flight had borne him afar from the earth, and as he descended, he diverted himself with viewing the various cities and countries over which he passed and which he saw the lights of the Dreamers shining brightly.
As Eduardo overflew the world, he felt a sense of collective identity, destiny, and shared responsibility with the Dreamers. There was much to do with them in a world that seemed lately more fractured and divided than it had been before.
Finally at sunrise Eduardo landed the horse in the roof top of the Hotel Building in Kuala Lumpur.
As he walked into the elevator he found a piece of paper. He picked up and read it aloud, not before smiling,
Dreamers,
Don’t make your light smaller because you might think is too bright for others.
That is impossible.
You can never be too bright.
