Spiritual Eyes: LIfe Odyssey Series Volume I

Spiritual Eyes: Life Odyssey Series Volume I is the first installment of inspirational novellas exploring the spiritual core of the human condition.


Throughout our lives journey we come in contact with different people. And based on the way they look or their actions, it becomes easy to pass judgments. At times, the assumptions we make about others can be justified based on they way they have treated people. However, there are people who are genuinely hurting and are desperately seeking internal peace. Behind all the ugliness one may portray; there is always a reason why a person finds themselves in an unfortunate life circumstance. Everyone has a story. And at the appointed time, there comes a moment when it is appropriate to cease the opportunity, to stop and listen to someone’s personal story. This is the dynamic that takes place between Kai and Roman; the main characters in Spiritual Eyes.


Spiritual Eyes is a captivating tale about an accomplished ballerina living in the bustling metropolis of New York City. Kai suddenly finds her self in the face of adversity when she has a life altering encounter with a man whom she despises on the happiest day of her life. Kai Valentine's chance meeting with Roman, an infamous neighborhood gangster, forces her to implement the Biblical principal of “love thy neighbor” and challenges her faith and perception of the frail human condition. Will Kai Valentine’s life ever be the same after her unexpected encounter with Roman?


Excerpt From Spiritual Eyes Volume I

The air was thick and chilly with a bitter wind that slapped against Kai’s face. She scurried down the subway stairs, thankful to finally escape the cutting gust of winds.
The thick crowds of the underground disappeared, leaving the subway station distinctly desolate. An awkward silence clung to her in the depths of the chilly underground.
Kai could only hear the vibrant rhythm of her heeled boots beating against the cold pavement.
She finally spotted a lone commuter standing at the end of the platform, wearing a black beret and a smooth, velvet pea coat. Kai rushed to stand next to the chic passenger, but her efforts to join the woman were quickly intercepted when the Uptown train soared into the station, thrusting an icy breeze against her cheeks.
Kai slowly boarded the train and immediately felt uncomfortable. She was surrounded by vacant seat and longed to hear the comforting buzz of conversation.
Kai gently leaned her head against the window and began nodding in and out of sleep until she reached the 125th Street station. A cluster of people pushed their way through the subway doors. Kai began to feel at ease and relieved to see a small crowd of people board the train.
She slowly closed her eyes once again, when suddenly, a turbulent noise forced her sluggish eyelids to pop open. Kai immediately straightened her back and directed her gaze towards the jolting sound.
A tall and compelling man violently thrust his arm through the doors, forcing the subway doors to suddenly snatch open.
His dark leather coat draped freely over his statuesque frame, and a brown leather hat shaded his piercing eyes.
He broke the unspoken rule of the city and proceeded to make eye contact with Kai.
She immediately felt violated and strange. Kai quickly turned her head towards the window and stared intensely into the glass.
Without looking into his eyes, she continued to feel the man’s penetrating glare; his essence felt familiar as if she once knew him.
The train finally rolled into the 145th Street station. When Kai finally emerged from the underground, fierce winds greeted her once again, stinging her cheeks and ears.
She continued to walk along the slushy sidewalk until she reached the corner of Amsterdam Street.
Kai began to hear the sound of heavy footsteps following her, and she immediately began to pray.

“Dear God, please…please protect me…place Your hedge around me…You have always walked with me in this big city continue to walk with me now.”

“Miss!” The man shouted with a husky tone. Kai Valentine hastened her pace and continued to walk without turning around. Her walk suddenly turned into a slow jog.
“Miss…please…wait, I’m not going to hurt you!” The man’s sluggish steps became rapid, and she could clearly hear him running directly behind her. Kai’s heart began leaping within her chest; she struggled to breathe. As she continued running down the sidewalk, the icy air felt as if it were choking her with each step. The man wearing the leather coat and hat finally reached Kai.
“Excuse me, miss…I’m sorry…I’m not trying to hurt you… I promise…but don’t you know Roman?” Kai’s steps became frozen, and her heart continued to beat frantically. She felt excited to hear the mention of Roman’s name, yet scared to admit that she knew of Roman. This man was a stranger to Kai, and she knew that if she revealed anything about Roman to the wrong person, her carelessness could lead to severe consequences. Kai remained silent.
“He wants you to have this.” The cryptic man shoved a thin, sealed envelope in Kai’s hand and immediately slipped away into the darkness.

Copyright © May (2009) Camille Kleidysz

Spiritual Eyes: Life Odyssey Series Available on Amazon July 2009!