Three Dashes from the Left chronicles a year and a half in a young man’s life. Tyler Lewis is a 23-year-old columnist at a major Boston newspaper, as well as, an anonymous author of stories found in underground publications. After the third installment of a series on the selling of babies in the black market is published, the true author is uncovered and Tyler is abruptly fired by the newspaper.

Amid the controversy, Tyler’s widowed mother is suddenly killed in a car accident. In the settling of her will, Tyler discovers that his mother still owned the childhood home in which he was raised. The same one he and his mother left thirteen years ago after the death of Tyler’s father.

With his life in turmoil, Tyler decides to get away from the city and controversy and return to his hometown in rural central Massachusetts. Upon immediate arrival, he chances upon the love of his life—a raven-haired local beauty named Tera Nichols—in an encounter that was perhaps scripted in each of their futures. For this meeting signals a true instance of the phenomena of love at first sight, as well as, the conclusion of a fruitful search for a soul mate. This initial encounter marks the beginning of an intense relationship defined by internal and external discovery, physical and intellectual passion, and unnerving and brutal honesty. For the truth will be the ultimate test for Tyler and Tera. A truth Tera cannot face, a lie she cannot but prolong.

As part of the hidden truth, Tyler will suffer attacks by unknown assailants over the course of his stay. Attacks that serve as indications and warnings of what is at stake in his relationship with Tera. But Tyler will battle through the trauma and subsequent blackouts. He will face the confrontations with those who would protect him from the truth and he will discover for the first time in his life what truly matters to him.

Through the relationship, Tyler will reacquaint himself with his past, reunite with some old friends and meet Tera’s family. He will experience firsthand an almost new existence and reality with what is essentially the most foreign of ties. He will learn the history and realize the consequence of other beliefs and practices. And he will learn not only of what Tera’s family is, but also of his part in it. Gradually, but surely, the family’s bond will be revealed.

Throughout all the hardships and benefits of their relationship, Tyler and Tera will catch a glimpse of what brought them together. Of how things have fallen into place in order for their union to be realized. The joining of this unlikely pair brings both conflict and fulfillment to each of their lives. It is a time for growth and discovery, as they unearth together and teach each other what life is. They will learn the power of control, fate and love.

Three Dashes from the Left delves into the intricacies and complexities of human relationships, discloses the actions of those that become strained under severe circumstances, examines what love means to two young adults, and peeks into the life of a young man who’s realized his fantasy only to fight for a dream hidden in a nightmare.

Last updated: 08-Feb-2005