This is the sixth of 26 short stories – 250 words or fewer -
about Alice’s life and times.
F is for
Foreboding
There had been rumblings and rumours for months but most people
hoped and prayed that Chamberlain’s 1938 declaration of ‘peace for our time’
would hold true. As 1939 wore on and international peace looked ever more vulnerable
Alice’s father and brothers shook their heads and tried to remain optimistic. On
September 3rd they huddled round the wireless as Neville Chamberlain
announced ‘this country is at war with Germany.’
In the days that followed Alice heard her parents talking
about men being ‘called up’ and asked Daniel to explain. She looked thoughtful.
‘You and Dad and Charles and Edward?’ she asked.
‘Not Dad. He’s a policeman – he’s needed at home. Not Charles -
he’s still at university. Edward’s too young. I’ll be called up, but probably not
yet.’
Alice was reassured until a few weeks later when all three
brothers told their startled parents that they had enlisted, Charles in the Royal
Navy, Daniel and Edward in the Army. Daniel announced that he and Ruth were getting
married immediately.
The wedding was a bittersweet affair. Two young people
promising to remain together ‘till death do us part’ emphasised the fragility
of a world at war. Nonetheless, the newlyweds were sent on their honeymoon with
much laughter and good wishes. Alice was pleased that she now had a sister who
would be living in her house. In time,
she hoped, there would be babies.
All too soon, her brothers left for their training
establishments. The house felt shockingly empty and quiet.
What a well written bittersweet story. You ARE writing the book?
ReplyDeleteAwww I hope they get through it in one piece :'( I can't imagine the fear loved ones must've gone through back then, in fact I wrote about it on Armistice Day last year. Can't wait to read more of your work! :)
ReplyDeleteA very touching tale. Nicely done.
ReplyDeletenew follower,
mood
Moody Writing
I have an ominous chill down my spine.
ReplyDeleteOh no!
ReplyDelete(This is turning into quite a nice little series. I am hooked.)
This gives me chills. Though fiction, it has the ring of truth. You are writing a 'page turner' here.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine how that must feel to watch family leave for war. I hope I never have to know.
ReplyDeleteI love these stories. My mum was 9 years old when the war broke out and she often tells us stories about her childhood in the war.
ReplyDeletehttp://sallys-scribbles.blogspot.co.uk/
Oh, goodness the chills! The chills!! Someone get me a blanket. I want to wrap myself up in it for the next installment. What gorgeous writing!!! So happy to have found you. Can't wait for more!
ReplyDeleteI like your story! Your style is very nice, it flows and I can lose myself on the times of the story. Well done! I'll be back for more.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting on my blog.
From Diary of a Writer in Progress.
Can't wait for the next installment, though I have some catching up to do.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy this Easter weekend!
How sad. Very well done! Nice to meet you, new follower from A-Z.
ReplyDeleteCarolynBrown-Books
Excellently written.
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by my blog this week. Much appreciated.
Good luck with the challenge.
Yvonne.
Oh, no! I'm so sorry all three enlisted!
ReplyDeleteAll three brothers going off to war? Your title is most fitting for this part of the story.
ReplyDelete