The eighth of these 26 short stories – 250 words or fewer -
about Alice’s life and times gives us H.
Alice longed to see Daniel in hospital but her mother told her
to wait until he was stronger.
Ruth came home from her daily visits drawn and pale. Alice’s
anxious inquiries brought monosyllabic replies which told her little. Her
parents maintained a cheerful attitude but she saw the strain in their faces
after their visits. Daniel’s recovery was protracted.
After a few weeks Ruth said Daniel wanted to see Alice. Alice
was excited, sure it was a good sign.
Entering the long ward she was struck by the number of young
men. Some lay in bed, motionless. Others propelled themselves in wheelchairs,
racing along the corridor, laughing and shouting to each other. Some wore
bandages across their eyes. Some chatted. Some moaned. Some were mute. Ruth had
tried to prepare her but Alice was shocked.
Daniel was sitting at the side of his bed. He greeted her with
a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. She tried to engage him in conversation but
he barely responded.
Ruth chewed her lip and twisted her wedding ring round her
finger. Alice understood her distress. Daniel had come home from the war but
his mind was elsewhere.
When the bell sounded for the end of visiting Daniel grabbed Ruth’s
hands. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said, ‘I’m so sorry.’
Ruth said, ‘It’s alright, love. Don’t worry. I’ll see you
tomorrow.’
Outside she sighed. ‘It’s always the same,’ she said. ‘ He needs
me but he can’t talk to me. It’s hopeless.’
So sad. :(
ReplyDeleteAnd to think of how many young couples must have gone through the same thing. Married..but still..at what price and how tragic that things would never be the same.
ReplyDeletePoor soul.
ReplyDeleteSo often the effects of war are more on the mind than the body. Well written scene!
ReplyDeleteSuch a sad scene. As Jemi says above, it's one thing for a person leave the battlefield, but quite another for the battlefield to leave the person.
ReplyDeleteI feel there is hope for Daniel - but it may take years to get over the shock of the war and what it has done to his life and his brothers. So sad.
ReplyDeleteInteresting way to develop a story line. It's very natural and I like the increasing knowledge of the characters. Sometimes backstory is the story...at least it is for me.
ReplyDeleteI hope Ruth will be able ti help Daniel!
ReplyDeleteVery close to truth for many war vets. You have a way with story telling that draws me in everytime.
ReplyDeleteOh, poor Ruth.
ReplyDeleteHi Janice .. such a sad tale - and I'm sure so true, particularly back then .. heart-rending - beautifully told .. cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteWhat a heartbreaking situation. I hope Daniel will recover. I'm thinking Alice might be the one to help him open up.
ReplyDelete