M marks the middle of the alphabet and the thirteenth episode
in 26 short stories of 250 words or fewer about Alice’s life and times.
Alice and Norman were married on a cool August day in 1956. Ruth
didn’t attend. She told Ivy Daniel wasn’t well and she must look after him.
Alice was sad but not surprised.
John swelled with pride as he walked his daughter down the
aisle and Ivy dabbed at her eyes and hoped there would be some grandchildren
soon.
After the reception the newly-weds left for a hill-walking honeymoon
in Wales. Ivy and John returned to their empty house, exhausted after a long
day.
‘I hope they’ll be happy,’ said Ivy.
‘I’m sure they will be,’ said John. ‘They’re a lovely couple.’
‘We’ve been happy, haven’t we?’ said Ivy, ‘Despite everything?’
John squeezed her hand. ‘Of course we have,’ he said. ‘I
couldn’t have asked for a better wife or a happier life.’
‘The boys?’ said Ivy.
John considered his answer carefully. ‘I wish they were with
us as much as you do, but they’re not and we have to carry on, like so many
others.’
Ivy nodded, her eyes shining with unshed tears. ‘I still hope
. . . ‘
‘I know but it’s been too long. If, by some miracle Edward had
survived, he would have found his way home by now.’
They sat in silence, holding hands, lost in thought. A knock
at the door made them jump. Ivy’s hand flew to her mouth as John went to open
it. Ruth had come to ask about the wedding. She sounded genuinely sorry she hadn’t
gone.
So much info condensed into such a short space - and all with the ring of authenticity. Impressive.
ReplyDeleteI am genuinely enjoying every snippet of this story, even though it is tinged with sadness.
ReplyDeleteJust beaming in Scotty! What's the challenge? Very enjoyable I must say!
ReplyDeleteYour story is intriguing and you had me with the knock at the door. Good stuff.
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine that if your heart has never given up hope every ring of the doorbell or the phone would send your heart into flutters. Somehow, I too am holding out hope. I wonder why?
ReplyDeleteI think Edward will return on the "R" day. This segment definitely seems to foreshadow his return. This family needs some good news.
ReplyDeleteWow, sad and sweet and little creepy too. Well done! I'm over from A to Z so pop on by if you like! (Catherine Stine's Idea City).
ReplyDeleteI've now caught up with all the posts in the Challenge since I last visited. It reads more and more as if you know the people involved, or, at least, know of them.
ReplyDeleteIt reads very well and totally genuine.
my mum and dad honeymooned walking the Welsh Hills in October and it snowed:( hope your two have better weather - thanks for dropping by - the story is shaping up really well
ReplyDeleteIt would be difficult to have hope and happiness in your heart after such tragedies. Having a good marriage would make a bid difference though.
ReplyDeleteNice post! I like your story, though a bit sad, you really had my attention. I'll come back to see what else you have to mesmerize me.
ReplyDeleteFrom Diary of a Writer in Progress
Hi Janice .. poor Ruth - she's the one that's suffering so badly .. your story line is so good .. cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteWell, now, that is a new one on me... walking the hills for a honeymoon... Poor Ruth, only herself to blame though. Usually the way it is, someone decides not to attend an occasion and winds up making others feel bad. Best regards to you. Ruby
ReplyDeleteNow that's my idea of a perfect honeymoon, exploring nature and getting to know each other.
ReplyDeletePoor Ruth, I hope things improve for her and Daniel.
You seem to understand your characters very well. I like that.
ReplyDelete