N starts the second half the alphabet and brings the fourteenth
of 26 short stories - 250 words or fewer - about Alice’s life and times.
Norman considered himself fortunate to have married Alice. She
was different to other girls he had known, intelligent and more mature, and he
enjoyed their conversations about books. He had met her in the library where
she worked.
Norman was an only child and his parents were delighted to
welcome Alice into their family. She felt at home with them instantly. They
never referred to the war. ‘The past is the past,’ they said. ‘We look forward
to the future.’ Alice contrasted this attitude with her mother’s. Ivy couldn’t forget.
Norman had liked Alice’s parents immediately but had been disturbed
by her brother. Daniel was like many soldiers he had met, more damaged mentally
than physically though there was no denying that losing both legs was hard for
anyone to adjust to.
He had spent two years in the army at the end of the war and was
lucky to have escaped injury. He had seen others killed and maimed and thought
his life was a tremendous gift. He determined not to dwell on the past but make
his future the best it could be. He tried to strike up a friendship with Daniel,
discussing topics he might be interested in, but Daniel could only talk about how
the war had blighted his life. After a while Norman abandoned any hope of
having a meaningful relationship with him. Alice was grateful to him for trying
but understood that it was impossible. Daniel was essentially lost to them all.
Norman seems like a solid guy. Good for Alice. And it's too bad Daniel didn't get some help.
ReplyDeleteAww, Norman sounds lovely! Nice of him to make an effort with Daniel, even if it didn't work out.
ReplyDeleteStill holding out hope somehow that something will get through to Daniel.
ReplyDeleteAlice really seems to have found herself a prize of a man! I too hope something or someone gets through to Daniel.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little confused. I popped by courtesy of the A to Z Challenge, but I'm floundering a little bit. Who are these people? Are they real, or fictional? You might want to include a little bit of an explanation at the top of your posts (or the blog maybe?) for people like me who are coming in blind LOL
ReplyDeleteOr, maybe you do have an explanation and I've missed it somehow. It wouldn't be the first time that had happened :)
~ Rhonda Parrish
The story continues to grip.
ReplyDeleteI am very impressed with Norman, he sounds like a fine young man. It was nice of him to try to connect with Daniel.
ReplyDeleteI am feeling so sorry for Daniel...after all those years. But I know this truly happens to many me who've been to war.
ReplyDeleteHi Janice .. sad for Daniel, let alone his family and their friends ..
ReplyDeleteGlad Norman tried to connect .. cheers Hilary