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.
