She held the letter to her lips for a moment, as though reluctant to let it go, wondering whether he would ever receive it. She wasn't even sure where he was at the moment; only that he was fighting for his country, somewhere across the channel, probably cold and afraid and missing her.
But he would be back soon; leave had been mentioned in his last letter, and then they hoped to marry. Childhood sweethearts, they had always meant to marry one day. Why, oh why, had they left it so long? But they'd thought they had time. They hadn't expected this war.
As she dropped the letter into the postbox and turned for home, her head full of thoughts of him and of her love for him, she wasn't to know that at that moment there was a boy on a bicycle making for her house. A boy holding a yellow telegram....
(With thanks to Tess at Magpie Tales for the photo)
oh my- those were hard times and unfortunately they still continue.
ReplyDeleteI am too young to remember these times.
ReplyDeleteIt still happens but since Thatcher the horror of war is a photo opportunity for the politicians. None of whom get elected to kill folk. But non or few can resist a snap outside a helicopter dressed in a Giant flak jacket. Fat wasters.
A tragedy repeated all too many times. Why do we always think we have more time?
ReplyDeleteSo sad... I had war in mind too... so many hopes are crushed at war...
ReplyDeleteWonderfully written and so sad...
ReplyDeleteThis prompt took my thoughts to wartime too... so, so sad.
ReplyDeletethere was so much hope in that moment
ReplyDeleteHeart breaking and beautiful
ReplyDeleteSo much said in a few words. Excellent!
ReplyDeleteJust the words I was about to use.
DeleteA fine example of 'show, don't tell' and tenderly written.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sadness…and so well-expressed.
ReplyDelete=)
a time of sadness especially in times of war when hearts are trying to hold on. I imagine it would be difficult.
ReplyDeleteForgive me if I don't acknowledge all your kind comments individually - I'm about to go away. But I really appreciate your taking the time to make them. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSo sad that the telegram is the only clue to when this is set - otherwise it could be almost any time in the past, present or future.
ReplyDeleteAnd here I was thinking she'd just forgotten to lick the envelope.
ReplyDelete