WE WON!

I Hear a bang on my door

I awaken in a stupor

Clutch my robe and open

T’s Christine, all excited, eyes wide, toothy smile

She can barely breathe

She  shrieks out that the War is over! America and its allies have won!

We hug, not knowing quite how to react

Though we are joyous

She says that the Germans lost and it is great news all over London and the world

We remain gripped for a minute or two

At once, I realize  t's 7’0’clock and I must  prepare to see the doctor at 8 0’clock

I hasten to clothe myself, comb my hair, have a cup of tea

And taxi to the hospital

Christine, in our exhilaration, assists me in my dressing

 

I am currently in the taxi, viewing crowds of people waving flags and seeming over joyed at the good news

I sense my heart flutter for joy and for the anxiety I feel

At my upcoming meeting with the doctor

What will he say to me? I am sure there shall be uncertainty in his voice

I shall try to remain calm and listen carefully to all options

More people are on the streets celebrating, smiling, hugging, most certainly feeling freedom

I am sure my darling soldier has no knowledge

Of this jubilant event

 

 

I spot the hospital in the distance and retrieve money to pay the driver. Once more, my hands tremble as I pay him

I look up to the sky as if I shall receive some emotional support from above

The weather is fine with a slight breeze, just swaying the leaves so gently

I wrap my shawl around me

The hospital is quite chilly inside

I pause before entering the main hall

As though I rehearse what I shall say

And what the doctor reports

A deep breath and I am willing to listen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

Our heroine's saga continues. Other reviews mention WW2, but my understanding is that the story takes placer during WW1, so this segment opens on November 11, 1918, when the armistice took effect and the guns fell silent. The young lady is elated by the news, but her concern resides mainly with her conference with her doctor that same day. The chapter concludes as she arrives at the hospital, hopeful but anxious.

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear John
you are 100% correct , it is WW1! thanks for your amazing support😊
Warmly, B

[Fabian G. Franklin]

What a fantastic write. My dad was a WWII vet. In my teen years studying history I realized just how much he'd been through. It gave me a new respect of the man though he never spoke of his service except around other veterans. I remember seeing that famous Time Magazine pic of a sailor kissing a random woman in the street. They were clearly glad to be home.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much Fabian; this is an episode among many I have put up at the Cafe...a sequel to my original book "At Bridge's End" at all online booksellers ...A love story with backdrop of WW1;
much appreciated review!
Warmly, B

[Lorry]

I remember my parents, who were evacuated to a farm in Ireland at the time telling me that when they heard the news they just could not believe it and it would be many more months before they did when they returned to the bombed out devastation.
As it is now it was back then, with everyone wondering that with rationing still in place years after the war, where the heck did all those flags come from!
Only children and crooks thought the war a great adventure, with kids having the excuse of being children at the time, but crooks were disheartened because with so many people returning home, they wouldn't get away with so much of their thievery and they'd have more than just a guy that was unfit for the army to put up with.
My wee mammy certainly had the rose tinted special of war on. She'd often say there wasn't any crime, by which she meant it wasn't reported as much, but it still sounds strange to my ears that these days could have been the happiest of anyone's life. Although it did level the playing field in that no one knew how poor they were ad kids, so they didn't feel any stigma to going without.
Ps...My Mum didn't believe bananas existed and thought they were just propaganda nonsense, until she saw one well into her twenties!
😃

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank Lorry..war does different things to different people...especially those directly affected by it
Warmly, B

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh, Betty, I could picture every single scenario of this well written story. The war is over, but she still has a battle to fight. She has mixed emotions and is ready for the worst though she hopes for the best. So many honest emotions fly through this. Wonderful. Lydi**

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much Lydia, a fine review! This is part of a series that will become a book, the second in a sequel, the first one “At Bridge’s End” on Amazon, .. same protagonist!😊
Warmly
B

[DIVYA]

Dear Betty,
I have always loved this story and I remember the beloved soldier had been incapacitated after being severely wounded. I also remember that the affair on the ship had turned out to be naught. She had been left all alone to fend for herself. This chapter describes her apprehensions beautifully and also the feelings after the end of the World War. I hope that the doctor bears only good news. It will be wonderful to read more of the story soon.

[Betty Hermelee]

Dearest Divya
Thank you for a thoughtful review and glad you are enjoying this episode...this is the sequel to my published book "At Bridge's End".....I would love it if you could purchase it on Amazon or other booksellers and review it for me... I actually got some money out of it!!! I value your opinion so much!!
Warmly, B xo

[Soren]

Betty I love the font that you have chosen for this write it seems so letter or diary like in handwritten form. Another great entry of an ongoing story that seems quite real. Well done

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Soren, much appreciated...
Warmly, B

[W. Barrett Munn]

This is good writing. We are placed with the protagonist and experience what she does as the diction clips along at an equally excited pace.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Winston, a lovely review!
check a message from me...

[Michael Sun Bear]

Good evening Betty,
I am fascinated by your rich inner life relating to WWII, and the writing that emerges. How did all this come about, what has been your inspiration?

[Betty Hermelee]

Hi Michael: this is all fiction...every episode!!! Jut comes out of my pea brain!! Glad you are enjoying it!
and many thanks!
Warmly, B

[jacob erin-cilberto]

At last you can tell your soldier the war is over. If only it was forever...but no, it is only over until the next country gets too big for its britches and decides to conquer.
No one wins in war...we celebrate when it is over, but never learn not to repeat history.
A moving poem but one that makes us think how shallow the celebrations become when it only means a timeout between wars.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes indeed J....but keep reading because the War in this episode is only a backdrop for what is to happen to soldier and protagonist...not telling!!! Thank you always for your review!
Warmly, B