BEFORE

before reality sets in..

BEFORE

 

I vacate the doctor’s office with a deep breath

And remain motionless for about a minute

To draw in all that the doctor discloses

In that moment my mood feels heavy

My mind cluttered

Before I visit my soldier, I shall take

A cup of tea  in the  outside garden

Attached to the hospital

 

T’s divine out here

Green plants and roses

Small tables with white table cloths

Colorful butterflies surround bushes

Sunshine is warm and inspiring

Perhaps that will ease the tension before

I visit him

My favorite tea is chamomile , soothing and hot

Seems to calm my jittery mind

 

At once, I am walking to the hospital rooms

I pass a nurse in the hallway and kindly inquire

The number of my soldier’s room

A few steps and I am here

I knock

And open the door

I see a man half sitting in bed

He notices me and invites me in

I am thrilled

 

I walk softly to his bed

My first real perception is a man who appears exactly

How I remember him

Handsome face, scrubby beard

Transparent blue eyes

Yet very thin and pale

He is cloaked with a hospital robe

I cannot see below his waist

He smiles at me; I smile as well and greet him by name

Henry

He replies and asks how I know his name

My heart  plummets

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

An episode from my next book! Thank you for reading!

Reviews

[Ayesha Faiz]

This felt so real, like I was right there with you taking that deep breath, sitting in the garden, trying to stay calm. The quiet details made everything come alive the butterflies, the tea, the white tablecloths. And then that moment in the hospital room… it’s gentle but heartbreaking. The way it ends, with him not remembering how you knew his name gives like the fairytale vibes, just a little. Simple, honest, and full of emotion. Loved it! Thanks for sharing!

[Betty Hermelee]

thank you so much for your outstanding review and how personal it was for you…appreciated🌷🌷🌷
Warmly, B😊

[Ayesha Faiz]

My pleasure!
:)

[Chris Shaw]

That ending dear Betty holds the reader in its grip. She isn’t recognized, the tragedy of warfare plays out here. What does the future promise? Great read. Happy weekend Betty.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

So glad you enjoyed it Chris, You are one one of my
"guinea pigs" so to speak, because I value your opinion so much!
Warmly, B

[Neville]

By Jove, this has got the lot and then some Betty .. bloomin brilliant ma'am .. I love your ink .. Neville

[Betty Hermelee]

What a “wow” review Neville! Thank you kindly for this… hope you are well🌷🌷
Warmly
B😊

[Neville]

my absolute pleasure .. not well but getting there Betty, I've resigned myself and subscribed to the long haul .. both warmly and truly .. Neville

[Betty Hermelee]

Good for you!!!
Warmly, B

[emmajoygreen]

There's a sense of excitement and yet another of apprehension in your well defined new chapter, Betty. Even now as before, your phrasing matches the time, plus your descriptions fit the bill with style and touches of which, according to both your main character's previous and now new mood is riding the theme as if everything's set for a happy conclusion to what's happened before now. However, her darling's reaction to her appearance is suddenly a shock-horror situation for her. Tis a shock horror situation, what's about to happen! It's sit up straight, breathe easily; think and prepare a moment or few. Your ability to carry your readers along is first class.

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Em... a great and articulate review, many thanks for all of your support!
Happy days and smiles!
Warmly, B

[Coyote Poetry]

The pain of war. The soldiers must learn to live and some soldiers. Mines destroyed by the blast of weapons. Your poetry so sad and so real. Dear Betty. It is sad. After 5000 years of war. Wars are never-ending. Thank you dear friend for sharing the amazing and worthwhile poetry.
Coyote

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you dear john
yes the pain of war indeed change their lives….
wonderful review…
Warmly, B🌷

[John the Baptist]

Our heroine receives an emotional jolt in this installment. She is visiting the hospital where her wounded soldier is recuperating. She has consulted with the young man's doctor, who has apprised her of his condition. She is in a somber mood as she walks toward his room, but nothing has prepared her for what she encounters there. Much about him is as she recalls, but when she speaks his name, he asks her how she knows it. In that moment she becomes aware of the the full gravity of his injuries.

[Betty Hermelee]

thank you John, my friend you really nailed this one… a great review and i thank you very much!read morethank you John, my friend you really nailed this one… a great review and i thank you very much!
Warmly, B😊🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

[Sami Khalil]

I like the details for they are juicy.; I can't help but enjoy every bit and parcel. You know how to draw the reader in, grab their attention, pique their interest.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you very much Sami for an excellent review, much appreciated! More to come....
Warmly, B

[Sami Khalil]

Wow!
You are welcome.

[MCS]

Wonderfully written, you have me feeling like Oliver Twist; can I have some more please...

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes you can have some more…. But you should read the first novel to get the whole picture .. this one is a work in progress
First : “At Bridges End” online
Thank you for a fantastic review, so appreciated!👍😊🌷
Warmly
B

[DIVYA]

Dear Betty,

How beautifully you takes us through the beautiful morning, the lovely setting of the outside garden, the air of expectation. Her soldeir is waiting for her. Her heart beats quicken, her hopes peaks when she sees his familiar handsome face and his blue eyes that she loved. That she cannot see below his waist does not seem to trouble her much for she calls out his name and he smiles and greets her back. But then he asks her how she knows his name! How here heart plummets and this reader's too, along with hers. All the shock comes through. He is now no more than a stranger. One of the most heartbreaking situations one can ever be in.

A beautifully written chapter and I look forward to reading the next soon.

[Betty Hermelee]

Dearest Divya! you are the best!!! I'm so happy you engaged so much with this chapter...maybe a bit dramatic, but your comments are prized!!!
Warmly, B

[DIVYA]

I loved this novel from the very first chapter and I look forward to the next chapter every time! Keep going dear Betty! You're most welcome!