She
sighed as the new dawn light filtered through the linen drapes of her
bedroom window.
Another
day.
Scrunching
the pillow between her fists, she gave it one punch, then rolled over
with an audible groan, running her left hand over the empty space
beside her.
“Good
morning,” she whispered, to no one in particular. With a final
sigh heavenward, she tossed back the blissful warmth of blankets and
rose to dress.
Another
day, another round of endless laundry, another set of lonely meals.
At least she had the Valentine's Tea Party to look forward to in a
couple days. The church ladies were working so hard to pull it off.
She
splashed cold water on her face, then fumbled for a towel.
But
she wasn't going to mope around until then. No, sir. This war had
caused enough of that.
Once
finished with the toiletries, she went through the motions of
dressing and routine chores. With the bed neatly made, her hair
coiled and pinned, and her favorite green dress donned, she made her
way to the tiny kitchen.
While
water boiled for her morning tea, she flipped on the radio and
grabbed the duster, giving her cozy home a quick once-over. That
done, she swept the kitchen and living room to the sound of Glenn
Miller's “In the Mood.”
While
brass and percussion played in the background, she sat down at last
to a mug of hot tea and a steaming bowl of oatmeal. Mumbling a brief
prayer of thanks, she ate quietly and turned the frail pages of her
worn Bible to the Gospel of John.
“Verily,
verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world
shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be
turned into joy,” read chapter 16, verse 20.
Sorrow
to joy.
She
pondered the subtle promise as her ears caught a phrase from the
radio: “. . . meeting at Yalta has concluded. After an eight day
conference, the Big Three depart with plans for the final defeat and
occupation of Nazi Germany. . .”
Her
eyes widened. Could this be so? Would the war finally end? Were
the rumors true?
She
couldn't help it. Her mouth twitched into a smile and she met the
shining face of her best friend smiling back through the small, glass
frame.
“Are
you coming home? Are you coming soon, Jack?” Those laughing eyes
never ceased their laughing, but they didn't grant her a reply
either.
Lord,
keep him safe. Bring him home.
She
didn't realize she was twisting the delicate, gold band around and
around her ring finger until a muffled voice broke her reverie.
“Mail
call!”
Her
hand froze and she blushed.
But
he wasn't there to see. Her little habit had always made him laugh.
A
smile lit her features as she glanced out the window, watching the
mailboy's receding back as he pedaled away for more deliveries.
Her
brow furrowed. Billy was earlier than usual.
She
shrugged and sipped her tea, then scrunched up her nose at the cold
liquid. Smothering a sigh, she put her bowl in the sink and made for
the front door, thinking to sweep off the porch before grabbing the day's
mail.
But
something made her walk past the broom as she pulled on her coat
and stepped into the chilly late-Winter air.
The
mailbox sat forlornly among a bouquet of withered bushes. They
always looked ghastly during the cold months, but come Spring and
Summer, they never failed to bloom beautifully. Just seeing those
bushes, she found herself wishing for warmer weather, picnics, and
long walks as she sifted through the meager collection of envelopes.
One
caught her eye. Containing only one word above the listed address,
there was no mistaking the distinct loop of the L.
She
turned heel and ran to her kitchen, nearly stepping on the cat in her
haste, who had seemed to materialize on the rug. She made it to the
table, forced herself to take a deep breath and sit before opening
the seal. With smiling face and shaking hands, she pulled out a
letter.
And
couldn't stop the tears. . .
“Oh,
Jack.”
A
hand muffled her happy laughs, but couldn't stop the shine of her
broad smile.
“Happy
Valentine's Day.”
END.
--------------------------------------------------
Thanks for reading, dearies. :] Hope you have a lovely weekend!
Aw, that was sweet. <3 Good job, dearie!
ReplyDeleteLovely, lovely, lovely story, Sari!!! <3 It's very short but you manage to express so much in it! So sweet and gently bright. Really well realized. I love it!!! d(^_^)b The characters, the pacing, the imagery are all so perfect. Thank-you so much for sharing it with us! <3
ReplyDeleteYour writing is beautiful. ^_^
Thank you, Michelle! You are such a dear :]
ReplyDeleteAnd oh, dear Risa! You make me blush #^-^# Thank you!! <3
I really, really loved this! Short and sweet, but you captured Lillian's feelings so well!
ReplyDeleteLovely blog, by the way!
Ally @ The Scribbling Sprite
Very sweet. Enjoyed this. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh my, this was too precious! It put a huge smile on my face. The writing was so clear and captured the setting beautifully. Loved it!!!
ReplyDeleteI thank you, Ally! So glad you dropped by! :] You are too sweet. Thanks for the follow!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my, and thank you, Mrs Williamson!! :D
And Lauri! So happy to hear how you all loved this. It makes my day even lovelier! Thank you! <3