The soldiers came on a sunny day with red leaves falling on the grass outside. The soldiers asked for Mrs. Samuel Baylus and mother turned to us, her smile like a mask, and told us to go play outside.
I wanted to stay. “I hope your husband is dead,” I thought in angry not-words. “I hope the soldiers make you cry,” I thought. Then I went outside with Norman, sat down in the tree house, and cried because I knew that daddy would never come home.
Wow. I think you captured beautifully the dual emotions of the child, the anger in the grief. Nice piece.
Thanks, I was trying for that.
This is not only touching, it’s a wonderfully original use of the prompt word. Well done.
Thank you!
I like the child’s mix of emotions. Felt real.
Thanks, Janna. It is a true story, and I grew up listening to my mom retell it.
Terrific child’s voice. Great piece.
A poignant piece of writing. Just be careful: Trifecta requires the third definition to be used (unless otherwise noted) and it looks like you maybe used the second definition?
Wow. Sad and real.
I thought the not-word worked really well here…
This touches the heart in that sore place. Well done.
Thank you for linking up.