Sylvia waited, foot tapping against the deck, crumpled telegram scorching her palm.
Noises filled the RMS Mauritania—crying infants, heartbreaking gossip, excited chatter. War brides leaving countries of origin, cramped quarters, turbulent Atlantic waters for Canada. For the unknown cost of hasty war-forged unions.
An announcement disturbed her son. Sylvia nuzzled him, words in the telegram searing her mind. Sent by an unfamiliar mother-in-law—not husband.
“Will meet you STOP don’t know where he is STOP.”
Sylvia is guided from Pier 21 to the stranger awaiting. The woman beamed, arms extended. Tears slip, and shakily Sylvia stepped forward.
About the Creator
Jennifer Mckinney
Writer, editor, coach
Insatiably curious human who enjoys going down a good rabbit hole
Loves all things dark fiction
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More stories from Jennifer Mckinney and writers in Fiction and other communities.
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Comments (3)
Wow Jenna. Sorry it’s taken me a while to get back to after you read ‘17 years.’ It’s the weekend here in Brisbane and I wish I could dedicate it to reading. Loving the entries for this challenge. This resonates with me for very personal reasons. I have relatives that were in WW1 and 2. Well done. Historical Microfiction. Emotion filled. Leaving the reader questioning. Hungry for details. Pauline 🌸
Very nicely done.
A very interesting read! I love the fact that you left a lot to the imagination with your ending.