IAIN KELLY

THE WAY ACROSS THE WATER

They called it a victory.

It didn’t feel like a victory to him. He had seen to much to call it a victory.

The bombed-out buildings; the fighting; the gunshots; the gas; the bombs; the dead bodies; the dead soldiers, theirs and his own comrades; the bloodshed; the injured; the children crying in the streets; the fires burning everything in their path.

The nightmare went on inside his head. It would never stop. His only hope was that it wouldn’t happen again, but they said that the last time.

And now he was going home, back across the water. He pictured the house waiting for him. His mother and father at the door. The causeway leading to their small island that was only passable at low tide.

He liked the idea of being cut off from the world forever. After what he had seen, he wasn’t sure he ever wanted to go beyond the small, safe borders of the place he called home.

That would be his victory, to isolate himself and try to forget.

He would never be able to forgive.

And they called it a victory.


causeway
Copyright Sue Vincent

This is a response to the #writephoto Prompt: Causeway curated over at Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo. Click on the link to read other stories inspired by the image.

The 75th Anniversary of V.E. Day is upon us. Some will celebrate, some will reflect, some will find glory in it, some will mourn.


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24 responses to “THE WAY ACROSS THE WATER”

  1. James McEwan Avatar

    A reminder of VE Day tomorrow and the true fact; there are no victors in war – only survivors.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks James

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Liz Gauffreau Avatar

      Well said, James.

      Liked by 2 people

  2. Sue Vincent Avatar

    I imagine many must have felt that way… and some scars never heal.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I wonder who the ‘celebrations’ were really for.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sue Vincent Avatar

        Just relief, I imagine.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Liz Gauffreau Avatar

        Good point, Iain.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Shweta Suresh Avatar

    A very touching take on the prompt, Iain. War leaves much more than just physical wounds.

    Liked by 2 people

  4. notestowomen Avatar

    Wars end but the memories live on in those who have fought and lived through them. Very grim, touching and real take on the prompt.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Liz Gauffreau Avatar

      My sentiments exactly.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. willowdot21 Avatar

    Beautiful Iain, very apt for today too ,💜💜

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Regine Karpel Avatar
    Regine Karpel

    Stunning.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much

      Like

  7. Woman walking Max Avatar

    Sensitively described feelings of the conflict battered soldier yearning for peace and solitude. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Shilpa Nairy Avatar

    Touching.. some scar make us leave everything and stay isolated.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Shilpa

      Like

  9. joyroses13 Avatar

    Powerful once again, especially the ending! Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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