Come Home Soon by Emily Sharratt

bed for weeks but here she was, having cooked a proper supper, looking rested and calm .
    Feeling her daughter’s gaze upon her, Josephine swallowed a dainty mouthful, patted her mouth delicately with her napkin and raised her eyebrows. “What is it, Ellie?”
    â€œNothing, Mother. This is very nice, thank you.”
    Josephine gave a small nod.
    â€œHow was your day?” Ellie ventured.
    â€œIt was fine, thank you.” Her mother paused, cutting a small chunk of fish into even smaller pieces. “We’ve had a letter from Father.”
    Ellie’s inhalation was so sharp it carried a morsel of fish with it, which caught in her throat, causing her to splutter in a way that made her mother frown. When she was able to speak again, she gasped, “What does he say? Is he well? May I read it?”
    â€œHis regiment has arrived safely in France. He is quite well.” Her mother gave a small smile.
    â€œWhat else does he say?” Ellie’s cutlery lay abandoned, a pea rolling slowly away from her fork.
    â€œYou may read it for yourself, after supper.”
    â€œBut, Mother—”
    â€œNo buts, Eleanor, you know the rules.” Josephine’s tone had a familiar steely edge to it.
    â€œYes, Mother.”
    Ellie ate the rest of her supper as quickly as she could, despite being told twice not to bolt her food. She could feel the fish and potatoes sitting uncomfortably in her upper stomach. She smiled at her mother.
    â€œPlease may I be excused?”
    Josephine sighed. “All right, then. But you will clear away the supper things once you’ve finished. I’ll bathe Charlie.”
    â€œYes, of course. Thank you, Mother.”
    Ellie seized the envelope and ran up the stairs to her bedroom. Closing the door behind her, she curled up on her bed, wrapping her body around the letter as though it were a newborn kitten and she its mother.
    For the second time that day, the sight of her father’s familiar sloping hand brought a lump to her throat that had nothing to do with the poorly chewed supper. She held the envelope to her nose, but there was no trace of her father’s smell. She tried to imagine its journey to her as she looked at the strange French stamp.
    At last, she opened the envelope and drew out the letter.
    1st September 1914
    Dearest Josephine, Ellie and Charlie,
    Well, we have arrived at last in France after completing our training in Aldershot. The weather here is even lovelier than it was at home this summer, but for me there is nothing in the world so beautiful as the English seaside. Has the weather continued to be fine? The farmers and fishermen had such a marvellous summer!
    The journey to France was an adventure in itself. We travelled to Portsmouth by train and from there by boat to France. Some of the Cockney boys didn’t know what to do with themselves, having never travelled by boat before. I spent a great deal of the journey ministering to seasick soldiers!
    Once we arrived in France, we were put on trucks. Then it was a long march through the cornfields, with French farmers watching us curiously as we passed.
    I have been billeted with a splendid group of chaps – we are friends already – and the mood is good. Young Will Scott was sent elsewhere, but I trust he has found himself with equally good men. Perhaps Jack might have heard more – assuming he didn’t stow away with a regiment himself!
    How are you all? I think of you constantly and miss you dreadfully. I expect Ellie will be back at school by the time you receive this – I hope you’re working hard, old girl.
    How is Thomas coping? And all my patients? Don’t forget to call in when you can and see if Thomas is managing all right. I’m sure he’d appreciate the support.
    I’ll write again as soon as I can. Until then you’ll be in my thoughts and prayers, as always.
    All my love,
    Wesley (Daddy)
    As she read, Ellie felt