It had to be such a bittersweet victory for the British. - It was over but at what a cost.
I loved the timing of Ralph's arrival, and though he will blame himself, it's a relief, especially for poor Laurie, to know that Ralph won't be heading back to sea for the duration.
"Bittersweet victory" is a good way to put it. That list of the lost and missing.... Many in the crowd probably had a similar reaction; but, of course, no one dared show it.
It was complicated, of course, in London by the fact that London itself had taken such a battering even through '44 with the V1 and V2 attacks. So just knowing that they, themselves, were now safe had to be euphoric for many people.
But, yes, terribly bittersweet. The cost was horrendous in every way possible. That is an excellent way of putting it.
Sandy in North Africa? Alec in the South Pacific? Oh my!! Such a great way to add depth within and remember the other characters. I loved this short! Ralph had to have one hell of an injury for them to remove his spleen. And of course he would be so willy nilly about the whole thing to Laurie. Staying in on that day and eating a cheap meal at home is exactly how I like to imagine them. I'm greedy and can't wait for more.
Very few men of their age didn't join once their training was completed. I always felt sure that Sandy and Alec would. The military needed doctors, but they were at risk like everyone else, although I think Alec will be all right.
I've read that it isn't terribly difficult for a blow to the stomach to rupture a spleen and Ralph was on a ship that was blown up. (I based in on an actual incident that happened on April 29th only a short time before the cease fire)
Beautifully poignant. I've never really thought before about how the people who had lost loved ones, or still had people fighting in the pacific theatre, must have felt about the VE day celebrations. You've also potrayed Ralph's stoicism about losing another ship and not being able to go back to see again very nicely.
To tell you the truth, I'd never thought of it either until I tried to imagine what Laurie would feel. Watching the films of VE day in London though, I think you can see it in some of the faces mixed in with the joy.
I felt that Ralph had already made the decision that he would give up the sea. If he was willing to do that for Alec, he would for Laurie even though it's not an easy choice for him. I think somewhere inside he will always give that answer he gave when Laurie asked if he believed in luck: "I'm a sailor".
Thanks again everyone for reading and commenting. :)
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I loved the timing of Ralph's arrival, and though he will blame himself, it's a relief, especially for poor Laurie, to know that Ralph won't be heading back to sea for the duration.
Lovely piece.
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But, yes, terribly bittersweet. The cost was horrendous in every way possible. That is an excellent way of putting it.
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Staying in on that day and eating a cheap meal at home is exactly how I like to imagine them. I'm greedy and can't wait for more.
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Very few men of their age didn't join once their training was completed. I always felt sure that Sandy and Alec would. The military needed doctors, but they were at risk like everyone else, although I think Alec will be all right.
I've read that it isn't terribly difficult for a blow to the stomach to rupture a spleen and Ralph was on a ship that was blown up. (I based in on an actual incident that happened on April 29th only a short time before the cease fire)
I do have more in my imagination for you. :)
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Can't wait!
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To tell you the truth, I'd never thought of it either until I tried to imagine what Laurie would feel. Watching the films of VE day in London though, I think you can see it in some of the faces mixed in with the joy.
I felt that Ralph had already made the decision that he would give up the sea. If he was willing to do that for Alec, he would for Laurie even though it's not an easy choice for him. I think somewhere inside he will always give that answer he gave when Laurie asked if he believed in luck: "I'm a sailor".
Thanks again everyone for reading and commenting. :)
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