Two Wives

Posted on by areadingwriter

Five decades after the war, I am now here to do your final request.

It was never your intention to release those bombs. Chief said no one will be killed. But a week after you did your first mission, you read more than a thousand lives were shattered.

It haunted you.

Just five months after you quit, you bombed your own brains.

On your behalf, I ask for forgiveness to the souls you killed. I hope you are now forgiven, dear.

***

It was a normal day when the big black balls came. Kaboom here, kaboom there. Blood here, cadavers there.

It signalled the start of the second world war.

Looking at these canyons responsible for my husband’s death, I searched for anger. Anger for the soldier who launched the bombs.

But after fifty years, I found none.

Whoever soldier killed my love and a thousand more lives, you are forgiven.

—

Word count: 150

©2016 Rosemawrites@A Reading Writer. All Rights Reserved.

Photo credit: Sunday Photo Fiction

In response to Sunday Photo Fiction for February 28, 2016.

Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly writing challenge hosted by Alastair Forbes where a photo is used as a prompt for a piece of fiction using around 200 words. The piece doesn’t have to center around exactly what the photo is, it can be just used as a basis for a story.

Enjoy more awesome stories here:

Published by areadingwriter

I read because I write. | I write because I read.

48 thoughts on “Two Wives”

  3. Wars are devastating, for the men and women that fight in them to the families that are affected. This is a great story because it is about “forgiveness.” Great story, Rosema!

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  5. Forgiveness is one of Life’s hardest things and I’m glad the narrator was able to forgive. When it comes to war, it’s always good to remember that soldiers are merely following orders. If we are to place blame, I think we should place it on society as a whole that creates the need for war when there really should never be one. Ah, but I digress lol.

    I loved this piece, Rosema. Short, but poignant in every word. You’ve managed to say so much in so little and draw forth lots of emotions. Fantastic job!

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    1. Oh wow, Jade. Your comments are more than insightful. And your points are well made.
      Yes, soldiers who survived wars are not actually triumphant after they killed a lot of lives. I figured that out after reading a lot of books about war. And yeah… a society that creates war should be blamed.

      Thank you so much, Jade!

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  8. I’m… I’m at loss of words to describe it. War and death always makes us feel depressed. It’s endless. *sigh*

    It’s a poignantly written story, Rosema. I love how you twist it with a resolution at the end. Well done!

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      6. Oh my… oh my… oh my!!!!! Yes! This is it! I’ve been checking NBS website since Juan Miguel announced but it’s always unavailable. Did they just post it today? I hope it’s already here in Cebu. 😀 Thanks a lot for the info Rosema!

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  9. Very nice 😊 (sorry if it seems like I’m stalking you atm lol). I’m feeding a hungry baby and your posts are providing a much needed breather, you are very talented!

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