The Shadow

⭐️1⭐️

1940

"Ladies and gentlemen, family, friends, and esteemed guests, we gather here today to honour the memory of Captain Michael Carter, a beloved soul who touched our lives in countless ways," our priest said. "As we come together in this somber moment, our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the loss of a cherished son, whose absence leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives. We mourn with his parents, Harrison and Amanda and his two younger sisters, Margaret and Clarissa."

My brother Michael was killed overseas in the war. All of us came back to Hampstead for the funeral. Mum hosted a reception back home.

Peggy and I sat in silence. She and I glanced at one another as everyone stopped by to offer their condolences. 

"We're just burying an empty box," I sniffled. "I know," Peggy sighed. She led me away from everyone else and we went upstairs. 

"How's flight training?" Peggy asked me. "You're seriously asking me that?" I scoffed. "I'll ask you anything so we can think about something else," she murmured, sitting down on her bed. She stared up at her wedding dress, hanging off the wardrobe. 

"I mean, it's going good, they don't really like a girl being there, let alone an eighteen year old," I told her. "You'd think because it's a war, they wouldn't be picky," Peggy snorted. "It's just the Auxiliaries but getting to fly is...something I never dreamed of."

When we were children, Michael and I played a game called planes. He'd try to carry me on his back and run around the garden while my arms were outstretched like a plane. 

I didn't want to fight, just to fly. See the skies up close. 

Last year, Michael managed to pull some strings to get me into the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. I was overjoyed but first I had to learn how to fly the plane. 

I was getting good but I still needed another RAF member to supervise me. Mum went livid of course. Worrying I'd crash the plane into the English Channel. 

Michael knew both me and Peggy didn't want to live life as 'Mother's Crystal Ornaments' he'd phrase it as. 

"You still going to marry him?" I asked Peggy. "Mum and Dad love Fred, it was only you and Michael that detested him," Peggy shook her head. "That's because he's a..." 

"Clarissa Estella Carter, don't you dare finish that sentence!" Mum came into the room. "He's trying to lead your sister to greatness." 

"You mean dullness?" I chuckled and if looks could kill....well...I'd be dead.

"Clarissa!" my mother scolded me yet again. "Go downstairs!"

"Fine," I put my hands up and left Peggy's room.

***

"Clarissa," Dad came into my room in the morning. "Group Captain Williams is downstairs." 

"Really?" I sat up, wiping the sleep from my eyes. 

I got dressed and came down stairs and I saluted him. "Officer Carter," he greeted me, letting know to stand down. He handed me an envelope. "I am hereby promoting you to Squadron Leader, effective immediately." 

I was stunned, as were my parents. "Thank you, sir, it's an honour." 

"With war approaching, your training will resume in Fort Hamilton," Group Captain Williams told me. "Fort Hamilton...that's in New York," Peggy pointed out. "Why Clary?" 

"She's the most skilled officer in all programs," Group Captain Williams told her. "I'm sorry for your loss." 

"I don't want to lose another child to this war," my mother was filled with sadness. "I already lost my son and I will not lose my daughter too." 

"I'll give you a moment," Group Captain Williams went outside. 

Mum sat in the armchair and looked up at Dad. "Harrison, we just buried our son." 

"It's only training, Amanda," Dad told her. "It's not like she's being shipped off to France and Germany, it's flying planes in Brooklyn." 

"I don't want our children involved with this war!" Mum shouted at him. "We lost our son. Peggy nearly joined Special Ops and now our youngest is off joining the Air Force!"

She was nearly in tears. Peggy looked over at me and my face had so many different emotions. Grief for my brother and sadness for my mother. 

"I'll be careful, I promise," I told her. "I'll write home every week and I won't do anything too dangerous. I'll come home...unless I meet a handsome American." 

Mum smiled a little at that.