Parade's End Epilogue

I'd still choose you

Rye, UK

"It's good to have you here, my dear." Mrs. Wannop gave her daughter a hug. "How are things in London?"

Before Valentine could answer, a knock on the door was heard and her mother went to see who it was. "Telegram to Miss Wannop", said the boy at the door. Hearing that, she became curious as to who could be writing to her. Mrs. Wannop handed her the piece of paper. She read the words on the paper carefully. Tears started to well up in her eyes and her mother asked her what was wrong.

"Mrs. Satterthwaite passed away and Christopher has gone with Sylvia to Germany for the funeral," she said dryly.

"Oh dear! Was Mrs. Sattertwaite ill?" Mrs. Wannop was shoched by Mrs. Satterthwaite's death but Valentine was shocked by Christopher's going off with Sylvia. Mrs. Wannop then noticed that Mrs. Satterthwaite's death was not her daughter's concern, but it was Sylvia. "Oh my Darling, it's going to be alright. I'm sure there is a good reason why he went to Germany with her. Mrs. Satterthwaite was a good friend of Christopher's, remember." Mrs Wannop said as she wiped the tears from Valentine's face.

"I guess you're right, mother," she smiled to her mother just to keep her from worrying too much.

London, England

Christopher, Valentine and Vincent McMaster, were having breakfast together. They were talking about how busy it had been at the office and Valentine was worried that there could be another war. Christopher assured her that no war would break out. Valentine then remembered that there was a letter for Christopher.

"Who is it from?" Christopher asked.

"I'm not sure. I have not read it", replied Valentine.

Christopher was a bit shocked that Valentine had not read the letter. He was used to his letters being opened and read by Sylvia. He then opened the letter and saw that it was from Sylvia:

"I am going to Yorkshire to visit Michael even though I've just visited last week, because I know that you won't."

Christopher felt a sharp pain in his chest as he read the words. He then informed McMaster and Valentine, "I need to go to Yorkshire. I need to see my son."

Groby, Yorkshire

Michael was reading a book in his room when the door opened. It was her mother. He look very much delighted to see her and so did she.

"Would you take a walk with me?" Sylvia asked his son.

Sylvia and her son, Michael, were walking through the field but none of them had uttered a word. Sylvia had to tell him about his grandmother. It would hurt him, but he had to know.

"How have you been, since the last time I saw you?" Sylvia started.

"Fine" was his only answer.

"Marchie said that you've been doing well in school?"

"Yes I have, I suppose. My professor always calls out my name because he knows that I always know the answer", he said proudly.

"That's good to hear then." After a minute of silence, Sylvia tried again. "There is something that you need to know... It's terrible but you have to know."

"What is it?" They'd stopped walking.

"It's your grandmother."

"What happened to granny?" Michael asked anxiously.

"She...died. Last week." Sylvia said slowly.

Michael then burst into tears and Sylvia cuddled him until he calmed down. When he did, he looked up to her and asked, "Was father there, at the funeral?"