My Unknown Soldier

Chapter one

"No, I simply stated, that war is the last thing we need right now! Of course, war is the last thing we need at anytime I suppose..." Ruth struggled to find words, that could possibly dampen the enthusiasm of her perhaps, too courageous husband.

That's what they were called. Courageous. Ruth wasn't about to deny it, they were brave. Very brave. Though perhaps a little too eager. But, what would she know, she was a woman. It was men who had declared this "adventure" and standardised the enthusiasm for this dangerous exploration. It was men over women.

Why does my husband have to have such a childish heart? Why do all of these smart men have to let themselves succumb to their desire for destruction?

Like little boys, with their little hands, so lacking in self-control, breaking the finest, most cared for, family valuables, all with grins on their faces. That was the kind of childish heart, that would lead to many a men's destruction.

Of course, Ruth never said that to Peter. Because she knew, and he knew too, that that was why he couldn't stay home. Manhood had always been important to him. And what kind of a man stays in the luxury of his own home, while his neighbours, adventure off to fight for our country?

Calling Peter childish, would have only fed his intense desire to prove himself a man.

Ruth sighed. She loved Peter. He was her rock. The women in this town were very attached to their husbands. Not so much intimately, as opposed to simply being proud of achieving such a wealthy man to stand by their sides.

They were all quite happy to be an object of their husbands. To be a token. Ruth doesn't know anyone else who has a deeper, more intimate relationship, than she does with Peter. She wasn't just his wife, she was his friend. In their house, they were equals. She was extremely happy to have such a blessing in her life.

Now she didn't want to let him go.

But Peter, strong-willed Peter, would not hear it. It all began a few months ago; He came home, an unreadable mask upon his face. He told Ruth about the war. It was a lengthy conversation, consisting of many unanswerable questions, and shocked remarks. The following few days seemed to be taken out of time. It was an odd feeling, the knowledge that something so changing was looming ahead, yet the present time insisted on being, well, normal.

A few days later came the posters. You couldn't escape them. They clung to lamp posts, buildings and the display glass of shop windows. Their bright colours were alluring to the eye, as well as the words, in big bold fonts, they delivered exciting information and encouragement to all the young men about the war.

"Boys, come here, your'e wanted!" And "Australia needs you!" Were a few of the many statements, that were plastered on every lamp post, and in every shop window.

"I know, I know, of course war is not something we need, Ruth. But it is here, and they do need an army. Besides, it would be an adventure! I haven't left Australia ever, and it would be a great opportunity to see the world."

Ruth gave her husband an exasperated, and pleading look. "Please..."

Peter bit his lip sadly, and took Ruth's hands in his. "I can't just stay here while men go off to fight for our country. We're going to be fine! I'll be back before Christmas."

He smiled reassuringly and tucked a tendril of her dark curly hair behind her ear. "And when I return, we can get our lives back on track. Start a family. What was that name you always liked again? Mary?" He smiled once more, and kissed Ruth lightly on her forehead.