Breaking Enigma || The Imitation Game

◈ THIRTY-TWO- Dilemmas ◈

Allany and I left The Elms late on Wednesday afternoon and arriving at Bletchley Park at half-five eight. There were more people walking around than I expected, but it did feel great to be back.

The weather was still bright and sunny, like it had been all day, yet remaining bitterly cold, which I thought was strange. But I won't complain. And as we approached Hut 8, I could hear voices and laughter, presuming that it was the Team; not cracking any codes, though.

"Good morning," Hugh greeted with a wide smile as I stepped foot in the Hut, closely followed by Allany, who had placed her suitcase down to take off her coat and hang it up.

"Good morning," I echoed.

"How was your break?" Asked Carlton, who was wrapped up in a thick jumper. He probably felt the icy draught that constantly blew through the Hut.

"Fantastic," I replied, keeping my own coat on and sitting down at my desk, setting my suitcase beside it. "It's nice to be back though."

"You haven't missed much," Anthony added. "Just more Atlantic ships sinking and not enough code-breaking. The winter has had a bad effect on everyone."

"Yes, that's true-" I began, but was cut off by Allany, who had suddenly decided to speak up.

"Wait... Where's John?"

I hadn't even noticed that John wasn't here. It was odd without his presence and I wondered why there was a lack of complaining.

"He's gone back to Edinburgh," Carlton answered and then Hugh continued.

"I thought he wasn't due to go home for at least another two weeks," I added.

"His parents were taking a weekend away and they were caught up in warfare- a bombing, I think. They were unfortunately killed, so he has gone home to help his brother and sister plan the funeral."

That was certainly unanticipated. And certainly an utter tragedy. I was rather shocked, even though it had nothing to do with any of us. There wasn't much I could say as I was quite taken aback by the sudden news; what a lovely thing to arrive back to.

"Oh, good God," Allany mumbled, horrified.

"I told him you both send your condolences," Hugh commented.

"Thank you," I replied. "I do hope he's okay."

"And how long did John say he'll be away for?" Questioned Allany.

"A week, apparently," Anthony spoke up. "But it will fly by, so there's no point in worrying. Is there?"

"No... I suppose you're right."

"How about we all go for a drink?" Hugh suggested. "We all deserve it and I felt like I haven't been to the beer hut in years."

And that's exactly where we went. It was rather quiet to say it was creeping close to evening times and that's when everybody started to pile in.

The five of us sat at one of the larger tables, placing beer pints down on the surface. I once again had got my usual orange squash and Allany had a simple glass of water.