The Years of Riddle

Chapter Twenty-One | Lewes, England Autumn1953

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Chapter Twenty-One

Lewes, England, 1953

          Sheepish September light filtered through the curtains of Gwyn's hospital room, casting tentative shadows over the cot, stuffed with blankets and hot water bottles and baby. The blue and white tiled floor was murky with the absence of sunshine, and there was no noise other than a quiet sniffle from the cot.

"Ma, don't." Silas stepped out of the dimness, eyes wide and frightened. He caught her just before she moved to slide out from the covers. "Da said you're not allowed to get up."

"Sy, honey..."

"No, Ma." Creeping over to the cot, he rocked it gently, letting a little finger grasp his hand. He cooed softly, smiling. "Does she have a name yet?"

"Actually..." Gwyn grinned, recalling late night conversations with Anthony. They had thought there was more time, but the baby had arrived so suddenly, so early... "Papa and I thought you might like to name her."

Silas whipped around, mouth hanging open. "Me? I could name her?"

"Why not?" Gwyn's eyes shone.

Peering into the pale eyes of his new little sister, Silas felt his heart swell with love. "I think she's a Violet, like the flower." He said proudly. "They're my favourite."

Gwyn remember when they moved, just a month ago – Silas had spent most of his time caring for the violets that had grown outside his window in their apartment, carefully transplanting them at the new house. He was a compassionate child. "That sounds perfect."

Silas left baby Violet to sleep and crawled up onto Gwyn's bed, snuggling close. "When are you and Violet coming home?"

This was a touchy subject. The truth was, Gwyn didn't know when she was coming home. The move to the outskirts of Lewes had been very draining and stressful, and then the baby had come early – it had all taken a toll to her health. All Gwyn really cared about was that her babies were healthy and safe, far away from Tom. He hadn't been sited since that day in early August.

"I'm not sure Sy, but soon, hopefully."

Frowning, Silas clung to his mother. "But you're coming home?"

"Of course sweetheart," Gwyn kissed the top of Silas' head, covered in wild, coppery curls very much like her own. Silas fell asleep, and stayed asleep even when a nurse came in to help Gwyn feed Violet. The nurses were all pleased with Silas' name choice.

"He's very sweet," commented one. "I bet you're excited to go home to him."

"Overjoyed." Gwyn agreed, cuddling her two little ones. Anthony returned from talking with the doctor, beaming.

"Hey," he slid in beside her on the bed, kissing both Silas and Violet. "Guess what?"

"What?"

"You're going home tomorrow."

Gwyn was so shocked, she began to cry. The tears rolled down her cheeks, soaking Anthony's shirt; the sobs shook her fragile frame, but neither child woke up. She had been so scared. "I thought..." she hiccupped, and Anthony held her tightly.

"I know." He whispered into her hair. "I was worried you'd never see home again. You'll have to take it easy, and it won't be the same as it was with Silas – you might never...the doctor said you may never regain your strength completely."