✔ A Minute in Heaven || Wattys 2017

Chapter Twelve - Ceasefires and Last Chances

I am not afraid to be the hero.

...

Alfred continued to get updates from Matthew and Arthur about the war.

Matthew was right in his guess. He kept reporting German defeats, and with each Allied victory, Alfred seemed to grow brighter and brighter.

Then, on November 21, 1918, everything was over.

+ + + + +

"IVAN! NAT! KATYUSHKA! YOU GOTTA READ THIS!"

I heard Alfred yelling from all the way down in the living room. Katyushka was the first to react, running upstairs as fast as she could. I followed behind her, and Natalia was soon running behind me.

When we got up to the bedroom, Alfred was jumping up and down, one hand over his mouth, the other clutching a letter. Alfred saw us and shoved the letter into my hands.

Mon Petit Alfie,

I have been receiving your letters, but I have been so preoccupied with combat that I have not had a chance to reply! I am happy to answer you on this day, of all days.

As I am sure Arthur has told you, we are both alive and doing just fine. Arthur had to be discharged earlier than he planned because of his eyes, but I stayed behind to fight.

Matthew told you, if I am not mistaken, about America entering the war. It just so happens that I was privileged enough to fight alongside many of them in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. They certainly share your resilience, that is very clear!

But it was in battle against German forces when something fantastic happened. Believe me when I say that this is the start of a new era for the world.

Germany has fallen.

They have officially signed an armistice, which has led to their complete and total loss. I believe I can safely say that the war is over.

I will be returning home with Arthur as soon as possible. I assure you, with the war over, it will be safe for you to continue your voyage.

I cannot wait to see you, Mattie, and Arthur again! Then, we may live together as a family in a peaceful world once more.

I miss you and love you,

Papa Francis

My jaw fell open in awe. Germany, giving up? This wasn't a joke, right?

"The war's over!" Alfred hollered, taking me and my sisters in a huge hug. "THE WAR'S OVER!!"

The atmosphere was surreal. We were out of our minds with joy, reveling in the return of peace to the world. Natalia ran downstairs to get the vodka Alfred had gotten me for Christmas, and Katyushka started dancing around the room and singing at the top of her lungs.

But amid the celebration, something hit me hard. It was something I'd denied for so long, but could no longer ignore.

Alfred would have to go.

He had family. He had his bet with Matthew, the promise to Arthur. He had a life of his own to live.

And there was nothing I could do about it.