Dunkirk 1940

3

   I follow the leftover soldiers to the next boat shivering from the cold and anxiety. This thin uniform dress is doing nothing for me. When we all get to the beach, I couldn't take the cold anymore. I found a man. 

I feel for his pulse but felt nothing. I started to take off the underwear from the dress and notice everyone staring. I asked Tommy, Alex, and the quiet man to cover me as I change. They turned around covering me.

   I start to undress the body and put their clothes on me. It has a lot of bloodstains, but I was warm and that is all that matters. I notice the eyes of the man were still open. I felt bad for leaving him naked on the beach, so closed them out of respect.

   I look up and see all of them looking at me, "How long where you guys starring?" Tommy turned back around and scratched the back of his neck as Alex just laughed. "The entire time." I was embarrassed but who knows if I'll know these men any longer.

   I try to find pockets to keep my hand warm but the pockets were sewed in. I rub my hands together and blow into them the warm them up.

   We get to the next boat and climb up to the deck. I hear a man scream which caused me to slip but I caught myself. I get inside and feel the warmth on my skin. A woman handed me a cup of tea and bread with jam. I've always hated jam, but I was too hungry to care. 

   I notice the metal mug immediately from my grandmother's collection. Is my grandfather here?

  I excuse myself from Alex and Tommy and look around. I see a familiar face from the old pictures. I walk up to him and tap his shoulder, "Gran- I mean, Luke?" He looked at me confused. "You don't know me, but I know your wife, Sara." 

   He smiles, "Oh you must be Wanda, what are you doing here?" I have no idea who Wanda is but I'll take it. 

   My eyes started to water, "I've always wanted to meet you." I sob and hug him. He pats my back, even if I was a complete stranger to him, he really did give the best hugs. 

   A plane flew over us, the Men screamed in celebration. I shake his hand, "It was a pleasure to meet you, Granddad." I wipe my tears and made my way back to Tommy or Alex. Instead, I find the quite man coming in from the outside. That's weird.

   I grab another slice of bread take a bite from it and finishing my cup of tea. I look around for Alex and find him with Tommy. I stand next to him and eat my bread. "Could you tell me where I can find a life jacket?" Before Tommy could speak, everything began to shake. 

  I try to keep my balance but fall on my back. I stand back up and look around. I felt my back completely wet. I yell, "We're going under!". 

   The water quickly filled in. I try to swim and keep breathing but my body was in panic mode. I was losing my breath to quickly. I hold onto Alex and Tommy, "I can't swim." I swallow a mouthful of water trying to breathe in. 

    They both help me out the ship. We find ourselves next to the lifeboats floating away. "Let us on!" Alex yelled. They both tried to get on the boat. They pushed them off, "Stop, the water is not too cold or too rough, stave your energy and we'll come back in the morning." 

  Tommy begged, "Please let Emma on, she doesn't have a life jacket and she can't swim." The men agreed and Let me on. I tossed out a rope for Alex and Tommy to hold onto.  I shiver not being able to feel my hands.

   When the sun began to rise I could see the shore. I look back at them and see they're still there and alive. I help them walk to the beach and lay down. Alex was on his back falling asleep, "Thank you for saving us back there." I smile at Tommy and lay next to Alex, feeling slightly warmer.

   Tommy and I start to talk and get to know each other as the man remains silent. I began to get suspicious of him but try to ignore it. After Alex wakes up, we see a man throw himself into the ocean. I felt so bad for him. 

   After he was out of sight, I saw a body flowing back from the wreck. More and more bodies started to floating back. My heart breaks at the sight. I cover my eyes and look away from them. Alex pats my back, I look up at him and cry into his shoulder. He hesitated but hugs me back.

   When my sobs began to stop, I let go of him and hug my knees close to my chest. Rocking back and forth as I try to calm down from the stress. Alex looks at me and hugs me again. I felt so much calmer now. He let go, "Better?" I nod my head and wipe the tears from my tears.