Weeping Willows

Secrets and Little White Lies

Chapter 12

In the early evening Elizabeth awoke from her nap slowly stretching to work the kinks out. She was a lot sorer then when she had first laid down. She moved slowly trying not to cry out and alert whomever was on the other side of the door. The light from the next room shone across the floor as light muffled voices could barely be heard. Pushing herself up Elizabeth's hand brushed something on the bed making a crinkling noise as she flexed her fingers on it. Reaching over to the bedside table she flicked on the lamp as her back made a horrendous pop. Cringing she inwardly wondered if this was how sleeping beauty felt after her long slumber. If so, why did Aurora even bother to wake up, and for a measly kiss at that. The pay off just didn't seem equal to her. At the thought of a kiss something niggled in her memory but was soon brushed aside when she caught sight of a letter next to her. Picking it up Elizabeth wondered what it was doing there. She remembered wanting to read another one just before she passed out, but had no memory of taking one out. Pushing herself up to prop against the headboard Elizabeth settled in to read William's next letter before alerting anyone to her current state of wakefulness.

June 28, 1917

Dearest family,

I was pleased to receive all your letters and love. Tell George thank you for the drawing I enjoyed it a great deal. I shared it with all of the men in the trench with me and it brightened everyone's day. Many told stories of their families back home afterward. I even shared some of my own. I think it made each of us feel a little closer to our loved ones to do so. Tell Annabel I have found her the perfect suitor for her as well. Stop scowling Annie I am merely jesting at your expense. I would never impose my ruffian of a sister upon any of these brave men. I would be doing them a great disservice if I did so. I smile as I imagine the scowl upon your sweet face dearest sister. It truly warms my heart to know that even so far apart as we are, I can still impart my words of brotherly wisdom.

I am set at ease to hear that you received a missive from Henry. To know he is unharmed and doing well brings me peace. It brings me solace to know that his words will have eased Ruth's fretting as mine could never do. Be strong for George as you were for all of us not long ago. Remembering the strength, you carry with you fills me with courage every day. I have not forgotten how you pulled me through such dark times. The memory alone pulls me still. Heed my words though sister that Henry will need that strength one day as well. When he finally finds his way back to you, you may find him a much-changed man. Do not be discouraged for if anyone can bring him to right again it shall be you.

Mother, what can I say that would be adequate enough to convey my sorrow at not being with you every day? I miss your warm smiles and loving embrace. I miss the meals you cooked for us daily. I even miss the tannings to the backside I well and truly deserved as a young boy. Find consolation in knowing you raised a strong man. And believe some day I will come home to you all. Even if the man who greets you as mother one day is more a stranger then your son. Love you all more than words can express.

Sincerely,

William Bennett

Elizabeth watched as the words blurred behind the tears in her eyes. The thought that the men that came home to this family weren't the men that left them made her heart clench in sympathy. Her tears fell silently as she placed the letter back into the envelope. Reading the words to his sisters had her thinking of her own big brother. The years of teasing she endured as well as the abundance of love she received. She missed him and wished for nothing more in the world then to see him just once more. She would give anything to be harassed by him just one last time. She choked back a garbled cry just as the door to her room opened. Elizabeth hid the letter beneath her pillow behind her as she wiped furiously at her eyes willing them to stop watering. Jan frowned as she came over to the bed seating herself beside Elizabeth. Jenny stood in the doorway looking indecisive.