Rose Encrusted Clock

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Tick. Tick. Tick.

The clock slowly ticked away as I sat in the entrance hall, patiently waiting for something to happen. It was the beginning of autumn 1939, and as an RAF commander I got invited to a military gala in the heart of Berlin. Anxiously, I started scanning the room desperately trying to find something I could entertain myself with for the time being. Intricate golden details which were scattered across the walls of the hall suddenly caught my eye. They loomed like delicate spiders' webs, inching towards and beyond the enclosed structure of the building. Embracing and looping around grand paintings and sculptures neatly arranged in the room, infilitrating every corner of the available space on the walls. Like a mystical thread, they led my eyes towards the next room enclosed behind a door made of the finest wood , the craftsmanship visible from metres away.

I stood up, as if in a trance slowly being tempted to walk towards the door before me. With every step, my heart accelerated just like in the heat of battle above my homeland which I knew ever so bitterly. My hand finally touched the doorknob, its cold surface sending a shiver down my spine as I scaled over it with the tips of my fingers. Swishhh. The door swiftly opened revealing an even more regal interior of the inner hall, a feeling of ecstasy flooding over me as I took in the divine scenery. Scanning over all the faces in the hall cautiously, I inched towards the windows which revealed a vast flamboyant garden. A woman stood in the garden, so graciously... So calmly... So very contently. Amongst all the swaying flowers in the light breeze, she looked like a statue as leaves danced around her. The scene looked almost ethereal, her demeanour, her appearance, the garden... Together they created the perfect accompaniment of serenity and beauty, creating an almost painting like sight, taking my breath away.

Suddenly, I heard a voice behind me making all my muscles tense.

"Ah! Commander Farrier, how lovely to finally meet the man I've heard oh so much about!" exclaimed the voice as I slowly turned around, seemingly protecting the heavenly scene from the world.

"Oh, Officer Franz! Perfect timing, I was just about to look for you." I replied.

Officer Franz was a leading German pilot, extremely well mannered and just as equally skilled. His personality was one which no one could dislike, open, funny, charming. A real women magnet and a loyal friend. This wasn't our first encounter of course, but whenever we met he'd pretend we don't know each other to show off before his squadron of newly recruited pilots. We'd always refer to each other by last name, as to not reveal our familiarity.

"What were you staring at Farrier? Answer your supervisor!", Franz laughed as he nudged me.

"Franz, do you know who that stunning lady may be?", I asked him as I subtly motioned towards the window revealing the picturesque garden where the woman had stood.

"Ah, yes I do know actually! That is Miss Collins, Sophie Collins. She arrived here from Warsaw. A very good natured and kind soul, I should introduce you to each other", Franz jumped with excitement as he answered my question.

"Miss Sophie Collins...", I mumbled to myself as I glared out the window one last time before walking towards the center of the hall with Franz.


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I hoped you enjoyed the first chapter! As aforementioned, if you have any suggestions or criticisms, feel free to contact me any time!

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