It’s a new month, so I’m shifting focus back to my short story collection, The Futility of Loving a Soldier, because a print edition is coming out later this month!
Today’s excerpt is from “Gone But Not Forgotten.” Carolyn is going through boxes belonging to her ex-husband when she finds a medal.
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A simple bronze medallion dangled on a silver chain, the raised image and engraved words worn away by constant contact. Bryce’s medal had been awarded for bravery or good conduct or something along those lines; she couldn’t remember anymore. She closed her eyes and heard his voice as he’d told her of the honors he’d be receiving for his combat experience. She couldn’t recall the exact words, just the tone: happy, proud, and relieved to be coming back home.
Even then, however, there’d been a touch of bitterness underneath it all, an impotent anger festering beneath the surface of his personality. He hadn’t been okay, of course; he’d changed over there.
Yet she’d been so happy to get him back, and for him to finally meet their daughter, she’d overlooked the sudden mood swings and the sullen drinking.
Until she couldn’t ignore it any longer.
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Read more about Carolyn and Bryce in The Futility of Loving a Soldier, then post a link to your eight sentences blog entry, or join the fun at the Weekend Writing Warriors website.
I’m so touched by this snippet. You’re a wonderful writer.
Sad but realistic snippet. Well done!
Great description of the chain, and I felt the emotional pain she’s experiencing. Intriguing snippet!
It’s so sad the way we try to ignore the war wounds that aren’t visible. It never works, and causes more pain in the end.
You do a marvellous job of capturing the conflicting emotions. For example, when she couldn’t remember what the medal was for. Love it.