Elizabeth, reluctant to leave the cosy warmth of her bedroom, and irritated by Ann’s cheerful reminder that she needed to be ready for the concert, grumpily took her seat in the communal lounge, glancing at her neighbours whose demeanours ranged from jittery excitement to blank disinterest.
Children filed into the lounge, music filtered into Elizabeth’s foggy consciousness and the singing began.
“Pack up your troubles”… Elizabeth closed her prickling eyes against the painful, sudden memory of her beloved Jack, smart in his uniform, waving and smiling as he left to show Hitler “what for”. Never to return…never to be forgotten.
In response to Julia’s place 100 Word Challenge week 18 “Lest We Forget”
Gill's Blog 
What a beautiful piece. Makes you really think. War affects so many…for so long.
Thank you Anna. I was thinking about a local parade where the theme was “through the ages”, that passed a nursing home, Residents had been wheeled or assisted outside to watch the floats pass by. One group of children depicted the war years..and we saw old men weeping unashamedly as their float passed by. I don’t think the memories ever leave those affected by war, even those whose minds are less sharp in other ways.
On-going reminders . . . really sad . . . .
Thanks for commenting
This is quite powerful. Over the years, I’m sure, the pain couldn’t possibly be less. I’ve always wondered how parents cope. You captured the moments in this piece beautifully.
thank you for your comment
A powerful sense memory, Robin
Thanks Robin. I was considering how music so often revives buried memories, in so many ways
This is a super piece Gill. You have gone through so many different moods and emotions and all in 100 words. Brilliant!
Thanks Julia, glad you liked it. I’m often humbled by other people’s contributions