Chapter 1
December, 16, 1943 4am Chester, United Kingdom
My name is William, it’s the year 1943, and war is here. Us Brits are having war with the Germans and to make it worst my father is out there risking his life for our home. He taught me what I need to know if anything happened to my mother, sister, and I, but I just don’t know. I’m so scared, if anything happens to my father out there I don’t know what I’ll do without him. He’s my rock, my idol, the person I am is all thanks to him, he made me this boy I am today. I’m worried about him.
Sirens are going off everywhere, I look out the window to see planes dropping bombs everywhere. I heard footsteps coming up the stairs. Oh no the Germans are here! I need to get my sister, what about my mom! My mind went blank as the doorknob began to move. I quickly grabbed the bat my dad bought me for my 8th birthday and slowly walked to the door. Then I heard a faint cry from my sister. I was furious, no one messes with my sister but me. The door opened all the way now, and I got a glimpse at who was there. It was my mum; Susan holding my sister; Marie-Anne, with a worried face my mum told me, “Come William. We have to go to the bunker now!” I ran with my mum and sister down the stairs and out the door.
We were so close to the bunker when I heard voices yelling, “There’s some over here! Get them!” There here. The Germans are coming after us. I rushed to my mum and sister and pushed them into the bunker and lock the door on them. I can hear my mum banging on the door, “William let me out! Please baby it’s not save!” She wouldn’t stop banging. I drowned her out while dad’s words kept playing in my head; “Your moment will come. When I’m gone help your mum and sister, take care of them. Make sure they are safe. I love you William.” They took my father away to war all because of these Germans. They’ll pay for that. I’ll make them pay. One of the Germans aimed at me with their gun and pulled the trigger. I closed my eyes and got ready for the bullet to hit my skin, but it didn’t. I opened my eyes to see that he kept pulling the trigger but nothing was happening. “Dammit, out of ammo.” The guy said. The other two checked theirs and nothing was happening either. They were out great. I ran to them thinking of moves my dad taught me before going to war. They were ready and so was I. the first guy made the first move kicking me in the stomach. I instantly went to the ground. All three started kicking and punching me.
When I thought it was over, pictures of my mum, dad, and sister started flashing in my mind. I couldn’t let them down. I grabbed one guy by both his arm and kicked his stomach launching him backwards onto the ground. He groaned in pain. When the other two were distracted I kicked them in the face sending them on their butts. I had time so I got up and grabbed the gun that one of the Germans had and started defending myself by hitting them with it. They had blood dripping down from where I hit them. Bruises started forming on the two guys faces from when I kicked them. Hit after hit. Punch after punch. Kick after kick. I didn’t stop all I thought of was my family and how I loved them. If I didn’t make it to 27 because of this stupid war, I hope to die right here- saving my mum and sister. I hit them once more and they fell to the ground not moving a single inch. I… I… I killed them. Tears ran down my cheeks onto the ground. No I… I didn’t mean to. I was just saving my mum and sister. It’s not my fault. No.
I heard another sound but it was just my mum opening the bunker. I didn’t even look up. I couldn’t face her like this. “William?” Her soft voice made my heart break even more. I heard her rush over to me. “I didn’t mean to.” My voice cracked as I forced myself to speak. “It’s okay darling. It wasn’t your fault. Don’t worry, everything’s okay. I’m here, I’m here. They won’t hurt you.” Were the last words I heard before I fell into darkness.
December, 17, 1943, 9am, Chester, United Kingdom
I woke up to the sound of banging on the door. I got up and ran down the stairs. It’s dad! He made it! He’s home! I made it to the door and opened with no hesitation. Hoping to see dad…. but it wasn’t him…. it was the postman with two letters in his hand. “Are you William Mark?” He asked “Yes,” I replied. He handed me a letter with dad’s writing on it. No. No this can’t be happening. My mum came with Marie-Anne in her arms. She put Marie on the couch and came to the door. “Yes?” She asked. “Are you Susan Mark?” Mom nodded. The postman took off his hat and put it to his chest. “I’m sorry for your loss ma’am. He fought hard, and was a good soldier” Tears formed in both of our eyes. Mum covered her mouth and began to sob. “No. No!” She dropped to the floor and held the letter to her chest.
It’s been 5 hours since the postman came and mum and I has still haven’t opened the letter. I guess I’ll open mine.
December, 13, 1943, 6am, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dear William,
I’ll probably be gone by the time you get this, and I don’t want you to worry, I’ll be safe being your guardian watching over you. I’m sorry I left so fast. Your sister isn’t even 3 yet, and will not be able to have any memories of me. I left you weeks before your birthday and am not able to tell you one more time that I love you guys, and happy birthday, sport. I hope I’ll always be in your heart- through good and bad times. Take care of your mother, and always look out for your sister (make sure she doesn’t date ’til she’s 30). Make sure you also take care of yourself too. Pursue your dream to be a footballer, and never give up when times go bad. And when all hope is lost- remember; I’m right there; if you believe, I’ll be right beside you holding your hand along the way. I didn’t want it to go like this, but sometimes things don’t work out as you plan them to go. I wish I was home right now- holding you guys in my arms saying how much I love you. But God had different plans for me. I guess he wanted me for something very important. I just want you to know that I love you, son. It’s going to be hard not seeing your face, not talking to you, or holding you, and especially not being able to tell you ‘I love you’ every time you go with your friends, or go to school. I remember you saying when you were 5, ‘I want to be like you dad’ I know I replied saying to you that I would be the happiest dad alive, but my answer now is to not be like me. I don’t get to watch you have your first girlfriend, be there at your wedding, watching my grandchildren grow up, not be there for your sister’s birthdays- to watch her grow up, get a boyfriend, get married and walk her down the aisle giving my baby girl to some boy I probably won’t like, but grow to like him, watch her kids grow up. I planed to grow old with your mother, and watch our grandchildren ran in our front lawn. But this war has taken me away from doing any of that. So if you can son- never go to war, okay? I want you to do the opposite of what I’ve done. I want you to do all the things I can’t do anymore. Because if you don’t, you’ll regret it. Always stay strong.
I love you, son,
Love, Dad
“I love you too, Dad.” I whispered with a cracked voice.
