One Last War
An Account of the Euro-American War
Sally Philips-Allen: Sister of Captain James
Southern Tennessee small town, USA
“He’s been moved to a new squad? You’re sure?” “Yes Sally, your brother, it seems is continues to impress. However, all he says is that he’s training a new squad. Nothing else.” “I hope this new squad helps with the war effort. The sooner this war is over, the sooner James can come home.” “I don’t think we’re gonna see him for a while my angel. I have friends in the armed forces, and they say there’s already plans to liberate England from its chaos and take the fight to the Euros on their home soil.” Philips Sr. sighs… “Another big war in Europe, I don’t think she can survive another.” He said, dropping the letter. I bent down to pick it up, but one of my kids came in then. One of my middles, though with five kids, I guess there’s multiple middles. “Mommy? When’s Uncle James coming home? I heard you talking about him.” She said sleepily desperately holding back a yawn. “Sarah. Did we wake you?” “No, I was awake. I couldn’t sleep.” “Come here.” I reached out and hugged her and we walked to the couch and sat. My dad left the room to give us some privacy. “I’m scared Mommy. I’m scared for Uncle James and you.” “Me? Don’t worry about me, I’m fine.” “But you’re carrying my little brother or sister, I kn- I know it can’t be easy.” “Thank you sweetie, but you don’t need to worry, Momma will be fine.” We passed out the couch a few minutes later and slept straight through to morning.
Dad must’ve laid a blanket over us because I was quite warm when I woke up. I nudged Sarah and she blinked her eyes and stared at me. We looked at each other for a couple seconds and I couldn’t hold back, I broke down and hugged her. I don’t know why I broke down, it’s like everything had it all at once and I realized, if the men like my brother fail. Then, this is the end, so I hugged my daughter like there was no tomorrow.
After I got myself together, we went to wake up my other four children. My oldest, Michael. Second oldest, Isabella. Fourth oldest, Jessica. And toddler, Jake. However, Michael was already up with my dad and sitting on the front porch reading and discussing Tolkien. As they do sometimes. So, I got the rest up and prepared breakfast. I had just enough to make pancakes, home fries, and sunny side up eggs.
After we ate. The kids went to their assigned chores or farm work. My husband and I own a modest cow and horse farm, used to have chickens, but they died to disease. Luckily, our town has a fresh market with farm-fresh egg at a reasonable price. I was headed into town to restock on ingredients for cooking and decided to take Sarah with me.
“Will be back soon dad. Hold the house down for me and make sure the kids get their chores done.” “Don’t worry Sally, they’re good kids. We’ll be fine.” And with that, Sarah and I got in my car and headed into town.
The shopping was uneventful. Met some old friends and chatted with them and their kids played with Sarah. It reminded me that, even in times of war, there can still be peace. I wonder if this is how the Germans and Japanese felt when we were bombing them. Did they have similar moments of peace. I was taken out of my thoughts at the register and paid the cashier what I owed. Said goodbye to friends and beckoned Sarah to come along. We got our things in the car and drove off on the way home. I don’t know why, but I kept telling myself to get my gun out. I always carry, but I didn’t know why my mind wanted me to. But, who am I to argue with instincts and got it out of the glove compartment before we left pulled out of the parking lot.
It came in handy because about a mile out of town and in a forested area, there was a suspicious and seemingly abandoned vehicle on the side of the road. “Sarah, get down.” She understood and did as I said. I was driving with one hand now and the other hand was holding my M1911. As soon as I was mere inches from the pick-up, two disheveled men came out of the woods and beelined for my car. I didn’t hesitate, I put one round in one of their chests and sped off down the road, hoping the other would get the warning.
I made it home and told dad about the incident. He said, he’d stay up and sit on the porch with his scoped rifle and revolver. “All that matters is that you and Sarah are okay. You did well today Sally and I couldn’t be prouder.” We hugged and settled in for the evening.
It was a quiet evening. So, I forgot about the other man and soon it was time for bed. I tucked in each of my kids said goodnight to dad, and went to bed. My last thoughts before sleep took me, was of my brother. I said a silent prayer for him, that he and his men be safe and that this war would end soon. I closed my eyes soon after and the world went black.