(no subject)

[mergatrude.livejournal.com]

I also didn't think I had a story for this challenge, but didn't take into account the muse exploiting my depression! This story should probably have a warning for people who need that kind of thing. Off to read something to cheer me up now.


The Onset of Winter

He pauses for a moment to lean on his shovel and wipe the sweat from his face, the strong wind barely ruffling his short, greying hair. Picking up the shovel he pats the earth firmly into a small mound. In the spring he might plant a tree there, but for now he marks the place with a wooden board onto which he has carved an image of his friend. Clouds are tearing across the sky and soon it will be covered in snow. Placing his hat on his head he ponders what to sing, finally settling on ‘Oh Canada’ as befits someone who served his country so faithfully. His voice remains strong till the last line, which wavers as he wipes his eyes. He whispers a final goodbye and turns back towards the cabin, trying not to think of a similar day five years ago.

Five years ago the wind-driven clouds tore across the sky, heralding the snow. It had not been a private parting in that cemetery filled with men and women in uniform, even the press. When the throng had finally melted away to just the family, the lieutenant clasped his shoulder kindly as he rejected the offer of a ride. Ray Vecchio hugged him warmly /Stop beating yourself up about it, Benny. You did everything you could have/ but the look in Stella Vecchio’s eyes said he should have done more. Barbara Kowalski silenced his latest round of apologies with a hug. /You can’t stop fate, Benton. Even you are not a miracle worker./ But maybe he should have been. Finally alone beside the grave of his friend and partner he softly sang ‘Oh Canada’ as befitted someone who had served that country as well as his own, and wiped his eyes as he whispered his final goodbye. He turned and left the graveside, signalling Diefenbaker to follow.

He sighs, and rouses himself from his seat by the fire, where he has been staring at the flames until his tea has grown cold. The dogs need to be fed and the harness needs work.

end

Comments

[duesouthficrecs.livejournal.com]

Oh, *sniffle*.

[mergatrude.livejournal.com]

[offers box of tissues]

[dsudis.livejournal.com]

Ohhh. Lovely tributes, both, and so... oh.

[mergatrude.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I think the voices in my head are definitely Canadian!

[shayheyred.livejournal.com]

Very nice, and simple, in the best meaning of the word.

[mergatrude.livejournal.com]

Very kind of you, especially as you comment elsewhere that death stories make you wince. m

[shayheyred.livejournal.com]

True - but once in a while I come across one that I love, despite the topic - "Executor" is one, and there's another about Ray and Ben just waiting to freeze that absolutely kills me. So I wince, but I admire it. I really liked yours.

[ajinamoto.livejournal.com]

Oh boy, your muse must have caught on to my depression too.

Sad, sweet. Sad...

[mergatrude.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I wanted sad but not maudlin - hope I made that. And yeah, the RM killed Fraser last Tuesday in a non-challenge snippet. This has to stop or there wont be anyone left.

[cesperanza.livejournal.com]

I liked this. It took me a moment to realise who the other death was, but then I saw how subtly you'd steered us toward the answer in the last lines. The two scenes were nicely observed, too, and felt tangible. Thanks!

[mergatrude.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'm glad you think I managed to keep it subtle. Your praise is treasured!

[mergatrude.livejournal.com]

Thank you.