Dearest Amelia

Daily Flash Fiction Challenge  Entry
01-24-2025

Dearest Amelia,

I cherish the memories of a time, now lost, whence we spent our holidays in the Adirondacks – in that cabin in the woods thereupon first we began courtship. It seems so distant a memory now, yet I still smell the delicate perfume of the lilacs outside the windows and hear the feint rustle of oak leaves on the gentle breeze. I shut my eyes, and I’m reminded of yours – I could spend my eternity staring into your eyes, with the feathery caress of your locks 'twixt my fingers. Yet, you’re so far from this hell, but I still feel you with me.

As I look across the Belgian countryside at our enemy in their azure coats, I feel a fear that rattles my very bones. Betwixt us and them – death; dead men, horses, and trees. I’ve seen men falter and collapse from fear. Others turned and ran to be shot down as cowards by our own countrymen. I’ve seen injuries the likes of which shall haunt my thoughts ‘til my last breath. This war has forever changed me.

I’ve watched so many of our countrymen breathe their last breath, I must wonder by what grace I still stand. God and I have always had an arduous relationship. I’m not sure we’re speaking these days - mayhap that’s the joke. I know not what keeps me upright, nor what keeps me planted here whilst so many others have fled.

When ordered to march on the lines, do I hear cannon fire? No. I hear those leaves rustling outside our windows. Then, I realize, it’s you that keeps me planted here. You give me the courage to carry on. Dearest Amelia, I need your help. Now more than ever. Don’t leave me alone in this place.

Yours now and always,
Virgil

Word Count - 300

The battle of Quatre Bras was a clash of allied British, German, Dutch, and Belgian armies against the French Army. Each commanded some 25,000 men and was fought south of Brussels on June 16th, 1815. It resulted in inflicted casualties of roughly 9000 men. Two days later, the battle of Waterloo brought a decisive victory to coalition forces, essentially marking the end of the Napoleonic wars.