Home Front

By Warren Emens

A WWII bride tries to find her missing husband after the war is over. Her search becomes a journey of thousands of miles to a distant country and a new home.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Warren Emens
• Release date: Jul 22, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370399901

Book preview

Home Front

Copyright 2017 Warren Emens

Published by Warren Emens at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Note

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Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

About the Author

Other Books by the Author

Connect With the Author

Chapter One

Maria tried to read but she kept reading the same page, listening for the terrible sound she was sure was coming again that night. Even though it was a nightly occurrence, she could never get used to having it erupt, shattering the quiet of the evening. The siren was mounted outside, just feet from her window. When it sounded she always jumped, even if the distant rumble of the bombers had given warning of the air raid warning and the impending destruction. She looked at the clock. Eight pm. They are running late tonight she thought. She turned to her book and began again to read from the top of the page in front of her. It began with a low growl and quickly rose in pitch and volume. Maria screamed, clasped her hands over her ears, ran out of her flat, down the stairs, and into the darkness.

Across the street a ribbon of people crowded down into an underground shelter. She followed the crowd and as she entered the darkness of the shelter, she turned as if she might see her parents. How foolish she thought. Mama and Papa are blocks away. There must be a shelter where they are. Once inside she moved away from the door and sat down on a bench along the wall.

You think I would get used to it, she muttered to no one in particular. It was October 1940. The nightly bombing by the Germans had begun in early September. As she had on previous nights, Maria had run outside totally unprepared to spend a couple of hours in a cold, damp shelter.

In her rush to get out of the building she had also dropped the book she was reading. Now she wished she had thought to bring it, although there was barely enough light to see. Maria looked down at the thin blue dress she wore and wished she had taken the time to put on a coat. She tucked her hands into the folds of her shirt between her legs to warm them.

Want my jacket? You must be cold?

The voice startled Maria. She had not noticed the man that entered and sat down next to her. He was about her age, twenty or so, and wore a Royal Air Force officer's uniform. Maria’s gaze paused on his pale blue eyes and curly golden blond hair. That image of his face always returned when she thought of him and the first time they met. He unbuttoned his jacket.

No. I am fine. Thanks. Maria tried to keep from shivering.

The man continued taking off his jacket and draped it over Maria’s shoulders. Maria started to resist, feeling uneasy when she felt his warmth in the jacket. Realizing it might be rude to refuse his offer, she drew the jacket around her chest.

My name is John. John Farnham,

Maria. Maria De La Fontaine.

Where are you from Maria? You are French?

My family left Paris a year ago. Papa said it was time to go. The Nazis were coming he said, but he didn’t tell Mama and me we would come here and be bombed.

Your papa is a smart man. The Germans are in Paris now. What did your father do?

He worked for the British consulate in Paris, translating and preparing documents. We are staying at the Strand Hotel across the street.

John began to reply, but a large bomb landed close by and the shelter shook, sending little streams of sand from the cracks in the ceiling. More bombs fell and some people cried out in fear. Someone began crying. Another began singing, but soon they fell silent. For a while the barrage seemed to be endless as though the bombs were going to fall all night. Then it stopped. People shifted about, listening. All was silent. When the all-clear siren sounded, people began filing out. Maria stood up and took off John’s jacket.

Want a cup of tea? Offered John. If they haven’t been bombed out, there is a shop in the Strand.

I don’t know. I should get back. I hope Papa and Mama are all right.

Where are they?