Ashley received a letter from Victoria after many years of silence. She rested in the drawing room with it. It read:
Darling Sister,
The rift between us must end. We are so different. I’m certain little has changed in our years apart. I command a squadron of fighting airships battling the Teutonic Empire. You, the loveliest girl in Londonium, married Britannia’s wealthiest weapons contractor. A trophy wife, perhaps. Though I hardly understand you, you’re still my sister.
I’m sorry your Rupert passed on. You’re getting help? You’ve always been a desert flower, unable to survive without a stranger’s generosity. Now I fear for you. Teutonic forces march upon Londonium with their villainous steam-powered walking tanks. Run away! I should hate that the horrors of war be visited upon your fragile soul.
Your adoring sister,
Victoria
Ashley stood up, her filmy dress fluttering in the breeze. She approached the 37mm anti-tank gun standing at the window. Expertly, she loaded and aimed it.
“Not to worry, dear sister,” she murmured. “Things have changed in the intervening years.”
___________________________
Written for the Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers writing challenge.
As short as this piece is, it’s packed with lots of honest emotions especially through the letter.
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Thank you! It’s good to know the feelings came across so well.
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Indeed something has changed! Ashley wasn’t a mere trophy wife! Great story! Although, I think Victoria is a snob. LOL!
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So true. Ashley may have started as a trophy wife, but she learned a lot from her weapons-maker husband. She was no wallflower any longer. It’s true that Victoria was a bit snobby, but at least she tried to mend fences. In any event, Victoria is in for a shock when she meets Ashley in person once again! π Thanks so much! π
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Great story!
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I hope that Ashley does not destroy Victoria’s airship, they both now seem to be tough individuals. Great fantasy story,
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Hehe. Nah, they’re on the same side (Britannia). But certainly, they’ve both become rather capable women. A squabble between them might be rather destructive. π Thanks much! π
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YES! Three cheers for Ashley. Victoria will be proud of her. Love this, Eric…as always π
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Hip, hip, hooray! Yeah, their reunion in person will be a real surprise for Victoria. Maybe the dawning of new respect for her wallflower sister. Glad you liked it. Thanks so much, Lyn! π
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A 37-millimeter caliber against Teutonic tanks? And an anti-tank gun positioned in an enclosed room where it would be almost impossible to maneuver and change position?
Things may have changed, but Ashley still needs help.
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Bear in in mind, this is alternative history. These tanks are an 1800s design (100 years before tanks appeared in our time). 37mm AT guns worked nicely in our time. They’d work even better against these fictional upright walking tanks. And I’ve actually seen a 37mm AT gun. They’re heavy, but movable, especially if on wheels. Just beware of the recoil. π Anyway, what are house servants for? Making the tea, emptying the bed pan, dusting the bureau…reloading the anti-tank gun… π
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Well, then I think the most effective way to stop the 19th century walking steam-powered tanks is to hang a thick rope around a couple of feet above the ground.
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True, but it lacks that really satisfying “bang” you get from a big gun. And that’s why we bother having wars isn’t it? π
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I thought we have wars for oil, in this alternate reality, for steam, I guess? π
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Ohhh, I love this! Can I request a sequel where the sisters reunite and become a tough commandeering duo π
Seriously though, this was wonderfully written, humorous and the twist at the end was enjoyable.
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Hehe. I’ll try and squeeze in a sequel in somewhere. Stay tuned. I’m so glad you had fun with this one. I do love saving the twists for last. π Thanks kindly! π
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Really nice!
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Thanks very much! π
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Great story, great twist. That letter is nicely written.
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Great to hear that. Thanks so much, Indira! π
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Wow, that story ended with a bang! Nice one!
My story is called Dear Jane
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Excellent story, as usual.
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Thanks so much. I appreciate that. π
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