WEN: 2260EE
Exhibitor Name: Jeshua Wickham
Division: Creative Writing--
Class: 04 Short Stories (
interest. Charlie, big and handsome, teasing and lighthearted, was soon to be married to his sweetheart, Dorothy Millen, and he wanted to set up a home of his own. Peter, more quiet and studious, was working his way through medical school. It was his dream to become a doctor and to help people. He hated war and bloodshed, and could not stand the thought of killing another man, unless in great need. Father would probably give up banking soon, and take up the farming again to allow both sons to pursue their futures. If Jonathan had lived, he would have taken over the farm. He always loved the animals and working in the fields. But he was gone, irretrievably. Perhaps Luke would decide to take up the land. Father wasn't getting any younger, and Henry had no desire to farm. He enjoyed working with his hands and building things, and so had been apprenticed to the carpenter, Mr. Johnson. This war had changed everything though. How exciting it would be! The chatter and light around the table dimmed as he was lost in a reverie about the future. A hearty laugh broke in on his thoughts. Charlie, in his booming voice, had been relating a story about what had happened at the nearby pub during lunch hour. Apparently, father found it highly amusing. Henry glanced at his mother, noticing her frown of slight disapproval. But beneath her apparent annoyance, he knew, by the slight quirk at the corners of her mouth, and the twinkle in her blue eyes, she was suppressing her own merriment. As a lady, though, she would not consent to laugh at such coarse things. Lucette Wilson had been a merry, fun loving girl in her youth. Her marriage to Allen Sanders, and subsequent sorrows had refined and subdued her, yet her merry blue eyes still twinkled, and her cheery laugh still rang throughout the house. She had retained much of her former beauty, and her thick, dark hair tucked underneath the white cap was not yet flecked with much grey. Most of the children took after her in looks, but Sally May and Faith both had curling, golden tresses. It was a wonder where they got it, for Mr. Sanders also had dark straight hair. Henry yawned, comfortably full and beginning to be drowsy. Tomorrow would be his last day at the shop. Mr. Johnson would have to let him go temporarily, but with the knowledge Henry had gained, he felt confident that upon his return he would be able to set up his own shop. The two days passed rapidly. Before he knew it, Henry was standing on the front porch of his beloved home, bidding farewell to his family. They were all there to see him off. Charlie and Peter shook hands with him, and, though scorning to show emotion, it was evident they would miss him. Mr. Sanders clapped him on the back, muttering huskily, “goodbye son, and may God bless you.”
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