Eli Bevier woke that morning at the crack of dawn, in the most distant state. The bed in which he slept wasn't of much comfort as he was used to his own bed. Eli was at a Military Hospital in Paris, he was discharged due to severe injuries he sustained in France during World War II, where he would spend the next six months recuperating. Though he tried to find comfort there, nothing really distracted his mind from thoughts of the army and what was happening in the world. Towards the end of his stay, he would often go on strolls to the nearby shops and offices to mingle and see what was of interest.
However, the one thing that kept a smile on his face was one of the nurses he had met while at the hospital. He thought she was elegant, funny, and charming as she had a way with her words. She was really kind and always tried to strike up a conversation as much as she could with him but was always sort of busy and they were never formally introduced. They did however write letters to each other, as he had in future relationships, she had told him that her grandparent’s farm was in the same city as Eli’s parent’s house. He loved that because he knew he could have a chance to wait for her and they could continue and meet once they both are sent home.
This never happened though as he later received word that the hospital in which the nurse was stationed in was hit by an enemy fire and bombed. He hated never knowing what could have been with the nurse. The hurt was so true but he knew life went on and as so he should too. When he would go back and recall this memory in later years, he would often feel bad at the situation but always remembered what his father had once said to him as a child, “There is never any use in crying over spilled milk.”
One evening he was walking past an old style shop, in which he saw the most extremely magnificent camera. At that time Camera’s were just beginning to dawn upon the world and develop into a greater extent. The shop keeper’s daughter, Margaret Wilkins, noticed him right away and worked up the courage to come over and talk to him. He on the other hand was oblivious to the fact that she had noticed him due largely in part to him being marveled by the camera and the items in the store. When he turned and saw Margaret approaching him, he felt a feeling.
That feeling we have all felt at one point or another. Stirring up inside as if you were some sort of melting ***, You know the feel. When you see a most beautiful and wonderful girl and you know that within you lies a special place in which only she can reside and your heart skips a beat. He didn't know what this feeling was, but one thing he was certain of was that he liked it. He knew that he had to think of something quick but his mind went blank and could not produce the slightest idea. “Hello there Welcome, May I help you in any way?” said Margaret.
But Eli just gazed at her as he tried to get a word out of his mouth but ended up getting lost in her gorgeous eyes. Again she asked “Is everything okay, sir? Do you need any assistance?” at which point Eli came to from his trance-like state and looking at the camera he was holding said “I apologize for being a goof just now, It’s just that you have such a wonderful eyes, I can only wonder as to the type of person you are, great I’m sure. Anyway, I’m Eli. Eli Bevier. I’m really interested in these items you have for sale. “Especially this camera.” he stated as Margaret walked over to his table and overlooked the camera, “It’s quite alright and thank you for the delightful compliment. Yes, as you can see we stock a fine selection of old world items and antiques. I myself fancy photography.” To which he replied “Is that a fact? You’re kidding! It’s apparent that we share at least that in common! Do you own any yourself?” he said as Margaret took the item over to the register and rang up the price.
“A couple, there’s this one that I have always wanted to get but haven’t gotten the chance, It was called the ‘Columbia Optical Co, Pecto 1’ it’s a neat little contraption. It’s really nifty it’s got a great lens and it’s just the perfect size for me”. “Thank you, you seem very kind, I hope to see you again sometime. I have an idea! May I have your address so I can maybe write to you? I might be stationed at different places so I might not get many chances to come back here.” He stated as he collected his things. “Why, thank you. You’re so kind yourself. Yes, that would be quite alright.” She wrote down her address and handed it to Eli. “Well I guess this is my cue. Bonsoir Mademoiselle!” he said and hurried along back to the hospital for he knew it was getting late and it would close its doors soon.
Two nights later, on the evening of the ninth of may, News had reached the hospital which said Eli was discharged and was going to be sent home immediately to which he took kindly to the news as he personally felt he wasn't ready for all that war going on. He had caught a flight back home to California early the next morning and was home by the end of that week. He was overcome with emotions when he returned to his life. His parents were proud of his achievements and for his service. Over the next few weeks, Eli did nothing but devote a majority of his time in job seeking, at first he didn't seem to have much luck as it was a time of despair for his country. The economy was barely beginning to make a recovery from the devastation and the wide-scale impact that the stock crash had left. He managed through it all by always remembering to write and send Margaret letters and cards. He enjoyed their talk’s, they would send poems as well. He soon found himself missing the woman so much, since she lived in France, he often contemplated re-joining the service. All the while the war still bombarding cites across the ocean and the globe itself, civilians were dying at a much more rapid pace as well as soldiers and enemy troops. Day and night the soldiers were on guard as many attacks would come without warning. Back home, not finding much luck with work, he decided to pursue the army once again. He was accepted to serve again, and was sent to Spain for a brief period of time, after which he made his way back to Paris in an elaborate effort to track down the old style nostalgia shop and see Margaret. It was tough but Eli managed to find her and they met up on more than a few occasions, he had rented out a flat in the nearby neighborhood. The next few months, they met up and talked, and went out and just spent time talking among each other. By this time it was 1944 and the war was just about done. The young couple had made plans to stay in France and marrying, raise a family. He loved the idea. He couldn't wait to get out of the war and begin a new with the woman he loved. And as fairy tales go, they stayed put and eventually settled down having two children and owning various business and even a farm. He loved the decision he made and the person he chose to love, he couldn't have had it any other way.
Short story #2
