The missing piece

There was a knock at the door and a big white van pulled up. Mathew Sheppard hopped in, fighting back his tears. He waved at Florence and then the van drove off. Florence picked up her youngest child James and started crying, making her mascara run. She did not know when her husband would be back from war. Florence put James to bed and then sat on the couch looking at her old photos of Mathew, which she then lay on the mantel piece. Florence ran her slim, long, fingers through her golden curly locks and then slowly made her way to bed. 

In the morning, forgetting that her husband was gone, she went to give him a big hug, then remembered he was not there. James walked in and gave Florence a big cuddle, wondering were his dad was and whether he would be coming back. Florence got up with her night gown dragging behind her. Everything was ever so quiet since Mathew had gone. 

Nearly three months had passed and there was no letter from Mathew. Every night Florence sat listening to the war news on her cheap radio. So far New Zealand soldiers had been sent all over, some in Poland, some in France and some to Gallipoli. 

Days went by slowly. Florence played with James trying to forget about her heart ache. While she was doing this Mathew was fighting Germany in Poland, wishing he was at home and missing his wife’s quirkeness.  Florence went to sleep dreaming about their marrige and the day James was born. 

Florence woke up in a sudden start and ran to see if James was still there. Florence walked into the lounge and laid her hand of the photo of James and Mathew. She started crying, wondering were her husband was now. Looking at the time Florence decided to go back to sleep. In the morning Florence walked up to the mail box, her black boots drenched in mud. She opened the mail box thinking there would be none. She peered through and there was a letter jammed in the back. She walked in with the letter in one hand she sat down and reed the letter.

Dear my darling wife and handsome son, 

This may take a while to reach you, so please be patient. I am in Poland.

My friend Jake was in medical care because he got shot in the arm.

I’m all good though. By the time you get this I will probably be somewhere else.

Miss you all deeply and wishing I see you soon

Yours Truly

Mathew 

P..S Sealed with a kiss 

Hope lifted Florence. She finally knew her husband was alive. There was no longer a missing piece in her heart. Florence told James and they were both overwelmed. Letter after letter had arrived, month after month. It felt like Mathew was there all along. 

By Paige , Year 6