THE JOURNEY 

By Tessa Harvey

    The telegram boy puffed and panted up the steep hill slope to the correct address. His bike wobbled as he sought to keep his balance. Net curtains twitched at windows following his progress uneasily.
    The war was not going well, with many casualties already. The young lad's face brightened when he saw the soldier leaning over to open the gate.
    "Sir!" he called, "telegram!" Well, this man was alive, not even wounded. 
    The boy handed over the message to the puzzled soldier and hastened away, pleased no-one was upset this time. Whistling, he swooped back down the hill. Nearly lunch time!
    Thomas stood there holding the telegram, uncertain why it was addressed to him.     Next door the neighbour's door opened and Frances Redcliff peered out.
    "How do, lad? Good news I hope! Your mum and dad were going to look for your Alice."
    Thomas undid the telegram. "It says they are in Southampton and will be home soon - Thanks Mrs. R!"
    "Got some hot lunch ready," she offered. "Will you join us, lad?"

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