The Message

Elizabeth envied the birds perched on a shrub with twigs in their mouths. They were busy following their instinct – no complicated decisions. She longed to give up her job in the shop and work with wood full-time but doubted she’d make enough money. How could her new business grow without devoting more time to it, though? All her hand-carved spoons hung in her kitchen. Each one was like a friend. She knew which tree they’d grown from, had enjoyed tracing the woodgrain and she felt her body get stronger as she carved. Each completed piece gave her the pride to walk taller. People now asked her to mend their wooden furniture too and she’d built a workshop behind her house.  But was she ready to stop working for Mr Creasey?

One day after locking up shop, she saw a man walking up the road who worked in the same workshop as young Ned. She hadn’t seen Ned for ages and wanted to thank him for helping her. ‘Hello!’ she called after him. ‘Could you give Ned a message?’

‘Ned Butler?’ he said gravely.

‘Yes, I’ve not seen him and need to thank him. He taught me wood working skills, showed me I could do it. And now I love it. Everything’s changed for me.  I’ve something I’ve carved in my bag I could show you!’

‘No, don’t worry.’ The man looked uncomfortable. ‘I can’t give Ned your message, I’m afraid.’

‘Oh, is he Ok?’

‘Well, the truth is, we don’t know. Ned disappeared some months ago and no one knows where or….. what’s happened to him.’

‘That’s terrible!’

‘He’s probably fine. But he also left at a bad time. We’d a lot of work on, nearly lost a valuable customer because of him leaving. And it didn’t make sense going without a word. His parents don’t even know why.’

‘I hope he’s ok. I hope nothing’s happened to him.’

‘Some people have got their theories. No point worrying. With the war going on, it’s strange times.’ Elizabeth flinched at the mention of the war. She hated being reminded of its presence.  ‘Anyway, I’m sorry I can’t help. If you hear anything, let us know.’ And with that he walked away. Elizabeth was left clutching her bag, feeling tearful – now someone else she cared for had gone. She walked home through the woods and looked upwards to the strong, comforting branches overheard. Early optimistic spring leaves shined lime green but now she felt worried. To busy herself she found some wood for carving.

Weeks passed. One day, Elizabeth was tidying and sorting through cupboard drawers at the shop. This was how she discovered a sealed envelope with her name scrawled across it. How strange she thought. Why was it there? Why hadn’t it been given to her? Mr Creasey must have just not bothered! She sat down to read it.

Dear Elizabeth,

When you get this, I’ll have left and be on a train heading towards the boarder. I’ve been too afraid to tell anyone I’m going and why, apart from you as I think you’ll understand. I’m almost eighteen and don’t want to be conscripted to the army. I can’t use a weapon to kill someone, even if my life was in danger. From what you said about the war, and you having lost your husband, I hope you’ll understand. I couldn’t tell my parents as they’d be ashamed of me. I think you might be able to help them understand and find peace with my decision. Reassure them I’m safe and that after the war I will return. If you could do this, I would be very grateful.

Ned.

Ps Keep up the wood carving.

Elizabeth’s heart was pounding and she felt furious at Mr Creasey keeping this letter from her. It could have remained undiscovered! She needed to speak to Ned’s parents straight away. Let them know he was safe and that they needn’t worry about him. She’d have to ask his workplace where they lived. Holding the letter close, she looked in the direction of Mr Creasey. If she went now, would he sack her? ‘Mr Creasey!’ she called out loud. ‘Mr Creasey!’ She heard him coming. She quickly wrote ‘CONFIDENTIAL’ across the envelope.

‘What’s th’matter?’ he snapped.

‘I found this letter, to me, in the drawer! It came months ago and ….you never gave it to me!’ Tearfully, Elizabeth’s lips trembled. ‘It contains important information ….. that I need to act on.’

Mr Creasey just mumbled, ‘what does it say?’

‘I need to do go, now!’ Elizabeth fetched her bag and coat. I’ll be back tomorrow.’ Elizabeth found the courage to blurt out, ‘You should have given it to me. You don’t care, do you?’ And with that she slammed the door behind her. She didn’t’ stop to see his reaction. Shaking with anger and panicked, she strode out along the street. Then suddenly, she was stopped by a tap on her shoulder.

‘Elizabeth, where are you rushing?’ It was Josephine.

‘Josephine!’

‘Let’s sit on the wall down this alley and you can tell me all,’ Josephine knew something important had happened and she gently led her to a peaceful spot where Elizabeth explained everything.

 ‘Ned has hopefully escaped joining the army but I’m afraid his parents see things differently from you. I can see why he didn’t tell them,’ said Josephine.

‘He thinks I’ll be able to help them understand. Ned helped me discover my love of wood-carving, so I want to help him too.  I just hope I’m able to. At least I can let them know he’s safe. Put their minds at rest.’

‘I’ll take you to Ned’s house and support you,’ said Josephine kindly. They went together and after knocking, waited a reply.

 ‘Hello, Mr Butler, I’m Elizabeth. I know your son, Ned and…. I so sorry he’s gone missing.

‘Yep, we’ve heard nothing and he’s been gone for five months now.’

‘You must be worried sick! It’s awful losing someone you love. I know how that feels as my husband died in the war two years ago.’’

‘Come in. Bessie, my wife is out shopping but I’ll make you a cup of tea.’

‘Thank you.’

‘You must be proud of your husband, who served in the war and protected us through his sacrifice.’

‘Well, that’s not something I think about. If he was still alive, if there was a way I could see him again, know that he was safe and well, that would be mean so much more to me. Losing him is the worst thing. Worse than anything. It’s terrible to lose someone you love. And that’s why I had to come and see you. It must be awful for you not knowing where Ned is, whether he’s dead or alive.’

‘Well yes, it’s been terrible. My wife, Bessie, can’t sleep and her health is going downhill.’ The man mumbled into his tea and his face was grey and contorted. Elizabeth leaned over and touched his hand gently. I’ve come because I need to let you and Bessie know Ned is safe. I’ve had a message from him. And he is worried about you both. He asked me to let you know that he’s safe and well. You’ll be able to reassure Bessie and she can sleep again, get strong again. Mr Butler held Elizabeth’s hand tightly and looked into her eyes. ‘It’s ok. Neither of you need worry now.’

‘You’ve had a message from him?’

‘Yes, he wrote to me, look.’ Elizabeth got out the letter but didn’t give it to him. ‘It says something that ….. he was afraid to tell you.’ Mr Butler’s face changed expression and Elizabeth started to worry. ‘He’s left the country so that he can….. hide in safety. He’s safe, Mr Butler, he’s not in any danger. One day, when the war is over, you’ll be able to see him again. You’ll have your son back. My husband is never coming back.’ Elizabeth looked into his eyes kindly. and she hoped Mr Butler understood. His face softened. ‘Let Bessie know, she’ll be so relieved. I’m so happy for you both. Ned is a kind man and taught me wood-carving.’

‘We’d better go now,’ Josephine said.

He showed them out. ‘I’m relieved to hear your message and look forward to telling Bessie. We can have our life back now. Y’know, Ned’s work have struggled since he left, they might have some work for you if Ned taught you well.’  And with that they parted.

‘You did a good job,’ said Josephine.

Elizabeth smiled, ‘Thank you. With your support.’

‘I think there could be another kind of job ahead for you as well.’