For the third time that day, John and Terry tentatively knocked on the door of a dead comrade’s family home. The woman ushered them inside with fear and trepidation written on her face. John spoke slowly and with deep sadness in his voice ‘I’m really sorry to have to tell you this Mrs Arnold we, unfortunately....’ Frank Arnolds wife knew exactly what John was about to tell her. She wobbled a little then almost collapsed. John held her from falling and led her to a chair. ‘It really does grieve me greatly Mrs Arnold but I afraid Frank was killed in an accident last night when the underground tunnel he was in collapsed.’ She started to sob uncontrollably and John let that happen. She eventually quietened and took in a large breath of air and sat upright as though she was stiffening herself.
‘Did he suffer?’
‘I don’t believe so Mrs Arnold.’
‘I always knew that when he signed up that there was a risk, but I supported him every step of the way.’
‘Mrs Arnold, may I call you Brenda?’
Brenda Arnold nodded and said ‘Of course John. You know; Frank spoke of you all the time; you were his hero. He always said you would lead us back to a civilised society and I believed him. Can I believe you, John?’
‘Frank was a fine soldier Brenda, and I know we are winning. I can tell you that there are cracks appearing in the State’s machinery. People are questioning and challenging those that hold power and that is growing. I will not give up until no one ever has to forfeit their life fighting to gain a decent, fair and just place for their families to grow up in. If there is anything you need, just ask one of the store providers through the usual channels. Terry will give you all the information you need to contact them.'
‘I would like to speak to your Marie I know she will be a great comfort for me. Would you ask her to come and see me?’Marie spent a lot of her time above ground with the fighter’s families and she was well known and respected.
Terry winced and looked at John, he wasn’t expecting that request and Brenda could see the expression on John’s face suddenly change. ‘What is it John, what is wrong with Marie?’
John stood up abruptly and said, ‘I’m sorry Brenda, but I have to leave now Terry will stay a while and explain if that’s ok with you.’ John’s gut was twisted with grief and emotion, but he said his farewell and promptly left Brenda in the company of Terry.
Terry steeled himself to give the news to Brenda about Marie ‘Unfortunately I have to tell you that Marie was killed two days ago in an action against a Stapo patrol.
Brenda cried again, ‘Oh no not Marie! And John has come here to tell me about my poor Frank when his own grief must be breaking his heart. Oh my God, when is this going to end?’
Terry comforted her and said, ‘ Brenda, I trust John and truly believe he will deliver on his promises. Frank’s and Marie’s deaths will not have been in vain. That’s a promise.’