A good and a bad message

Gently he wraps his arms around her. But she is not willing to forget about the argument yet. So she resists the wish to lean against his shoulder. Instead she places her hands against his chest and pushes him away from herself. Without a word she returns to her work. The work gives her refuge. There is something very comforting in doing the everyday work. Her hands are busy with the child's shirt and needle. But her husband does not allow her to go away without hearing his explanation. He takes her needlework out of her hands and forces her to look up to him.

She must realise that he has no other choice than becoming a soldier. The borders are in danger of being overrun. And when the borders fall, his family will be in danger too. To save his family he has to join the army and defend his country. His wife has to understand all this. He must try to explain this to his wife.

The borders are not strong enough to resist the enemy's attacks. She knows this. She also heard many old men talking that it is a question of time until they have to capitulate. When her husband goes to the front, now that it seems they have lost the war already, she only has to count the days till his death. Or he will end up as a prisoner. These guys are treated very badly all over the world and many died. So there is the horrible shadow of death again. If he stays in the country, he could help to build up the country again and to take care of his family. She has to gather all her power to convince him and also with less honourable means, she has to go on explaining all this to her husband.

But after another strong argument. it becomes clear that no one will change his opinion. Frustrated he opens the door and takes his coat and hat. Good, she does not want it in another way. Now he will go and join the army without her agreement and her backing him. With a loud bang, he slams the door. His wife sits in the living room and the bang of the door reminds her of the bang of a rifle. She goes to the window. Outside she can see her husband going in the direction of the army's camp. From the pocket of her apron she pulls out a little hat. This is pink with blue flowers on the ribbons. She had no time to tell him that she is pregnant with their first child.