Inspired by ejmw’s excellent “A Simple Reminder”, this is an imagined conversation that could be happening anywhere in Iraq or Afghanistan now. And my heart is breaking.
“Mommy, can I go play outside today?”
“No dear, it isn’t safe.”
“Why mommy, are the bad men back?”
“Yes honey, they are. There are men with guns on the roof honey because one of our neighbours is suspected of being part of the resistance.”
“Just like daddy?”
“Yes, just like daddy.”
“When is he coming home mommy?”
“Sweetheart, mommy explained to you already that daddy isn’t coming home. Daddy died in the market baby. You know that, you were there. In the car.”
“The bad men did it. With their big bomb. I hate them.”
“Me too baby, me too. One day we’ll be free again and then they will pay.”
“I want to help mommy.”
“When you’re bigger you can.”
