This month’s piece for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post might be somewhat different as we’re being forced to discuss my care with the company covering the days my hospice don’t come. Their coordinator who books the aids is unhappy with the state of our home. Yet the aids have never complained about anything to us. And our puppy has learnt to poop outside, not in the house. However, we’ve got rid of one aid after she tried to push me up using my right leg – injuring it, which hasn’t healed after two weeks. So, we’re not happy with the company either, especially as they keep sending different aids.
On the writing front, Ukraine is still my writing priority. As I’ve said a few times, I will continue my Ukraine stories until a just Peace is reached and the reconstruction has begun. For NaNoWriMo in November, I plan to write some stories connecting my IWSG Anthology WW2 historical fantasy and my modern WEP/IWSG pieces. This Ukraine collection, ‘Freedom Flights’, will be assembled over the winter – fellow IWSG anthology contributor, Rebecca Douglas, has offered to help me – many thanks to her.
I will be back with my WEP/IWSG Ukraine Night Witches historical shorts soon as the next episode is due around October 18th to 20th, 2023.
Every month, IWSG announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
September 6 question: The IWSG celebrates 12 years today! When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?
I attempted to write my first IWSG post ten years ago, in 2013, having encountered the group a few months earlier. As I didn’t answer that month’s question, I didn’t claim that as an IWSG post. Although today I would, as it was an insecure confession.
IWSG has kept me writing for ten years…although not always the project I began a few months earlier. However, the enthusiasm and encouragement of other IWSG members has inspired my creativity. Although I haven’t finished more than a few drafts of the projects from 2013, I’m on the final revision of my police procedural ‘Fevered Fuse’, and my Ukraine collection ‘Freedom Flights’ will be my 2024 aim.
Although there have been curve balls leading to direction changes in my writing, IWSG has ensured I have never given up for more than a month or two. Yes, I have had insecure moments, but there are always some IWSG members who have helped me push on through the block… especially the inspirational Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Although this WEP/IWSG August Challenge entry attempts to echo ongoing events, I’ve had to stray down the fictional path more than usual. Also, it’s hard to know what’s actually happening as much of the military information is restricted. However, it’s clear that there is much more bloody fighting to come, and more sacrifices
For those new to this ongoing creation, please note, this present day tale began with my World War II story Feathered Fire, which introduced the Chayka family from Ukraine and appeared in the 2020 IWSG Anthology (No. 5), Voyagers: The Third Ghost.
Blurb: The Night Witches taste from the past and discover new delights
Part 12 Chocolate Pots
2023
Friday, August 4th – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
The six Sukhoi Su-24 landed in quick succession and were then parked in the last vacant revetments.
English: Ukrainian Air Force Sukhoi Su-24M at Starokonstantinov
As the male pilots marched towards the waiting officers, Vasy Chayka said, “They’re wearing 114th Tactical Aviation Brigade patches like us. Were any disrespectful of our Witches?”
Colonel Maksym Bondarenko smiled, then said, “Maybe before being assigned to protect your airfield near Lviv.” He stopped as the Sukhoi flight commander approached and saluted.
“Kapitan Andriy Pavlenko reporting for F-16 training of the first flight from the 41st Tactical Aviation Brigade. We are honored to be at the Polish School of Eagles.”
“Although the University are our host,” said Maksym, “the F-16 trainers were all obtained by the 2022 Night Witches. We also have permission from the Polish Air Force to train in their air space with other NATO air units.”
Kapitan Pavlenko blushed as he overtly stared when a tall blonde Polish officer stepped towards him.
“I am Major Klaudia Smolak. I will be your flight’s F-16 trainer. We start at 14.00. Don’t be late.”
**
Andriy knew the stern major was testing him and probably knew he had insulted some Witches in that Lviv restaurant. She’d left before telling him where to meet, but he’d chanced talking to one of the Night Witch commanders.
“Major Chayka, my apologies for any past indiscretion towards your pilots.”
“Forgiven. I presume you need directions, so you make the right impression on your deceptive trainer.”
Armed with information on their quarters and the locations of all the planes, Andriy earned his first nod of recognition from Klaudia.
And the flight made an impressive start on F-16s.
**
Tuesday, August 8th – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
Mariyka Shevchuk was amazed at how full the family restaurant had become, not just with the usual students and cadets, but also civilians, Witches and trainers. Even the Sukhoi flight had braved coming.
“Have you noted their Polish trainers?” asked Sergei. “Is romance melting hearts tonight?”
“Not just there. Agnieszka’s Dark Chocolate Pots de Crème were popular with everyone—”
“—I had to acknowledge our new movie poster,” said her aunt, “especially as extra supplies were delivered yesterday for the restaurant’s twelfth anniversary on Saturday.”
“Then that’s the crucial celebration,” said Mariyka.
**
Friday, August 11th – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeiship, Poland
Maksym Bondarenko returned a week later with a convoy of four grounded MiG-29s, which his team began unloading by the hangar of the Aviation Engineering Training Centre.
Master Engineer Anatol Krakarth glanced out and smiled, then said, “Kapitan Shevchuk hoped you’d send a few more rebuilds when you could.”
As Mariyka and some mechanics came to help, Maksym said, “I didn’t expect to find any so quickly. How soon before you needed these?”
“We’re due to finish our current rebuilds,” said Mariyka, “in ten days. On average, we can rebuild a flight of four in two months… depending on how damaged the planes are.”
“Impressive,” said Maksym, turning to Anatol. “How dependent are you on the Witches mechanics?”
“Less and less as they train cadets to replace them. We know the Witches must return to Ukraine. But how soon?” Anatol gestured towards Mariyka, “I will regret losing Kapitan Shevchuk as she’s essential to this operation.”
“I must discuss what must occur next with the commanders. However, long term I hope the School of Eagles will be involved in rebuilding Ukraine’s defence industry.”
A MiG-29 Fulcrum takes off from Starokostiantyniv Air Base, Ukraine, Oct. 9 as part of the Clear Sky 2018 exercise. The exercise promotes regional stability and security, while strengthening partner capabilities and fostering trust. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn)
**
The Witches leadership had gathered in their office with Maksym Bondarenko, who announced.
“Master Engineer Krakarth and Kapitan Shevchuk say we will have two flights of four MiG-29s by August 21st, so we can consider the first step in returning to Airfield “Kalyniv”, and supporting Lviv’s air defence.”
“My cousin and I,” said Kalyna, “will identify the fourteen most proficient MiG-29 pilots, although not at the expense of the F-16 training program. We’ll post a list on Friday.”
**
Saturday, August 12th – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
Andriy Pavlenko embraced Klaudia Smolak when the major came into the restaurant with her colleague Kapitan Zuzia Czajka. Arm around Klaudia’s waist, he guided the two ladies through the crowded room to the table where his colleagues had gathered.
“Rumors of our romance are now confirmed,” said Klaudia, then sealed their relationship with a passionate kiss.
“Guess we should do the same,” said his friend Tomas, kissing Zuzia as she sat beside him.
**
Mariyka and Sergei finished serving every customer with champagne, then joined her aunt beside the ‘Chocolat’ poster. Agnieszka raised her glass.
“Tonight, we are pleased so many of you are here to celebrate Zvenigora Restaurant’s twelfth anniversary. Raise your glasses for another twelve years.”
After the toast she added, “Since 2011, students from the School of Eagles have been our mainstay, although now many of you are Ukrainian defenders. We wish you strength and success in the defense of your homeland. Slava Ukrayini.”
**
Wednesday, August 23rd – Airfield “Kalyniv” near the Polish border.
It was dawn when the Witches of Green and Sable flights landed back at Airfield “Kalyniv” in the eight refurbished MiG-29s. Their ground crews, who had travelled ahead overnight, directed the jets into their newly fortified revetments.
In the briefing room, Maksym Bondarenko addressed the pilots and their chief mechanics.
“Air Command West welcome you back to the Lviv region. Russian attacks in west have increased recently, with greater civilian casualties. Notably on Monday, August 14th the severe attacks included those apartments in Lviv.”
Aftermath of russia’s barbaric attack on Lviv region: at least 15 injured, 40 buildings damaged. It is a pure terrorism.
“We have good ground defenses, but additional air cover could prove crucial. Major Vasy Chayka’s Green Flight have the combat expertise to lead our anti-missile night patrol, but Kapitan Maryna Sobol’s Sable Wing are equipped with more advanced NATO missile. So, work to your strengths tonight. Slava Ukrayini.”
FCA 979 words
Slava Ukrayini
Apologies if I’m slow to respond to comments or struggle to visit all your posts.
Please, ensure you visit all the other writers in this challenge via:
Welcome WINDSONG BLONDELLE PHOENIX better known as Blondie, our new Companion fur baby. She will never replace my unique Quetzal, who remains irreplaceable and I’m still mourning her. Blondie is full of energy and tries so hard to play with Treeky. But the old man only wants to bark and bark. As for this old man, I’d love our new fur baby to share my bed – without stepping on my catheter – but the three times she’s been on the bed, her visits have been brief. She prefers getting Juanita’s attention by chewing her shoes. Luckily new toys are on order.
2. One minor problem is chewing through my computer cable, which left me unable to check my emails, write this post until Tuesday, or keep up to date on Ukraine. So, I’m being briefer than usual.
3. Health continues to plague me. I’m meant to be going on respite at the end of the month so Juanita and the dogs can go camping. Should be interesting… if I can take my laptop to write.
For now, Ukraine is still one of my two writing priorities. As I’ve said a few times, I will continue my Ukraine stories until a just peace is reached and the reconstruction has begun. The next episode is due around August 16th to 18th 2023.
Every month, IWSG announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
July 5 question – 99% of my story ideas come from dreams. Where do yours predominantly come from?
Remember, the question is optional!
I must be brief this month, but I can start by saying as a teenager and in my twenties, dreams were often my inspiration.
But that gradually changed to echoing real-life events as with my two current projects. My Snowdon Shadows police procedural series reflects Welsh issues with touches of the history and folklore. Likewise, my Ukraine Night Witches historical shorts are fiction set against ongoing events… not forgetting the initial short echoing the Firebird legend.
I’ve even used Norse mythology for some WEP/IWSG flash shorts.
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
As our health costs spiral, living off two pensions is a struggle, requiring careful budget savings. Sometimes harsh reality catches us out. We are now having to pay $860 p.m as our monthly ground rent has been increased by $65 p.m. Fortunately, my brilliant wife made a major grocery saving by getting us accepted for meals on wheels.
Our house move plans are progressing slowly.
My care team are still aiming to get me in my power wheelchair for indoor trips. But now they intend to avoid depending on commercial therapists, by us all learning simple massage techniques to help straighten my knees.
I’m now planning with my wife, for when I move on/pass. When we lived in Wales, we found a woodland cemetery, where we wanted to be buried. In Idaho, there is no such green option. So, I’ve been dreaming of being in Sussex again with my wife, somehow.
Restaall Peaceful Forest Cremation Urns
Probably. two cremations, one urn shared with our fur-babies. Wakes in Idaho and Sussex so everyone who wants to entertain with memories is welcome.
On to the writing… well, briefly as this month’s question is a departure from scribbling.
For now, Ukraine is still one of my two writing priorities. As I’ve said a few times, I will continue my Ukraine stories until a just peace is reached and the reconstruction has begun. The next episode is due in three weeks around June 21st – prompt ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind.’
So much has happened over the last few weeks, notably the announcement about Western jets, relevant to my 2022 Night Witches as they face returning to Ukraine,and now on June 6th the destruction of Nova Kakhovka Dam .
The post should be up next week.
Slava Ukrayini
**
Every month, IWSG announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
June 7 question – If you ever did stop writing, what would you replace it with?
Clue: Before reading more, decipher my photo clue and mention your thoughts in a comment. Please. Then read my answer.
June Answer: When I stopped photography, I found time to write. Therefore, photography might be my replacement for writing.
I gave up professional photography when my Canon pro-camera became too heavy to use due to my declining health. My wife agreed especially as all my lenses made the equipment too bulky to carry around.
Lumix FZ100
We bought a lighter Lumix, which my wife still uses. The photo from our office window in North Wales of the view towards Snowdon is hers, and I asked her if I could use it for ‘Writing Wings’.
Snowdon above Portmeirion by Juanita Clarke
However, I still struggle to lift some things – like the Lumix.
Solution: 4K Digital Camera for Photography and Video Autofocus 48MP Vlogging Camera for YouTube with SD Card 3” Flip Screen Flash 16x Zoom Anti-Shake Travel Camera for Beginner.
However, this small camera offers possibilities beyond stills. So, prepare for videos and vlogging. Will this get me out of my bedroom into the wider world? First though, I have transfer photos off the camera successfully.
Then decide how to target Sussex into my plans…remotely. I need to find a UK base unit.
Clue Answer: Selfie taken in family graveyard, at All Saints, Highbrook, near where we plan to rest forever, with a view over the Sussex countryside… once we’ve finished vlogging.
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
First, I must remember to celebrate our 13th Wedding Anniversary on May 14th.
Second, our house move may take longer than hoped. Some of the houses we were interested in, we can’t view yet as they are not ‘active’ in the market. Our realtor explained he gets fined $1,000 for each ‘inactive’ property he shows prospective buyers around. Maybe all our funds will be in place when we find the perfect home.
At least a delay gives my care team more time to get me in my power wheelchair for indoor trips… and then outside with trees and grass in a gated, over 55 community with amenities.
Until the move happens, gaming and writing keep my brain active and alive. Tomorrow, May the Force be with you.
Ukraine is still one of my two writing priorities. I will continue my Ukraine stories until a just peace is reached and the reconstruction has begun. Next episode is due around June 21st – prompt ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind.’ However, first I’m working on another Ukraine piece to build on my April entry: https://rolandclarke.com/2023/04/20/wep-iwsg-april-challenge-life-is-beautiful/
Every month, IWSG announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
May 3 question – When you are working on a story, what inspires you?
Interesting question with at least two answers, depending on which story I’m working on:
Snowdon Shadows: Characters have inspired me as I wrote the various stories within my Snowdon Shadows world, especially my crime-fighting duo, Sparkle Anwyl and Kama Pillai. However, other characters involved in their cases have proved inspirational in their own way.
Fevered Fuse, the first Snowdon Shadows novel, has seen this trend continue. Furthermore, I note another inspiring element – the setting, notably North Wales. In many ways, Snowdonia is another character. Therefore, I chose ‘setting’ as another ‘inspirer’.
2. Freedom Flights: Events inspired my ongoing Ukraine saga, initially real-life events. Then those inspired the fictional events to develop the episodes within the saga. Again, the characters proved inspirational. However, when I come to link the present-day stories back to my initial World War II story, ‘Feathered Fire’, I will use real events woven within fictional ones… and characters. My intention is to work on these pre-2022 episodes during NaNoWriMo 2023.
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Apologies for the delay in posting April’s WEP/IWSG Challenge. Although ‘Life Is Beautiful’ was a good fit for my ongoing Ukraine stories, I struggled to write recently, mainly for my usual excuse of declining health. Also, this piece required extra backstory and some political maneuvering – not least getting the Witches’ NATO jets out of Ukraine before any are in Ukraine for real. I hope the next episode will allow my Witches to fly in Ukraine skies again. Finally, my apologies for running too long to make this episode work.
For those new to this ongoing creation, please note, this present day tale began with my World War II story Feathered Fire, which introduced the Chayka family from Ukraine and appeared in the 2020 IWSG Anthology (No. 5), Voyagers: The Third Ghost.
I’m unsure what fate has waiting for my Witches. Unless I ignore reality, NATO holds the cards on when they can be deployed. However, I resolve to continue these stories until there is a just conclusion to the horrendous war.
Blurb: Night Witches find family, new friends and allies.
Precious Relations
Part 9:
Thursday February 16th – Airfield “Kalyniv” near the Polish border
All twenty Night Witch pilots, and their ground crews crowded the briefing room. Even Kalyna and Vasy were unaware of why Maksym Bondarenko had called this emergency meeting.
“Air Command West’s intelligence believes this airfield will be targeted by Russian missile strikes… imminently,” he said. “Tuesday’s encounter with other pilots in the Lviv restaurant and further incidents indicate Russian informers in this area.”
He let the muttered shock subside.
“We cannot afford to lose this squadron or let the presence of NATO-standard jets provoke an excessive response.”
“Should we evacuate somewhere?” asked Kalyna.
“All essential elements should leave as speedily as possible. We have arranged with the Polish Air Force University in Deblin to relocate the squadron there. Arrangements have also been made for the 2022 Night Witches to train in Polish air space with other NATO air units, until the squadron is needed.”
“So, who remains?” asked Vasy.
Maksym produced a modified ground plan for the airfield. “We have a team who will create wooden dummy Soviet-style planes in camouflaged revetments here. Other jets will fly in and out giving the impression of activity.”
“While the full squadron trains in Poland,” said Kalyna. “And I recommend we take our three crashed MiG 29s to rebuild.”
“We can begin the evacuation tonight commencing with all five flights,” said Vasy. “Please don’t see this as any more than a tactical withdrawal while building on our training. In fact, this confuses the enemy—”
“And gives them another fake victory over wooden targets,” added Maksym, waving them to the exits.
As the squadron left the briefing, Mariyka Shevchuk tried to suppress her conflicting emotions knowing she couldn’t tell those she loved why she was leaving again. Yet she had connections to Deblin, so tears formed.
Her friend and Chief mechanic, Dariya Boyko said, “We’ll return soon, I’m sure.”
“We will. But Deblin is where I trained.”
But fear tore at her. Was Sergei suspected of spying? But how as a prisoner?
**
The five flights left their home base in darkness, taking a circuitous route to confuse unfriendly observers.
Shortly afterwards the ground crew made the five-hour truck journey to Deblin. Just a skeleton detachment remained to assist with camouflaging the base.
*
Palace of Deblin
Thursday, March 2nd – Deblin Military Air Base, Lublin, Poland
The two Chaka Majors had requested their flight commanders come up to their tiny makeshift office. It was best the University had found for them, overlooking the revetments where their precious twenty jets were parked.
“We’ve been here two weeks,” said Kalyna. “And from your reports, all our pilots have mastered the NATO jets they were assigned with. Next, we must fly more mock combat missions against Polish Air Force MiG 29s… except unannounced. If there are no questions, have any of you anything to report?”
No one spoke, so Kapitan Anzhela Havrylyuk stepped forward. “As our appointed Recruitment Officer, Colonel Bondarenko advised me there may be fewer volunteer from within Ukraine, so I should look here—”
“—among the refugees?” asked Vasy, “Or the students?
“Both as we must prepare to cover losses in the next counter-offensive. I’m focusing on refugees as Mariyka is our Student Liaison. Anyway, I might have found a couple of refugees, but training will be an issue. I told them how to get in touch.”
Kalyna thanked Anzhela, “Good start. Even if they require basic training, we will need cadets in peacetime. How are the students reacting to our presence, Kapitan Shevchuk?”
Mariyka answered. “At first, curious about our all-women squadron. A small group always gathers when I’m trying to eat in the canteen. Being a graduate from here helps… and half-Polish.”
“I’m sure you’re careful what you say,” said Kalyna. “There are issues we cannot discuss – even with our allies.”
Mariyka nodded. “Like why we have NATO jets. And why we are here. Being a Polish speaker, I can detect when anyone is too inquisitive. However, overall, they welcome us. There are two or three female cadets who wish they could fight the Russians now.”
The Chayka majors consulted each other, then Kalyna said, “If they are mature cadets, close to getting their wings, they may prove suitable recruits… if they’re serious. Find out more, and we’ll talk with their instructors and the Commandant.”
“I will arrange to talk to them somewhere off-campus and find out more about them. Anzhela, should join us.”
“Good idea. Keep us updated,” said Vasy. “Kapitan Sobol, you have a report from Kalyniv Field.”
Maryna stepped forwards. “As ordered, Sable Flight has been flying night patrols in Polish airspace near our homebase. We were joined by a flight of M-346 advanced jet trainers from here, flown by their best cadets. During this joint exercise, we observed signs of damage at Kalyniv. Rather than endanger the training flight, I requested a ground unit operating a drone to assess what the Russians had destroyed.”
As Maryna handed over the footage, she added, “If we had stayed, the Night Witches would have been crippled,”
**
Saturday, March 4th – Deblin Military Air Base, Lublin, Poland
Mariyka fought back the tears as she gazed across the runway in the direction of Lviv… towards home… everyone she loved. Who had the missile buried?
“We’re so sorry to tell you like this,” said Kalyna.
“There is still hope for everyone,” added Vasy. “The rescuers will keep working through the night… and we’ll keep you informed. Have you comrades you can be with?”
“Anzhela and I were planning to spend time with those three Polish cadets. But—”
“Go as planned. Is there somewhere special you went as a cadet?”
“Too special… my aunt has a mirror restaurant. But she doesn’t know I’m here—”
“Then you need to be there for her tonight. Tell her everything you can. An ideal test for your cadets too.”
**
Zvenigora Restaurant, Deblin
Too many echoes of her buried home… Mariyka shivered, but she forced herself down into the identical cellar restaurant as Lviv.
“Larisa and I are here for you, sister,” said Anzhela. “Observe and learn, cadets. Repeat nothing unless we instruct you to.’
A tall woman left the bar and rushed over to Mariyka. They embraced, tears flowing.
“What brings you here, my special niece. Although your uniforms—” She paused seeing the cadets. “I remember you graduating in that Polish academy uniform – I was so proud.”
Her tears returned, and Mariyka knew she must give the terrible news.
“Aunt Agnieszka, the tragedy is not official yet, but—”
“I already heard, Mariyka. Family grapevine. We will mourn my sister Danuta and the others. But at the right moment as we have done since the Warsaw Ghetto. First, we celebrate life’s beauty. Please eat with us… when you have introduced your friends.”
“This is a 2022 Night Witches Squadron sister, Kapitan Anzhela Havrylyuk and her partner, Larisa Kovalyov.”
Anzhela presented the Polish cadets, “This trio, Daria Jankowski, Maja Andrysiak, and Nadzieja Chlebek, are due to graduate from the University… from ‘The School of the Eagles’. Bravely, they wish to fight the Russians, so we are advising them.”
Agnieszka bowed to them all in turn, then led them to a private table.
“Welcome, Enjoy a family meal with us.”
After a Jewish blessing, they were treated to Cheese Lokshen Kugel.
Kugel – Mohigan Studios
Observing the movie poster for ‘Life is Beautiful’ on the wall, Anzhela said, “That was an emotional film. Excuse me for asking, Agnieszka, but you mentioned the Warsaw Ghetto. Did you—” t
“Lose family during the Holocaust. Our Jewish grandmother died in Warsaw ghetto, as did many of her friends later. They will never be forgotten. I’m sure there are others here who lost ancestors.”
Daria and Maja nodded and closed teary eyes.
Nadzieja glanced around the table, then said, “Genocide continues, though not on that scale. My Ukrainian grandmother tries to ensure we don’t forget Stalin’s attempted ethnic cleansing – the Holodomor, the man-made famine in Soviet Ukraine, when millions died.”
“And now Putin talks of more genocide,” said Mariyka. “Together we must stop him.”
*
FCA 1354 words
Slava Ukrayini
Apologies if I’m slow to respond to comments or struggle to visit all your posts.
us, ensure you visit all the other writers in this challenge via:
Writing Wings 