(Photo Credit: Priorhouse)
Anastasia polished the last of the white cups and carefully positioned it atop the gleaming table at exactly the same spot from where it was picked.
Even at 84, frail and with an eyesight that was fast fading, this was one chore from doing which no physical or mental obstacle could deter her. When Vassily first arranged the mugs, cups and jugs with a concentration bordering on the fierce, Anastasia had thrown back her head and laughed till tears streamed down her cheeks.
“The fat Silver chudovishche is the T-26” he exclaimed.
Then he went away to Stalingrad.
(WORD COUNT: 98)
This story was written as part of the FRIDAY FICTIONEERS challenge, more about which may be found HERE
For the complete list of entries, please click HERE
The credit for the breathtaking photograph goes to Priorhouse
23 comments
While I enjoyed the beginning of the story, I fear you lost me at the end.
Vassily knew that it was only a matter of time before he would be called to defend the siege of Stalingrad. With an excitement tinged with apprehension, he used to arrange the cups, etc on the table to form a battalion ready to do battle. The day finally arrived when he got called up. Unfortunately Vassily never returned to a waiting Anastasia.
Ahhh
So I did the math, and Anastasia was too young for WW!, old enough to remember WWII. I’m confused, though, because I don’t understand the T-26 reference. So I looked it up, and found it was a tank used in a lot of conflicts after WW1. Then I looked up chudovishche and found that it means monster, beast, monstrosity, or ogre.
Alas, I have learned something but I’m still not sure why Vassily said that and then took off for Stalingrad.
Vassily knew that it was only a matter of time before he would be called to defend the siege of Stalingrad. With an excitement tinged with apprehension, he used to arrange the cups, etc on the table to form a battalion ready to do battle. The day finally arrived when he got called up. Unfortunately Vassily never returned to a waiting Anastasia.
Ah, thank you. I had guessed the arranging of the items was some sort of representation of battle. This is a sad story indeed.
In some way it feels as it I know Anastasia, and understand the reference to Stalingrad. But then again…
Really well written, I’m guessing Anastasia is positioning the cups and crockery as a battalion of tanks may be set out? But like I say it’s a guess on my part
Yes. exactly how a battalion involving tanks, artillery and infantry would have looked preparing for battle. It was how Vassily had arranged the items.
Brilliant! I get it!!
Nice story. As you explained, there is a sense of apprehension and sadness around arranging the cups. Then he went to Stalingrad, is very touching.
Thanks Much!
Sorry I didn’t really get the ending 🙁
Vassily knew that it was only a matter of time before he would be called to defend the siege of Stalingrad. With an excitement tinged with apprehension, he used to arrange the cups, etc on the table to form a battalion ready to do battle. The day finally arrived when he got called up. Unfortunately Vassily never returned to a waiting Anastasia.
Aah, got it, thanks.
The context of an action is so important, isn’t it? The sole reason Anastasia insisted on polishing the coffee things so reverently was because her love, Vassily, had set them out like that before going to his death. War is tragic.
Couldn’t agree with you more! War is so futile and so unforgiving.
There is great emotion & historical context here.
Thanks Much!
The story is larger than your words. I learned something new today.
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Beautifully done. Such a sad ending to the story.
Glad you liked it.