Short Story: Double-Wired

A thought provoking short story about life and humanity

I am delighted to have my short story, Double-Wired, published in the latest issue of the literary journal Boyne Berries 22. This special issue of the bi-annual magazine commemorates the centenary of the death of the County Meath WWI poet, Francis Ledwidge. You’ll find a taster of my story below and, if you are interested in reading more, copies are available to purchase via the Boyne Berries blog.

 

Double-Wired

He saved my life. That’s why I’m here, waiting patiently to see him, before finally returning home to my wife and child.

Doctors and nurses rush by, shouting to each other as they attend to yet another bloodied soldier. I count my blessings that we got out of there alive. Many remain; their bodies returning home while their ghosts roam the countryside searching for lost comrades. I still see them; piled high, adding to the putrid stench of the trenches while feeding the clamouring rodents. But it’s not just those of us who sign up for battle; with war it never is. We’ve all lost friends and family.

I remember those first days. We were young, naïve, our heads full of hopes and dreams. Kitted out for war, we marched in our smart uniforms, buttons gleaming, boots polished as we set off for a few months to right the wrongs of the world, vowing we’d be home for Christmas.

I shift on the bench, looking at the worn, muck-smeared uniform which has clothed me for the last four years. My darned socks peep from boots that appear to talk as I walk; the sole opening and closing with every footstep. My life now is full of terror. Nightmares have migrated to days where any loud sound can drop me to my knees. I’ll find myself rocking in place with my eyes squeezed tight, hands laced over the back of my head and a cold sweat running down the back of my neck.