Wiping a tear, I walk to my house. “So long!”
“Bye May!” “So long, May!”
But the war does end, and soon.
Sixteen days after our beloved President dies, Italy’s fascist dictator, Benito Mussolini, flees Milan, is captured and executed.
A mere two days after that, Hitler commits suicide. April 30th.
Germany surrenders on May 7th.
And in the beginning of August Truman proves that parent right as he gives the order to use something called an Atomic Bomb on Japan, and the entire world feels how terrible its nuclear effects are.
Some comment that it’s payback for bombing Pearl Harbor, but most do not agree. It was too severe. Japan was sure to surrender after Germany had.
Nobody knew how terrible those bombs actually were until after it was too late. A less emotional choice would have been made if only F.D.R. had still been alive to negotiate a surrender.
World War II is finally over. But I can’t help wondering what it was all for.
Germany, Japan, and Italy wanted control over everyone everywhere.
Every decision, theirs.
Freedom taken.
Lives taken.
All three fell.
And millions with them.
Since the beginning of time attempts to rule the world have failed.
Our future scientist, Sable, said it right. “All you have to do is look at nature to know we’re supposed to live in balance.”
It’s a time to rebuild now, for all of the world.
One thing is keeping this smile on my face — Jerald’s return. I’m waiting to see if my handsome sailor meant all of the beautiful plans he wrote about.
36
MAY
AUGUST 15TH, 1945
“Why, May! Is that what you intend to wear?” Mrs. Cocker asks from where she surprised me on our doorstep. Dressed smashingly, she’s wearing a hat Mother would swoon over were she here. “Oh dear! Did Archie forget to send a note around?”
I stammer, “I suppose he did! What did it say?”
“He is getting on in years. My apologies. But there is no time to delay! If you’d like to come with us, run upstairs and find a dress that makes you happy.”
“Where are we going?”
“We’re taking you to Norfolk with us! Jerald’s returning home!”
“Oh Mrs. Cocker! Truly?”
“Yes, dear. Now run along! Fred! How wonderful to see you.”
I dash to my room while Father apologizes for his dirty coveralls, “You caught me tinkering with my pickup!”
There has never been a better Saturday in all the Saturdays in all of time. I’m going to Virginia with the Cockers to see Jerald for the first time in a whole year! Next month it will be, anyway.
It feels like two!
Or five!
The high-waisted pants and lavender blouse I had on get tossed in favor of a blue dress Mother bought for my eighteenth birthday, which isn’t until Wednesday. The girls and I planned a party for the following Saturday, but so what! This occasion is far more special than that one, and if I have to wear the dress twice, so be it!
Checking my stockings to make sure the seams are straight, I laugh from excitement and snatch a pair of heels, hopping out the door to put them on.
As I run downstairs Mrs. Cocker says, “Raymond often marvels at the vehicles of today. They’ve come a long way since we were children, haven’t they? I’m excited to see what the future holds. Who knows? Perhaps one day they’ll fly!”
Father smiles, “Don’t you look nice. Is that a new dress?”
I gave his cheek a kiss. “Tell Mother where I went?”
“It’ll be the first thing I say, rest assured.”
“Goodbye Fred! It was a pleasure speaking with you as always.”
“Likewise, Frances.” He steps onto our welcome mat as we hurry off, waving. “Hello Ray! Good to see you! Congratulations on Jerald’s return!”
From behind the driver seat, Mr. Cocker bellows, “Fred, top of the morning to you! Yes, we’re very excited! And where is that lovely wife of yours?”
“Helping a friend care for a sick baby.”
“That’s a fine woman you’ve got!”
“None finer! You all have a safe drive.”
Mrs. Cocker climbs into the passenger seat after I’ve made myself comfortable in back. She calls to him a surprised, “Drive? All that way? Oh no, Fred! We’re flying!”
I nearly combust. “On a plane?!!”
Mrs. Cocker laughs, “Yes, dear, I don’t have wings. Do you?”
Mr. Cocker drives like someone is chasing him. “Good thing I stopped Archie from sending that letter!”
Mrs. Cocker turns to look at her husband. “Whatever do you mean?”
“See the look on Fred’s face? He wouldn’t have let May come had we not steamrolled him!”
“Why Ray! You sneak! You dastardly sneak!”
He chuckles, “Rather proud of myself for that one. Do me a favor, May! Keep this between us, will you?”
“You can count on me, sir!”
“Have you ever been on a plane?”
“I’m afraid I haven’t, but it’s a dream of mine! I’m considering becoming a pilot.”
They react, and since Mrs. Cocker can turn in her seat while her husband cannot, she twists to face me. “A female pilot? That is rare! But I don’t see why not! Women can do anything men can do! Isn’t that accurate, Ray?”
“You’d never hear me saying anything different.” He adds as an aside, “Or you’d have my head!”
She smacks him. “You’d never say anything different because you don’t believe anything different!”
“I know, I know,” he chuckles. “But don’t take away my fun, will you?”
She returns to me, “I’m sure you told Hank of your ambitions. He has wanted to fly since he was a boy! I received a letter from him.”
“How is he?”
She tugs off her gloves with frustration. “They are retaining Hank for the meantime. He joined late, has zero seniority, and much needs to be done.”
Disappointed, especially for Gertie, I ask, “Done?”
“Raymond, you can explain it better than I!”
“When a war ends, May, it isn’t like an argument. I have it on good authority that Japan surrenders today. There will be a ceremony for the official signature if all goes well. America and our allies must ensure our enemies don’t try anything funny. There is also the business of rebuilding. Looters thrive
