Do we ever truly get over such events? War, death, destruction—the thousands of ways humans hurt each other and the Earth? As Nighthawk I had to be cool and calm. It wasn’t only my life at risk, but the lives of many others, too. I had to be calm when the man with shiny black boots and a cruel face entered the restaurant. I had to keep my face blank when the officious manager met with him, and then declared, “So if all do their duty, they need not fear harm.”
Calmly, I smiled at our oppressors, poured drinks, and served food while residents starved. Calmly, I plotted to destroy them–until the night you didn’t show up.
I still have nightmares.
Prosery for Ingrid’s prompt at dVerse, using the line “So if all do their duty, they need not fear harm” from William Blake’s The Chimney Sweeper. This is a continuation of my non-linear spy tale.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Love the mood of this talk, but I do not like the duty… great writing and good fitting with Hopper.
Thank you so much, Björn.
The tale continues! I am so glad you chose to weave the prompt line into your spy story, Merril: I think it is a perfect fit!
Thank you very much, Ingrid. I thought it fit well, too. It’s the type of line someone like that would say. 😏
You make me care for these two in your story. I hope she is mistaken and he’s ok.
Thank you so much, Lisa. I’m so pleased. Yes, I hope he was a good guy, and that he’s OK.
You’re very welcome, Merril.
I love that you are keeping this tale going… now darn it… we must wait…
Thank you. Hahaha.
It will just keep on going because I have no idea where it’s going. 🤣
Excellent! I have zero problem with that 😉
😀
LOL! I know the feeling, Merril. 🙂
Hahaha. 😀
Well you know I absolutely adore the spy series 😀 the line by Blake blends in here so very beautifully, I resonate with; “he thousands of ways humans hurt each other and the Earth.”💝💝
Thank you so much, Sanaa! ❤️
I love your SOC spy saga (stream of consciousness); perfect blending for the prompt line. WWII Europe is a fine setting for your continuing story.
Thank you very much, Glenn!
This is one of the best episodes yet. And the line was a gift 🙂
Thank you so much! It really was!😀
It was a whole story, not just an episode.
Thank you so much again! 💙
Only the truth.
💙
A cliff-hanger here, leaving us waiting for the next episode!
Thank you so much, Beverly!
Nicely done, Merril! We’re all anxious for more.
Aww–thank you so much, Jill! 😀
Ditto what Jill said 🙂 I love the atmosphere of this piece and truly do look forward to reading more … even if you don’t know where it’s going to go 😉
Thank you very much, Marie. I appreciate that! 😀
I envision a cafe in Paris during WWII. I wonder what she’ll do with the resistance to hurt the oppressors and whether she’ll find her man again and rescue him from their hands. The story is exciting Merril Heaven help the Gestapo if he’s dead.
Massive Hugs
Thank you so much, David. I’m so pleased you could imagine this story so well! 😊
Hugs back to you!
Another excellent enlargement of the story. The line was perfect.
Thank you so much, Kerfe!
We don’t, get over these things that, had made, such an impact in our lives, but, we work through them, get through, these, losses in our lives, one day, at a time ..
Yes, true–or some don’t.
What a good idea to double the prompt with your chilling spy story episode.
Thank you, Derrick. Yes, I’ve always written these for prosery prompts. 😀
This line is so tasty! I relished it so much, Merril 😀
-David
Thank you very much, David! I’m pleased you did. 😀
I was very happy to see this prosery–but cliffhanger!!
Thank you! The never-ending story. 😀
You’re welcome!
Seems only a matter of time for this character to take drastic actions. Very suspenseful prosery.
Thank you! We’ll see. . .😀
Your spy tale was hungry and just ate the William Blake quote for breakfast! So many layers to unravel and I love the fact that you are allowing your story to so freely develop.
Hahaha. Your first sentence made me laugh. Thank you so much.
This story is just a bit of fun, so why not let it go its own way? 😀
Ah, the spies have returned! Love it!
Thank you so much, Linda!
Great title and first sentence. It pairs so well with the last one. No, some things stick with us and this little piece sucks the reader in and sticks in the memory! 💗
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Tricia! 💙
I want to read all the words that come before your first line …. and all the words that come after.
Thank you so much, Helen! Your comment made me smile.😀
Yikes, Merril!
I’m liking this non linear spy tale.
This is a great chapterette.
Looking forward to the next one!
Thank you so much, Resa!
❤