Author's note:
In this I am starting at the end of chapter 22 in Rilla of Ingleside. This closely follows canon, so you could potentially read this along with it. This will include two scenes for each chapter, one at the front and one at home. There are 13 chapters after this in the book, meaning there will be at least 26 chapters in this fanfiction.
- CircleofPearls
"There is an overseas telegram for Dr. Blythe," the telegram officer said when Rilla picked up the phone. Oh no, she thought, not Jem. Walter was bad enough for Mother's health, but now Jem too?
"A mistake has occurred. Pte. Walter Cuthbert Blythe is not dead. He came through without a scratch. We are sorry for the misinformation," the telegram officer continued.
Rilla was stunned. After that terrible day when they learned that Walter had died Rilla had entered the depths of despair, not wanting to be comforted or dragged out. But just then, her spirits lifted for the first time in days. She then realized that it was her duty to tell the rest of the family the great news.
"It is my duty to tell you," she began only to be cut off by her mother.
"Is it Jem? Is he okay?"
"Let me finish. As I was saying, it is my duty to tell you that Walter was not killed in action. There was a mistake." Rilla managed to get in before being interrupted yet again.
"That is the first time in my life that someone has started with 'It is my duty to tell you' and finish with amazing news. Let me ring up your father. He is in the Upper Glen," her mother shouted, with a very girlish look in her eyes"
Susan came in confused, having not heard Rilla. "What's the matter. What good thing did you hear, Mrs. Dr. Dear?"
"Rilla just gave me some of the best news we have received all week," Mrs. Blythe commenced.
"Well, it doesn't have to be very good to be that. This was the week that we lost Walter," Susan interrupted.
"Don't you ever again suggest that my blessed boy died." For the first time in 20 years, Mrs. Blythe admonished Susan.
"But it is true. I wish I didn't have to say it, but it is true, and that you must tie to," Susan replied, calm and concise.
"No, it is not true. My dear son wasn't killed." Mrs. Blythe proceeded to hop from foot to foot, in jubilee.
Later that day, Rilla decided to run over to the manse to tell Una. Una immediately started to cry tears of joy. Rilla knew that this was the perfect time to take her leave, so she said her farewells and left.