This chapter is very short for added effect. For many reasons, this chapter and the one concerning Gilberts' murder were some of the hardest ones to write.
Anyhoo, future chapters will be much longer and soon we'll see things from the Allies' point of view...
"Well this is certainly a nice surprise, lads! Breakfast in bed!"
"I thought it'd be a totally cool idea! Matty here made the pancakes and I made the tea!"
"You made them all by yourself?"
"I hope you like them, Arthur."
"They look absolutely wonderful – the only thing that could make it better is getting a nice big hug from my boys!"
The little boys happily jumped into their older brothers' bed and snuggled up to either side of him; relishing his inviting warmth and the security his loving embrace provided.
Alfred lay staring up at the ceiling in the pitch black darkness as his two captors slumbered peacefully either side of him. Rivers ran down each cheek, yet he did not make a sound, except for the rise and fall of his heaving chest.
Those little boys were so content and cosy to just lie there and bask in the light hues of the sunshine peeking through the curtains – if only it'd last longer, they'd always say.