I’d just tucked Jon into his crib and turned to get the twins ready for bed, when the knock came.

“Mama,” said Linnie, “Charlie says his Ma’s baby is coming.”

I sigh. My eyes meet Linnie’s, the same forget-me-not blue as her father’s. At just twelve, she’d had to take on far too many responsibilities since we’d lost him at Culloden.

I dropped a kiss on the twins’ foreheads. “Mind your sister,” I said, with a stern glance.

I pulled Linnie into an embrace. “I’m sorry, baby,” I whispered. Picking up my bag I followed Charlie into the darkening night.

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    Voice-Team
    Voice-Team(@voice-team)
    Admin
    1 year ago

    Here is love found in many different forms: assisting others, taking care of siblings, and assuring that her children become strong. Thank you for sharing this loving family with us.

    Margarida Brei
    Margarida Brei(@margarida-brei)
    1 year ago

    This is a great opening for a mysterious story. Just wondering if the apostrophe should be placed after “twins’ ” as in “twins’ foreheads.”

    Voice-Team
    Voice-Team(@voice-team)
    Admin
    Reply to  Margarida Brei
    1 year ago

    Hey Margarida – We corrected the story, per your suggestion.

    Emily O'Leary
    Emily O'Leary(@emily-oleary)
    1 year ago

    Poor Linnie — so often the way with the loss of a parent, that they have to step in and be another grown up! I’m sure her mother and siblings appreciate all the things she does ❤

    Allan Neil
    Allan Neil(@allan-neil)
    1 year ago

    Nice one Carrie. Got me wondering…what comes next? Nights were dark and lives were hard in the times after Culloden.

    Allan Neil
    Allan Neil(@allan-neil)
    Reply to  Carrie OLeary
    1 year ago

    As it happens I do have a 350 word story about the event that I can’t submit to VC. My ancestors were never Highlanders, nor were they inveigled into wearing the red coat, but as a Scot I can empathise very easily.

    Allan Neil
    Allan Neil(@allan-neil)
    Reply to  Carrie OLeary
    1 year ago

    I’ll put it on your FB site.

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    1 year ago

    You describe the family so well, Carrie, I could picture them perfectly. Sad that Linnie had to grow up before her time, but this can happen to the eldest child even today. Mum too had a lot of responsibility to shoulder, bringing up her children alone and bringing others into the world. Remarkable that you captured all that in 100 words, really well done.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    1 year ago

    Hello, Carrie. I can feel every scene and emotion of your story so much. So sad for Linnie. Well done. It is a heartfelt read.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Carrie OLeary
    1 year ago

    You are welcome, Carrie.

    Sandra James
    Sandra James(@sandra-james)
    1 year ago

    Such a touching story, Carrie. Down here in Australia, I know nothing about Culloden so will google it to learn more. But, your story highlights what many families have gone through after other tragic events, too. Makes one feel very grateful for having led a much easier life. Well done!

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    1 year ago

    After having read up on Culloden, I could vividly imagine the scene you describe, Carrie. It’s a very well made story and shows a good insight into what it might have been like for the people under those circumstances.

    Marianna Pieterse
    Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
    1 year ago

    Carrie, I’ve learned something new today. I was not familiar with Culloden. You depicted the scene so beautifully, it felt like I was there in the room with them! Like Allan, I’m curious about what will happen after this.

    Marianna Pieterse
    Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
    Reply to  Carrie OLeary
    1 year ago

    I do hope you extend on this. I cannot imagine how distressing it must have been.

    allinonefitness steven jenkins
    allinonefitness steven jenkins(@allinonefitness-steven-jenkins)
    1 year ago

    Sounds intriguing. Thanks, Carrie

    Susan Dawson
    Susan Dawson(@susan-dawson)
    1 year ago

    100 words and we are all immersed in the period – amazing, isn’t it

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    1 year ago

    Congratulations Carrie! One of my favourite stories of yours.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    1 year ago

    Another achievement unlocked, Carrie. Congratulations on winning again. So happy for you.

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