Thank you kindly Sereni.

And I know what you mean about it being a story that speaks to others...and I feel like this is the sort of story that can speak 'beyond' Pearl Harbor. There are so many stark, unnerving moments that are seared into the collective conscience of humanity that I feel if we mention one of those moments--it has the power to awakens the heart and mind to so many others in a domino effect.

Words are so powerful!

Again, thank you so very much for the comment!

I think you did a nice job with it. O of curse I'm not too familiar with the contest rules, but it was a nice read.

Of all the stories entered in the contest, this was the most creative I read. I applaud you for thinking outside the box and writing a story that was not only beautifully written, but left an emotional impact.

In my book, you ARE the winner!!!

I love old time radio shows! They draw me in like nothing else and really stimulate my imagination. You've captured these sentiments so well here. Your story is original, having a unique spin. The way you presented it with pics and font is lovely. I believe you told an intriguing tale. Everything was interwoven very cleverly. The ending was unexpected, yet sobering.

I agree with everybody's comments and I thoroughly enjoyed your story.I thought it very creative. I am sure your words not only spoke to me but many more. Although it was a story I was reminded of a truly sad day in our history, as many families lost their loved ones early that Sunday morning in Paradise.

I grew up listening to the tales my father would tell (he was 52 when I was born so it was like growing up with a living, breathing history book) about his youth. He was 23 when WWII started and he enlisted just a few days after Pearl Harbor. Though he never 'saw action' he reported it for the Stars and Stripes while he was in Baltimore. His job was to bring home the stories and as I wrote this story, it felt almost as if my father was there, whispering in my ear because it was very real.

And maybe that's why I wasn't too upset that I didn't 'go far' in the contest - because this was a story that touched me when I wrote it.

Then...when I get lovely comments like the one you left for me - it simply reaffirms the feeling inside me that this was a quick little tale that needed to be told.

My father once told me of writing (as he was a writer of poetry and prose, too, but mainly poetry) "Words should speak to you. They should put you in the moment. They should be so tightly woven that if you remove just one - the whole story will come unraveled" Pretty smart, that dad of mine!

Cheers and thank you so kindly.
Avery

Thanks for the lovely comment. And in my head, I can see the looks on Ma and Pa's faces. Sheer terror. And for Robbie - Peter is/was (because we don't know Peter's fate) his hero...in my head he is devastated, confused,and angry.

Now as for YOU! Go ahead - try it. That first contest is a bit scary simply because you know you're being judged (and let's face it--no one WANTS to be judged!) But if you've put your all into a story and in your heart you feel like it's ready then you have to do it. You just might surprise yourself! The contests that follow there after are more fun filled than scary!

So...Just Do It!

Avery

How nice of you to say! And I agree. Sure we all get a good jump in our adrenaline when we see or read a good old fashioned 'scary story' but we know that the sensation will soon disappear.

But when the scenario is 'real' and we cannot simply change the channel, wait for the credits to roll, or turn the page...it is so much more terrifying. Especially when we have to twist and turn as we wait to find out 'is my loved one alive...or have they perished?' Yes, the waiting is the scariest part!

Thanks oodles for the comment. I've never been one who liked boxes! And to be honest, when I read the prompt/scenario this story popped into my head about a minute after I read it. A few years ago, I would have resisted the urge to write it because of the need to 'please' those who might read it (especially since it was a 'judging' sort of thing).

But, as I've grown in my writing - I've come to understand that when my mind and heart get in sync - my writing is smoother, relaxed, and feels so much more organic. (Whoa, I cannot believe I just said 'organic' and meant it!) HA!

Again, thanks for the kinds words.

So very nice of you to say! At first I was a little bummed that I didn't even know if it made it to the judging stage (still don't know!) but then I decided being bummed was silly. The story I wrote was from the heart and that's how I think all writing should be regardless of whether it's for a contest or simply 'because'!

And as for Peter's fate - I don't know. It might be interesting to ponder carrying on with the story...

Avery