All over again.
By Jussi Nikander
September 1939.
The teacup drops from my senseless fingers, shattering on the floor, as I
read the headlines. For long moments I'm in shock, unable to do
anything but stare at the morning paper. I dared to hope that the
situation wouldn't get any worse, that the kings and presidents and...
and whatever they are called could understand what's good for their
people. But it's happening again, after just a few short decades. It's
happening again and my...
The light touch on my shoulder sends a shock through my ageing limbs,
and I whirl around, to stare at the maid. I can see worry and a bit of
anxiety
shining on her face. ...It's happening again... Seconds tick by as I stare
at her, my thoughts still whirling like... like a propeller on one of
those planes Jean always talks about. ...It's happening again... A
small part of me notices how the maid has frozen up; she's new here
and hasn't yet grown accustomed to my moods.
"M... Ma'am? Are you all right?"
The words are haltingly spoken, as if she's not sure if it's right for her to
question me.
"Clean up this mess," I bark and march out of the dining hall, tears
threatening to spill from my eyes. ...It's happening again... I quickly
make my way through the house, up the stairs and to the second story
balcony. My feet are guiding me almost automatically to the place I find the
most soothing in this huge house we've been given to... 'to spend the
afternoon of our lives in', as Hanson said when handing over the keys.
...It's happening again...
At the balcony I stare at the surrounding countryside, trying to calm
down. ...It's starting all over... A while later my breathing has slowed
enough that I dare to take another look at the paper still clutched in my
hand. I quickly read through the article, taking in the facts. ...It's
happening again... After I'm done, I let the paper drop, and grip the
railing, again fighting back tears. The news is clear enough: German forces
have crossed the border to Poland; a war has started. Again.
For the third time during my life, selfish dictators are reaching out their
hands. Again, people are going to murder and die because of the... the
WHIM of some moron with too much power and delusions of grandeur.
Tears blur my vision as I think of all the innocent boys who will be sent
to death traps, who are going to be taught how to murder others for
honour or country or... something. ...It's starting all over again...
Suddenly I'm wrapped in a pair of familiar arms.
"Jean... Oh, Jean..." Clutching him, I break down completely.
Why does it have to happen again?
Fin.
Fushigi no Umi no Nadia (The Secret of Blue Water) created by Studio
Gainax, and licensed to ADV. Not used under authorisation.
Kollaa kesti 30.11.1939 - 13.3.1940
The Finnish losses in the Winter War were 23 000 dead and 45 000
wounded. 60 000 more died, 4500 went missing and 158 000 wounded
in the Continuation War, 1940-1945. I don't want to know how many
people died in the Second World War as whole.
Thanks to Jed Hagen and Barry Cadwgan
My previous two Nadia works can be found at Barry's webpage:
http://www.users.fl.net.au/~bcadwgan/Anime.htm
- Jussi Nikander