The Children’s Train

At the Cohens’ house on 16 Poppleton Circle, the family celebrated the end of the war. The lights were all on, and they drank tea with milk and ate empire biscuits. Harry and Mrs. Daniels had a small glass of brandy.

Outside the house, hidden by the bushes, Peter took the violin out of his case. He caressed it like a long-lost friend, familiar but uncertain. He placed it underneath his chin. The violin felt so much smaller in his large hands.

Under the faint light of a sliver of a yellow moon, the lone violinist played. The music started out softly and grew in volume.

Inside the house, Becca heard the music and put her biscuit down, unsure of what she heard. She ran to Mrs. Daniels, grabbed her hands, and pulled her up. “Mrs. Daniels. Get up. It’s him! It’s Peter! He’s come for me!”

Mrs. Daniels struggled to get up out of the chair. “Then run to him, Becca! The war is over, and we are all free!”

Becca took off running to the front of the house. Mrs. Daniels shouted to Harry, Doris, and Priscilla, who were listening to the radio. “The violin serenader is back! Peter has come for her!”

Harry, Doris pushing Priscilla, and Mrs. Daniels ran to the front lawn after Becca.

The violin played the lilting tune of “With God By Our Side” that filled the air with the clear and sure notes that only Peter could play.

“Becca, is it Peter?” Priscilla shouted.

“Yes, yes, I know it’s him. I feel him,” Becca yelled. “He’s here.”

Peter sang.

We are marching forward, with God by our side.

We will not leave our path, for He will be our guide.