A Secret Between Us

She died just before the battle of Vimy. The telegram was signed by the village postmistress, who must have pitied my illiterate father, otherwise she would never have written to the happy reprobate I was: "Your mother is dead. Pray." I sought out my warrant officer, hoping that my loss might garner me a two-day leave that would free me to go and ask Nurse Flavie from the Vende if she might one day love me. The officer had a good laugh: "My ass, Sergeant, that's the fourth time she's died, your old lady! You should try doing in your father for a change!" I protested a little. I even swore that this time it was true. He told me to screw off. I consoled myself with the thought that the imminent death of my mother had already earned me two leaves in Droucy, where Nurse Flavie's unit was encamped. She was the first woman in my life whom I'd desired more than once.

From A Secret Between Us by Daniel Poliquin, translated by Donald Winkler 2007. Published by Douglas & MacIntyre.