Surprisingly, Sunny had waited years for this day. His daughter never really understood why. She watching her father glance impatiently at his watch and gave him a reassuring pat, as he grunted and fiddled with his wheelchair.
He spoke little of the war, with snippets of that day when he had so confidently invaded the enemy’s airspace certain of victory, as his state of the art aircraft faced off with his opposition’s frail ones.
His complacency led to disaster as his plane was expertly engaged and forced to turn back, the pilot succeeding in giving him a send-off he’d never forget; which he hadn’t. When his fury died down, he couldn’t help but be in awe at the expert fighting skills he’d witnessed and since that day vowed to meet the pilot who had so adeptly defeated him in combat.
Sunny straightened as he recognized the face from the photo slowly walking up to him.
Stopping by his wheelchair the two pilots gazed firmly at each.
“Officer Sunny,” greeted the man.
“Officer Hasan,” came the reply.
Then both broke into a wry smile and shook hands. The ugly side of war shelved, enemies honorably and respectfully reunited.
Written for Flash Fiction for the Purposeful Practitioner
I like the idea of enemies putting their differences aside. Great story 🙂
Thank you so much! 🙂
Great post I was wondering where it was going but actually a lovely sweet ending. Well done. KL ❤
Thank you so much! Glad you liked the ending! 🙂
If only that could happen more often…preferably before the war.
Oh yes! If before wars people did get to know each other from from countries they wouldn’t necessarily go to (which makes it easier for the one with his finger on the button) then war definitely be the last option and killing wouldn’t come so easily to both sides. Thank you for reading! 🙂
Lovely that both old soldiers can forget they were enemies in war, can leave the past in the past. Here and now, they are two buddies who were soldiers. Well told.
Yes, in the end, both were intrinsically good. Thank you so much! 🙂
I wish more people could have this attitude about the “enemy.” There’s far too much hatred in this world. We need more of the respect shown in this story. Nicely done!
So true! There is too much hatred in the world. There needs to be more such contact between people before wars, so both sides would think twice before taking the life of another. Thank you! 🙂
You never know, they might become the best of friends 🙂 It is reassuring when you see former enemies put everything behind them.
I hope they do! Yes, by taming our ego and taking that first step, such friendship and understanding is possible! Thank you for reading! 🙂
Peace is the answer. Nice job.
Thank you so much! 🙂
Both of them served their country and did their duty, but after the war there should be no hostility between them and they showed none….as it should be. Wonderful story.
Very true! One should never carry an everlasting grudge, especially in such complex circumstances such as war. Thank you so much! 🙂
Letting go of the past and welcoming the freedom forgiveness brings 🙂
Well said! 🙂 Thank you for reading!
You are so welcome 🙂