Cold Air Lunch #ukraine #fiction #atozchallenge

Okay so today is 2022. I have to keep reminding myself when I am and checking my currency to make sure it’s the right year.

As we left the portal and 1991, we knew we had to be ready for anything.

We moved casually to our room without running into anyone or seeing the man with the dark look.

“What should we do with the gun?” My husband sounded less assured than thirty minutes before.

“Grab the tech, stow the gun.” I remembered to whisper.

“Okay let’s grab a coffee and see what’s going on.”

The guests were no longer sitting in front of the television but it was showing footage of several Russian ships outside of the port. News casters were too quick so I couldn’t even get the gist of what was happening.

“My Ukrainian can’t keep up. What did the guys on the news say?” I asked a woman sipping her tea.

“They have no answers. Boats just sit there. No one gets off.” She waved at the picture.

“After two days?”

“Da.”

“Thank you for your help.” I smiled as I told my husband the good news. “No Russians today.”

We decided to take a drive to a cafe outside of Odessa in case it was our last time. They had some fresh cheese and bread.

“How is it?” My husband asked the owner.

“Families are fleeing from the east. Men and boys stay. We have a sister and a mother who are coming soon. Those people will not have food and water.”

My husband thanked him and gave extra money when he paid.

“Spasiba”

We waved goodbye.

Dmitre was able to fill us in. “Yes, we are hearing the sailors refuse to help. They are Crimeans they mutiny.”

“Ha, good for our Crimean brothers.”

“But there are plenty of problems. The East will be taken soon. We are not sure but there looks to be a solid line. Its kilometers long of Russian tanks and trucks coming.”

“You are safe?”

“Yes, Zelensky and my brother have had several men take close shots. All bullets missed.

“Bravo.” My husband and I both chorused.

“My family how are they?” I heard Dmitre’s emotion.

“Adjusting. Your mama is an excellent babushka. There is always something for the children to learn, sweets for tea, and many walks to the park.”

“Then they are good. Nikita will be so happy.”

“Anything for the chief?”

“Stay at the ready.”

“Til next time.” My husband disconnected the call.

“They will appreciate the news about the Navy.” I tried to sound cheerful.

“Yes. I’m just wondering is there anything else…”

“No, we need to lay low. Other people…”

“You are right. Let’s enjoy this open air lunch.” We buttoned out coats.

Welcome to Penned in Moon Dust. If you are visiting via the A to Z challenge thanks for your visit. i pulled a story I wrote about a time portal in Odessa, Ukraine when I was staying there in 2007. I guess this would be a historical fiction (it’s just a history as it is happening.) The setting for this story is the Passage Hotel a charming hotel built in the 1890s. She’s seen many wars and many despots traipse through.