Good Evening, Dear Listeners

It was the year 1942 and the world was engulfed in the turmoil of World War II. Sarah’s heart ached with worry as she listened to the crackling voices on the radio. Each broadcast brought news of battles, victories, and losses, but what mattered most to her was the hope of hearing about her husband, William, who had been deployed overseas. Here she sat in her London townhouse, listening in.

[Sound of a vintage radio tuning in, followed by static. Then, a formal voice of a radio announcer is heard.]

Radio Announcer: (Clears throat) Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is your Radio announcer speaking. It is December 6, 1942. We bring you the latest news on the ongoing conflict in Europe.

[Sound of shuffling papers]

Radio Announcer: In the Mediterranean, British forces continue their resolute campaign. Just days ago, on November 30, a daring raid by the British Royal Navy and the Special Boat Service struck at the heart of German-held Tobruk. The operation, codenamed "Operation Bigamy," resulted in the successful destruction of enemy vessels and supplies.

[Sound of a distant explosion]

Radio Announcer: This strategic blow has disrupted the Axis supply lines and marks another significant achievement in the ongoing North African campaign. The battle rages on as British and Commonwealth forces under General Bernard Montgomery face off against Field Marshal Erwin Rommel's German Afrika Korps. Despite the harsh desert conditions, our brave troops are holding their ground.

[Sound of a patriotic music jingle]

Radio Announcer: On the home front, the spirit of resilience remains high. The people of Britain continue to endure rationing and blackouts, demonstrating unwavering determination. The recent "V for Victory" campaign, with its iconic hand gesture, has been a symbol of unity and defiance against tyranny.

[Sound of a plane flying overhead]

Radio Announcer: And now, a reminder for our listeners to support the war effort. Buy war bonds and savings certificates to help fund the equipment and supplies our brave soldiers need on the front lines. Every pound spent helps protect our homeland and ensures a brighter future for all.

[Sound of a cheering crowd]

Radio Announcer: As we approach the Christmas season, let us not forget the men and women serving far from home. Send a message or a small gift to our troops overseas to remind them that they are in our thoughts and prayers.

[Sound of a choir singing a patriotic song]

Radio Announcer: We'll be back with more updates as the situation develops. Until then, stay tuned to your radios and keep the home fires burning. This is your Radio announcer, signing off.

[Sound of static as the radio broadcast fades out.]

Another blackout began, leaving Sarah in the darkness. She was used to it by now, but it was no less lonely. Sarah fumbled for the matches and candles, before lighting a fire. Falling asleep on the love seat, she wasn’t sure how long she had slept when she was roused by the sound of the crackling radio.

[The vintage radio comes to life again, emitting the familiar static, followed by the voice of the radio announcer.]

Radio Announcer: (Clears throat) Good evening, dear listeners. It is December 7, 1942, and we're back with the latest news on the war effort.

[Sound of shuffling papers]

Radio Announcer: In the Mediterranean, the situation remains tense as British forces continue their determined struggle against the Axis powers. We have reports of significant advances by the Allies in North Africa, but the battle for Stalingrad in the East rages on, with both sides enduring unimaginable hardships.

[Sound of a distant explosion]

Radio Announcer: Here on the home front, the blackout restrictions are in place once more. We understand the sacrifices you're making for our safety. Remember to keep those curtains tightly drawn and the lights dimmed.

[Sound of a choir singing a patriotic song]

Radio Announcer: And now, a reminder to support our troops overseas. Your contributions to the war bond campaign are crucial to ensuring our armed forces have the resources they need to secure victory. It's our duty to stand by them in these challenging times.

[Sound of a plane flying overhead]

[Sound of static intensifying]

Mysterious Voice: (Whispering, faintly heard) Can you hear us? Hello? Are you there?

Before Sarah could answer, the house fell into darkness once again. She couldn’t recall the last time she had touched her rations or bathed. Reading her bible by the candlelight, she fell to slumber on the sheep skin rug.

Mysterious Voice: (Whispering, faintly heard) Sarah... Can you hear us?

Sarah, startled, sits in her dimly lit living room, the radio her only source of illumination.

Mysterious Voice: (Clearer, more insistent) Sarah, we know you're there. Please, answer us.

Sarah's eyes widened in disbelief. She clutches the edge of her chair, unable to respond.

Mysterious Voice: (Urgent) Sarah, we… (voice cuts out)

Sarah's heart races as she realises that this voice is different from the one she had heard before. It's not just one voice; it's a chorus of them.

Mysterious Voice: (Collective) Sarah, can you hear us?

Sarah tries to speak, to let them know she's here, but her voice catches in her throat. She can only listen.

–

Radio Announcer: (With warmth) Good evening, dear listeners. It is December 24, 1942, and we're here to bring you a special broadcast on this Christmas Eve.

[Sound of shuffling papers]

Radio Announcer: Despite the challenges of war, the spirit of Christmas perseveres. On this holy night, let us remember the significance of this holiday—peace, love, and goodwill towards all.

[Sound of carolers singing in the background]

Radio Announcer: Many brave souls are far from home this Christmas, serving in distant lands. To our troops overseas, we say: You are not forgotten. We hold you close in our hearts and prayers on this sacred occasion.

[Sound of a choir singing a Christmas carol]

Radio Announcer: Back home, families have gathered around their radios, taking solace in the familiar carols and messages of hope. May the joy of Christmas brighten your homes, despite the hardships we face.

[Sound of a crackling fireplace]

Radio Announcer: We'd like to extend our gratitude to those who have donated toys, gifts, and care packages to our servicemen and women. Your generosity warms the hearts of those who are far from home.

[Sound of a ringing church bell]

Radio Announcer: And now, a reminder of the Christmas truce of 1914, when soldiers from opposing sides laid down their arms to celebrate together. Even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can find moments of unity and compassion. As we gather around our tables and celebrate the birth of the Christ child, let us remember that love and hope endure, even in the face of adversity. May this Christmas be a beacon of light in our lives.

[Sound of a church choir singing "Silent Night"]

Radio Announcer: We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a peaceful night. From all of us here at the radio station, thank you for tuning in. Goodnight, dear listeners.

Sarah held a neatly covered package, she was saving for her husband William. It had been so long since she had seen him, it was hard to recall his voice. Tears streamed down her face as she sat on the chair, pondering whether to even set up a Christmas tree.

[Sound of static intensifying]

Mysterious Voice: Sarah, can you hear me? It's me, Edith.

Sarah's eyes widen in disbelief as she recognizes the voice of her sister.

Edith: Sarah, I miss you so deeply. I love you, and I'm always with you, even if you can't reply.

Sarah's heart aches as she listens to her sister's voice, unable to respond.

Edith: I know you're waiting, Sarah. Waiting for something that may never come. But you are not alone. You have your memories, and you have me. I'll always be here, my dear sister.

Sarah throws the Christmas present into the fire and quietly sobs into the night.

–

[The vintage radio crackles to life, the voice of the radio announcer taking on a sombre tone.]

Radio Announcer: (With sadness) Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It is November 5, 1942. We have some unfortunate news to report today. Commander William Baxter, a valiant and dedicated officer, has passed away.

Sarah, who had been listening attentively, suddenly freezes at the mention of her husband's name.

Radio Announcer: Commander Baxter was a hero, known for his unwavering commitment to the Allied cause. His leadership and bravery in the face of danger inspired many. We mourn his loss today.

Sarah's heart sinks as she recalls the memories of William, realising the truth of his fate.

Radio Announcer: (Continuing) His sacrifice will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, who have endured so much during these trying times.

Sarah, her mind racing, abruptly stands up and rushes towards the living room door, her trembling hands reaching for the doorknob.

Sarah struggles to open the door. Panic sets in as she desperately tries to turn the handle.

Edith speaks, “ Sarah, please, don't do this to yourself. You need to listen to me.”

Sarah trembling, “ Edith? Is that you?”

“Yes, Sarah, it's me. I've been trying to reach you for so long.”

Sarah's eyes welled up with tears as the realisation dawned on her.

“Edith, where am I? What's happening?”

“ It's June 6, 1945. You've been lingering here, trapped in this in-between space. You died of starvation on December 26, 1942. I moved in shortly after your funeral.”

“No, that can't be... I've been waiting for William to come back.”

“Sarah, you need to let go. I can't bear to hear your cries in the night any longer. I love you and it’s time to move on.”

Sarah slumps against the door, recalling running out of rations and water the week before Christmas. She tries to cry, to speak, but nothing comes. She closes her eyes as the room seems to get smaller. She reaches her hand under the door to find Edith’s fingers reaching back. 

Radio Announcer: Good evening, Dear listeners…