Soldiers. Stationed in Belgium, Passchendaele. November 10th 1917. In the muddy trenches. There stood guard,Canada, AKA, Matthew Williams and Lawrence Browning Rogers, among many others.
Among those soldiers were many wounded. Lawrence was 37 when he signed up for the military making him older than many other soldiers. Lawrence, one of the few army medics stationed there. He was currently tending to his closest friend, Canada. Although Canada was probably the youngest in human years, he had lived the longest. Lawrence being 39 years old and Canada at a mere 22 years old, gave them a huge age gap. But no less, they were great friends. Canada kept urging Lawrence to help the others, since Canada himself was going to be alright. But no, Lawrence would be damned if he let his friend continue on injured, when he could have helped.
"Lawrence, you know I'm going to be fine, right?" Canada asked him. You see, the countries themselves were given a choice to fight or if they wanted to watch from the sidelines and make battle plans. Now Canada wasn't the type of person to like fighting, on the contrary actually, he tried avoiding it at all costs. But when it came to his people. Oh, he would do anything for them.
"Of course I know that! But that doesn't mean it's not gonna hurt!" He said in frustration.
From what Lawrence had told Canada, Canada knew that Lawrence had a family. A wife named Jennie of 13 years. A 10 year old daughter named Aileen, and a 7 year old son named Howard. He learnt that they lived in Montreal, Quebec. Aileen had braces on both her legs because she suffered from polio.
As Canada was about to respond, they heard multiple screams, ordering them to get down.
A shell. A bomb shell. The Germans were attacking. Before they could even react, they were hit. Multiple were killed on impact. One of the few survivors being Canada. He looked around, through the smoke, looking for survivors. Right when he heard a cough. A cough of someone struggling to hold on to their last breaths.
It was Lawrence. He was barely conscious. Canada quickly scrambled over to him. He was bleeding. And losing blood fast. Canada took off his coat to try and stop the blood. It did nothing. He saw his coat becoming more and more red. He scrambled in his pockets to see if he had anything to stop the blood. Nothing.
Quickly checked his fallen comrade's pocket, looking for anything of use. Nothing, except a small bear. A stuffed animal. But nothing of actual help to him. Lawrence was barely alive.
"Lawrence! Stay with me! Come on!" Canada said desperately. No response. He took off his gloves. He placed his two fingers on the side of Lawrence's neck. No... pulse. Bitterly he stood up.
He decided that the bear was something he could take back to Lawrence's family. He placed the bear in his pocket and picked up his gun, and dived into the trenches.
Shooting here. Shooting there. Soldiers alike lying, dead. Canada couldn't bare to see it. He got behind cover, shooting occasionally. Eventually the Germans withdrew. That declared their semi victory. Their mission, to capture Passchendaele and The Ridge wasn't even accomplished. They were short of the village of Westrozebeke. All other attacks in late November and December failed as well. Earl Haig hoped to have captured Westrozebeke, to use as a winter position. Though they did manage to stop the Germans advancing.
The German counterattack caused many casualties. But the one to strike him the most was Lawrence. Not just because he was his friend. It was because Canada knew that he has a family back home. Lieutenant Lawrence Rogers had a family to go back to. A family waiting for him. And Canada had a strong feeling he was going to be the one to bring them the news. He remembered the bear in his pocket. He carefully took it out.
A small brown bear. Muddy and tattered. Missing both is hind legs, along with its eyes. Cross-stitched for a mouth. As he walked into his tent and Lawrence's tent, he put the bear on Lawrence's bed. He saw a white envelope, lying gently on top of Lawrence's pillow. He picked up slowly. He decided on not reading it. Putting it back gently on the pillow, he left the tent. Sorrow was evident in the Canadian's eyes. Canada was left with the responsibility with counting the people who didn't return. He went through the list. His eyes scanned every name. He knew every one of these people.
Michael, Louis, Riley, Alex, all of them. All of them, they were so young. Had a future, a family. And they could have continued on with it, if it weren't for this wretched war. His eyes finally landed on Lieutenant Lawrence. His birthday December 17th. Just a bit over a month away. He was turning 40 years old. Not as young as the other soldiers but a brave soldier nonetheless. Canada's hands trembled as he held the clipboard. His soldiers. His people. His friends. The only people who actually noticed him, remembered him, cared for him. All gone.
He realized that reading the list was getting more and more harder to read. He saw a tear fall onto the lens of his glasses. He was crying. He didn't even try to stop the tears. No one would see him anyways. He was by himself. He put down the clipboard and cried. Cried so much it was getting hard for him to breathe. He didn't hear the door open. The person was about to say something to Canada, when he realized that he was full on sobbing.
That person was the United Kingdom. England himself. England realized it was Canada crying, and his brotherly instincts switched on. This wasn't England talking with Canada. No. It was Arthur comforting Matthew. Arthur had always felt horrible when he over-looked Canada or confused him with America. Arthur had been with Matthew through some of his most vulnerable states. Arthur pulled up a chair beside Matthew. This was rather awkward since Matthew had gotten so much taller than Arthur in the last few years. But in this state, his eyes made him look no more older than a child.
They spent a good hour there. Arthur giving Matthew words of reassurance. Matthew eventually calmed down.
"Ah, I'm sorry you had to waste your time here, comforting me. You could have just left." Canada said quietly, slightly embarrassed.
"I probably just delayed you from doing your work, haven't I?" Canada said looking down into his lap.
"Nothing of the sort, Matthew. I was actually planning on coming to ask you how you were doing." England said quietly. That wasn't a complete lie. Of course he was going to see how Canada was holding up, but he still had mountains of paper work to do. He had to set up all the people who would be going back to the families of those who had lost their lives. But he would never tell Canada that. Canada was already stressed with the war and the loss of his friends. Given, he had lived through a war, but he was a child then. He hadn't gone to fight. But now, was very different. Not to mention all of Canada's emotions only caught up with him up until now.
"Oh well, was there anything you needed?" Canada asked trying to change the subject. Canada had been around England so long that he could read him like a book, he knew he was lying, but decided against saying anything about it. England visibly tensed up. He was dreading asking Canada this before he even entered the room. But seeing Canada just now would completely destroy him.
"Well, I was going ask you if you could visit Lieutenant Lawrence's family..." England said trailing off. Canada could feel his breath get caught in his throat.
"I can get someone else to do it, if you're not comfortable doing it." England said hastily.
"No, I'll do it. I owe him and his family that, for the very least." Canada said taking a deep breath. "When do I leave? I assume soon, eh?" Canada asked.
"I've planned you to leave in about a week. And because of restrictions, his body will be buried here in Belgium." England said solemnly. England knew that Lawrence was born in Montreal, Canada. But he had no other choice. His family would have to come here for his burial.
"Ok, I'll go get everything I need together." Canada said getting up. England looked at him worriedly.
"Of course, and if you wouldn't mind, can you please check up on the others. They must be having a rough time right now, we've lost many lives today." England said, a sigh escaping his lips. Now that Canada actually could see England, he could see how tired he looked. Dark marks under his eyes, lips chapped, and his hair much more unruly. Canada hadn't seen him like this since the Revolutionary War.
"Of course, I'll go do that now. And you, take a rest. I'll bring you some food in a bit." Canada said with a small smile. England looked up at him.
."As much as I would love to, I can't. I need to set up a meeting Belgium and France. We need to discuss a battle strategy." England said getting up.
"Let me do it." Canada said, determined. England's eyes shot up at him. "I mean, I have been with you for a pretty long time, and I can make a plan or help." Canada may not be a fighter, but he is extremely intelligent. Being around The Master of The Field, Douglas Haig, for such a long time, this gave him time to pickup on his strategies.
"Well, if you insist, the meeting will be in two days. But do keep in mind that you will not be on field." England said moving to the door. "You'll be in Montreal by then."
"Ok, and Arthur?" Canada called to him quietly. "Thank you." He said giving him a salute. England gave him a small, tired smile.
"It was my pleasure, Matthew." He said returning him a small wave. Canada quickly got everything together. Most of the people who died that day in Passhendaele were Canadian. He sorted out all the soldiers who'd be going where and when.
---
It was the day Canada was going to visit Lawrence's family. He was anxious to say the least. He'd known the feeling of losing someone before, but no one as close as a father or spouse. His children, still so very young. Having to bear the knowledge of their father never coming home. And all they could have back was some random person they didn't even know, come and deliver this news.
---
Canada collected his breath, and knocked on the door. He was in Montreal. The door and a woman who Canada assumed was Jennie, greeted him with a smile. But as she noticed his uniform, the smile drained from her face and tears were building up in her eyes. Canada felt his breath get caught in his throat.
"How may I help you this fine day?" Jennie said in between sobs. Way back when, when a soldier who wasn't a loved one, visited a home, it usually meant bad news. Canada could tell she was trying to banish any bad thoughts from her mind.
"May I come in?" Canada said solemnly. By then the woman had tear streaks streaming down her face. "If you don't mind, that is." He said.
"Of course, come in." She said opening the door all the way. The children had come from their rooms to see what was happening. They saw Canada. Canada saw their eyes light up with excitement, but it quickly drained when they realized what was happening.
"So what brings you here today?" Jennie said trying to regain composure, even though it was useless, tears kept flowing in her vision.
Canada felt his throat knot up. He couldn't breathe. He somehow got the words through his lips. "I'm sorry to inform you that, your husband, Lieutenant Lawrence Browning Rogers, died on field on November 10th. My sincerest condolences." He said. It was a really generic thing he said. That's when Jennie broke. She broke down full on sobbing. Her children came down the stairs running, tears streaming down their faces. Aileen slightly limping. They all came down to huddle beside their mother. She wrapped her arms around them. Canada just stood there, his head down. He didn't know what to do. Suddenly he felt a tug on his coat.
"Are you my daddy's friend?" Aileen asked him. She had tears in her eyes. Canada almost fell apart right then and there. He knelt down to her level. He put his hands on her shoulders.
"He was my best friend. He talked about you and your brother a lot. He loved you both very much." Canada had tears building up in his eyes but he refused to let them fall.
"He loved you both so much, that he told me to give this back to you." Canada pulled out the worn out teddy bear. He hadn't told Canada that, but he would've wanted it to be given back to his daughter either way. She took it in her hands and examined it.
"He carried with him everywhere he went. It was his small piece of home." Canada said. He saw that Howard, was just standing there looking at him. Tears had yet to fall, but they were pretty darn close. Aileen stepped back and went to Howard and gave him a small nudge. Aileen went back to her mother. Both trying to comfort each other. Canada looked at Howard. Howard's eyes glistened with unshed tears.
"Are you Canada?" He asked Canada. His voice quivered.
"Yes I am, how did you know?" Canada asked him. Howard wiped his eyes. Yet tears still filled his eyes.
"My daddy talked about you a lot. Described you and always talked about he was best friends with Canada himself. Mommy didn't believe him and just laughed it off like nothing, but I always believed him. He'd never lie." He said, his voice shaking. He started shaking, then started balling his eyes out. Howard instinctively went for a hug from Canada. Canada almost instantly hugged back. The poor boy, he was probably trying to be brave. But now he had no father to lean on. Canada was probably the closest thing he had left of his father. Canada couldn't handle it anymore, some of his tears slipped. He was trying to be some type of strong fort for this family. He owed his friend that for the very least.
---
After a good hour of just non-stop crying, they eventually calmed down. Howard and Aileen had cried so much that they fell asleep. Now it was just Canada and Jennie. There was an awkward tension in the air. All was heard was the hiccups of Jennie and the small snores coming from the children.
"Do you want anything to drink?" Jennie asked Canada. He was caught off guard because she broke the silence so abruptly.
"Oh, uh if it's not too much of a bother, maybe coffee?" He asked. She gave him him a weak smile. She slowly got up.
"No, of course not, and if I could ask you to bring Aileen and Howard up to their room?" She asked him.
"Of course, it's the least I could do." He said looking over at the sleeping children. Dried tears now streaked their faces.
"Their rooms are upstairs, last door, to the left." She said walking into the kitchen. Matthew picks up Aileen, she stirs in her sleep but doesn't wake up. He takes her and lies her in bed. He goes back down stairs and takes Howard upstairs, lighter than Aileen. He clutches Canada's uniform. He tucks both children in bed. He makes his way down stairs and smells coffee. He makes his way to the table.
"My husband, he always said he was friends with you, I never believed him," She started off, "I always wondered why you would be risking your life out on the field, while you could stay on the side lines, making battle plans." She said taking a sip of her coffee.
"I believe I speak for many of the other nations, I would do anything for my people. I laugh with them, celebrate with them, fight along side them. I am with them through thick and thin. Not only through celebration." He said. He looked down into his cup of coffee. He saw himself, no longer that young child, sheltered from the evils of this world. He was a young man now, willing to do anything for his country and people.
"I don't know why I doubted him. You are exactly like he described you, determined to do anything for his people, thinking of others, helping in anyway possible. I'm honoured to live in a country represented by such an amazing person. Thank you, for your services and for accompanying him on his journey in the military." She said, looking up at him with tear filled eyes.
"Its not only me, its all the people of this country shaping, making history, I am merely another person helping. It is my honour to represent such amazing people." He said with a small smile.
They continued talking about Lawrence, all their memories, the time he and Canada met, the time he asked Jennie asked out for the first time, when he cried when Aileen and Howard were born. All the amazing memories that would never be forgotten. Canada brought all the letters Lawrence had saved. Jennie read over the letters he had sent. There was one specific part of a letter, regarding Aileen's toy.
"Tell Aileen I still have the Teddy Bear and will try to hang on to it for her. It is dirty and his hind legs are kind of loose but he is still with me."
The most recent Lawrence had never got to read was left. It was from Howard.
"Dear Daddy, We have had holidays ever since the 3rd and I have played all the time and have to go back tomorrow morning. I went to the movies twice, a little boy just came to the door selling tickets for some movies 5¢ but we would not take one. I try my hardest at school to come first. I joined the YMCA and have been there twice at gym. I haven't had a swim yet. I will have to close because I am burning up all the electric light."
---
"I really should get going, its getting dark." He said when it was silent.
"Oh, of course, I'm so sorry for keeping you so long," She said, "you must be so busy, I'll let you be on your way." She said getting up. He gathered all is things, and headed for the door. As he reached for the door knob, he heard little foot steps coming from behind him. He turned and saw Aileen and Howard. He crouched down to eye level.
"Are you leaving?" Howard asked.
"Yes, I have to." Canada responded.
"Well, we just wanted to say thank you, Mr. Canada." Aileen said.
"For what?" He asked.
"For being friends with our daddy, and helping him be happy." Howard said.
"It was my pleasure, I'll come visit you guys soon, ok? Be good for your mother." He said giving them one last hug. He got up and reached for the door. He looked at the family one last time before leaving. He gave them a small smile and a salute. 'Farewell'.
---
Back in Belgium, he was greeted with England. He looked much better than the last time they talked. Much more, lively and eyes filled with determination. He was looking more powerful than he ever did.
"Welcome back, Canada, how'd it go?" He asked him. England was making sure he was ok.
"It was a lot more than I thought, but I got through it." He said quietly. England walked over and put his hand on his shoulder.
"Its going to be ok, Matthew. We're going to get through this in one piece." He said.
"I know, we've done it before and we can do it again." Canada said with determined eyes.
---
Time passed and the war had ended. The nations, had all gone back to their people, help them rebuild. England and Canada went through the aftermath of Passchendaele. It looked horrible. Any trees that were present during the battle, have been destroyed, any life that was there, has been killed. Muddy trenches, looming fog, the smell of death still lingering. They walked, and walked and kept walking. The third battle of Ypres. Now a memory, one that isn't looked upon fondly. Canada kept remembering the paces he took, all the trenches he lied in. All the people who died.
"I know this is hard for you, as it is for me. But we need this, we need to see the carnage so that we try to make sure it doesn't happen again. We have to try our damnedest." England said solemnly.
"I really do hope it doesn't happen again. We don't need this resolve our problems. We only cause more problems." He said quietly.
"It isn't that simple, but we can try." England said. They started heading back to the docking point and got on to the ship on the way to England.
"When we get back to England, can I head back to Canada for a few days?" Canada asked England before they got the ship. England was kind of hesitant. But he let Canada go none the less, he didn't want Canada to feel as if he was trapped.He figured that he and his people needed the support. His people had lost many loved ones and Canada had seen the destruction.
---
Decades passed, World War 2 has come and passed, unwanted memories resurfaced. New friends and old friends, lost and found. Over the years Canada visited Lawrence's family, watched Aileen and Howard grow up, watched Jennie grow old, Howard and Aileen graduate college and find families. Watched them all grow old and unfortunately pass away. He met their kids and grand kids.
---
Eventually he gained his independence from England. He moved back to Canada and he started doing all the paperwork for his country. Always engrossed in his work. Not having many friends, he never went out often. He would turn on the radio just for background noise. It was a cold November day, when he heard someone bring up the Third Battle Ypres, also known as the battle Passchendaele. They were sharing a story. There was a woman talking, fairly old sounding. Her name was Roberta Innes, she was talking about her Aunt Aileen, who had passed at the age of 93. Aileen's name had brought Canada to full attention. Lawrence's daughter! He thought to himself. She continued.
She told me that she had given it as a gift to her father, and that it didn't have any legs,It's very small and sort of nondescript. When I sent it in to the Globe, I didn't think it was anything at all, really. I didn't realize its sentimental and historical value."
After that Canada had stopped his work. He wasn't listening to the radio anymore. He couldn't believe it had been that long since he saw Lawrence. Almost 110 years ago. Remembrance Day was coming up. Canada had gotten a whole lot better at keeping his emotions in check since then. He knew he wouldn't start crying, he made sure of that. He was already packing to get to the ceremony in Ottawa. He wanted to be their for the whole ceremony.
---
The next day, he had already left. He didn't tell anyone other than his boss. Not that they would notice. It was one of those rare occasions where he spent the day with his people.
---
A few days after Canada had left for Ottawa, the nations had called a meeting. November the 10th. Some of the nations were missing, but it was understandable. Remembrance day was tomorrow. Most of the nations were there. One they would have expected to come didn't show up. England. They called his phone multiple times but he didn't pick up. After a few hours of unsuccessful calls, he eventually picks up.
"What the bloody hell do you want, frog?" He asked, mild irritation evident in his voice.
"Where the hell are you?!" France asked. He put England on speaker, all the nations shut up.
"Why do you ask?" England asked.
"We're having a meeting today, and since you didn't show up, everyone started worrying." France said.
"Oh, well I'm in Canada right now, I told my boss I wouldn't be able to attend, I suppose he forgot to mention that to you all." He said with a sigh.
"Well if that's all, I'll be on my way." He said and hung up.
All the nations were left in a confused daze. Why was he in Canada of all places? Where is Canada even located? China eventually pointed out that Remembrance day was tomorrow. But that still didn't answer why he was in Canada in the first place.
---
England had finally got off the plane. He was in Ottawa. There was a lot of traffic, but that was to be expected, Ottawa is the capital of Canada after all, not to mention that there was to be a Remembrance day ceremony here tomorrow. He pulled out his phone and went to his contacts. He looked for one specific name. He found it.
"Hello, Canada, this is England."
"Oh! Uh, hello England," Canada started.
"If you don't mind me asking, why are you calling me?" He asked in his normal quiet voice.
"Well, because it's Remembrance day tomorrow, and I wanted to see the ceremony..." He said, his voice shrinking. He heard silence on the other line.
"H-hello?" He said.
"O-oh! Um, if you want I can come pick you up?" Canada said quickly.
"Oh! Uh, yes of course if that isn't too much of a bother." England said.
"Ok, just go to the nearest Timmies you can find." He said.
"Tim... mies?" England asked confused.
"Oh, sorry, force of habit. Go to the nearest coffee shop. Then send me the coordinates. I'll come pick you up from there." He said with a small giggle.
"Its alright, anyways, see you in a bit." He said with a small smile.
"See you!" Canada said happily.
Such a long drive. He thought to himself. He sent the coordinates to Canada and waited for him there.
---
Canada was honestly very confused, he knew England very well to say the least. It was strange to say the very least. For him to just drop in unexpected. He appreciated it greatly. He appreciated that he came and visit him during one the periods where he was the most vulnerable. He pulled up to the Tim Hortons and walked inside. He looked around and spotted England almost immediately. He stuck out like a sore thumb. His messy, bright blonde hair and his luggage. Although it didn't look like much, it was more than what the average person would take to a coffee shop. He walked over to the table England was sitting at. He greeted England with a warm smile. He offered to buy him a coffee or tea. England claimed that he wasn't hungry or thirsty. Canada took his luggage while England protested.
"Let me help you, you came all the way here anyways." Canada said carrying the bags to his car.
"No! I can carry my own things!" He said in whiny voice.
"Blah, blah, blah, you're an old man, just let me help." He said in a playful tone. England was faking upset as he got into the car. They both realized that they hadn't seen this side of each other since Canada and America were young. It brought a wave of nostalgia over them.
"Hey England?" Canada said breaking the silence.
"Hm?" He responded.
"Thank you for being here. I really appreciate it." Canada said quietly.
"Of course, it was no problem. And you know Canada, I'm really thankful to you for sticking by my side all those years ago. Even when I neglected you, I really do hope that you know that I'm sorry for that." England said almost inaudibly.
"It wasn't your fault and I understand that, I've already forgiven you anyways. But that was in the past. We've been through literal hell together, and I think we can be good friends." Canada said.
"Really?" England asked. His eyes started tearing up. He had always felt that Canada resented him. He never thought that Canada had or would ever forgive him. He was really one of the few of his former colonies who had kept some of his culture. His provinces, some of their flags still bared his flag and his money still had the queen on it.
"Aw, come on now old man, don't be getting soft on me now. Where's the mighty British empire I know?" Canada asked in a playful tone.
"I'm still bloody here!" England laughed, wiping his tears.
"Thank you Matthew." England said with a smile.
"Its my pleasure, Arthur." He responded.
--- END ---
--- WORD COUNT ---
--- 4931 ---
Oof, if anyone is still here to read this, I thank you. I highly doubt that this has accurate history due to the fact that I can't focus on anything for too long, this may be one of the few things I have spent this much time on. This is really over due since Remembrance Day was more than a month ago, but I know this sounds cheesy but I think everyday we should be thankful for our soldiers, they fought, are fighting, and will fight for us. The reason this took me so long to publish is because of school, me getting distracted easily and not being to focus. Again, please take any of the historical parts in this story with a grain of salt. Yes I am aware that Remembrance day is a world wide thing, but I live in Canada and my French teacher told us about this story with the bear. I thought it was really interesting and I really had to write Canada into it.
This a real picture of the bear Aileen gave her father, the bear is in the Canadian War Museum, Roberta donated it to them.
--- All of this is extra info on Lawrence's family ---
Lawrence is a real person, or was I should say. He was a lieutenant on the 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles.
Aileen had some disease that affected her ability to walk, so she wore braces on her legs.
Lawrence death was never recorded, all that is known is that he died in the third battle of Ypres, in Belgium, in 1917.
He lived in Quebec with his family until he left for the war.
--- That's all I can remember ---
Well if you've made it this far I really appreciate it, this took quite a long time, make sure that next year on November 11th at 11 AM, you take a few minutes to remember our soldiers. Thank you for reading, if you spot any mistakes let me know, thank you.
~ᴊᴇᴇʙᴜᴢ