Man at War – Excerpt No. 246

14 May 2026

“I’d love to see it,” the Second Lieutenant countered.

“Alas,” Marc said. “Duty calls. Still, if you bring one next Thursday around two in the afternoon you might get your wish. We’re putting on a talent show assuming the front stays quiet.”

“Really?”

“Oh yes,” Marc said. “Murphy here has the voice of an angel. We could even do a song and dance.”

Murphy was so confused by this exchange that he simply nodded. Smart man.

Highly detailed cinematic scene inside a makeshift wartime theatre tent at a British Casualty Clearing Station during the Great War in 1915. Soft lantern light and warm stage glow illuminate a simple wooden platform stage where a distinguished British Colonel named Marc stands center stage with confident, aristocratic charm, playfully holding up a Bluebird nurse uniform on a hanger as if modeling it for the audience. Beside him, a young Canadian Bluebird nurse Lieutenant Murphy — a beautiful brunette with lively steel-grey eyes and a bright mischievous grin — laughs openly, clearly delighted by the banter. The Colonel is mid-sentence, inviting her to perform a song and dance with him next Thursday at two in the afternoon if the front stays quiet. In the foreground and audience area, rows of wounded soldiers sit on benches and cots, some bandaged and leaning forward with faint smiles and hopeful expressions, including the recovering soldier Mackenzie watching from the front row. Background shows tent canvas walls decorated with simple patriotic bunting, a battered upright piano, scattered sheet music, and a few other improvised costumes on racks. Moody yet uplifting atmosphere blending the grim reality of war with moments of joy and camaraderie — faint distant artillery rumble suggested through subtle shadows. Historical accuracy for 1915, realistic yet slightly stylized, warm lantern lighting with dramatic stage highlights, poignant focus on the playful interaction between th

Disclaimer: This novel is an work in progress and readers may encounter grammatical errors and inconsistencies. Please view this a draft and not a published work.