Chapter Text
Sunday, December 7, 1941
Metropolitan Detroit, Michigan, USA
2:30 PM Eastern Time
9:00 AM Hawaiian Time
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"We interrupt this program with an important announcement."
Claire was sitting on her bed, studying biology for her upcoming final exam when the Christmas music playing on the small radio in her room was abruptly interrupted by the announcement.
"The Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbor from the air and all naval and military activities on the island of Oahu, the principal American base in the Hawaiian islands."
Claire's eyebrows furrowed as she listened to the news. The weight of the reporter's words hung heavy in the air, and Claire felt a knot form in her stomach.
"It is no joke, it is a real war," the reporter said, his voice filled with a mix of urgency and somberness
"Mom?" she called out of her room, hoping for some reassurance
When there was no response, Claire quickly made her way down the stairs.
"Mom?" she called again.
"In the kitchen," her mother replied calmly.
Claire entered the kitchen and found her mother standing near the sink. She looked composed, but there was a flicker of concern in her eyes. "Turn on the radio," Claire pleaded, her voice trembling slightly.
"Alright, take it easy," Mrs. O'Connor raised her hands in defense, understanding the urgency in her daughter's tone. She went into the living room and switched on the big radio, anticipation filling the room.
"-Again, the Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbor. We are at war," the voice on the radio croaked, the words sinking into the depths of their souls.
"Oh my God!" Her mother exclaimed.
The two women looked at each other stunned, realizing the gravity of the situation.
"I'm going to call your dad," Mrs. O'Connor declared.
It was just Claire and her mother at home. Her father was at work, and her older sister was attending a school event on starting her Master’s degree.
Mrs. O'Connor walked to the phone and dialed her husband's work number. Meanwhile, Claire made her way back up the stairs. As she reached the landing, her gaze was drawn irresistibly to the large window in the front room. The world outside was transformed, covered in a pristine blanket of snow. The flakes fell gracefully from the sky, swirling and twirling in the gentle breeze. The entire landscape was bathed in a soft, ethereal glow.
Despite the chaos that Claire knew was unfolding beyond the confines of her home, there was an undeniable sense of tranquility in that moment. Snow had a way of hushing the world and creating a peaceful sanctuary. It was as if time had momentarily stood still, allowing Claire to find solace in the beauty of the scene before her.
Upon returning to her room, Claire slumped onto her bed and spaced out, losing all motivation to study. Biology was the last thing on her mind.
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About an hour had passed when Claire walked down the stairs and headed straight for the phone. She dialed a number and tapped her foot impatiently, waiting for someone to answer. As she waited, her mother appeared holding a basket of laundry.
"Who are you calling?" Her mother inquired.
Claire lowered the phone from her ear and replied, "Peyton."
Mrs. O'Connor smiled knowingly, "Ah."
Since fourth grade, Peyton has been Claire's best friend. When they were younger, they used to spend most of their time together and were inseparable. As they grew older, it became increasingly difficult to stay in touch. Currently, both girls are in college pursuing different fields of study. While Claire is interested in the sciences, Peyton has a passion for the arts. Despite their differences, they still hold a deep affection for each other. At least Claire hopes so.
But there was no answer.
Claire let out a deep sigh, "Figures."
"No response?" Her mother asked.
"Nope."
"Well, try later," Her mother assured her
Claire shrugged and walked into the living room. She sat on the sofa, staring out the window, her gaze fixed on the snow outside. As she sat there, she absentmindedly started picking at her nails, a long-time nervous habit.
Claire has always been a worrier since early childhood. Usually, she was not one to listen to the news. However, like most people, she was aware of the tensions in the Pacific and Europe. Today was different. Today, the world had an effect on her.