The Tale of Susan Pevensie

Episode One: The Accident

It all started one morning as Susan was quietly going about her business at the law firm where she worked as a secretary. She couldn’t have guessed that everything was about to change at the ring of the telephone.

“Can you please answer the phone?” Mr. Edward Porter, Susan’s boss, shouted grumpily as usual. Susan did as she was asked. “Yes, this is Pennsford Law Firm, who am I speaking to?” She spoke into the receiver. “I’m afraid there has been an accident, Susan, and you had better come home just as soon as you possibly can.” was the response from the family housekeeper, Mrs. Rebecca Allard. And with those words, Susan’s world was rocked irrevocably.

There were many arrangements to make the next few days, and Susan had to request a leave of absence from work, which, needless to say, did not make Mr. Porter any happier than usual. “I will expect you back on the first of the month, funeral or no funeral.” he said grumpily, amid Susan’s attempts to explain her circumstances. But it seemed too hard to explain to his understanding, so she buried her feelings as much as possible and determined to go on with life.

It was just after World War 2 in which many had lost brothers, sons, husbands and fathers. The carnage had been much worse on the continent. She couldn’t honestly say her pain was anything worse than that of others. And after all, she still had Uncle Harold and Aunt Alberta, comforting as they were. (Father had been an only child and her grandparents had all been laid to rest years ago, leaving her with no other family.) 

Peter, Edmund and Lucy had school chums attending the funeral a week later, and there were also many associates of her father and mother there. But Susan sat alone in a haze of misery, barely noticing any of it. Until a hand rested on her shoulder in a gesture of comfort and she turned to see Peter’s flatmate, Michael Wilson, standing just behind her. 

“I know words may not help,” he said quietly, “But I am truly sorry for your loss. For mine as well. Peter was a brother to me these past few years, and no matter how much time passes, he will never be replaced.”

“Thank you.” Susan replied, just barely holding back the tears. “I appreciate your support more than I can say.”

“Of course. If you need anything, please ask. Peter wouldn’t want me to leave his sister alone in distress.” Michael said gravely.

And that was how the next, painful but healing, chapter of Susan’s journey began.