Mini-Story: A Simpler Time

I wish I’d never made that stupid wish! Now I’m stuck back in the 1940s as a subservient housewife with little rights and a virile husband who just won’t quit.

Life had been getting too hectic in the modern day. Work was being hell, my phone was constantly buzzing with new messages and appointments, and my calendar was overflowing with family and work-related events, so much so I never felt like I had time. I needed to get a breath of fresh air, so I decided to drive out to a nearby nature reserve and enjoy the sights and sounds on the walk. While there, I found an unusual stone. We’ve all heard the rumours of Wishing Stones, and I was only kidding when I grabbed it and said the words “I wish I back in the past, living a simpler life!”

Of course, the Wishing Stone was real, and it had no way of knowing I didn’t actually want to leave my whole life behind.

Imagine my shock when I suddenly found myself as a gorgeous woman instead of a man, and not just that but living in the 1940s with a husband no less! In my new life I was no longer Mark but Dorothy, and my husband had only just returned to war. I had no sooner realised what had happened when he came in the door, embracing me, still in his soldier’s uniform. The war was finished, and he was home to make love to his wife, often and repeatedly, as I discovered. It was one hell of an introduction to my new life.

Beyond having to satisfy my husband’s frequent ‘urges’, there are many other major changes I’ve had to grow accustomed to. The lack of many modern conveniences for one, and a total lack of equality; as a woman my place is in the kitchen, in the laundry room, the powder room, and the bed. My political opinions are heard, but not heeded, and my husband always has final say over our future.

Still, I guess I had better get accustomed to my new life as Dorothy. I’ve learned how to style my hair, and how to apply makeup and wear all the right things of the time together. And while the efforts of cleaning the house and washing clothing takes a lot more effort, I guess I sort of did get my wish; life is certainly a lot simpler now. No mobile phones or constant messages to worry about.

My only major concern is that my period is now a week overdue. My husband will be happy I suppose, he’s told me he’d wants me to give him a ‘big family.’ And given the lack of contraception in this era and that the next generation are the Baby Boomers, I wouldn’t be surprised if he succeeds in getting his wish. Life won’t be so simple once when I’m a mother to six or seven frantic kids!