The Warm Hands of Ghosts

Content Warning: Graphic depictions of war wounds and depictions of suicidal ideation and PTSD using outdated terminology of “shell-shock.”

The women continue from Dunkirk toward Couthove. A shelling attack forces them to abandon the lorry and take cover. With no other options, they start walking and find an abandoned hotel to shelter in for the night. Inside, they find a glitzy bar with soldiers watching a man playing the violin. The violinist finishes playing and greets them, introducing himself as Faland. He warns them to avoid a large mirror behind the bar, into which several men stare rapturously. Faland claims the mirror will show one’s truest desire.

Laura, still sick and feverish, becomes disoriented. Then Pim screams, and Laura realizes she is staring into the strange mirror. Laura rushes to her side. When she looks in the mirror, she does not see herself but Freddie. She turns and sees Freddie disappearing into the crowd but believes she is hallucinating. Meanwhile, Pim still stares in the mirror, horrified and transfixed. Faland darkly comments, “It is often illuminating, to see your heart’s desire. But it is not always pleasant” (115).