Vignette:Death in the Family

he television cut to black.

“Ole!” Someone shouted. “Check the television!”

“Yeah, yeah.” The bartender raised a broom handle to hit the television when it came back to life.

“We interrupt your scheduled program to bring you an important announcement.”

All eyes in the bar looked towards the screen; their focus was drawn to nothing else. The bar went quiet. A man in a black suit and tie appeared on the screen.

''“You’re watching AW from Alvastadt. The Imperial Household Bureau has announced the death of Crown Prince Paul. In a statement, the Bureau said ‘it is with deep sorrow Her Imperial Majesty announces the death of her beloved son, Crown Prince Paul of Halle.’”''

The news anchor choked on a single tear before continuing.

''“His Imperial Highness passed away this morning at the Imperial Residence in Alvastadt. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Imperial Family join the people all around the world in mourning his loss. AW Television has broadcasted this program reporting the death of the Crown Prince.”''

The television quietly flashed the Crown Prince’s image amongst a black background as the royal anthem played. The bar had gone completely quiet now for what seemed like an eternity. Another eternity passed before the anthem faded away and the news anchor appeared back on the screen.

''“You’re watching AW News. Not just long ago, the Imperial Household Bureau announced the death of His Imperial Highness, Crown Prince Paul of Halle. In a statement, the Bureau said…”''

The anchor looked away from the camera as if he were trying to hold back tears.

''“‘It is with deep sorrow Her Imperial Majesty the Kaiserin announces the death of her beloved son, Crown Prince Paul of Halle. His Imperial Highness passed away this morning at the Imperial Residence in Alvastadt. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Imperial Family join the people all around the world in mourning his loss.’ AW News is…”''

The anchor continued as the world outside came to a screeching halt.