The War in the Air

Set before the onset of the War in the Air, the story introduces Mr. Tom Smallways, who observes the transformation of his surroundings while sitting on his garden fence. His contemplative remark about progress reflects a sense of ambivalence toward the changes he witnesses, particularly the unusual sight of balloons being inflated for an aerial ascent. This moment captures the tension between tradition and innovation, hinting at the broader societal shifts occurring as aviation technology begins to take flight.