A New Day Begins East

The next morning. The sun begins to come over the horizon revealing a fog that seemed to dance along the earth.

After a night of crying and night terrors, I look out the window to see the glinting of the sun. I breath in deep and then slowly exhale. I then look down at my legs to see if I could move them...to no prevail. Just then, I hear approaching footsteps and then the turning of a knob. As the door swings open, I see a tall gentleman along with John.

"Here he is sir. The hero who saved myself, Privates, Mike, Steve and Paul when Sergeant Smith was fatally shot down during our battle." John excitedly proclaimed.

"Well young man, I hear you were the one who took over and lead your team out the forest. I'm sorry, it happened that way, but in a way, if it didn't, who knows what would've happened." The man said. "It's not too often Soldiers get into a gun fight and live to tell the tale."

I continued to look at the man who claimed to know everything. He stood at what seemed to be 5'10 broad shoulders with thinning gray hair. Just by looking at him, you can tell he's experienced hardships. He stood with his chest out and seemed a little intimidating. I can see his awards pined over his chest, so I know he's important. A Major? Colonel? or possibly higher?

Just then as if John could read my thoughts.

"David, this is the General. Word traveled about your heroics and he personally came by to congratulate you!" John explained.

The whole time this man stood here, I couldn't help but feel rage along with regret and happiness. Why were we put in that situation, and what was supposed to be the end result. Instead, I kept my thoughts in check and smiled.

"It's an honor sir. I'm just proud to follow the orders given to me." I said. "I knew what had to be done and just did it. It's as if the spirit of the warrior bathed over me and took control."

If he could see what was really in my mind, he'd have me jailed for premeditated murder. I couldn't believe he was standing there smiling as if everything happened for a reason.

"How are you feeling son?" The general asked. "Are you having everything week?"

"Not bad sir. Just anxious to get back on my feet and engage the enemy." I replied.

"That's what I like to hear son. Your country thanks you for your dedication and service to the military and also, for withholding the Uniform Code of Military Justice."

"It was my pleasure sir." I said with a grin. "I'd gladly do it again if I could get out this bed."

I could've won an Oscar for that performance. It was completely believable. As the general saluted me and left, John stayed and began to talk.

"Wowzer! I can't believe the General came all the way by just to speak with you! I'm sure you feel honored right?"

He seemed a little too eager about the meeting. More than I was at least.

"Yea, well, I could've done without his visit. He only came because it'll make him look better in the lime light." I explained. "If he really cared, he would be on the front lines with us instead of cozy in his cooled tent."

As I continued my obvious dissatisfaction, Paul came in with a panicked expression.

"DAVID! Oh, hey John. Did you hear the news?" He asked.

Confused John and myself looked at each other.

"Um, no. I just woke up not too long ago and talked with the general." I replied.

"Oh, well rumor has it that they're planning on infiltrating a village not far from here. They think it's where one of their bases are held." Paul said eagerly. "I'm joining in the fight to avenge you."

As he said that, I could see the excitement in his eyes. Almost as if, given the chance, he'd leave at that very moment.

"They say it's going to be a night infiltration and that the attack would be tonight." he continued.

"Are they doing it as an act of revenge or is it for some other reason?" John asked. "It doesn't seem pivotal to engage if there's no tactical advantage of doing it."

I agree. That rumor would seem awfully silly if it were true. Either way, Paul was so fixated on attacking, he didn't bother to think of the consequences of his actions. If I would've just killed that Soldier instead of Paul doing it, he wouldn't have that thirst to do it again.

"What are you taking about John? What does having a tactical advantage have to do with a vendetta?" He asked.

"Because, think of where we're at instead of just reacting. What if it goes awry and the whole plan crumbles? What do you think will happen?" John exclaimed.

" It won't!" Paul stated. "Besides, I'm sure David would want us to go through with it seeing as he's paraly..."

John gave him a nudge and shh'ed him before he could finish his statement. He then pulled him aside and whispered something in his ear. The two of them looked at each other and eventually faced me again.

"Well, I'm going to head out. I just wanted to tell you that rumor." Paul said and walked out the door. "Don't worry David, we'll get those bastards for you, and for Sergeant Smith."

The door opens then closes and Paul is no longer seen.

"What was that all about?" I asked John.

"It was nothing. You know how Paul is when he begins to ramble on and on." he said chuckling. "Now how's everything with you? Do you need anything? want me to get a doctor or something?"

"No, I'm ok. Just slowly healing as fast as I can." I said jokingly.

John forced a smile across his face, and then looked out the window towards the field.

"Is a beautiful day today. I think I'll go out and get some fresh air." He said.

As he began to leave, I then remembered something I wanted to ask him.

"Hey John!" but he had already left. There I was again, alone with my thoughts and the moans of the other patients. I looked around the room and notice a few of the Soldiers were engaging in an interactive and loud discussion about something.

"I'm telling you Marilyn Monroe is probably the hottest chick in the world!" One soldier said. "Matter of fact, the universe!"

"Have you seen Ursula Andress? She's the bees knees!" Another said. "She makes Marilyn look like a kid trying to dress in her Sunday best."

As they continued going back and forth, other patients started to dime in. Eventually some of the nurses had to ask them to calm down and respect the other patients. Honestly, it felt good to actually hear things other than moans and groans of the injured Soldiers.

I thought.

Meanwhile outside. We meet up with John and Steve as they walk around and embrace the warmth of the sun.

"Hey John, how's David doing?" Steve asked. "He's not acting out is he?"

"He seems okay, but I'm sure he's trying to maintain and not panick. I just hope he doesn't make his injury worse by worrying and aggravating his wound." I replied.

"Hey, guys!" someone yelled.

As we turn to look and see who it was, it turned out to be Mike. He had this gleeful sort of expression on his face. He also seemed happier than normal which was a good thing honestly. As he approached I could see a book in his hand. It looked like a..bible?

"Hello guys. How's everyone doing on this blessed day?" he asked.

"Um, we're doing fine. Thanks for asking Mike. How're you doing?" Steve asked.

"Well, through the graces of GOD, I'm also doing well. I just came from service and the word really spoke to me. It put a lot of things into perspective and made me realize a lot of errors in my life." he added.

I know everyone's handling things in their own way, but I gotta say, religion out here seems like the worse thing. Maybe because I don't see the point of it all.

"What have you got there Mike?" I asked. "Hopefully it's not a playboy."

"It's a Bible, duh." he said laughing. "They gave them out during service and I've been reading it. I really feel a connection with it. "

"Okay, Mike. This isn't because of what happened yesterday is it?" Steve asked.

"Well, after seeing everything happening, I figured now would be the perfect time to repent and turn my life over to the Lord." he replied. " I mean, who knows when or where the next altercation could occur and I want to make sure I'm on the right side when that time comes."

Now, I'm not a firm believer that there's a man sitting in the clouds and judging us. Hell, I don't think there's a red man sitting in fire persuading us. I figure, what happens will happen, you can't change it. So why not just go with the flow?

"Mike," I questioned, "Why do you think there's someone judging you and allowing you access to their pristine club?"

He chuckled, "Well, John, how do you explain everything that happens in life? the birds in the sky, the planet you're on, the trees that grow up to reach him? There has to be a reason for all that, right?

"Yea, science. Science explains it all." I replied.

"Science can't explain everything. We evolved from monkeys? Then why are there still monkeys around?" he said.

"I don't know, maybe it's a choice to evolve and some decided to stay monkeys." I replied.

As Mike and I continued to debate about the universe, Steve started to stare off in a daze.

"Hey Steve?" He didn't reply. "STEVE!" I shouted.

"Huh?" Steve snapped out of his trance.

"Are you okay? You seem a little off your rocker." I said.

"Yea, I'm excellent. Just thinking about GOD and stuff." he answered.

Steve continued to drift off and be in his own world.

I wanted to include him in our friendly debate, but he seemed like he wouldn't be interested in it at all. So, I just let him be.

" Hey guys, I'm just going to go to sleep. I'm pretty tired. I'll see you guys in the morning and then we can all go and visit David together. " Steve said.

"Oh, ok man. I'll see you later on. Don't forget to say your prayers. GOD bless." Mike said.

"Yea man, don't worry about nothing, we'll see you later on. I just have to figure out this guys mind." I said joking.

Steve gives a smile and nod and begins to head to his tent. As he walked away, I felt a disturbance with him. I paused and asked Mike if he felt it too.

"Hey, Mike. Did Steve look, I don't know, off to you? Like he was a completely different person compared to yesterday?"

He pauses and thinks.

"Well, now that you mention it, he didn't have any jokes about anything. Normally he's busting our chops, and cracking jokes about any and everything but lately he's just, distant." Mike said.

I thought to myself.

"Hey man, I'm going to check up on David." i told Mike. "I told him I'll check on him and see how he is doing."

"I'll go with you." Mike exclaimed. "I can give him his present. I'm sure he'll love it."

"If it's that bible, I think it'll be better if you hold on to it." I replied.

We stare at each other, laugh and begin to walk to David's room.

Back in David's room.

David thought.

Just then, there's a knock on the door.

"Come in." I said.

It was Mike and John. I guess they were coming to check in on me. I'm grateful, but are they dreading visiting me? Am I a bother to them? Do they regret coming to visit me? I know it's only been a couple of days, but are they annoyed?

"Howdy guys." I greeted them. "How's it hanging?"

"Well, it's hanging with a slight angle. Still works though." John joked.

"Greetings my brother in the Lords army." Mike said. "I have a present for you that I'm sure you'll love."

"Oh boy! I can't believe you got me a televis..." I was cut short.

"Ta-da!" Mike excitedly said. "It's your very own, BIBLE!"

I looked at him, then looked at the Bible. I know it was the best he could do. So I put my acting skills to work.

"Oh wow! Really? I can't believe this! You read my mind! This is like Christmas all over again!" I exclaimed.

"I know. It's amazing right?" Mike asked.

John chuckled under his breath as he watched Mike's eyes grow with glee. Maybe I peppered it on too much. As I put my gift on the stand John begins to speak.

"So any word on what they're going to do?"

"Well, the doctors would occasionally swing by and check my vitals. Then they would leave. I think I overheard them say something about 3 days." I replied.

"Well that's good right?" John said.

"Wait." Mike added. "Three days for what? What if it's three days and they chop your legs off? I think we should pay right now."

That was actually a good point he brought up. I wonder if the three days is good or bad. Will they cut my legs off? Was it even about me?

"Hey, David. Are you okay? You kind of wandered off there buddy." John said.

"I honestly think we should pray." Mike said. "Quick, everyone give me your hands and I'll lead us in prayer."

Mike reaches out his hands and tries to grasp John's. John pulls back and looks at him confusingly.

"...Um, did I miss something?" I asked. "Like, when did Mike become all, holy sanctified?"

I look at John and he just shrugged his shoulders. I look back at Mike and he's still trying to grab my hand with his head down for his prayer circle. I just fold my arms and look out the window.

"How's Steve and Paul doing guys?" I asked. "Did they ever decide on that nightly mission rumor?"

"Well, so far I haven't heard about anything."John said. "I'm pretty sure it's exactly what it is, a rumor."

"Um, what're you guys taking about?" Mike interrupted. "I hope you aren't talking about going back on the front lines. Are you?"

Mike looked like he had a troublesome look on his face. Like he saw deaths eyes behind us.

"Well obviously, I'm not going, Mike." I replied. "I don't even know if I'll still have legs in three days."

Just then, there's another knock on the door. It was one of the doctors coming in. As he walked by, all of our eyes instantly locked into him. He continued to walk until he was passed my bed waking to another patients.

"I guess he had news for someone else. Maybe someone else had three days." John said.

As we turned back to each other we heard footsteps moving towards us from down the hall. It was Paul!

"Paul! What's going on? You look like you haven't relaxed in a year." I said.

"Well, I thought I could swing by and see how my friend's doing. I guess I'm a bother so I'll leave." He said defensively.

"No, I was just wondering whats been going on." I replied. "By the way, have you heard anything end about the rumor?"

"No, I haven't. It's like all traces of it has disappeared." he replied. "Maybe it was just a rumor, or maybe it's like a super secret mission thing that only a select few knows about."

As everyone starts to ponder about what's going to happen, a sudden shout breaks the silence.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN DOC?" the patient asked. "I WAS TOLD I'D BE UP AND RUNNING SOON!"

"I know, son. We thought every thing would be okay, but we ran into a little snag." The doctor said. "We found out that the shrapnel got logged within your shoulder girdle. It went straight through, but there developed an infection which is causing a lot of issues."

As the four of us continued to eavesdrop, we couldn't help but feel sorry for him. Here I thought I was in the worse condition, but it turns out I'm not. it really puts things in perspective.

"Hey guys, let's not listen anymore. It's a private conversation that and I feel bad about hearing it." I said.

"You're right, David." John said.

"... I'm going to go and pray for his soul." Mike exclaimed. "I'll be back."

Mike started to walk over there with his bible in hand.

"Mike, just leave him be." Steve firmly said.

Mike turned around, defeated and came back to my bed.

"I just wanted to pray over his injuries and hopefully make it better." he said sadly.

As I think of something to change the subject, John burst out instead.

"So, Paul. What have you been doing this whole time? Were you sleeping or something?

"If you must know, I was busy in my tent making sure my weapons were cleaned and ready for war. You never know when you'll need it." Paul mentioned.

Steve agreed. "That's true. I guess we all should've been doing that."

Just then, the doctor began walking towards the front looking at his clipboard full of papers. He stopped by my bed and then began to look at me.

"PVT David?" he asked.

"Yes, doc?" I answered

"So we have good news and we have bad news." he continued. "The good news is, since we removed the bullet quickly, you'll still be able to walk."

"Okay, so what's the bad news doc?" I asked

'Well, I don't know how to say this." he added.

"Doc, just give it to me straight." I said.

"Well, the problem is..."