Until Darkness Falls

Part Two: "I Am A Bad Man, Eeya"

October 5, 1944

Three days after the battle that had taken place on the land of Eeya's family, Eeya squats just outside her family's hut, tending to a whole chicken over an open fire. There are a world of troubles weighing on her mind as she barely notices the clanking boots stepping out from the hut. As the noise finally catches her attention, she turns and looks over her right shoulder to see the wounded American soldier approaching her.

She looks up to the man, making eye contact.

"You will have chicken and rice. You need your strength," she tells him with a serious tone, turning back to the roasting chicken.

He plops down beside her.

"Nevermind me. I'm sorry for your family's losses," he says. "I saw your family burying someone near the edge of the jungle."

"Loss of life is common among my people nowadays," Eeya says while staring down at the chicken. "We would be best to accept that we will all be slaughtered like hogs. Including you."

Eeya glances over at the man. He's staring curiously at her face.

"I know your people have suffered greatly, and that's why I am here," the American tells her.

Without changing her blank expression, "You are here because your government told you to be here."

He chuckles.
"Actually, you're wrong about that. My service to America ended two months ago."

He coughs, placing his hand over his recent chest wound. "I was discharged." He continues.

"For what reason?" Eeya asks.

The American opens his mouth but hesitates. His sudden silence makes Eeya worry, but she continues;
"You fight as if battle is your way of life. Yet, you appear so young."

Still gripping his chest wound,
"I am nineteen years old. I have fought in this war since age seventeen. My older brother was in the Navy. He got killed by the Japs in Pearl Harbor, so I volunteered to join the Army. I aimed to kill all those Jap bastards that I could and that's how I ended up here!"

Eeya looks down to the ground.
"You sought revenge for your brother. Is that why you remain here now, after being discharged?" She asks.

"No." He offers no other explanation.

"Your name tag?" Eeya asks, looking at the name patched to the breast of his uniform.
"Your name is Richards?"

"That's not my name. I pulled this uniform off a dead American soldier while fighting alongside the guerillas. Name's Thomas; Thomas Cole. Formerly, Private First Class but now I'm a civilian like you."

He reaches his hand out towards her. She reluctantly places her hand in his and he gives it a gentle shake.

"I am Eeya Grace," she follows. "I am thirty-two years old - the eldest of my siblings. The land where you plop your buttocks belongs to my papa. He is very appreciative of you and all you have done for us. Later, you shall meet hi-"