The Golden Watch

Camp

Borje was thinking about his escape while setting up his tent for the night. The Creek nearby was frozen over and Borje’s hands were stiff from the cold. He had been planning to run from the army for a long time. He was thinking about the loss of his brother, Lars, who at 19 was killed right before Borje was drafted. Lars was always very mean to Borje and was not good at showing his love toward his little brother, but Borje knew that on the inside Lars loved him. Borje’s parents were very worried for him and hoped he would not die as well.

               The troops were setting up camp next to a forest that was close to the border of Denmark and Germany. This was the perfect place for Borje to make his escape. He didn’t know the forest well, except for the outskirts, but his rigorous training taught him the survival skills to keep him alive. At midnight, Borje would make his attempt to run away. After setting up his tent and helping his group, it was almost dark so he started packing. He packed an extra tent, a sleeping bag, his C rations, and a small combat knife. He didn’t take a rifle because it would be too obvious and too hard to travel with.

               Borje also brought his grandfather’s golden pocket, his last valuable item. Borje checked the time on the watch.

“Midnight,” he thought, “time to go.”

 As the guards were changing their posts, Borje made a run for it. He got out of the camp borders only to find that his friend Gunner was following.

               “Booger, where are you going?” he whispered loudly in Borje’s direction. Gunner had a very thick southern accent and couldn’t pronounce Borje’s name.

“What are you doing following me?” retorted Borje.

“I’m following you. What are you doing?” argued Gunner.

“I’m running from camp, now go away so I can be on my way,” Borje said, getting angry.

“But why?” Gunner asked, now a little worried.

“Because I don’t want to be here,” Borje said.

“But why?” Gunner asked, now a little worried.

“Because I don’t want to be here,” Borje said.

“But if you get caught, you’ll get charged for being AWOL!” Gunner whispered quietly.

“That’s a risk I’ll have to take. Now goodbye.”

“I’ll go with you!”

“NO! I’m going alone and that’s that. Now go back to camp!” Borje almost yelled. Then he turned around and stormed into the forest.