Soldier

Affirmative

"I glassed it," I whispered to my Sergeant Major. We were in a low crawl position scoping out tango. We were positioned in a no salute zone. We didn't want to be spotted and we didn't want the enemy to know who the officers were.

"Affirmative." Sergeant Major Johnson replied. He signals for the both of us to return to base. Staying in a low crawl we quickly get out of enemy lines and into a safe zone to get up and head back to camp.

"That Bush guy is such a cake eater!" One of my fellow comrades yelled knocking back a brain grenade. "Our invasion of Afghanistan may end up saving one million lives over the next decade," he imitates, "More like killing one million lives in the next decade at the rate we're going." He grunts and takes another swig from his cup.

"I think he means civilians." I reply shyly. The soldier stares at me with disapproving eyes. He was short and muscular with square shoulders and black, close cropped hair. He had a handsome face made slightly uneven by his nose, which had been broken at some time in the past.

"Watch it boot!" The others yell in agreement and smash their cups together, some of the alcohol escaping onto the sand.

"C'mon soldiers, stop fucking around! He may be a limp dick but surrender is not on our creed!" Sergeant Major Johnson declared. He rubbed his stubble like beard roughly. His eyes glistened with amusement.

Later that night, all my comrades started to head to their bunker. I decided it was time to head to my bunker as well. When I got up I heard Sergeant Major Johnson, "Tomorrow at 1600 hours you must report back to me with your findings, this mission is critical. Remember that."

"Yes sir," I nodded and walked to my bunker. I didn't know anyone in the unit. When we were deployed, my unit was broken up because they didn't need a big group in one area and we all had different skills. 

"Hey Phil, you okay there?" I look over to one of my friends. His name was Vincent. He had tousled dark brown hair and deep blue eyes. His face was strong and defined, his features moulded from granite. He had dark eye brows, which sloped downwards in a serious expression. His usually playful smile had drawn into a hard line across his face.  He had the kind of face that stopped any girl in her tracks. I guess he must get used to that, the sudden pause in a person's natural expression when they looked his way followed by overcompensating with a nonchalant gaze and a weak smile. Of course the blush that accompanied it was a dead give-away. It didn't help that he was so modest with it, it made the girls fall for him all the more. Despite all the opportunity that came his way he was a one-woman-man who prized genuineness and thoughtful conversation above lipstick and high-heels.

"Yes, I'm fine Vin." I glance over to him and his faced showed it all. He didn't believe me.

"I'm worried, ever since you left the military you haven't been the same." I sigh. I never told my friends I was dishonourably discharged.  I told them I left the military because I couldn't stand the thought of someone's blood on my hands. I look over to him, he's just staring at me with worry. I get up and head towards the fridge. I pick out two beers and throw one of them over to my friend on the sofa. Vin didn't catch the can and it landed near him, "You know I can't catch to save my life and yet you still throw things at me." He mutters.

"Do you know where I could find a job?" I ask whilst making my way back to the sofa. Vincent popped open the can of beer and took a swig. He paused to think about the question before replying.

"You could try and work at a restaurant?"

"It's better than nothing. I'll have a look later today." I suddenly set the can on the coffee table in front of me, not interested in drinking it anymore. Vincent nods his head in agreement.

"Have you ever thought of therapy?" Vincent suddenly asks. I quickly turn my head to look at him in the eye.

"Why would I need therapy?"

"I just thought it would be nice for you to talk to someone about your time in the military. Someone professional." Vincent always had a heart of gold. He always worried about people around him.

"I'll consider it." I reply. He smiles warmly at me and nods his head in approval.  

Later that day, I looked around for a job. I didn't have many qualifications. I'm twenty nine and have been in the military since I was seventeen. I never thought I'd be discharged. I never thought I'd be involved in something like that.

After looking around for an hour, I couldn't see any cafes or restaurants that were hiring. I started to head home. Before I returned home, I picked up a newspaper and decided to find some small local jobs available.

When I entered my apartment, I saw the beer can I set on the coffee table still sitting there waiting to be consumed. I sigh and fall onto my sofa and started to read the local jobs.

After a few minutes I had already spotted a few jobs that didn't involve many qualifications. The best chance I had was to accept some lady's request for someone to paint her fence. It said she is willing to pay well and depending on how well the job has been done. It isn't a permanent job but it will help with this month's rent.

I grab my laptop from the coffee able and quickly open the can of beer. I notice the letter my mother has recently sent me, unopened. I sigh and place the laptop on the coffee table and pick up the letter. Ripping it open, it read;

My dearest Phillip,

I know you think I'm disappointed. I'm not going to lie to you. I am. I never thought my only son could do that. It's lonely here in Minnesota. I'm glad I know you're alive and well. I assume you're looking for a job? You should've taken my advice and have gone to college instead of the military. What are you going to do? You could take online courses. Your father would have wanted that. Please don't try to re emit into the military. Try to get a job and have a good salary. Maybe you could produce some grandchildren for me. Anyway, I hope you will get your life together. Don't make your discharge control your life. Just forget about the military.

Love from,

Mum x

I lean back into the sofa. Online college was a good idea. I don't have the desire to apply though. The letter was definitely one the short ones my mother has sent to me. I place the letter back on the table and pick up my laptop again. I decide to take up Vincent's advice and look for a therapist.
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