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Day 5,475 of being in the Army. Today was just like any other day. I wake up, brush my teeth, go for a 10-mile run, get back home, shower, eat, and head over to my unit. Same routine every day. Nothing changes.
"Sarge!" Antwan Davis called out to me as soon as I walked in. He's one of the pains in my side. " Sir!" He snapped to attention and rendered a sharp salute, his movements precise and disciplined.
"Davis," I nodded, not stopping.
"So, is it true that you're leaving?" he asked as I reached my office. I turned to him with a raised eyebrow.
"Who told you that?" I asked.
"Sarge, it's going around. I'm saying to myself now, I know Sarge wouldn't keep this from me and Jake." Jacob Williams, another pain.
"And why would I tell you two first?" I asked with a smirk.
"Because we're Davis and Williams! The fuck?" he chuckled and shrugged.
I laughed and shook my head. "Look, I was offered something, but I turned it down." I said, thinking about my decision. Honestly, a PCS wouldn't be bad. There are so many reminders here in Houston. Growing up with my best friend Cam here and having so many memories, it's hard. Cameron Alvarez, my best friend that I'd known since I was two. Our moms were best friends and basically raised us together. Neither of us had the best relationship with our dads, but we made it. I wanted to play in the NBA and rap when I was younger, but somehow, I landed at the recruiting office with Cam. The next thing I know, I was signed up for the fucking Army. I had lost my fucking mind and just knew I would die if I was sent off to war.
"Aight cool, just making sure! You can't leave us, Sarge!" Davis said as he left my office. I shook my head and finished some paperwork before getting up and heading to the fields where I knew most of my unit would be. Today should be a smooth day.
Later that evening, I was headed home but decided to stop and get some groceries. My refrigerator and pantry were probably empty since I'd been at base all week. I had a place on base and also a place off base.
I walked into H-E-B and grabbed a cart. I went down several aisles, picking up different foods that I needed. While waiting on a few steaks to be cut up, my phone rang.
Chubbs, it read. Chubbs is another best friend of mine. He didn't choose the military route. Chubbs owns a couple of strip clubs down here in Houston.
"Chubbs," I answered.
"My nigga! What's good? You free from duties?" he chuckled.
"Yeah, I am. I'm actually at the store picking up some food now. I don't have anything at the house," I said.
