Psychologically War

Walking down the streets, the dark blue sky, the cool temperature of the night, the singing silence gave the nineteen year old boy shivers down his spine. In response to the soft cool breeze, he instinctively took out his antique headphones to listen to his 'end of the day' radio that he downloaded passionately the day before. As he was about to plug them into his phone, he heard footsteps. Who could that be? Whoever it is, William, don't look back nor look suspicious. It would only put you in danger and if it attacks, you go for it the boy convinces himself. This nineteen year old boy doesn't usually group with the other young punks around his age. The amount of enjoyment the other kids receive by experimenting is just not the same for William. Ever since that war, which unfolded 2 years ago, it has never left the young lad's memory. The normality that the kid felt 2 years ago with his parents vanished instantly after seeing his parents being killed. He was now alone. However, two weeks from now, being included into the society started to feel real again for the lad. Faster but slow keep your eyes in front but be aware of everything. His footsteps started to get quicker as the gaps between his legs started to get wider. Oh I totally feel it. William, don't think irrationally, keep calm. An arm reached towards the lad's shoulder and just when William was about to throw a punch, a deep husky yet panting voice echoed in the calming silence of the night.

"H- hey kiddo. What a-are you doing at t-this hour," he pants heavily.

The crazy heartbeats heard through William's chest were calmed as soon as his eyes met a pair of brown hazel eyes, an old man around his mid forties looked extremely worried. Williams' eyes softened as the man continued.

"Didn't you hear earlier this evening about the war?"

William, completely taken aback, answers hesitantly.

"No, what is it sir?"

"They called for a conscription earlier including men from the ages of 19-45"

"Sir w-why so?"

The fear in the young lad's voice was evident enough for it to not go unnoticed by the old man.

"Nuclear."

------------

[Couple of Weeks Later]

"M4/M4A1 CARBINE."

"Yes, sir!"

"M24 SNIPER."

"Yes, Sir!"

"Good for now."

A tall built man in a militant uniform with a star badge concludes before leaving William in the tent alone. William sighs releasing the tension he held in for his dearest life as he slides down onto the bedrock mattress beside him. I won't die, I won't die. FOR GOD'S SAKE WILLIAM I WON'T DIE William internally screams. Two more weeks and then this training is done I swear William. No words being able to escape, the young lad releases another huge sigh while cupping his face and rubbing it over and over again until he feels satisfied and calm. It was evident that the lad had been working hard. Veins in his arms and face, bulging, increasing the depth of his well sculpted muscles that were once non-existent. The amount of stress that was causing his veins to pop were more or less because of fear. Especially fear of dying. Ever since that night, William couldn't continue his daily life chores as he was forced to join the military training camp like the others. It had just been nearly two weeks of basic training and 2 weeks more for practical. Due to a short period of training, they were faced with extremely high expectations. One could call them impossible if they were allowed to project other than 'Yes, Sir' 'Understood sir". In order for them to stay sane during the war, the conscripts went through extremely harsh training although William felt the opposite. William felt like he was becoming insane but in order to keep going he had to lie to himself that he was not going to die. Snapping back to reality, in the moment, William felt prepared yet anxious. Finally letting his thoughts go, he releases another sigh and jerks himself out of the tent to continue what he came for, war.