She is beautiful. Never in my life have I seen a woman so gorgeous. I stare at her like I'm in a trance. I must be, because it's impossible to look away. Her red lips. Her soft closed eyes. He long blonde hair. Her hips. Her hands in the red sparkly...
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(This part of the story is inspired by the real events of D Day. There will be graphic descriptions of deaths. If you do not feel comfortable reading this, I will write a note to where to skip to.)
06:30
The water splashes harshly against the boat. It's cold and there's a strong current in the water. I was relieved when we were assigned Utah beach instead of Omaha beach, but I remember how quickly that relief fated when we were assigned as the first wave. We are the soldiers doomed for death or that's what Peter called it. I take deep breaths. I can feel my hands shaking and I'm not sure I'd be able to hold a gun straight even if Hitler was right in front of me. I still remember the speech that was given before we put on the boats. The man talked about freedom. He said we'd never be forgotten and that we were heroes. That if this went well America and the whole world owed us everything and that there would never be another war. Bullshit. He only said it to make it sound less painful.
I can feel the metal of the boat underneath my feet. Steven has already thrown up twice. I'm cramped between Steven and James. I can feel the dread radiating off everyone present. It's like we all know we're going to die today. The fresh air of the sea does nothing to calm me down. Sergeant Thompson is yelling the plan for the thousandth time. I don't hear him. I can't hear him over the sound of the voices in my head.
"God job Kiddo"
"Wanna be friends?"
"You're my son, Michael"
"Do you want to play, big brother?"
"You're so ridiculous"
"Your writing is getting better"
"The war will be over soon"
"I know if I go, I'll die happy tonight"
"I love you"
"You're the best thing that happened to me"
"I can't accept this"
"Did you seriously do that?"
"We're blood brothers now"
"Will you always protect me?"
"Can't you check for monsters under my bed?"
"Can I help you?"
"Thanks, Michael"
"You're a handsome guy"
"Won't you kiss me on the mouth and love me like a sailor?"
"Michael"
Everyone I know is talking in my mind at the same time. It's deafening but also comforting. I can feel Steven shaking next to me like a small twig on a tree in a hurricane. With shaking hands, he reaches up towards his neck and pulls out a cross necklace I know he never takes off. He kisses the silver cross that was a gift from his mother when he joined the army. His blue eyes look towards the sky as he silently prays. I turn my head and look towards James. He's completely still, like the world stopped spinning. His usually tan face is as white as snow. I've never seen James so pale in my life. James is like the flame of a candle, bringing life and warmth to wherever he is, but not today. It seems like he knows this will be his last day alive on this earth.
