Only Fools Rush In [to be edited]

In the Dead of the Night

It was 23:00 and everything was dark and quiet. The watchmen bordered the four corners of the campsite; each one replaced every three hours. The sergeant and corporal sat together, going over and over the morning plans until they could dream about it in their sleep without interruptions. There wasn’t a star or cloud in the sky, and the wind came in soft, warm waves. Brennan sat in the thrush, packing his bag with water and food. He carved out two hours for himself to return Tien, including his walk back.

Tien sat closely behind him, her shoulder in contact with his. By his hurried, yet thorough, actions, she knew they were going somewhere. And by his softened eyes and steady breath, she assumed they were given permission to do so. Taking up his rifle and slinging a strap of ammunition around his chest, he reached down and took her small hand. Tien tightened her fingers around his and followed him out into the campsite.

Brennan gave his superior ‘the nod’ and the two were allowed to go out. But before entering the tunnel of curved branches, Sergeant Quill grabbed Brennan’s sleeve and pulled him back. He whispered behind his ear, “If you’re being followed, leave the girl and return to campsite. Chevoski spotted Charlie ten miles from us, they didn’t spot us, but they’re looking.”

“Should I have taken tomorrow night, sir?”

“We don’t want the girl at Fox Base tomorrow. We got to get rid of her tonight.”

Brennan dropped his head in respect and disappeared into the jungle. When they were far enough in the overgrown vines and bamboo, Brennan eyed his surroundings and took a stance to drink his water. He handed it to Tien, who took a modest sip and, as if she knew she wasn’t privileged to drink more, she returned it to Brennan. Brennan, however, stopped the forward motion of her hand and returned the canister to her chest, nodding his head in affirmation.

Tien held it close and placed a thankful hand on his shoulder. The two continued along a mental pathway Brennan had planned in his head. He knew the stream was their last stop, knowing if he went any further, he could get caught by the enemy. Though, what worried him more was Tien finding her way back; he knew that just because she lived in the jungles, it didn’t necessarily mean she knew her way around them.

“Neu ban da kiem soat, nhurng gi ban se thuc hein voi toi?” Tein said in a breathless whisper.

Brennan looked over his shoulder and tried to decipher her question. “Do you want to stop? Are you tired? Tired?” He made small rotations with his fist underneath his eye and then pointed to Tien. “You good?”

“Good,” Tien replied, pushing him into the walk. The crunching of leaves filled the silence for another ten minutes before she spoke again, almost sobbing. “Toi biet ban toi khong nguy hiem. Nhurng tai sao chung ta chien dau? Dieu nay se di mai mai?”

Brennan shrugged. He didn’t know what she was saying, and perhaps she wanted for boredom’s sake. Though, if he knew the importance of her questions, he would’ve stopped to listen and respond. “Listen, Tien, I don’t understand. I wish I did, but, save your energy, all right?”

Feeling frustrated about the whole communication glitch, Tien stomped a foot and shoved Brennan away forcefully. When she saw him turn around in alarm, her arms recoiled to her chest and she tucked her chin innocently. She whimpered a few words in her language before wiping away the tears and heading off into another direction.

“Hey, hey, stop it. Tien!” Brennan called after in a hiss as he crouched low to the ground and followed her. When he was an arm length behind her, he shot his hand out and grabbed her firmly by hers. She let out a squeal and collided into him. She shouted something and thumped violently on his shoulders with her fists. Brennan remained calm as he strategically wrapped his legs around her legs and locked her securely against his chest with his arms. When they were both still, Brennan removed his hand from her mouth and said softly, “What? What’s wrong?”