Nightmares and Red Palms

Scene Continued

WILSON

(Yelling over noise from outside, letting his gun fall slightly away) Can you walk?

DAVIS

(Also yelling, trying to sit up a bit but failing) Nevermind that! German siege coming from the south! Head west and take back alleys until you see some of our men! (In extreme pain)

WILSON

(Bracing against the wind) I'm not leaving you!

DAVIS

(Assertively) Get out! Now!

WILSON

Dammit, no! No man left behind, isn't that what we say?

DAVIS

You stay, we're both done for, get the hell out-- (Cuts off abruptly)

The noise comes to a waning halt.

-- (quieter) of here...

The lapse back into silence brings a momentary pause into their conversation. The wind and smoke begin to die down. WILSON starts to get up and look around, but DAVIS grabs the barrel of his weapon and pulls it down with a glare. WILSON remains crouched but is constantly looking each way at the debris, expecting something to move. DAVIS inspects the wound in his side.

WILSON

(After a moment, whispers) What do we--

DAVIS

(Raises a finger to his lips) Shh.

The moment of silence lasts a bit longer. WILSON shifts uncomfortably, looking down at the shrapnel in DAVIS's side.

WILSON

Sir?

DAVIS

Division? (harshly, no longer having to whisper)

WILSON

US 82nd Airborne. Second Lieutenant Raymond Wilson. (Also in a normal volume)

DAVIS

Family?

WILSON

Yes, sir.

DAVIS

I see. (Pauses in thought) How'd a second Lieutenant like you get into Operation Husky?

WILSON

Well, um... I volunteered. (hesitates, gauging DAVIS's reaction) I can shoot. They let in anyone who can shoot... And who don't get sick from the height.

DAVIS

And you don't, Lieutenant?

WILSON

No sir. (Assured, repositions the firearm awkwardly) It's a buzz.

DAVIS

And this? (Motions with one lazy hand to the scene around them) Is this a buzz?

WILSON