The Sound of Courage

Part Seven

"Me and my platoon stayed at the Cabanatuan prison for another two weeks or so. It was non-stop torture and forced labor. Until one day hell turned into heaven when the sky was filled of U.S. aircrafts. They invaded the island and rescue all war prisoners. History books now call it 'The Raid at Cabanatuan'. I'll never know the men who saved me but I'll never forget their faces. Hearing the roaring of their rescue planes was like listening to the sound of courage. Because courage is what it took to overthrow the stubborn Japanese. When we returned to our own naval base I never felt so much relief in my life. All soldiers including myself were treated immediately for health. That's where I met my wife, Irene, who was a nurse. I didn't fully keep my promise of all my men returning home safely. When I returned I found out that my sister died in a plane crash. She was nurse being transfer to help soldiers. I still keep in touch with all my old crew, especially John. Me and him are quite good friends. Some days we talk about the horrors of the war and the hell we've lived through" said James with tears in his eyes. Jennifer tried not to tear up to stay professional but couldn't help it. She couldn't believe what he'd lived through and couldn't image going through it herself. "Not all wounds from war are visible" said Jennifer. James nodded. "How long have you been having flashbacks" Jennifer questioned. "Seeing them never went away. Those memories are part of me. They made the person I am today. I use to fight the war in the Pacific. Now I fight a war in my head and every thought is just as painful as it was back then." responded James. Jennifer nodded her head in sympathy. She looked down at her watch and notice they actually went over their time. "Well it looks like our session is up. What do you think about having another appointment next week. I really would like to help you." ask Jennifer. James thought about it. In one session he told her enough to get the weight of guilt and fear off his chest for now. He also knew it was for the best to continue with therapy. "Sounds good Dr. Day" James said giving a slight smile. James left her office and walked outside. He got into his car and drove off to meet up with his wife. As he was driving he started to feel that the men who died was not his fault. Although James made a lot of progress in one session there was more damage to be fix. When his drive came to an end he got out of his car to see his wife staring out at the graves at Arlington cemetery. He walked towards Irene and hugged her from behind thinking how thankful and lucky he was to have her as his beautiful wife and to be alive. He also thought how everything happens for a reason, if he haven't gone to Cabanatuan and been rescued he wouldn't have met her. Life truly works in mysterious ways. He took her hand and walked through the aisles of the gravestones. They halted at one. James read the name on the tombstone: David Summers, February 19, 1920- January 16, 1945. Irene kneeled down to lay a bouquet of red roses. "It's tragic to believe that it could've been you" whisper Irene. James nodded and pulled her into a hug "It sure is indeed".

The End

Author's Note: Thank you for taking the time and reading my first and probably only story I'll ever write :)