Animosity

Chapter 19 - No Morphine

        Photo: An American soldier lies in agony on an operating table, an oxygen mask clamped over his face. Three doctors work nearby to help save his life after the loss of a limb, probably caused by the explosion of a land mine.

—

        The night fell around us like a cloak of darkness, shadows deepening and flowing through the trees like water. There was no light ahead, only a waning sliver of moon, barely bright enough to be seen, its winking facet seemingly contorted into a warning. Beware, it seemed to hiss, beware of what lies in this jungle. Leaves rustled, twigs snapped underfoot, and I squinted my eyes, desperately trying to see something, anything.

We had started off just minutes after me and Hank had made up, the thought of the moment still making me smile slightly. The two of us had walked back to camp, dodging Lt. Hiro's inquiries about what we were doing, and instead settled down at the far end of the grassy expanse, taking a quick nap. I had fell asleep almost as soon as I closed my eyes, and I hoped that the hour or so of rest would help get me through the bleak night.

The detachment had been woken up by a wide-awake Doc, who had apparently been risen by a horrible nightmare. Shaking his head and trying to keep a smile on his face, he had nudged my shoulder gently, telling me with a soft murmur that it was time to get going. Groggily slinging my pack onto my shoulders, I yawned twice, then followed the Devy down to the river, where we filled our canteens to the brim. Bickering seemed to be nonstop for us, and I groaned inwardly. When could he just let everything go and stop being such a dick? I'd rather be friends than enemies.

As the light slowly became replaced with a cloak of darkness, we had set off through the jungle, stopping at an overpass as Lt. Hiro turned quickly back to us. A slight concern was evident on his face, and he beckoned us nearer as he opened up the map.

"We're gonna be deep into enemy territory real soon." he muttered, and a dull panic seeped into my mind, clouding my vision and making me see everything in a hazy blur. Breathing coming in heavy gasps, I recoiled in shock when I realized that I was having a panic attack, moving back from the group that had stopped for a water break. We were going to be really, truly in danger soon, and if I thought what had happened before was bad, this was going to be so much worse.

Eventually I had calmed down, and Buddy hopped down the path to check on me, same youthful smile on his lean face. I had assured him that I was fine, and he urged me onwards, where we had walked together ever since. The breeze got colder, the sky got darker, and eventually, we were plunged headfirst into the thick, heavy black blanket of night. It became harder and harder to see, but I kept my weary, straining eyes trained on the back of Hank's uniform, the brunette staying just slightly in front of me.

We had both agreed to act normal around the others, a pact that was his idea. I had no problem with it, especially since I knew he was still nowhere near ready to accept everything that happened. He still joked around harshly with Devy, and I stuck with Buddy and Doc, just like before. As the trip through the jungle grew more intense, our anxiety heightening with each step, I made Hank promise to stay in front of me so I could follow his sure movements. Now, however, even he was on edge, stumbling more than before, cursing lowly under his breath.

        I felt Buddy's hand shaking, trembling in terror, as it was tucked within mine. He was scared, eyes wide and glittering, a light sheen of sweat shining over his soft skin. Trying to hide it, he breathed out hesitantly, stepping forward, attempting to keep pace with the rest of the group as we traveled silently. Overhead, an owl cried, loud and mourning. At the sound, we all jumped up with a start, raising our rifles haughtily, sighing in relief when we realized it was nothing but a stupid bird.