They thirst

Chapter 14

Six months pass

I've been in Germany for six months, I miss Frank everyday. I never dared to take off my engagement ring since I left. It's something that reminds me of him, to try my best to get home in one piece. It's a motivator.

I use to get occasional letters from him, but it suddenly stopped.

"You're late Way." The general of the army yells at me as I try to sneak back in line.

This morning when we went out for the early morning fitness run, someone twisted his ankle and I helped him hop all the way home.

No one bothered to help him.

I missed our once a week blood supply, since I couldn't get here in time.

I freeze as he calls my name a second time. The rest of the guys are standing in straight line, in uniform. None of them dare to look at me, but I could feel all of their judgement.

"I'm sorry, I-

"Sorry doesn't cut it here. Next time you'll be punished. Do you understand?" He stands in front of me, tall enough to cast his shadow over me, "Do you understand!" He yells at me.

I almost wanted to start crying.

"Sir, he helped me. I twisted my ankle." The guy said whom I've helped.

I swear I was shaking from fear. He picked me up by my shirt and I trembled.

Everyone laughed at me fear.

I nod as he pushes me back into the line and I hear some of the men chuckle.

"This is not a laughing matter! This is warning for all of you. If you want to rank up in the next week, I strongly advise you to behave your best, we're all watching you, very closely." The laughter silences and I join in the row.

I could feel the mocking eyes watching me and the rude names they're calling me. I just have to swallow my embarrassment.

I almost wanted to start crying, sobs are already in my throat.

I don't like being screamed at.

Suddenly, another soldier appears. His clothes are way too big for him and his helmet covers his face.

For his sake, I hope he doesn't get punished or even humiliated as me but he seems new. Doesn't seem like he knows how it works around here. A newbie, I guess.

I didn't dare to look up, even though curiosity did want to peak. I didn't want anyone to see my weakness.

I keep to myself and just stare at the ground trying not to make anymore trouble for myself, concentrating very hard not to cry.

The general grabs him by his huge camo shirt and makes him stand next to him. He picked him up like a weightless feather and places him in front of him.

"This is your new private. Came in this morning from France, make him feel part of the team. He'a being assigned to troop Cisco." He pushes him to go stand in the line next to me.

I sigh.

He's part of my troop, just great. I didn't really feel like training someone, I know I was going to be the one to do it.

The new guy stands next to me, closer than I'm comfortable with, but didn't even bother to look like a soldier in anyway.

He looks like a midget against the general.

The general talks for a bit about the report of the territory we won earlier in the week.

The newbie's scent is awfully familiar.