(Authors Note: Just to clarify, THIS IS NOT A FULL STORY! I was bored and felt like writing a draft inspired by the video clip above which is from the tv show/documentary 'The Pacific'. It's About Eugene Sledge (Played By Joe Mazzello) and his experience + post war trauma after he comes back from the war, i recommend watching the show, it is based off of true events and real people! Also another reminder, not all of this is entirely accurate to the real story shown in the tv show/documentary, it's just how I envision and imagine the story from the show! I hope you enjoy this!)
(Also to Joe, if you see this, i just wanna say that you portrayed Eugene perfectly! I was overwhelmed by your acting skills in the show/documentary, you're an amazing actor and you played a terrific role, as you do with all your other roles, I love you so much! <3)
(Now onwards with the story!!)
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It was at the break of dawn, when the first rays of the morning sun shone through Eugene's bedroom window. It was another restless night for him, it wasn't until the early hours of the morning that he was finally sound. Throughout the night his deepest darkest memories came back to haunt him as they did every night, ones from years ago that were still fresh in his mind, he couldn't erase them, he could never forget what he saw. Eugene had awoken, he tossed and turned in his bed, trying to fall back into his deep peaceful slumber that he was once in a few minutes ago, but it was no use. He pulled himself out of bed, ready to start a new day. He hoped this one wouldn't be like the others, just like he did every new morning that came. As he opened up his window, a fresh, chilling breeze invited itself into his bedroom and sent a shiver down his spine. For a split second he felt at peace, he felt free, like all of his worries and daunting thoughts had vanished into thin air, he relished in the feeling, it was pure bliss, and he felt content. But before he could let the heavenly feeling take him away completely, his fears and gruesome memories of what he once saw flew back down on him and into his mind like a heavy weight, he was once again brought back to reality. The events played through his mind once again for the second time this morning, events that he had witnessed with his own bare eyes, ones that he was involved in, he was living his nightmares over again, it felt like he was still in that dark place, and however badly he wanted to escape, he couldn't. The thoughts and flashbacks played through his mind over and over like a broken record, he was constantly reminded. Eugene shut his window, hoping that he could perhaps shut out those scarring memories with it.
As he walked out of his bedroom and down the stairs, his nostrils were overwhelmed with the smell of something blissfuly sweet, 'pancakes.' He thought to himself, his favorite, a smile overtook his features. As soon as his feet touched the cool wooden floor, he made his way into the kitchen. His mother stood at the stove, a bright smile on her face as she flipped the pancakes in the pan, lost in her own small world. A grin covered Eugene's face when he saw her, he was overwhelmed by delight from seeing his mother so at peace, it made him feel calm, at ease. He was pulled away from his thoughts when his mother spoke to him. 'You look happier than usual!' said his mother with a grin, it made her feel relieved to see her only son so joyful for once, it was a rare occurence. After he came home from the war, for two years, every night, she had heard and listened to his constant midnight cries, and still does to this day. She knew how severely damaged he was, living in that sort of enviroment for that long, being stripped from any sense of humanity or emotion, she was surprised he even had any left after coming back. She couldn't begin to imagine how he must've felt, her heart ached for him. She couldn't bear to hear his whimpers and cries, drawing out long into the early hours of the morning. She wish she could take away his hurt and pain, as if nothing ever happened, as if he was still her normal darling boy, his face adorned with a smile whenever he made an appearance, but she knew that he was gone, and instead, her once sweet Eugene is now one constantly in a state of depression and fear, always being reminded of the pain and trauma he experienced and the horrific scenes that he was exposed to on the battleground. She longed to see him happy again, even if it was for a millisecond. But she knew, that all she could do was be there to comfort him from now on, like a mother should. Eugene's smile fell from his face, and turned into a slight frown, 'I'm feeling okay just a bit exhausted as usual, but i'll feel much better after eating those, for sure!' Eugene pointed towards the pancakes, his smile once again returning to his face. His mother dished up the pancakes, she wanted to surprise Eugene, she knew how much he loved pancakes, she wanted him to have a good day for once, anything to see her boy happy. Eugene spoke, his strong Alabamian accent evident, fear laced in his voice, 'Me and dad are going shooting today, he said he wanted to have some father and son time, you know how it is'. His mother turned around, her face painted with a look of genuine concern, 'Are you sure you'll be okay with that sweetheart? that's quite a big risk you're taking there for your mental wellbeing.' Eugene assured her with a quick response 'I'll be okay Mama, i need to overcome my fears, all will be fine!'. Before his mother could respond, Eugene's father came into the kitchen, a beaming smile overtaking his features. 'Hey son, i see you're doing well, excited for our bird shooting today?'his father spoke with excitement evident and pristine in his voice. Eugene's face went concerningly pale and he was hit by a wave of nausea, nonetheless he still repsonded positively 'Of course dad, i couldn't be more ready!' His father replied cheerfully 'Well then, i'll be waiting outside!' As his father strolled out of the kitchen towards the door, Eugene turned to his mother and took his plate full of pancakes and dug in, his sweet tooth taking over.
