Midnight Glory

Chapter III

It was dark when I awakened. I felt the side of my face on top of the gritty earth. I tried to reach for my rifle but my hands did not manage to do so. I felt fatigued, and my mind seemed elsewhere.

My helmet was far off as I could see its shape under the moonlight. Around me were shell holes and dead men. I tried to pull myself up but my body felt heavy. No voices were heard.

I was alone.

I was left at an unknown spot on no man's land. How must I return back to my lines? Or find my men? Did we take the German lines or did we retreat back? I was unsure. If I stood up, I may be shot down my Germans if they were still at their lines.

I began to worry. Will I be reported as missing in action like George? Was this how he disappeared?

I hesitantly rolled over onto my stomach so I could get a better view on what is ahead of me despite the pain. The only scene I saw was more bodies and body parts. I gagged and placed my head back down onto the ground.

I want to return to my lines. That is all. But where are they?

I slowly pushed myself up, but fell back down. My head was spinning but I tried again.

Soon I was kneeling, and I reached for my helmet and rifle. I could see the field a little more clearer now. There were far voices heard. Voices! Maybe they were our men!

I pulled myself up, and started to inch forward. The voices grew louder and I grinned. I tried to make out what they were saying.

They weren't speaking English.

I felt a cold rush down my back. I was standing up before them, and I knew that I could be an easy target. I began to panic, and I searched for cover.

Suddenly the rattlings of a machine gun fire went off, and I was down on the ground again.

The pain pulsed along my body, and I winced. I could hear the voices of the German soldiers. They were probably talking about me. I began to cough and tears were collecting along my eyelids again.

I was lying on my back. I was bleeding. I need help. But where do I get my help? The enemy won't help me! I cried out but no one responded except for some comments from the Germans. I felt as if I was fading away, and I hope I would appear back home.

"Mother..." I slowly whispered out. "Father...I failed to do my task. I-I'm sorry..."

Suddenly a hand appeared into my view and it reached out to me. My eyes followed up the arms and soon they were gazing at the person's face. The familiar, sweet grin! How my heart warmed as the pain devoured on me. I slowly raised a hand up. The metal taste in my mouth was growing.

"George---?"

"Come on, Henry. It's midnight. We should return home."

"No, bring m-me to the medical station! I'm h-hit!" I shouted out. I felt a warm liquid running down my jaw. But I found him! Now all I must do is return home! I tried to smile but the muscles in my mouth were aching.

"Shh, Henry. Mother will yell at us if she discovers we're out at midnight. Come!" He raised me up, and supported me by placing one of my arms over his shoulders.

"But George---"

"Come. Don't say a word or else you'll wake mother up."

The night was pleasant and calm, and the waves splashed against the shorelines. There was a cool mist that rained over us. The only light for us was the full moonlight, and it was illuminating as ever. With our arms draped over each other's shoulders, we trudged on towards home. I glanced over my shoulders and watched as the shack became smaller.

And so we marched on, arm around one's shoulders to provide support; we went on through the peaceful midnight with glory.