The deafening screams of grenades exploded all around me. I lay there on the war scarred ground starring up at the ashen sky. My breathing was beginning to speed up. I knew I was running out of time. I quickly glanced towards my blood covered leg. The pain from the shrapnel that was lodged in my knee was unbearable, almost as if my entire being was burning. I writhed on the ground and began to fade out, glancing once more at my ill fated surroundings, catching a glance at a German tank patrolling an area not too far from me.
I guess this is it. This is death.
I felt the icy hands of death grab hold of me, almost taking me, until I was reawakened by a painful slap to the face. I gloomily opened my eyes to the sight of my best friend and comrade, Jason. Jason was the pure essence of an American Soldier, perfectly built, brave and courageous. His uniform was stained with mud and dust but I could not see any wounds inflicted upon him. The only thing he was missing was his helmet, which probably fell off in the chaos of war.
He stared at me with tired eyes and said, “You can’t die yet. Don’t forget who you would be leaving behind if you did.”
Who I’d leave behind?
And at that moment memories began to flood through me. The starry night spent under the oak tree holding hands, like to puzzle pieces finally finding their match. The harsh winters spent holding each other when the fire went out. The beautiful snow white dress and the binding kiss that finally united us as one. And lastly our newly born baby girl, Neva.
Finally realizing where I was, I grabbed Jason's outstretched hand. This wasn't the first time Jason saved my life. As children he would always be the one rescuing me from bullies or fighting off stray dogs that randomly decided to attack me. He was one of the reasons why I even joined the army.
Who doesn't want to be like their hero?
“Thanks,” I muttered to him. But he was not able to hear me over the screaming of gun fire that was all around us.
But Jason wasn't even paying any heed to what I was saying I just observed the wound on my leg in a disheartened manner. Then without any hesitation he ripped off the sleeve of his gray army uniform and tightly bandaged it around my leg. I winced with pain as he did it but I tried not to show it.
“Well that should hold you up for now,” he began to say. “But it won't last. We need to take you back to a medic.”
I turned warily towards the direction of our base, only seeing a line of pain and destruction. The battle that occurred there had ceased but the evidence of the battle still remained. Countless American and Nazi soldiers lay scattered across the ground, their blood all pooling into a crimson sea. I let out a deep sigh. “Hey, tell me why I joined the army again?” I joked.
“I think it was because Charlotte said you looked sexy in a uniform.”
For a moment we laughed carelessly, forgetting all the mayhem that imprisoned us. It reminded me of the jovial summers we spent together, fighting, drinking, hitting on women. But that illusion was easily shattered by the sudden violent shaking of the ground caused by artillery fire near by.
“We need to leave,” Jason shot out. I tried to take a step forward but my leg gave out on me half way, causing me to fall towards the ground. But before I did Jason caught me. “Just lean on me, we don't have time.”
I immediately obeyed, and we slowly crept towards our base. We traveled behind any objects we could find to shield us from the view of any enemy snipers. But I was quickly beginning to get tired from exhaustion. My shrapnel infected leg was already completely limp and at this point Jason was basically carrying me towards the base. I could hear the sound of gun fire getting closer and closer. Soon the enemy would make any assault on our base, killing us along with it.
I'm just slowing Jason down. He has to leave me. I don't want him to die for me.
“Jason,” I spluttered, pulling back my arm from him. “Go.” I didn't even dare to look at his face. I just prayed that he would listen to my wish, but Jason never listens to what I say.
He just stood there, glowering at me with his fierce blue eyes. And then he did the unexpected. He tightly balled up his fists and clobbered me right across the face, causing me to spit out blood.
“Never say something like that again. Do you understand?” He ordered. “I would never leave my best friend. What kind of person do you think I am?”
Tears began to fill my eyes. “Sorry,” I whispered and began to put my arms back over him.
But then my life changed forever, all because of the sudden appearance of a tiny metal object. It came from behind us and landed on the ground with a small thud. Those few seconds seemed to last a life time. Jason quickly shoved me to the ground and hurdled determinedly towards the grenade, jumping right on top of it. And then time stood completely still. Jason calmly peered into my eyes, slowly mouthing the words, “I'm sorry,” And then with a boom, my best friend was reduced to nothing but a splat of blood on my cheek.
The explosion left me almost deaf but I knew where they would be coming from. Armed with only a small light machine gun I began to fire, screaming insanely as I did. I did not know whether or not I was actually hitting anyone, but I didn't care, I just kept shooting. But soon I was out of rounds and could only hear the clicks of an empty gun as I pulled the trigger.
He's gone....he's gone....he's....dead..
I felt the harsh recoil as a bullet drove right through my shoulder, causing me to collapse to the ground. I breathed heavily, fighting my pained filled body from going unconscious. I surveyed helplessly for a weapon, but as soon as a shadow passed over me I knew it was too late.
The Nazi solider looked malevolently down towards me, his pistol aimed directly at my head. “sterben amerikanische,” he laughed as his finger began to slowly pull the trigger.
In those few moments my entire life played out in front of me. The life that was soon to be stolen away. I thought about my beautiful wife that was about to be widowed. My adorable daughter who would have to grow up without the love and guidance of a father. And my best friend who was waiting for me at Death's Gate.
“Pull the trigger you scum!” I howled in fury.
This is life. This is war. This is hell.
Bang!
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