GOING HOME

Recommended Adult Reading-War and Violence

GOING HOME

(This story is part of a series of short stories about a platoon fighting in Iraq and later Afghanistan and the Old Sergeant that leads them. The Old Sergeant and any names, places or incidents are fictional.)

The Old Sergeants platoon had a rare day off and he was using the time to relax. He was laying up against the fence at their FOB soaking up the sun and watching some of the men playing sand lot baseball. They were having a great time. Dog was at his side.

He was starting to doze off when he heard footsteps behind him. He glanced at Dog who showed no interest at all, which meant there was no threat.

“Hi Mr. Sergeant and Hi Dog.” A young local Iraqi girl had come up to the fence. She was a regular visitor and the Old Sergeant liked her. And just as important, Dog liked her. She had lost both her parents in the war. As far as he knew she had no home.

“Hey Squirt,” he answered. “How are you? You’re looking mighty pretty today.”

She giggled and blushed.

“Can you both come out and play?”

“Uh sure kid. What ya got in mind?”

“Tag,” she yelled as she took off running. Dog was up in a heartbeat getting ready to play when-------there was nothing. The Old Sergeant didn’t remember anything until he woke up on his back feeling blood run down the side of his face. He glanced over at Dog who was struggling to get to his feet but he seemed ok.

The men were running around forming a perimeter and grabbing weapons. One of the goon squad bent over the Old Sergeant and ask if he was ok. “What happened son?” “IED, Pappy. About 50 meters directly across from us. You’re lucky to be alive.”

He shook his head trying to clear it. His ears where still ringing. Then it dawned on him. “Directly across from me?”

“Yes Sir. They must have planted it last night when we were out on patrol.”

THE LITTLE GIRL!

He struggled to his feet and staggered to the entry checkpoint and then down to the blast area. Sure enough----there she was. And it wasn’t good.

He sat down beside her but he knew it was too late. He took hold of her hand.

But then she opened her eyes.

In a voice he could barely hear she said, “I see a man---all dressed in white.” He is smiling and holding His hands out for me to come to him.”

The Old Sergeant bent over close to her face and whispered, “Run to Him sweetheart.”

She gave a little smile and said, “I love you Mr. Sergeant. But I have to go home now.”

Tears formed in his eyes and he said, “I love you too squirt.”

Then she was gone.

The Old Sergeant bowed his head and let the tears come. Then he saw as clear as day: the little girl running and jumping into the arms of a man all dressed in brilliant white. They were laughing and hugging.

The man whispered something to the little girl and then sat her down in front of him. He gently took her shoulders and turned her around. Directly in front of her were a man and a woman. The little girl screamed MOMMA---POPPA!!!! As she ran into their arms.

Then the man dressed in white turned and looked directly at the Old Sergeant. He smiled and turned to one side. There was another couple standing behind him. A man and a woman. They too were smiling. The Old Sergeant strained to get a closer look. Then it dawned on him. “Mom? Dad?

Then the man in white turned back toward the Old Sergeant and gave him a smile and a wave.

He could feel the all-encompassing love.

Then it was gone.

He got up. Passing through. We really are just passing through this world. He started to walk away when the medic came running up.

The Old Sergeant stopped him.

“ No rush son.”

“SHE’S HOME.”

(This story is part of a series of short stories about a platoon fighting in Iraq and later Afghanistan and the Old Sergeant that leads them. The Old Sergeant and any names, places or incidents are fictional.) Steven J. Newton Stevenewton69@hotmail.com