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then it was too late. Before we knew
it we were up to our ears in mud and
snow and death.
Sometimes, when I wake up in the middle
of the night, I can still smell decay.

XAVIER
I wouldn't go through that. No way.

VETERAN
Sure you would. It's amazing what you
can do when you have no choice.

XAVIER
But we have a choice. This isn't the
40s anymore. It's not even the 60s.

War isn't about honor. It's about
money. Power. Control.

VETERAN
Don't fool yourself, son. War hasn't
changed a lick. Just the people who
fight it.

XAVIER
Well I wouldn't fight it. Risk my
life? And for what? To be treated
like crap by the country who sent me?
Thanks, but no thanks.

VETERAN
Son, every man has something he'd fight
for. It's just a matter of finding out
what that is.

XAVIER
Would you still fight? If you could?

VETERAN
I'd be over there right now. If it
meant my grandson could come home.

Xavier remains quiet as the old man snuffs out the
cigarette.

A line forms beside the idle train.

VETERAN
Well. That's my ride. It was good
talkin' to ya.

He takes a medal from his chest and tosses it with
effort. Xavier catches it.

VETERAN
For honor.

He salutes Xavier, who nods a little less reluctantly.
He brushes the hair a bit out of his face to watch him
roll away.

Mom returns with the baby still on her hip.

MOM
Has the train arrived yet?

XAVIER
Not yet.

Her eyes raise at his rather un-sardonic reply. She
notices the hair out of his face before glances toward
the man wheeling away.

MOM
Who...?

Just then another train slows to a stop. As people begin
to depart the train, Xavier follows his mother as she
approaches the crowd.

MOM
There he is. Remember. Brother.
Nice.

Xavier rolls his eyes at her before they turn to the man
who approaches.

In a military uniform.

SOLDIER
Mom!

She gives him a hug, gratitude all over her face.

MOM
I've missed you.

SOLDIER
Not as much as I've missed you.

He kisses the top of the baby's head.

SOLDIER
And you.

He turns toward Xavier.

SOLDIER
X. You haven't changed a bit. What's
new in the underworld?

Xavier hesitates for a brief moment. Then he reaches out
a hand to shake.

Both Mom and the soldier glance down in surprise.

The solider clasps his hand briefly, then pulls away
something in his fist.

It's the medal.

He sends a puzzled glance to Xavier, who brushes the hair
further out of his face and finally musters a smile.

The soldier reaches over to muss his hair and they both
laugh as the family walks away from the train.

Learn more about this author, Ginger Voight.
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