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Friendly Fire
Smoke rose from the barrel of his rifle.
Blaring silence slithered through the dust and constricted around his throat.
His eyes, bloodshot; his lungs, choking on gun powder; his soul, replaced by adrenaline.
His mind fought furiously to sift through the aftermath of his actions. Looking for answers.
A body! His aim held true. Every muscle in his body eased. He became himself again. A sense of accomplishment welled up inside.
Wait.
A uniform… They don’t wear uniforms…
Dread beat into his body like a million hammers. Slowly he approached the soldier.
The body was wrapped in a familiar uniform. Rusty blood washed over the green camouflage, all else was motionless.
Shaking uncontrollably, he spoke two words that snapped like dry wood as they left his lips “friendly fire.”
He stood at attention, saluted his fallen comrade, and pulled the trigger of his rifle for the last time.
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| That would be crushing to experience, I think. I don't know about words snapping like dry wood though. The visual I get is one of a drill Sargent barking the accusatory words. If that was your intention, well done. The MC speaking to himself, it seems to me that he would almost whisper these words. |
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Comment by: Arley - 2008-07-26 06:53
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Man, that's about all I'd be able to do to handle that type of guilt — blow my own head off.
His mind fought furiously to sift through aftermath of his actions.
(Need a THE before AFTERMATH) |
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| OMG. Shocking, disturbing, very well done! |
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Comment by: phillmag Online- 2008-07-25 17:04
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| Friendly fire X 2. Great short shot of a Wee story. |
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