S.L. Bolin

A Journey Home

Charles's eyes burst open as the sound of distant commotion woke him from a heavy sleep. His body rested uncomfortably on the cold, wet ground against a pile of rock. Panic and confusion set in as he tried to understand his surroundings and what had happened. The events of an unwinnable battle flashed through his mind as he attempted to move his wounded body to a more secure spot. There was no knowledge of how long Charles had been alone, where the rest of his unit was, or how many American casualties had perished. He was severely injured, dehydrated, and behind enemy lines, with no food or form of communication.