A glimpse through the sights

I see the helmet first, then a human face. There are no fangs or horns, just an ordinary man I could have walked by in the street. But this is a war, not back home. My weary trigger finger hovers looking if there is danger.

Across no man’s land he is the only thing moving, with a gun in hand. “Has he seen me?” I whisper. He turns back, bayonet raised high and finally he spots me. “Don't do it”, I breathe, although I don't know if I can. He turns to see his trench and disappears.