The Final Note

BOOM! Is all that is heard down the street as an IED goes off. The private, who has just stepped on it, is just laying there his nameplate with “VanHail” is covered in debris. Nathan Hall, the field medic for his platoon, rushes over to him. He drags him off the street into a nearby building to look over him.

“Sarge! I have one down. I need assistance!” Nathan yells across the street.

Victor Reed, the sergeant of VanHail’s platoon, rushes over to Nathan and VanHail.

“He just stepped on an IED, and there seems to be shrapnel in his eyes. This more than likely blinded him.” Nathan explains, “We need to bring him back to the field hospital immediately”

Victor stands there in thought, “We can't, we are under heavy fire and there is no other way out.”

“But sir...We need to get him out of here or he will die. He needs immediate surgery or he will lose both eyes.” Nathan says.

“What part of under heavy fire do you not understand?” Victor yells.

“Sir, I understand that, but if we do not get him out of here and into a field hospital he may bleed out and die. He has a family sergeant, and I promised them that I would bring him back safely. I will not let you stand in my way of keeping that promise!” Nathan yells back.

Just as he finished, they heard a loud crack as a sniper’s bullet had struck the outside of their building.

Victor takes his walkie and speaks into it, “Command this is Sergeant Victor Reed. Call sign Kilo Alpha niner niner. Private Justin VanHail has stepped on an IED. Requesting an emergency evac.”

“Kilo Alpha niner niner. This is Command we are unable to get an emergency evac in your location. We can send one 4 kilometers to your south. We will arrive at 14:45. Over”

“Roger that,” Victor responds.

Victor snaps his head towards Nathan, “That is 45 minutes from now. We'll never make it with them bombarding us like this.”

“We have to try! What happened to the phrase ‘No man left behind’?” Nathan shouted.

“Fine. If this means so much to you we’ll try to get him out of here, but you’ll be risking your own life. Do you understand this?” Victor asked.

“Yes, Sir. I’m willing to risk my life for any of these men.” Nathan responded.

They both looked at the door as another explosion could be heard. It seemed to be coming from the outpost. Victor looked at Nathan, as he looked at him there was a noticeable fear in his eyes.

“Are you ready?” Nathan says as he notices Victor staring at him.

“I can not go with you. You’ll have to do this alone.” Victor explained.

Nathan has a look of confusion rush across his face, “But Sir, he is too heavy for me to carry, and keep myself safe as well. I need another person to help.”

“I can’t put my men in danger. You are the one that wanted to take him back to a field hospital, and risk your own life.”, Victor says, “That is on you, but I will not be able to help you anymore.”

“Sir…” Nathan starts to say, but Victor has already walked out the door back onto the street.

“I will get you out of here safely. Just like I promised your family.” Nathan says as he looks down at VanHail.

Sadness rushes over Nathan, as the realization that VanHail had passed away as they were arguing. His eyes were closed and on his chest there sat a note. His final note...