Chilligavva

“But Mom, they even pay for your college! Mom?”. This is how the “Join the army” spot ran on T.V. I was tempted. I saw my single mom slog with no skills and a string of jobs that sucked. I could totally identify with the girl on TV. I was cut out for much better things. I was good at sports, and who knows at the end of the sign-up period I could be a nurse practitioner, a doctor even. I joined up and it was fun. But as I battled the enemy, in the blazing heat, all that I could think was survival on a day to day basis. Don’s service was extended twice, he hadnt seen his family for 2 years. Cathy was lucky she only had a hand cut off. All of us at the base thanked the internet fervently. It helped us stay connected and sane. Today was when we were to go on a mission to suppress the enemy. Yesterday’s team were killed at battle. The mood was sober but we were confident. We had the best equipment in the world. As we set out, the SUV dipped in the sand, and suddenly I was flying high in the sky. “I thought I would go to college” was my last coherent earthly thought.

I personally do not like war of any kind, as everywhere it is the poorest of poor people that are sacrificed for various reasons. This is true of all armies in the world. I was surfing channels when I saw this “Join The Army ” advert on TV and the story idea, hazily formed in my mind. The writing style is heavily inspired from David B. Dale.