Engel

"You look scared, Scoefield." Doug whispered next to me. He was fumbling through his pockets as he spoke. "Didn't think I'd ever see the day."

"Zip it, Doug." I muttered. "You're scared, too."

"I am. So what?" Doug said unashamedly.

"You're not gonna' die, Doug." I sighed, looking away from him.

"I wouldn't be too sure." Doug shivered. "You see what we're up against? We're sitting ducks. The Krauts have shelter in bunkers with machine guns aimed right at us. What do we have? I'm thinking...we all might die."

A dangerous hush fell on everyone around Doug when he said that. We all knew he was right. Dead on.

I flicked my eyes back at Doug. "You thinkin' of runnin'?"

"I love America, Scoefield." He almost growled. "And if any no-good, low-down, rotten piece of garbage ever dares to threaten her, I'd sell my soul to the devil before thinking of running. What about you, Scoefield? Are you thinking of saving your own skin at the expense of our great country?"

My mouth formed a sort of sneer. "I'll be honest, I don't care for the politics of the United States. I don't like how some dirtbags get all the good stuff while decent folks have it hard. But I know plenty of wonderful people in New York." My sneer changed into a smile. "And they're worth much more than anythin' anyone could offer me. And I'll fight for 'em. And I'll die before any worthless Germans get anywhere near them."

Doug nodded proudly as I heard some fellas around me grunt in approval.

"Doug..." I breathed deeply. "If I don't make it, will you go yourself to tell my sis? I want someone to go who'll have known me."

Doug nodded. "Yeah, Scoefield. I'll go for you. And...And if I don't make it, will you-"

He never finished. Because, ahead of us, the firing was starting. The shouting. The panic. The fever of combat. It all raced at us like a runaway train. D-day had begun.