“How did they lose half a platoon?”
“Morris – that’s the guy’s name – said ten of them finished their tours and went home. Four others were hurt by a booby trap.”
“Did they get hurt bad?”
“He said nobody died, but assured us they won’t be back any time soon.”
“s**t! Booby traps... Oh, my god...” Both thought back to the final class of in-county training a few days ago.
“Bill,” John said after regaining his composure, “I better get going. I’ll look you up later if I get the chance.”
“Take care of yourself, buddy,” Bill said. They clenched hands – not in a conventional handshake, but in the gesture of youthful brotherhood – chest high with palms together and thumbs intertwined. They pulled themselves together and warmly slapped each other on the back.
John gathered his gear and return
