Second Harvest

"You're alive, son. That's good."

Roy tried sitting up, but the two doctors immediately pressed him back into bed.

"Hold on there, soldier, where do you think you're going?"

Roy coughed, which hurt like the dickens, causing him to wince in pain.

"You were shot seven times. One in each leg, once in each arm, one to your shoulder, and miraculously, two bullets passed through the meat on your sides but caused no damage."

With each description from the doctors, Roy could feel the pain intensify at each location.

"I'm sorry doctor, but it doesn't feel that way from my perspective."

The doctor gave Roy a thin smile. "You're going to need rest. These wounds will heal, but it will take some time. You must be patient. In the meantime, Nurse Lefebvre will attend to your needs. Nurse Lefebvre reappeared and smiled.

"No problem, doctor. I will excellent take care of Monsieur Folsom." The nurse offered Roy the glass of water in her hands. "Are you thirsty Monsieur?"

Roy nodded.

The nurse placed a firm hand behind Roy's upper back and assisted him to drink. Their two bodies touched, and he could smell her lovely perfume. Her skin looked like porcelain against her dark hair. She flashed her gray eyes and smiled again.

"Mr. Folsom, I'm General Alder." The uniformed man moved in closer and Roy could see he had two stars on each shoulder board. "The men said you were a mad man charging after those Germans. They indicated you ignored your safety and killed one-hundred and thirty-three of the enemy, single-handed."

Roy ignored the general and asked, "Where's Stanley?"

"I beg your pardon," the general asked in surprise. "Oh, you mean the man by the name of Riddle?"

Roy nodded.

"Yes, well, you're right, he was also a hero. He will be receiving a medal for his heroic act, which saved your whole unit."

Tears trickled down Roy's cheeks, so he closed his eyes and turned his face away from the general.

"I don't know what you were thinking attacking the enemy on your own like that. Part crazy, part hero, but the Germans were calling you the red devil as you charged after them."

Roy continued to cry softly and kept his head turned away. They were bitter tears of disappointment and failure. What would he tell Mr. and Mrs. Riddle? The general seemed at a loss for words. He stood to attention and saluted Roy.

"Mr. Folsom, on behalf of your country, and the U.S. Army, we wish to congratulate you on your heroic and brave duty."

"Horseapples," Roy sobbed.

"I beg your pardon soldier?"