Second Harvest

"Walter, I killed another human being, not on the battlefield either, I bashed his skull in with my rifle."

"Tell me, Roy, did you think of shooting the sergeant with your weapon?"

"No, sir."

"You had a bayonet, why didn't you stab Sergeant Fassbender in the back?"

"It's wrong; that's why. I didn't mean to strike the sergeant so hard; I just wanted to make him stop hurting Madame Dubois."

"When you ran back into that room, were you angry enough that you wanted to kill the sergeant?"

Roy frowned. "Absolutely not, sir!"

"Why not Roy, he drew his weapon on you and pulled the trigger firing a shot at your head?"

A puzzled expression appeared on Roy's face. "Because sir, I know the difference. I had no intention to hurt the sergeant; I only wanted to prevent any further abuse. What he was doing was wrong, for many reasons."

The general smiled and folded his arms.

"What's so amusing Walter? Did I say something funny?"

Standing, the general slid his chair back to the wall. Moving toward the door, he stepped just outside the cell. "Do you remember our agreement soldier?"

Roy snapped to attention and saluted. "Yes, General, sir."

Returning the salute, the general stepped back into the cell and stood face to face with Roy. Almost whispering, he leaned in close. "I'm not supposed to discuss this trial with you, but as far as I'm concerned, you acted in self-defense for both you and Madame Dubois." The general leaned back standing upright. "Of course, you and I never had this conversation; isn't that right soldier?"

"What conversation, General."

The general turned to leave and again stopped just outside the cell. "Enjoy your breakfast, Mr. Folsom. Also, against my better judgment, I'm allowing Mr. and Mrs. Dubois to visit you again. Keep it simple and brief."

Roy smiled for the first time in days. "Thank you, sir."

"I'll see you in court soldier and look sharp."

Roy dropped to the bed and let the weight of the world slide off his shoulders. After finishing breakfast, Roy was surprised he ate everything they brought him; he was much hungrier than he thought. Once the guards removed his breakfast tray, his visitors appeared. Offering Mr. and Mrs. Dubois his bed to sit on, Roy provided the single chair to the translator. Standing, Roy listened while Mr. Dubois spoke first.

"Monsieur Folsom, Monsieur Dubois, would like to thank you with a full heart. You are a hero, and he will never forget your kindness and the respect you've shown to his wife, Madame Dubois."

Michelle interrupted and added her comments.