“Agh!”

Jim’s voice comes softer this time.

Spreading pools of crimson seep across his body.

Ragged rasping breaths escape his rattled frame.

He was the first to charge, streaks of lead carving past him,

Echoes of destruction in his ears.

He was unstoppable,

Bullets sinking into his mud smeared skin.

Not a moment’s hesitation.

But with each shard, the flame in his eyes flickered,

Sputtered for air,

Threatened to go out,

Kept burning.

The flame is hardly there now.

Jim’s gaze has grown long, deepened in mist.

His eyes locked on mine.

I know he can’t see me.

He can’t see this world anymore.

With its utter depravity.

Its mountains of corpses and dreams ripped to shreds.

He’s the lucky one.

Set free in a moment of victory...

His victory.

His last charge,

To challenge life.

It's over now...

Jim’s head’s slumped to the side,

Propped up in the hollow of a lone, stunted tree.

Eyes still fixed on mine,

Without the fire now.

Time ends for a moment.

All screams, and deafening booms grow still.

I reach out and gently close Jim’s eyes.

….“Rest Easy,” I say,

I grab my rifle,
Give Jim one last look,

And with time back in motion,

Turn, and sprint off

….