This is a jocco podcast number 425 with Eco Charles and me jocco willic good evening I go good evening

I've got to go my voice is horse with dread sorrow. Why can't they just leave us alone?

Why can't we just be left alone? She asked no one.

Her voice is tight with fear. Fear is growing in me as well.

Wild ideas flash through my mind.

We could run away, hide in some mountains, or even somewhere in the Texas Canyon Country.

Anywhere to relieve this feeling of having lost all control

over our lives.

The knot just below my stomach is getting bigger, harder. I open my mouth to speak, then close it and swallow.

My throat is dry. This is madness. But to run would be greater madness.

I clench my teeth as I push those crazy thoughts from my mind and struggle to accept what is happening to us.

Control of our lives are few. is

caught up in a wild storm of war in a small Asian country,

a storm of war in a small Asian country,

a storm of fire, shrapnel, and death.

I put my hand on her shoulder, please, I beg.

Kiss me, then drive away. We kiss. Strength seems to pass between us as she grips

my hand and smiles through her tears.

I can let her go now.

I turn toward the barrack.

I hear the station wagon turn the corner.

First Sergeant Fisk blows his whistle.

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