The thick of battle has always been a time of extreme emotions for any soldier, me included. It's a mess of adrenaline, blood, and always death, one way or another.
Here I am, fighting in the Civil War. It's incredible, really… and horrible. I'm not supposed to show I think that. Lucy, back at the hospital with Rufus, taking care of the wounded…. They won't see what I feel right now, or what I've felt before.
But somewhere along the line my battle stopped. I swung around and leaned my back against the stone wall that was our cover. My gun felt heavy and awkward.
Another soldier screamed out, and then lay silent beside me. I had to look away when I closed his eyes- they were looking at me.
"Come on!" someone screamed into my ear, "this isn't a picnic!"
No, I guess it's not. I reload, suck in some smoke-laced air through my teeth, and join the fray again.