I really bought into the propaganda, you know? Enlist now! Fight to defend the free world, for honor and glory and all that. A slice of apple pie with every victory.
Wasn't long before I found out the real world is nothing like that.
I was a solid shot and had a talent for moving quietly. Got pushed into a special course. Sniper school. I was rushed through, not 'cause they thought I was good, but because of how hard the allies were getting hit over here.
I understand how things work now. My old company is gone, every last man. I'm the only one left. I didn't know 'em very long, but it still hurt to see them go.
I never made it back to the allied lines. Had to go forwards. Picked up a new company along the way.
I'm not sure when they showed up. Maybe they were always there, just watching the war from the sidelines. Watching us kill each other.
I talk to them, but they don't reply. Sometimes they help me out, letting me know when someone's sneaking up on me or where the landmines are buried. Only ever got one word out of them.
"Ghastly."
I like the sound of that.
One of them appears by my shoulder, a little line like a mouth curving up in a smile. His way of telling me there's Germans around. What, you think I ran away? That I wasn't still fighting? Hell no! I know what'll happen to the world if the Nazis have their way.
More of 'em appear, floating around me, watching as I unsling my rifle and give it a quick check, every one of them smiling like it's a regular day at the beach.
They know the show is about to begin, and I never disappoint.