Hawkeye woke early. The sun was shining brightly into The Swamp and in the distance he heard a bird chirping. For a moment, he wondered if this was just a dream. Yawning slightly, he stood and ran a hand through his hair.

Without checking how he looked, Hawkeye left The Swamp and headed for the Mess Tent. Grabbing some toast, rehydrated eggs, and a mug of coffee the doctor went and sat down besides Radar. "What a wonderful morning! I don't think I've seen such a day in years," Hawkeye said.

"Gee, Sir, you sure are in a good mood," Radar said as he took a bit of toast. He looked over at BJ Hunnicut, who was stifling a guffawing laugh. Radar just smiled at him.

"Radar who couldn't be in such a good, great, wondrous mood on a day like this? The sun is shining! The sky is blue like the sea. There are birds chirping. Birds…chirping – I don't remember the last time I heard such a lovely noise," Hawkeye jabbered. There was a glint in his eyes. It was the spark of youth that had been gone since he got to this place.

"Hawk, have you been dipping into the distillery this morning," BJ asked. There was a hint of joke and a hint of seriousness in his voice. "We just made that stuff yesterday. It's still pretty strong."

"I am not drunk BJ Hunnicut," Hawkeye said, stabbing a bit of egg. He popped them into his mouth and grinned. "Yum! These eggs are better then ever!"

"Are you sure you aren't drunk? These are the same eggs we eat every morning," BJ said. He sipped his coffee and made a funny face.

"You bet I'm drunk! I'm drunk on life," Hawkeye said. He finished the rest of his breakfast. Standing, he left the Mess tent leaving his tray on the outside table, as he usually did.

He trotted down the dusty street. He put his hands in his pockets. "Oh what a beautiful morning! Oh, what a lovely day," he sang aloud as he reached The Swamp. Grabbing a pen and paper, he went back outside.

Finding a nice spot to sit, Hawkeye settled down and for a moment stared at the azure blue sky. He then looked down and began to write his father a letter.

Dear dad,

It has been ages since I last wrote you. Not a lot has happened. The war is still raging around us. Wounded come each day. We fix them and they are sent onwards or even back out to the fields.

Today is the first time that there are no casualties in the morning. All of the Post-OP patients are doing wonderfully, or they were when I left last night. The sun is shining. Birds are singing. It is so peaceful around here. It is nice and even serene. I could actually see how this place could be pretty. I sure feel lucky to be experiencing it.

Well, dad, I have to sign off. Radar is rushing towards me. He has his worried, wounded-patients-are-coming look on. Talk to you soon.

Your son,

Hawkeye

With a heavy sigh, Hawkeye stood and folding the letter up, followed Radar off for a day like every other day at the 4077.