Chapter I
2249
Garth
Decision
"Garth, Garth, Garth!"
"What is it Jeremy?"
"Quickly! Come listen to the radio."
"Alright, alright, I'm coming, I'm coming."
Garth followed Jeremy into the second room of their shabby home: a dimly lit lamp, a large armchair, and a radio sitting on a table in the corner of the room.
Garth was a healthy, handsome adolescent with blonde hair and is in need of a growth spurt. He is usually caring with a sympathetic attitude. At times, he can be irritable though, as teenagers often are.
Jeremy was an adorably small child with mousy brown hair. He is helpful, innocent, and always ready to please.
"The marine force is looking for new recruits from ages seventeen to twenty-six that are in good physical condition. So---."
Garth snapped off the radio.
"Why would I want to join the marines?" questioned Garth irritably.
"I thought you could earn some money for us." replied Jeremy quietly.
Garth thought about this for a moment.
"That was good thinking Jeremy." Garth said finally. "Maybe I should give it more thought."
The sun shone through the window in the front room. Garth sat at the kitchen table silently. Robins chirped outside and people fussed on the streets. Another warm day.
"Good morning, Garth." greeted Jeremy, coming into the front room.
"Yes it is a good morning." answered Garth. "The perfect morning in fact. The perfect morning to take a stroll to the enlistment office."
"Does that mean…"
"Yes."
"Seriously?" exclaimed Jeremy. Before Garth had a chance to nod his head, Jeremy through his arms around him. "Thank you, Garth."
"Good bye, Garth!" called Jeremy as Garth was leaving.
"Good bye, and wish me luck!" called Garth back.
As Garth entered the small town, he began to hear the familiar noises of the city. Traffic zooming past. People chattering. A distant buzzing sound.
He soon came to a tiny building with a sign posted to the front door: ARMED FORCES ENLISTMENT OFFICE. When Garth walked into the office, he saw a poorly made desk and chair and an ugly man with a cigarette and five o' clock shadow.
"Good morning." Garth said as he walked through the door. "I'd like to enlist." He declared with all the manliness he could muster.
"Ain't you a little puny?" scoffed the man.
"No," fumed Garth through gritted teeth. "I'm seventeen. Didn't you hear the broadcast?"
"I heard it fine and dandy, son, but I still think yer a bit puny."
"I am not puny!" shouted Garth, now red in the face.
"Hold yer horses now, son. Ya can still enlist but, I'm jus' sayin'…"
"Where…do…I…sign?" interrupted Garth.