The Lucky Shot Raid
By: AliasCWN
The jeeps jumped the top of the dune and barreled toward the German convoy. The 50's rattled as the heavy bullets tore into the German trucks.
Hitch and Troy's jeep turned and drove toward the front of the convoy. Tully and Moffitt turned to race along the line of trucks toward the rear of the convoy. Both gunners kept up a steady fire as the drivers concentrated on making themselves the hardest target possible while giving the sergeants the best opportunities to do as much damage as possible.
The German drivers stomped on their gas pedals and prayed that they would be one of the lucky ones who survived the attack.
The two jeeps reached their respective ends and spun around to make a second pass. Both drivers crossed to the other side of the convoy to make that second pass. The German guards scrambled to get to the other side of the trucks to defend the convoy. The American jeeps seemed to dart between the bullets fired at them as if charmed. Lead continued to fly but only the Germans seemed to be paying the price. Some trucks exploded while others ground to a halt with engines blown or tires sporting holes not conductive to optimum performance.
The halftracks at the front and back of the convoy were tasked with protecting the trucks. At the first sign of attack the one in the front tried to turn to confront the speeding jeeps. The clumsy vehicle had to circle wide in order to make the turn, losing valuable time. The one in the rear only had to get around the disabled vehicles to get to the jeeps. Both charged into the fight, determined to make the brash attackers pay for their audacity.
At the appearance of the halftracks giving chase, Troy waved at the other jeep to break off the attack. He leaned forward and tapped Hitch on the shoulder to tell him to head for the open desert. Both of the little vehicles darted across the desert floor like dragonflies skimming over the top of water. The well-practiced attack left the German convoy scattered and broken. Troy glanced back and smiled with satisfaction when he saw how many of the trucks were damaged or destroyed. The break was short lived however as the two halftracks abandoned the convoy to pursue the American jeeps. Soon the battle was on again, only this time the jeeps were the target.
Troy and Moffitt braced the back of their legs against the rear of the seats and hung onto the 50's. They left a glittering trail of spent shells across the desert floor. The shiny brass gleamed in the sand as the battle moved on.
The halftracks, heavy and cumbersome, tried valiantly to keep up with the swifter jeeps. Their gunners did their best to hit the bobbing targets as the vehicles leaped over the ridges in the sand. Where the smaller vehicles leaped the ridges, the armored German vehicles plowed right through them. One of the halftracks dipped down into a ridge just as one of the jeeps jumped another small rise in the terrain. The result was a lucky convergence of the line of fire and the position of the target.
The German gunner gave a yell of success as the jeep swerved sharply and the driver slumped over his steering wheel. His triumph was short-lived however as the driver recovered and the jeep once again changed course and darted away. Frustrated, the halftrack driver resumed his pursuit, chasing after what he thought had been a victory.
Off to the side, the second jeep suddenly swerved toward him. The German driver tried to get out of the way but was unable to avoid the pineapple shaped projectile flying directly toward his vehicle. He heard the men in the back yell as it landed at their feet. Before any of them could abandon the vehicle there was an explosion that rocked the entire halftrack. The bodies of the crew flew into the air, one of them landing on top of the driver, breaking his neck on impact. The halftrack continued to roll in a half-circle with a dead man at the wheel.
The gunners in the second halftrack took aim at the jeep. Even as they opened fire the jeep swerved again, slowing as the injured driver fought to control the vehicle with his wounded arm. The bullets found their way closer and closer to the small vehicle. The halftrack driver watched as the line of bullets made a straight line toward the Americans. The jeep driver jerked again and the jeep swerved and tipped onto two wheels. The German driver swerved around the smaller vehicle and smiled as it tipped the rest of the way and slid on its side across the sand. The two Americans were thrown clear, one struggling to his feet, while the other lay limp and still.
The halftrack driver, knowing the fate of the first driver, did his best to break away from the fight. The first jeep was out of action but the second one had taken up the challenge. Turning to the side, the German driver tried to outrun the second jeep. Too late he realized that he was not going to be allowed to return to the convoy. He screamed at the men in the back to shoot the Americans. They yelled back that they were trying. Their efforts were as useless as his. The sergeant in the second jeep tossed another grenade that ended the fight. Smoke poured from the German vehicles as the sounds of gunfire ceased.
An officer, riding in the front of the second halftrack, survived the explosion and groaned as he pushed the dead driver aside. He lifted a rifle and took aim at the occupants of the second jeep. His finger was tightening on the trigger when the jeep's driver shot him. He tumbled onto the ground, a red stain already covering the front of his uniform. The jeep rolled to a stop beside his body and the two Allied soldiers glanced down at him.
"Thank you, Tully," the sergeant spoke with a catch in his voice. "I didn't even see him until after you fired. That could have turned out to be a very messy business."
"That's what we do Doc, we take care of each other."
"Yes," the Brit answered a bit shakily, "I suppose we should get back to Troy and Hitch. They most likely would like to get clear of any other trouble from the convoy. We didn't get quite all them and I'm quite certain that they aren't going to be happy with us."
Tully nodded and started his jeep forward. When they got closer, they realized that something was wrong. Troy was standing beside the jeep, keeping it covered, with Hitch lying silently on the ground at his feet. Troy waved them closer with an impatient gesture. It was the bright red coloring on his hands that gave them the most pause. Moffitt was reaching under the seat for the medical kit before the jeep had even stopped. He jumped from the jeep and ran to where Troy stood.
Tully looked on anxiously as the two sergeants knelt beside the fallen driver.
"Tully, keep watch. Moffitt and I will take care of Hitch." Troy turned to Moffitt and pointed out the wounds. "The first one hit him in the arm. He recovered and tried to duck the halftrack. The second one got him just as we thought we were clear. I heard his cry and saw him slump over the steering wheel. Once the jeep flipped, I had to watch for the Germans until you got here.
Tully nodded and reached for a weapon as Troy continued to talk.
"How is he?"
Tully heard the question and paused to listen to the response.
"The first bullet went clear through," the Brit answered after looking at the blonde's wounded arm. "The second one looks to be more serious. It cut a groove in the side of his head. I can't tell how much damage it did until he wakes up. The good news is that the bullet didn't penetrate."
Tully looked over and noticed all of the blood on Troy's hands. Head wounds tended to bleed a lot so that in itself was no indication of the seriousness of the injury. Knowing that Moffitt wouldn't be able to tell much more for a while, Tully went to stand guard. He climbed onto the hood of his jeep and scanned the surrounding desert. The smoke from the German vehicles was still spiraling into the blue sky. Beyond the first column of smoke he could see the evidence of their attack. Smoke darkened the sky from the damaged trucks too. There was no sign that the Germans intended to continue the attack on the jeeps. Behind him the sergeants continued to discuss the blonde's injuries.
"He could have a concussion, Troy. A fractured skull is not even out of the question. His breathing is fairly even so I don't think we have to worry too much about that." The Brit wrapped some bandages around the wounds and stepped back. "We should get away from here though, just in case the Germans come looking for their halftracks. I wouldn't want to have to fight them off with Hitch in this condition."
"Is it safe to move him?"
"Safer than staying here I would wager," the Brit answered. "We can find some place quiet where we can wait for him to wake up. If we leave right now, I believe we can sneak away without tossing him around too much."
Troy hesitated as he considered what the other sergeant had said. "Okay," he nodded, "let's do it. Tully, get down, we're moving out. Let's see if we can get the other jeep back on its wheels. I don't think it was hit so maybe there won't be much damage."
Tully nodded and went to check on the other jeep. As Troy suspected, the damage was minor and they soon had it back on its wheels. He went over it hurriedly, anxious to get Hitch to some place where they could let him rest. It wasn't long before they were ready to leave. He walked around the jeep to where Troy had returned to the side of his driver. "We're ready to go Sarge." He stared down at the other private for a moment with a frown on his face. "Sarge?"
"Yeah Tully?" Troy looked up.
"What if Hitch doesn't wake up?" Tully looked from one sergeant to the other.Itch doesn't wake up?HH
"We'll give him a chance," Moffitt answered. "If he hasn't awakened in a reasonable time, we'll head for the nearest base. At this point all I can say is we have to wait and see."
Tully nodded and slid behind the wheel of his jeep
. Troy and Moffitt moved Hitch to the passenger seat of the first jeep and Moffitt climbed in behind him. Troy took the wheel and led off across the desert. He kept his focus on his silent passenger, counting on Tully to watch for Germans.
He sometimes wished that Hitch were more like Tully. The Kentuckian could, and would, sometimes drive all day without saying more than two words. Hitch, on the other hand, got restless when things got too quiet. Things were too quiet now, and Troy found himself wishing that his driver would wake up and start talking. Troy decided that he wouldn't even mind if Hitch woke up and tried to talk his ear off, he'd take it over this unnatural silence anytime. As the miles slid past, he had entirely too much time to think, and to worry.
The camp they eventually found was miles from the scene of the attack. Hitch was still unconscious, although he had begun to moan and thrash around. Moffitt had his hands full keeping him from falling out of the jeep. Troy was seriously considering tying him to the seat by the time Moffitt pointed to the wadi.
The wadi had a deep gully where scrub trees clung to the top with a few more scattered down the sides. The gully was protected from the slight breeze that was beginning to blow across the desert. Moffitt guided Troy into a space wide enough for only one jeep at a time. They left enough room between the vehicles to fashion a shelter for the wounded man. The jeeps were positioned back-to-back so that each of them was in position for a quick getaway if needed. At Moffitt's command, Tully draped a tarp over the vehicles to form a shelter from the burning sun. Using their blankets, he made a bed to keep his best friend comfortable. They moved the injured man to the bed and Moffitt began to examine him in more detail.
"How is he Doc?"
"I don't know Tully," Moffitt answered. "He still hasn't regained consciousness. He is starting to thrash around but he hadn't opened his eyes. We're going to wait here for a while and give him time." Moffitt continued checking the bandages as he talked.
Tully went to get a canteen for the sergeant as Troy dropped to the ground next to Moffitt.
"What do you think?"
Moffitt glanced after Tully and lowered his voice. Looking at Troy, he frowned. "I don't want to worry you; I don't know what it means."
"What what means?" Troy looked suspiciously at the other sergeant. "What aren't you telling me?" Troy demanded in the same low voice.
"His eyes aren't reacting to the light when I lift his eyelids. It could be nothing…"
Troy looked at his still driver and frowned. "What do you think it means?"
"Maybe a concussion. Perhaps a skull fracture. I'm not a doctor Troy, I can only guess. I wish I knew more, but I don't."
Troy nodded, letting Moffitt take his time to complete his answer.
"He's running a fever. Let me work on getting that to break. Maybe he'll wake up after we get the fever down." The Brit sighed in frustration. "I just don't know."
"And if he doesn't?"
Moffitt shrugged. "Then we head for the base where a real doctor can look at him. It's the best I can offer."
Tully returned with the canteen and handed it to the sergeant.
Moffitt took it with a smile of thanks. He wet a cloth and began to wipe Hitch's face with it. "I'll try to get his fever down. I think aspirin will do him more good than morphine right now. Perhaps that and a little rest will do the trick."
Tully looked up at the sun. "Nightfall is just a few hours away. We can't make the base anymore tonight."
"We're going to stay here and let him rest," the Brit answered. "We'll head for the base in the morning."
"I'll take the first watch. Sage can relieve me later. I can eat cold rations for supper." Tully hesitated before he turned away. "Call if you need me for anything."
"I will Tully, but I think it's just a matter or waiting."
The private nodded and walked off.
"Is that really what you think?" Troy asked as he took the damp cloth from the other sergeant and began to wipe his driver's face.
"We have to believe that he's going to be all right. I suppose it's a matter of faith."
Troy nodded and wiped the cloth across the overheated skin. There was no reaction from Hitch at all.
Moffitt got to his feet and straightened his back. "I'll find us some rations and then I'll go relieve Tully."
"No," Troy responded. "Eat and get some rest. Tully and I can keep watch. Hitch may need you if his fever gets any worse."
"All right, but I could take a turn before it gets worse. You both need to rest too. You're going to have to drive tomorrow."
"We'll manage, eat and rest. I'll relieve Tully in a bit."
"All right. I'll get the rations. Hot or cold?"
Troy glanced up. "Hot. Maybe the smell of hot food will bring Hitch around. It's early enough that the fire won't draw too much attention."
Moffitt nodded and headed for the jeeps.
Troy continued to bathe Hitch's face and chest. How many times had they done this? How many more times would they have to before this war ended? That thought drew him up short. He realized that he was assuming that Hitch would survive to get hurt again. He stared down at the still face and allowed himself to hope for the first time since he dropped to the ground next to his injured driver.
The kid looked so young when his expression was unguarded. Unconscious, it was hard to imagine him as the seasoned soldier that he was in reality. Even the bruises on his cheek didn't take away from the look of innocence that had fooled so many of the enemy.
Troy pictured his driver's bright smile and crystal blue eyes. The mischief in those eyes had alerted him more than once to some new plan the two privates were contemplating. Troy looked up and caught Tully watching him. It suddenly occurred to him that the other private hadn't ask many questions. What was he thinking? He was still deep in thought when Moffitt returned with their supper.
"I'll eat with you and then I'll take something up to Tully," the Brit suggested.
"Moffitt, how is Tully reacting to all of this?"
Moffitt stirred his food before he answered. "He's been really quiet. Even more than usual. I think he's worried about what I might say if he asks. I tried to reassure him, and I think it helped, but I don't believe he is ready to celebrate just yet."
"I don't blame him, I have my doubts too," Troy answered. "Hitch hasn't so much as opened his eyes yet. I'm worried."
"He will, we just have to believe that Troy. Have faith."
"Faith. Faith only takes you so far."
"Give it until morning. Once his fever breaks…"
"Yeah," Troy grunted, "I know. But he doesn't look any better Doctor."
"Eat your supper, Troy. I'm going to finish mine and then I'll take some to Tully."
"Send him down."
Moffitt looked at Troy in surprise. "I thought you said…"
Troy held up a hand to stop him. "I know what I said, but he hasn't had a break. He can eat his supper while it's hot and then he can sit with Hitch for a while. I'll relieve you as soon as I'm done eating and you can get some rest too."
"All right Troy, but you are going to need rest too."
"Yeah, yeah, I will."
When Tully came down, he picked up his plate and sat down next to Hitch. "Doc says he hasn't opened his eyes yet."
"Not yet," the sergeant confirmed.
"Are we still planning on leaving in the morning?"
"Nothing's changed."
"Do you want me to watch Hitch?"
Troy looked back at his driver and nodded at Tully. "Eat first. Maybe you can get some rest while you sit with Hitch. Just stay close to him in case he wakes up. I want Moffitt to be rested in case Hitch gets worse." As soon as he said it, Troy regretted it. "Not that we are expecting him to get worse. Moffit thinks the aspirin will break the fever."
"Sure Sarge," Tully agreed.
Troy relieved Moffitt and the camp grew quiet as night fell. Tully was sleeping next to Hitch when he felt the other private stir. Tully was up immediately and kneeling next to the blond. "Hitch?"
"Tully?" Hitch sounded confused.
"Right here Hitch." Tully put his hand on Hitch's arm.
"Why is it so dark?"
"Dark?" Tully repeated. He looked toward the small fire still burning. "If we make the fire any bigger someone might see it."
"What fire?" Hitch still sounded confused. "Yeah, I hear it now. Tully...?"
"Yeah?"
"I don't see any fire."
Tully glanced at the fire again. "Hang on Hitch, I'll wake Doc."
"It must be from the blow to your head," the Brit suggested after examining Hitch again. "The good news is that your fever has broken."
"Does this mean I'm blind Doc?" Hitch's voice started to rise. "I can't be blind!"
Moffitt patted Hitch on the shoulder gently. "Relax Hitch, it's probably only temporary. You're tired. Perhaps when you wake up in the morning, you'll be able to see just fine. At any rate, there is nothing we can do tonight. And I doubt that getting excited is going to help anything. Just try to get some sleep. One of us will stay with you."
"But what if I am blind? What am I going to do? A blind soldier is no good to anyone." The injured man leaned back in a state of despair. "I can't be blind," he repeated to himself.
"Once we get you back to the base the doctors will take good care of you," Moffitt tried to console him. "Remember, I am not a doctor. They will have a much better idea what to tell you."
"They'll just tell me I am blind."
"Whatever they tell you, you can get through it. You're strong Hitch. And you have us." Moffitt encouraged him to lie back. "Tully, stay with him. I am going to go tell Troy he's awake." Hitch dozed off before Troy was done getting the information from Moffitt. He sent Tully to stand guard while he stayed with his driver. He was the one sitting with Hitch the next time he woke up.
"You okay Hitch? Can I get you anything?"
"How about a new set of eyes? That's all I really need." the blond answered bitterly. "Did Doc tell you I'm blind?"
"He told me you were having trouble with your eyes," Troy answered. "He also told me he didn't know if it was permanent or not. We'll take you back to the base and let a real doctor take a look at you. You aren't giving up, are you?"
"A real doctor?" Hitch cried. "Doc may not be a real doctor, but he has kept us all alive this long, and he says I'm blind. I'm blind Sarge!"
"Hitch, calm down. I know how you feel."
"No, you don't! You can see!"
Troy put his hand on his driver's trembling shoulder. "I do know how you feel." He moved closer as he spoke. "Remember when I got separated and Dietrich found me? He made me believe that I was blind."
"But you weren't Sarge, not really."
"But I thought I was."
"Because Dietrich lied to you," Hitch insisted. "Doc wouldn't lie to me, and he says I'm blind!"
"Moffitt didn't say you were blind. He said you couldn't see, for now," Troy answered. "But as far as my being blind, I thought I was. I really believed that I was in an American field hospital, and I was blind." He felt the younger man start to relax before he stiffened again.
"But that doctor told you that your blindness was temporary. You always knew you would see again."
Troy shook his head even though Hitch couldn't see it. "I was scared that he was wrong. I was scared that I was going to be blind forever."
"Just like me."
"Just like you Hitch," Troy agreed. "But I was wrong about that, and you may be too. You may get your sight back just like I did. We just have to wait and see."
"But that doctor told you it was only temporary," Hitch repeated. "Doc says I'm blind."
"I said you couldn't see right now."
Hitch jerked as Moffit joined the conversation.
"I'm blind," Hitch repeated.
"For now," Moffitt agreed. "But I don't pretend to be a real doctor. I don't think you should go out and buy a white-tipped cane until they have examined your eyes."
"Moffitt's right," Troy agreed. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We'll get you back to the base and take it from there." Troy glanced at Moffitt before turning back to his driver. "Why don't you try to get some more rest?" He reached out and touched the blonde's forehead and frowned. "You're warm again." He looked at Moffitt for confirmation.
Moffitt stepped closer and felt for a fever. "You are warm Hitch," he agreed. "Why didn't you say something? I'll get you some more aspirin."
"I guess I had other things on my mind," Hitch answered the question. He lowered his head and slumped on the blankets. "What if they can't help?"
"The pills will help," Moffitt assured him.
"Not the pills Doc," Hitch explained.
Moffitt licked his lips and reached for the medical kit. "I can't make any promises Hitch. Maybe I'm wrong, I just don't know, but I believe that you'll be able to see again."
"You aren't just saying that to make me feel better?"
"Of course not Hitch, I truly believe it."
Troy felt his driver relax again. He eased him onto his back and leaned over him. "Try to get some rest Hitch. If you need anything, anything at all, just call. One of us will be right here."
"Okay Sarge, I guess I could use a little more rest."
Troy sat next to Hitch and waited until his beathing indicated that he was asleep. They stayed that way until first light.
"We can head for the base whenever you are ready," Moffitt announced. "The sooner we get him back to the base, the better."
Troy nodded. "I'll wake him and we can get him into the jeep. His fever isn't any higher this morning."
"I checked," Moffitt nodded. "His color is better too. I think he'll take the trip okay. We'll just keep an eye on him."
"I hope they can help him."
"So do I," the Brit agreed.
"Tully!" Troy called. "Come on down, we're moving out."
Tully helped pack the camp and get the jeeps ready to move. Troy and Moffitt were off to one side talking when Tully stopped next to his jeep.
"Tully?"
"Yeah Hitch?" Tully moved closer to the jeep where Hitch was waiting in the back.
"Has Doc said anything to you?"
"About what?"
"About me. My eyes."
"Only that he believes that you'll get your eyesight back."
"I hope so," Hitch answered. "If I do, I'll never complain about having to wear glasses again. I just have to see again. A blind soldier is no good to anyone."
"I guess if you are blind you wouldn't be a soldier anymore," Tully answered. "But being blind doesn't change who you are."
"I'm a soldier, that's who I am! Or at least who I used to be, until yesterday."
"That's not all you are," Tully argued. "You're my best friend, that won't change. Sarge and Doc won't stop being your friend just because you aren't a soldier anymore. You'll still be you, and that is who we like."
"But I won't be a part of this team."
"You could be. Doc says the doctors may be able to help you. He believes it, and so do I."
"You do?"
"I do," Tully declared. "And you should too."
Hitch sighed. "What about Sarge? What does he believe?"
"Sarge believes in you. He thinks you can beat this if you don't give up."
Hitch fell silent and after a few seconds, he nodded. "Okay Tully, I'll try."
"You do that," Tully smiled. "Here come Doc and Sarge. We'll have you back at the base in four or five hours."
The nearly five-hour drive to the base was a quiet one. Hitch was awake most of the time but he didn't try to start any conversations. Troy wasn't sure what to say so he stayed quiet too. They pulled through the gates and drove straight to the base hospital.
The doctors examined Hitch and told him to rest. He slept most of that day. It could have been the five-hour drive, or it may have had something to do with the sedative the doctors slipped into his I.V.
When he woke up, he immediately lifted his hand to his eyes and tried to shift the bandages.
"Leave them alone!"
Hitch lowered his hand and turned to the speaker. "How long have you been here Sarge?"
"Since right after you fell asleep. We didn't want you to wake up alone."
"I guess it wouldn't have mattered. I can't see you anyway."
"But you can hear us, and you know we are here." Troy growled. "Stop feeling sorry for yourself. You're better than that."
"I can't see Sarge!"
"You heard the doctors. They think you'll get your sight back."
"Maybe. They said maybe."
"And you think they're wrong?"
"Maybe."
"Then prove them wrong!"
"How do you mean?"
"Make up your mind that you're going to get your sight back!" Troy urged. "The guy I know wouldn't just give up! I believe in you Hitch! Tully and Moffitt believe in you! Maybe you just need to start believing in yourself."
"You sound like Tully," the blonde mumbled.
Troy chuckled. "You have to admit, on the rare occasion that he gives an opinion, he's usually right."
"I don't know how to prove them wrong," Hitch admitted.
"Don't give up," Troy suggested. "Do what the doctors tell you to do and keep your spirits up. The right attitude can go a long way toward recovering. You do that, and we'll get through this together. We'll be there for you all the way," Troy promised.
"And if I don't get my sight back?"
"You will," Troy answered confidently.
Later that week Moffitt and Troy came to pick up Tully. "We have a mission Hitch, but we'll be back as soon as we can. Follow the doctor's orders."
"We'll be thinking about you," Moffitt added as they prepared to leave.
"We'll see you as soon as we get back," Tully added.
"I'll be here," Hitch answered. "It's not like I can actually go anywhere."
"Take care of yourself Hitch," Troy ordered. "We should be back in a few days, a week at most. Remember what I said. Keep believing in yourself and keep your spirits up."
"Sure Sarge," Hitch mumbled as they left, "but I thought you were all going to be here." He leaned back on his pillow and vowed to stay positive.
"Can I borrow that book your buddy was reading to you?"
Hitch jumped at the unfamiliar voice from next to his bed. "Who are you?"
"Just another patient," the voice replied. "I've been listening to your buddies reading to you. I kind of want to know how the story ends. I asked them if I could borrow the book when they're done."
"Sure," Hitch answered. "It's not like I'm going to be reading it."
The other man laughed. "I guess not, at least not for a while. Your buddies seem to think you'll see again though."
Hitch smiled at hearing that. Just the confirmation made him feel better. "Go ahead and borrow the book. Just make sure you bring it back when you're done so I can hear how it ends when my friends get back." Hitch could hear the other man sliding a chair up next to the bed.
"Actually," the man began, "they suggested that I read it while they are gone, if it's all right with you. They thought we could finish it together so everyone could hear."
"Together?"
"Yeah, I can read it to you. I think a couple of these other guys were listening too. I bet they all want to know how it ends." The voice paused. "Is it?"
"Is it what?"
"Is it all right with you if I sit here and read it out loud?"
"Yeah," Hitch nodded and smiled. "I'd like that. Thanks."
Then the day came for the bandages to be removed. Hitch was guided to a quiet room by a nurse who helped him find a seat and then left him alone. He heard several people enter the room and move to one side. Another person entered less than a minute later. When he spoke, Hitch realized that it was the doctor.
"Are you ready Private?"
Hitch nodded nervously.
"All right," the doctor began. "First, I want to warn you so you know what to expect. The blackout curtains have been closed so that no light penetrates the room. Your eyes may be sensitive to light and we don't want to expose them too quickly."
Hitch felt the doctor's fingers on the bandages around his eyes. He drew in a beath, scared all over again.
"Just relax soldier," the doctor urged. "I'll remove the bandages and we will allow your eyes to adjust to the dim light. Don't be alarmed if you don't see anything at first."
Hitch nodded again, too nervous to speak. He felt the scissors as they cut the gauze. The slight pressure around his head eased as the doctor removed the layers of bandage. He felt the sweat running down his forehead. Next the pads over each eye were removed.
"Open your eyes Private," the doctor ordered.
Hitch hesitated, gathering his courage. Slowly, cautiously, he opened his eyes. It was like looking through a heavy fog at night. He could vaguely make out hazy movements, but he couldn't make them out. He licked his lips, wishing the others were there to give him support.
"It's not very bright."
"It's dark in here," the doctor reminded him.
Hitch looked toward the voice and could just make out a slight movement. He realized that the doctor was nodding to someone else in the room. The light began to brighten. He turned toward the light, which turned out to be the window where the nurse was slowly opening the blackout curtain. Little by little his vison cleared until he could make out the nurse clearly. Giving her one of his best smiles, he turned toward the doctor to thank him, and found himself facing Troy, Moffitt and Tully. "You came!"
"I told you we'd be here," Troy grinned. "We got back a little bit ago. The doc waited to remove the bandage until we got here."
"Welcome back buddy," Tully grinned as he stepped forward to grab Hitch in an embrace.
"We knew you could do it," Moffitt added happily. "All you had to do was believe in the doctors."
"And myself," Hitch added with a huge smile.
