Four years ago I tried my hand at some creative writing to help process some of my experiences while deployed to Iraq. This is one of those stories. Our lives are a moment away from being turned upside down. This event still sticks its ugly head up in my memories every now and again over a decade since it happened. Someone witnessing this scene would have seen a Marine patrol crossing the road and a vehicle which had trouble stopping. For me, a jammed weaponed prevented a lifetime of nightmares and torment. 

Four years after writing this, and over a decade since it happened, it is finally time to let my creation enter the world. It is not an action-packed or heroic war story, but for this old Marine, it has been a therapeutic story to write.

Enjoy!