Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: START (02/25/16)
-
TITLE: Famous <i>First</i> Words! | Previous Challenge Entry
By Noel Mitaxa
03/03/16 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
At first, the idea of joining the army sounded like a great way to see the world, to get fit, learning to handle responsibility, to look good in a uniform and to wear it with pride. His friends’ reactions ranged across the spectrum, from curious through sceptical, supportive and some even hostile.
Through his parents’ farewell hugs, he felt their pride blended with concern for their little boy – now full-grown and ready to make his mark on the world. But they were snatching memories of his first steps and his first words, as a prelude to all those innocent adventures that punctuated his childhood.
With his head desperately seeking some softness in the upholstered rock that had made hollow claims about being a pillow, his mind kept churning towards a future that had lost its previous certainty. What about these guys who had filled his bus at the recruitment office, and who seemed to compete for the bravest or stupidest story about the civilian world they were leaving behind. In the darkness of the hut, he could hear hushed muttering from some beds and deep snoring from others.
With lights out a now-distant memory, he wondered how many of these new recruits shared his uncertainty. Or his sleeplessness. Were they as cold or as uncomfortable? Only two days ago he had taken the trouble to have his hair cut short, to show the army he meant business―only to find himself in the barber’s line along with everybody else.
His polite query to defend his haircut had been treated to a quick, verbal court-martial. “No individuality here, boy. We’re here to shape you bunch of misfits into a tight, taut military machine. A group of men who see your uniform first and fight to protect you because you belong together!”
With that, he’d been groomed with a style that was guaranteed to reduce his outlays on shampoos or conditioners for some time to come.
Brrrr!
And absolutely no big-name fashion-house would lay claim to the fatigues that were all that this boot camp would allow them to wear.
Jeff’s first night in the army, and sleep finally arrived as the luminescent hands of his wristwatch slowly ground their way past two o’clock…
Suddenly the lights were on, accompanied by a raging mass of immaculate energy, heavily-disguised as the drill-sergeant who stamped into the room and clicked his heels.
“On your feet, men, it’s five o’clock!”
It was then that Jeff made his first big mistake.
Propping himself up with his elbows, he groaned, “Well Sarge, you’d better get to bed. Tomorrow’s gonna be a big day!”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This took me back to the days of National Service. My brothers were called up and couldn't wait to get started. It was a bit of a culture shock after mother's pampering, and they couldn't wait to get back home. They still relate funny tales about the experience.
A cute story with a fun last line!
Blessings~
(I seem to remember that html formatting doesn't work in titles, for some reason.)
This has a great kicker, and I thank you for providing a lovely read for my first foray back in a while.