Beep

Beep

Beep

Beep

Beep

Jacob looked up from his hospital bed. He was a 95 year old man, on his deathbed. He had survived through a war. As he sat on his bed he thought of the memories that had haunted him since the war..

He and his friend Thompson were a part of a war, and often fought on the frontlines. They had been friends since middle school, and decided to fight together.

"My man, you think we should fight in the war?"

Thompson said.

"Stop saying 'My man,' it makes you sound stupid. And, what's the war have to do with us?"

Jacob was confused as to why Thompson asked.

"I don't know, I just feel responsible to protect the people living here, y'know?"

Thompson's face showed worry, something he usually didn't show.

"I signed up for the Army."

"What!?"

Jacob jumped up. He was shocked to say the least. Thompson, who always had a carefree attitude, joining the Army?

"Jacob, I need to do this."

Jacob just stood there, staring at Thompson for a minute, before he showed an understanding smile.

"Then I have to as well."

Thompson was visibly surprised at Jacobs statement.

"Don't bother saying something corny like, "I'm doing this to protect my country, don't follow me," Did you forget our oath in middle school?"

Thompson smiled slightly as he said,

"Till' the day we die, we stay side by side."

"Now I know that sounds cringy, but it was an oath that I don't plan to break."

Jacob smiled from ear to ear. Thompson saw this and smiled back.

"Let's make another one."

Thompson said this in serious tone.

"What are you thinking of?"

Jacob tilted his head in confusion.

"Neither of us shall die during this war."

Thompson looked at Jacob.

Jacob looked at him and smiled as he said,

"Neither of us shall die."

—————

We were taking heavy fire, trying not to get shot. Jacob had a bullet hole in his shoulder, causing him to grunt and wince in pain. Thompson sat beside him, helping put pressure on the wound. They received the order to retreat back to camp. He and Thompson ran, taking as much cover as they could.

They got into the back of a Jeep with another soldier driving, going towards camp.

Thompson panted as he began to speak.

"That was too clo-"

BANG

A hole appeared in Thompson's head as he slumped forward into Jacobs lap. Jacob just stared, not yet processing what just occurred.

"Thompson?"

Jacobs voice was shaky, tears welling up in his eyes.

"Thompson!"

"I can't lose you! Anyone but you!"

Jacob had tears streaming down his face. He lifted up Thompsons dead body and stared at his face, his eyes were open and his jaw hung. Jacob pressed his forehead against Thompsons. He cried and sobbed, begging him not to die.

"We made an oath! Are you going to go back on it now!?"

Jacob cried and sobbed, cradling his dead friends body in his arms as he pressed his forehead against his.

—————

Jacob couldn't rid himself of these feelings, even 70 years later. He closed his eyes as his heart rate began to slow. He reminisced about his memories and with Thompson. He muttered four last words as his heart rate flattened,

"I'll see you soon…"