1

Dreamboy
Joe Hagen -- November 2010

Henry has special dreams. Theyve always come true. Hes just had one he wishes he hadnt.

Startled, Henry awoke to darkness and, other then his rapid breaths, silence.
chest as the vivid dream from which hed just awaken held in his mind.

His breath hitched in this

Dreams were not a new experience for Henry, including ones as vividly real as the one hed just awaken from. As a boy his mother had called him her little fortune teller. A nickname which he knew left her far more uneasy than amused. It was her uneasiness which had convinced Henry to stop sharing his special dreams while he was still very young. Dreams which always came true. By the time Henry reached his mid-teens, his mom, family and friends had all forgotten about the eerie, future revealing dreams hed had as a child. Everyone had forgotten except Henry. Hed decided not to share them, but he hadnt forgotten because theyd never stopped.

The dreams at first involved innocuous events like broken dishes, lost toys and found keys. Later they evolved to babies born and dogs hit by cars. The dreams had grown less frequent as Henry matured but the seriousness of their content had continued to increase.

His back against the concrete interior wall of a bomb shelter, Henry continued to breathe deeply as he reviewed the dream. It had involved a military funeral. A coffin, draped with the American Flag rested on straps above an open grave. In the background, stone grave markers stood at attention in long rows that reached to the crest of a nearby hill. Henry hadnt been able to see the faces of those in attendance as his point of view reached no higher than waist level. As the coffin began to lower, Henrys view swiveled but his point of view remained low. Belt buckles and wringing hands were all hed been able to see, until a

young boy came into view. Cradled in the boys arms was a flat, wooden case. The boy held tightly to the case as he quietly wept. As the coffin dropped below the surface of the ground, an old mans gnarled hand reached over and rested lightly on the boys right shoulder. A younger adults hand did the same on his left. The boy simply continued to cry. His small face pulled into a tighter ball of pain as the attending priest began to speak.

Henry hadnt been able to make out the words the priest spoke, but he easily identified the crumpled features of Mark, his son. Despite the pain on the boys face, the likes of which Henry had never seen there before, he instantly recognized the dark hair, those equally dark eyes, the pug nose and that mouth which most often carried a smile so bright it competed with the sun in its brilliance.

The sun had reflected easily off the cases polished surface as well as its bright, gold colored hinges. Henry couldnt see the military medal inside but he knew that was what the box contained. His eyes narrowed as he thought. I havent been awarded any medals, at least not yet. Maybe Ive got some time before... Sitting forward, almost excited now, he envisioned his sons face again. Marks ninth birthday had been five months ago. Henry had only seen pictures since hed been ordered back to his second tour of duty almost eight months ago. Marks image in the dream didnt appear any older than in the last pictures Henry had received.

Puzzled, Henry settled back against the wall. Why is Mark holding that case, he thought to himself. Why does he have it? After another moments thought, Henrys breath hitched in his chest. A presentation case! he hissed. Its felt covered interior would hold for display the one medal Id definitely have earned before that ceremony. The Purple Heart.

Tears formed and slid from his eyes as Henry accepted that he would never see his son, wife, parents, family and friends again. Over the years hed come to believe fully in his special dreams. Good, bad, or indifferent, their crystal clarity, their often heartrending emotion, and their complete sense of reality had never failed to come true.

Often, Henry never learned what had brought about the dreams conversion to reality. Occasionally, afterwards, the cause was very clear. As a teenager, when his dreams warned of trouble, Henry would search for ways to prevent the event hed foreseen. After several failures, hed tried a more direct tactic when his dream involved an uncle being hit by a car. His effort however brought about the very result hed been attempting to prevent. Still not sharing his dreams with others unsure of the dreams timing, hed followed his uncle, in secret. Seeing him, seemingly distracted and about to step into traffic, Henry had called out. His uncle looked over searching for who had called, and stepped into traffic. As his dream had predicted, Henrys uncle never walked again. Stuck in a wheelchair, hed struggled but adapted. Neither Henrys uncle nor his family had blamed him for the result of his distracting call. His family had all consoled him against his guile. It was an accident, theyd insisted. Despite his intentions, Henry was unconsoled.

Henry wondered fearfully, had the sole cause of the accident been his effort to stop it? If hed done nothing, would there have been another cause or would it not have happened. If he hadnt had the dream and had therefore done nothing, what would have happened? Hed felt set up but none the less, responsible.

Racked with guilt, Henry had never attempted to prevent the events in his dreams again. He accepted that what hed dreamt was inevitable and that nothing, no one, could stop it. He vowed, immediately upon

awakening from later dreams, to do nothing. That resolution allowed Henry the backhanded comfort of knowing that, whatever happened, hed never be the cause of an event forewarned by one of his dreams.

Inevitable. Henry repeated. Few of his dreams had warned of death. If only I had some idea when! Im sent on missions several times a week and every camp and village for miles is a battle ground. It could be...

Hey Henry! Wake up pardner! A voice suddenly called into the shelter.

Yeah! What do you want? Henry grumbled, recognizing his friend, Jims voice.

Sorry buddy, but its time to move. They want us over at headquarters.

Henrys breath caught in his throat. With an effort, he kept his voice even as he asked, What do they want?

What do they want? What else! They need a couple of heroes. They want to offer us another shot at fame and glory. The trucks leaving in a couple of minutes. We need to get over there or well be walking.

Henry looked toward the light coming in the front entrance but still didnt get up. How soon do they want us? He called back.

An hour, Jim answered getting impatient. Come on, lets shake it.

After a couple more breaths, Henry tried to answer nonchalantly. You go ahead. Im gonna walk. He then sighed as Jim stepped inside.

What? Are you nuts? The trucks at the entrance to camp for a couple more minutes. We can catch it and get something to eat before the briefing. Why walk?

His teeth clenched as Henry growled back, Im not asking you to walk. Just go catch your ride and dont worry about me.

A few seconds passed in silence before Jim asked, Whats the matter pardner? He stepped over to Henrys side.

Grateful for the darkness in the shelter, Henry kept his head down as he answered. Nothin, I just feel like walking.

Dont toss me that horse pucky, Jim answered good naturedly but with evident concern as well. I know you better than that. Whats up?

Henry swallowed an angry remark as he tried to get his emotions in check. He and Jim had been looking out for one another since their first mission together. Easier than hed expected, Henry got himself in control and answered while lightly punching Jims boot. I just need to think.

About what? Jim asked, not willing to let that dog lie so easily.

Again Henry clenched his teeth as his temper tried to rise. Exhaling heavily, Henry reminded himself, Jim is a good friend and is just doing what I would do for him if the tables were turned. Despite his wish that Jim would just leave, Henry appreciated the concern. He knew it was going to take an answer at least close to the truth or Jim would see right through it. Relaxing his hold on his emotions, he tried again. I just had a dream about my family. He paused to take a couple of breaths. I dont want to let loose of the memory just yet. A walk will let me work it out of my system slowly. Wiping his eyes, Henry stood and put his hand on Jims shoulder. Im fine. Ill see you at headquarters.

Reluctantly Jim accepted the response. Fine. Im going to grab some grub. Ill get you somethin to cram down your throat before the briefing starts. Walking back toward the door, Jim almost stopped but kept himself moving. Dont be late. Ill see you there, he called back.

His walk would be just over two miles. Slinging his rifle over his shoulder, Henry stepped out into the sun. Squinting, he looked toward the camps entrance and saw Jim standing beside the truck. He nodded and waved. Jim did the same before climbing aboard. As the truck pulled off, Henry followed it.

It was late morning. The sun was still low, but it was bright in a clear sky. Visualizing the dream again, Henry tried to identify a detail that would give him some hint as to how much time he might have. The picture that kept coming back was his sons tear streaked face. His age tells me that itll be soon, Henry accepted with a sigh. Another knot formed in his gut as he continued, Beyond that, Ill just have to be ready when it comes. After walking about ten minutes, Henry suddenly stiffened and looked around. There was no one on the road but him. Neither did he see anyone on the slightly hilly dunes to his left or right. That realization

brought him little comfort as he also realized that hed done just what he shouldnt. Through his reaction to the dream, hed put himself at risk. Walking alone, along two miles of empty road left him very vulnerable. A sniper beyond a dune, a swerve by one of their enemies in a passing vehicle... Moving off the shoulder of the road Henry increased his pace and prayed he hadnt made a fatal mistake in deciding to walk.

In fighting shape, Henry kept a quick, steady pace despite his rifle and pack. His eyes on his surroundings, Henry struggled to concentrate as he increased to a steady jog toward headquarters. When a marked Hummer approached, he had to force himself not to unsling his rifle, just in case. As the vehicle passed without slowing, Henry realized hed been holding his breath. Gulping in air he continued ahead.

Maintaining his pace, the exercise woke him up fully. Soon Henry was alert and thinking clearly. A minute later he unslung his rifle after all. Doing so allowed a smoother gait as the weapon was no longer bouncing against his back and thigh. It also gave him the peace of mind to concentrate as hed instantly be ready to defend himself if needed.

Still jogging, Henrys mind raced as he kept a lookout on the road and the dunes around him. Get your head on straight, he eventually chastised himself. Ive got to give this mission briefing the proper attention or that dream will become fact today! I cant allow my knowledge of the dream to distract affect my actions! He then scowled with deeper conviction as he considered how his actions had ensured that other dream would become a reality, despite his intentions to the contrary.

Dont die an idiot, Henry muttered to himself. Or just as bad, a coward! His mind struggled for a solution for several more minutes before he accepted what hed already known. I cant do anything about

this. Itll happen when its supposed to, wherever its supposed to, no matter what I do and maybe even because of what I do! After a few more seconds of silent jogging he added. Ill do nothing differently than I would have without the damn dream. If Ive got to die its not going to be because I had a dream. Ill accept my assignment, pay close attention at the briefing and just get the job done. Just another day until... Henrys jaw tightened for a moment before he finished his thought. Well, until it isnt. Just another mission, until its my last. If its my last, Ill go down like a soldier. Jan... Henry thought, envisioning his wife, ...and Mark will have that medal to remember me by and the pride that I finished bravely. Thats all I can give them.

A few minutes later, Henry was drawing near the security gate accessing the main camp and headquarters. Slowing to a walking pace he slung his rifle back onto his shoulder. Id rather not get shot by a Private working the gate whos over anxious about someone running toward him with a rifle in his hands.

As Henry continued toward the checkpoint he smiled grimly having a sudden flash back to the Superman comics he used to read. Its almost like a super power. To be able to see the future. Dr. Strange or one of those cerebral guys in capes. He managed a dry chuckle and thought, As super powers go, Id rather be invulnerable.

Quickly cleared through security, Henry checked the time and saw that his rushing had gotten him there with almost twenty minutes to spare. He realized more time to think would do him no good. He needed to keep his head just where it was. He was almost relieved when he realized the opportunity for more thought was truly gone as he saw Jim rushing toward him.

Good grief man, did you run the whole way! Jim asked with surprise. I expected to stand with you at

10

the door to headquarters while you shoved this down your throat. At that, Jim held up a small bag. Breakfast, he explained. Theyre cleaning up in the mess hall and made everyone get out. You cant sit inside but since youve got the time you might as well eat on the patio. Handing over the bag, Jim turned and led the way to a row of stacked sand bags.

Henry followed and took a seat. Jim sat beside him. Pulling a sealed cup of coffee and a thick egg and sausage sandwich from the bag, Henry spoke before Jim was able to ask any questions he didnt want to answer. You know anything about the mission yet?

Jim made no attempt to disguise that he realized Henry was directing him away from whatever had kept him from riding in the truck. However, with a shrug, Jim allowed the diversion and began telling what hed heard. Henry nodded back a thank you and, after peeling away the paper wrapped around his sandwich, took a large bite.

As Henry finished his second sandwich, Jim noted, The rest of the team is going in. Wed better join them.

Swallowing the last of his coffee, Jim stood and waited for his friend. He didnt see the fear that surfaced in Henrys eyes. Neither did he notice how Henry rose stiffly, his stomach suddenly knotting with tension.

Inside, Henry sat in silence as he listened to the details of their mission. With slides being displayed on the wall before him, he sat in the dark and focused, desperately, on the mission particulars.

A small village, just a few miles from the camp, was believed to be stockpiling weapons. That suspicion

11

had to be proven or disproved. If the stockpile was there, it had to be captured or destroyed. The assigned unit would include forty two members split into four uneven squads. They would move out in shifts that afternoon.

Great, a weapons stockpile, Henry cursed under his breath. \And the damn building looks like a bunker, he added as he viewed the three story concrete structure. If our squads dont make things happen quickly, theres no way of knowing what weapons might be pulled out and used against us. Henrys heart beat in his throat as he forced his focus back on his team leaders directions.

Less than twenty minutes after entering, the soldiers were told that they had two hours free before starting with prep and final briefings. As everyone stood, Henry looked over toward Jim who was speaking intently with a Staff Sergeant. Jims dad had been a Marine. Hed grown up on his dads stories of action and heroism. Jim therefore was more excited than most about the missions he was assigned. His letters home excited his father as well. While the Marines notoriously received hazardous assignments, Jims father hadnt been assigned during war time and therefore had not seen action as intense as what his son was experiencing almost daily.

While Jim was preoccupied, Henry quickly left the briefing room. Once outside the building he hung a quick right and found a spot away from both the edge of camp and the questions of his concerned friend. Jim wouldnt believe what Id say about my dreams and Im not interested in dying on the way to a psyche eval. Pausing, Henry looked at the tight spot hed been about to sit in. Between a portable latrine and a parked truck he would have been safe from sniper attack but there were any number of other ways he could die there. Angrily he shook his head. This is not how I decided to behave. I want some time alone but hiding behind a latrine... Shaking his head Henry turned and walked to a spot near the edge of camp.

12

There he could have a view and still be relatively safe from any sudden attack.

Inevitable, Henry stated again. Sitting on the ground, he withdrew his wallet. Flipping it open he looked through the assorted pictures within. The considerable assortment actually. Out here, with few opportunities to get into town, he had few reasons to carry cash or credit cards. To do so only opened one up to theft if something did go wrong on a mission. He only needed his one ID and his dog tags for identification. The rest of the wallet was filled with a little cash and bunch of pictures. Those pictures of Jan, Mark, his parents and several friends were with him wherever he went. Both in his heart and his wallet.

As Henry fingered his way through, he paused at each photo. At the end of the stack he thought, Jim, Pat, Bob, Evan, Sgt. Greene. Everybody there had a family reservoir in one of their pockets. Links to home. Everybody wanted nothing more than to get back and see their families and friends. Henry sighed. As far as I know, Im the only one that wont be going back. Since I cant, Ill do whatever I can to see that everybody I can help does.

After carefully putting his pictures back into his wallet, Henry checked his watch. An hour and thirty five minutes. If todays the day, I havent got much time.

Just over an hour later Henry stepped out of the administration tent. Jim rushed up to his side asking, Where have you been?

I wrote a letter home. You were busy with Sergeant Greene at the end of the meeting. I didnt think my letter would take as long as it did. He looked at Jims expression and added, Im fine!

13

Yeah? Good. Jim responded but was clearly not satisfied. Guiding Henry away from the few soldiers standing around the entrance to the administration tent, Jim asked in a low voice, Are you positive! Weve got a mission in a few hours. If you dont think...

Henry stopped him in an equally low but confident voice. Really, Im fine. I needed that time. Writing home did the job! His tone convinced Jim and Henry was pleasantly surprised to feel the sincerity of his words. His complete belief in his dreams gave an inevitability to his future which he had accepted and the letter to his family really had helped. Hed placed the letter in his security locker rather than having mailed it. He didnt want to risk it getting lost en route. When it happened, the service would insure that the contents of his locker got to his family. Writing the letter and knowing that it would be delivered had given him a surprisingly high degree of closure. Hed felt a great weight slip from his shoulders.

Convinced that Henry was alright, and feeling no more than his normal level of tension before a mission, Jim turned his attention to more pressing matters, Good, then lets get something to eat. We might not get another chance for a while.

Our last meal was just an hour and a half Henry stopped himself regretting his use of the term, last meal. Checking Jims expression he shrugged off his regret. Jim didnt know about the dream. He wasnt going to get upset over such an innocuous term. With a sigh Henry returned Jims wide smile. Slapping his friend on the back he said, Lets go.

Four hours later, Henry, five other men and their gear were crammed into one of three clearly marked Army Hummers. The large vehicle was moving quickly toward their mission site. Bumping along

14

between two other men, Henry sat quietly. The dream and its prediction had been pushed to the back of his mind. He was now focused on the upcoming mission. Jim had volunteered to be a member of squad three. They would be the first ones into the building where the weapons were suspected of being housed. They were in one of three other vehicles which were approaching from several other directions.

Were entering the village. ETA under two minutes! the driver shouted back. Henry and the other men around him began their final preparations.

Wheres squad three? Henry asked.

On schedule, the radio man answered with no additional details.

There were four squads taking part in the mission. Using two unmarked vehicles, those from the first squad had been dropped off half a mile from the mission site. They had walked the rest of the way arriving forty minutes ago. Using coded messages over concealed radios, theyd notified command that the building and activity around it was as expected. Wearing Kevlar and carrying only hand guns, which could be more easily concealed than rifles, they wandered through the area identifying enemy personnel, building accesses and cover for during the battle which was almost surely coming.

The driver for the second squad, driving a Hummer which was not unmarked, had entered the site for the first time about fifteen minutes ago. Driving through the area several times, hed made himself conspicuous while the others from his squad, carrying concealed sniper rifles, moved on foot into the area and made their way to neighboring roofs or to locations in empty buildings. The plan was that the Hummer would distract attention toward itself and provide cover for the men on foot. This vehicle would also be

15

providing the members of the first squad with rifles if, or when, that became necessary.

Using radios, members of both squads one and two appraised the viability of proceeding with the mission and notified command.

Jims squad, in three unmarked trucks, would, after receiving orders to proceed, converge on the area. Carefully, their arrival was timed to be moments after the vehicles carrying Henrys squad entered the village. It was expected that those stockpiling the weapons would be notified of squad fours approach. Distracted by preparations for those vehicles possible arrival, it was hoped that those inside would be unprepared when instead, entry was attempted immediately.

Once his gear was ready, Henry settled his rifle across his chest and wished Jims squad well. Since they were on schedule, they would already be entering the building. Weapon fire from the other squads on roofs and other locations throughout the area, coupled with the notice that additional Army backup was en route, was hoped to take much of the fight out of the enemy inside.

One minute from... Henrys drivers latest announcement was interrupted by a distant but definite explosion.

Everyman on board craned their necks to look out the Hummers windows. A cloud of smoke billowed above the low roofs ahead of them as the radioman attempted to identify what had happened. Henry frowned, his mind on Jim and his squad again. Hoping that the explosion hadnt been Jims truck, Henry checked the straps on his flack jacket and prepared to exit the vehicle as soon as it stopped.

16

The driver accelerated as they waited for the radiomans report. In a few seconds he spoke. Squad twos vehicle has been hit. His next remark was unnecessary as they all heard the gunfire. All squads are being fired upon. Henry and company held on as the Hummer accelerated and a second explosion raged ahead.

They arrived on chaos. Squad twos vehicle was burning in the middle of the road. All three of the vehicles for squad three were pulled up alongside the target building which had flames licking out from several second story windows. Henrys truck was instantly under fire as it swerved up to the building and stopped several yards behind the last of squad threes trucks.

All vehicles park alongside the target building, the radioman ordered into his mic. The missile launched from the second floor. That weapons been taken out but if theres another launcher in the building theyll be hard pressed to target us so close. Rifles ready, the men rolled out between their vehicles and the building and into battle.

Too busy to give any thought to his dream, Henry fired his weapon and kept low. Several men from the first squad came over to exchange hand guns for rifles as their own had gone up with squad twos vehicle. One of the men, a friend of Henrys told him, Half of squad three is inside. The other half is still with their trucks.

Jim? Henry asked.

I dont know.

17

Henry backed into the buildings wall as two men suddenly leaned out of second story windows and began firing downward at him and the other men. The man beside Henry caught two bullets and collapsed. One in his left shoulder and another in his leg, the man rolled himself against the wall of the building as Henry, and others, swept the blazing muzzles of their rifles. Both men were hit and fell. One landed on the roof of Henrys Hummer. The other hit the concrete, head first and at an ugly angle. Henry didnt see them. He was focused on his injured partner.

Only the one in my leg got through... the man told Henry through gritted teeth. ...and it didnt hit bone. The Kevlar stopped the other one. Keep moving!

Henry nodded and looked away. Immediately he spotted a man in a window across the street and, raising his rifle, almost fired before seeing the orange badges on each of his shoulders which identified him as a member of the American squads. Dropping the point of his rifle, Henry swept his eyes toward the closest of squad threes vehicles and bolted toward it. Enemy bullets sent splinters of concrete flying around him as they hit the sidewalk and building. Relieved, Henry reached cover behind the truck without getting hit.

Back against the trucks rear tire Henry berated himself. Damn it! Are you determined to make that fraggin dream come true! Stay put until this is... He set his jaw and swallowed. Taking a deep breath, his eyes tightened angrily. The beating in his throat seemed to drop back into his chest as he caught his breath and berated himself again. Dont be an idiot! There are only two things I can do about my situation. Sit where I am and let the bullet with my name on it find me or keep moving and save as many of my friends as I can before it happens. His eyes closed, Henry envisioned his sons tear streaked face again. Grinding his teeth, he made himself imagine instead, Jims infant baby girl whose pictures hed seen many times. No one can save me. God, let me save someone else.

18

Opening his eyes, Henry looked to his right and saw two soldiers on the ground. Each was face down to the pavement. Their bodies were slack and unmoving. Henry couldnt tell if they were breathing.. Between the building and the vehicle, both laid in spreading puddles of blood. Preparing to check their pulses Henry instead threw himself against the building as the small space was suddenly riddled with gun fire. Again his gaze moved upwards, but the attack on his area had already stopped as several of the enemy, again leaning out of second story windows, were now receiving fire from the other American troops. Two withdrew into the building. The third collapsed forward but did not fall. Instead he hung, half out of the window, his body flinching as he received additional fire.

Henrys gaze dropped back to the fallen soldiers. Each had been hit several more times. Grabbing the shoulder of the larger of the two men, Henry pulled him onto his side and viewed his face. He was relieved to see that it wasnt Jim. Immediately his gaze shifted to the next truck behind which several soldiers continued to defend their positions. Checking over the hood of the truck he was behind, Henry saw an armed civilian running from a doorway as he fired at one of the other Hummers. Swinging his rifle up, Henry fired back. The man spun three hundred and sixty degrees before going down in a ragged heap. Dropping the point of his weapon, Henry lunged for the next truck.

Again he was tracked by mini eruptions of shattering concrete. Across the road a man stepped out of a doorway and cocked his arm. Bullets from Henrys rifle sent the man falling back into the building. Henry had already arrived behind the next truck and was catching his breath before the doorway the man had fallen through was thrown into the street as the grenade hed been preparing to throw exploded.

Back against the truck, and back in control of himself, Henry looked at the men hed joined. Privates and

19

Privates First Class all. Bill, wheres the rest of your squad? Henry asked the Private First Class squatting beside him.

Some are with the first truck, Bill answered as he gestured toward the first of squad threes trucks which was on the other side of the buildings only doorway. Henry looked and saw four men. One was on his back and still.

The rest?

There on the sidewalk or inside, Bill answered, this time gesturing toward the open door.

Jim?

Nodding his head the soldier answered, Hes in there too. When they went in there was a lot of gun fire but it didnt last long.

Frowning, Henry asked. How many went in?

Eight.

Henrys frown deepened as gunfire continued to rip the air around them. Looking toward the doorway he took several breaths before pulling his eyes away and studying the men scattered across the sidewalk. The squads Sergeant was among them. Two men lay, limbs akimbo, and still. The Sergeant, still breathing but unconscious remained in the doorways line of fire. Another man lying beside him, his hand still

20

gripping the Sergeants pack, had collapsed in an awkward heap and showed no sign of life. AWhy havent the rest of you gone in?

High powered rifle inside, Bill responded.

Henry, expecting that response, nodded in silence as Bill continued, Theres a long hallway beyond the door. We cant get in and cant grenade them because of our men inside. Also we dont want to detonate whatever explosives are probably in there with them.

As Henry considered their predicament he noted that the sound of battle had all but stopped. Grabbing his radio he spoke, Have we got men to make a rear assault?

The back entrance is heavily fortified, a voice answered from his radio. Wed have to blow out a wall.

Nodding, Henry responded. Understood but the front entrance is held from fire within. The corridor is too long and narrow to rush them. We need to divert their attention.

Drop back, well blow the entrance.

Now Henry shook his head as he answered, No, weve got people inside.

Damn! Alright, weve got two men with grenade launchers. Ill direct them to the rear. Hold on.

Suddenly the gun fire from inside began again. Pieces of the doorframe and wall were hit and thrown into

21

the street. They know were thinking about coming in, Henry suggested. Bill looked at him with a confused expression and Henry explained. They can hear that the battle out here is quieting. Bill nodded as Henry snarled and watched the Sergeant for signs of receiving additional hits.

Redirecting his gaze, Henry saw one of their men on the other side of the road. He was shuffling for cover and returning fire through the doorway. Henry signaled for the man to keep his shots high thinking of their men still inside. The soldier nodded and kept firing. After several moments Henry raised his radio back to his mouth but before he could speak he heard, Weve got both men in position. Theyll be firing... There was a several second pause before he finished, ...now! Another second later there were a series of loud explosions from the back of the building. Before the roar faded a stronger roar sounded and the building shook.

Must of hit something inside, Henry muttered. Looking toward the men around him he shouted. Once Im in, grab the Sergeant but stay out here until I tell you its clear, Before any of them could respond or object, he rushed through the doorway.

Smoke and dust blinded him immediately. After several yards, Henry dropped to the floor and tried to see where he was. Ahead he saw nothing but an empty hallway. Along the floor were several piles of debris. He could barely make out one doorway before the hallway faded into total darkness. Flattening himself against the floor he shouted, ASquad three, and then pressed his head to the floor as automatic weapon fire passed above him. Seeing the flashes of a weapon through the open doorway, Henry returned fire. When he stopped there were several moments of silence.

Corporal, a voice shouted from outside the door.

22

Still here, stay put, Henry ordered. As their shouting brought on no new gunfire, Henry rose to his feet and pressed himself against the wall.

Shuffling forward hed gotten only a few feet when he realized that much of the debris hes seen earlier were actually soldiers from squad three. Four men lay immediately outside of the door through which Henry had just been fired upon. All of them were dead. As Henry moved to check beyond the door he saw flames. Squinting he looked through the dust and saw that much of the far side of the room was burning. The rest was full of crates. The ones close enough to allow him to make out details were labeled as containing ammunition and weapons.

Henry took a sudden inhalation of breath as he realized that there was nothing they could do to stop the destruction the contents of those crates would cause once the flames reached them. Choking from the smoke, Henry lowered himself to one knee and, covering his mouth with his shirt, took a deep breath. As he did he spotted several more American soldiers scattered around the floor of the weapon filled room. At least a dozen enemy soldiers were there as well. Turning toward the door Henry shouted, Get away from the building. All of our men are down and theres fire! Everything in heres going to blow. Get everybody away from the building, now!

What about you, the soldier at the door shouted back.

Im on my way. Dont wait for me!

Preparing to stand, Henry glanced once more toward the soldiers in the room when he heard what sounded

23

like a moan to his right. Looking beyond the door, into the darker end of the hallway, he strained to identify the source. Pulling a flashlight from his pocket, he leveled its beam and spotted another American soldier. This one was alive. As Henry moved toward him there was an explosion at the front of the building. Henry was thrown forward and the doorway through which hed entered disappeared as the front of the building collapsed.

Moments later Henry awoke as Jim shook his shoulder. Both were covered in cement dust and the air was thick with it as well. Struggling to breath, Jim held the flashlight and coughed Henrys name.

Jim! Henry exclaimed.

Were in big trouble buddy. This place is comin down around us. Jim managed to say before covering his mouth again to take another breath.

Henrys eyes went wide as he remembered the fire in the next room and the ammo it would soon engulf. Looking around he searched for an exit. The front of the building was nothing but rubble and no light was getting through it. Looking toward the back of the building he started getting to his feet. Weve got to get out of here.

No, youve got to, buddy, and now!

Frowning, Henry asked, What?

Jim redirected the beam from the flashlight toward his legs. Both legs of his pants were saturated with

24

blood. Jim had tied tourniquets above the wounds but he clearly wasnt going to get up and hurry out of there. Leave me, Jim half ordered, half begged. Save yourself.

No! Henry barked.

Grabbing Henrys shoulder again Jim insisted, The two of us wont make it. Without me you might have a chance.

Shaking his head, Henry responded as he got to his feet. I knew I didnt stand a chance before we got here. Im not leaving you.

Jim attempted to push Henry away when Henry shouted. Think about your little girl! Jims face pinched in a different kind of pain as Henry took the flashlight and warned, This is going to hurt. Sorry. With that said he grabbed Jim by the front of his uniform and lifted him against the wall. Jim screamed in pain but then clamped his jaw shut. Tears rushed from Jims eyes as Henry got his friend onto his shoulders. Turning, Henry directed the flashlights beam down the hallway and hurried after it.

The wall to his left was smoking from the fires heat on its other side. The hallway turned to his right and Henry gladly followed it. After several yards it turned again. Passing several doorways, Henry followed a hunch and kept to the corridor. Twice more it turned. Theyd passed several doors which Henry had ignored. Now, directly ahead of them was another. The corridor ended there. Henry stopped and put his hand against it. He sighed, relieved to feel its cool surface. Whatever was on the other side, it wasnt fire. Not yet anyway. Quickly he readied his rifle and swung the door open. As the door swung from his view, Henry stared in shock.

25

A wide room stood before him. Several tables and a few chairs were all it contained. The detail that held Henrys attention however was the far wall which had collapsed onto the road beyond. He could see no one outside but even if he had he wouldnt have hesitated to cross the room and climb over the debris. Hed barely gotten beyond the fallen wall when he saw the flames engulfing much of the rear of the building. Remembering the weaponry inside Henry ran as quickly as Jims weight on his shoulders allowed. Hed gotten no more than twenty steps however when a blow from behind shoved him off his feet and knocked the air from his lungs. In the next instant the world was swallowed in the most powerful sound.

Everything moved in slow motion as Henry and Jim were lifted and carried through the air. Darkness stole the light as debris flew around them. Henry held on to his friend as he remembered his dream. Tears bloomed in his eyes before the sound was gone and everything went black.

...................................

The dark haired boy held tightly to the case as he quietly wept. As the coffin dropped below the surface of the ground, an old mans gnarled hand reached over and rested lightly on the boys right shoulder. A younger but adult hand did the same on his left. The boy simply continued to cry. His small face pulled into a tighter ball of pain as the attending priest spoke.

Later, back at home, the boy stood alone in a room lit only by the sunlight coming through a large, nearby window. The flat, wooden box rested on a small table before him as he looked up at a framed display which hung on the wall. Centered in the display was a picture of Henry. Young, healthy and in his dress

26

uniform, he stood straight and proud. Beside the photo, a Medal of Honor was mounted beneath the glass. The medal hung from a blue ribbon and beneath a cluster of silver stars. An American eagle sat on a banner with the engraving Valor printed on its surface. On the other side of the photo was a letter which congratulated Henry for his service to both his country and his fellow military members. It went on to thank him for a job well done. On the wooden frame which enclosed the display was a small golden plaque. It read simply, To My Dream Boy.

The boys eyes dropped back to the flat box on the table before him. His face pulled together painfully until he heard the door open behind him. Quickly wiping his eyes, the boy turned and saw his uncle Jim.

Smiling, Jim looked back and then began to maneuver his wheelchair into the room. The boy sighed and, still wiping his eyes sat and waited. In a few moments Jim pulled up beside him. Jim also sighed and, as his eyes rested on the wooden box, he put his hand on the boys shoulder.

How you doing, Lil Henry? Jim asked.

The boy shrugged, not wanting to trust his voice. Jim nodded in response. Yeah, me too, he answered after a short pause. Your granpa was a good man. A good friend! He loved his family and he loved you, Jim finished as he patted the boys back before bringing his hand back to his lap to clasp its gnarled mate. When your dad told Henry they were naming you after him... Jim sat back and chuckled. ...well, Ive never seen anyone happier.

The boy nodded in silence. Jim pursed his lips and nodded too as he watched young Henry for several seconds. Lifting his gaze, Jim looked at the display. Lifting his hand he combed his fingers through hair

27

which was still thick and just beginning to show signs of grey. His eyes lost focus a bit as he remembered that day over twenty five years ago.

Jims gaze dropped back to the younger Henry and he spoke. I know weve told you about the day your grandpa earned that medal.

Looking up, the boy nodded his head as he responded. Yes, that was the day he saved your life, Uncle Jim. Frowning he added. It was the day you lost your legs too.

Jim sighed. Yeah well, that happened a while later but youre right. Theres more to the story though and I think its time you heard it.

The boys brows lowered in an expression of confusion but he didnt speak. He did turn toward his uncle in anticipation however. Jim smiled and thought, Even today the boy enjoys hearing these old war stories... He paused and corrected himself. Naw. What he enjoys are stories about his grandpa. He might enjoy them as much as old Henry and I enjoyed tellin em.

Take a seat lil Henry, Jim directed as his eyes moved to the picture of his friend and he began. Your granpa dreamed about you that day.

Instantly the boy frowned. He hesitated to correct his uncle but after a short pause he just had to. But, but Uncle Jim. I hadnt even been born yet! My dad was still a kid when...

Smiling, Jim answered. Yeah, I know all that, but facts didnt always stop your granpa. He kept it a

28

pretty good secret but... Jim frowned slightly as he paused. Your grandpa told me most of this while we were in the hospital together.

Jim shifted in his chair. What remained of his legs fit easily into the upper third of his pants which were sewed shut and folded under. He leaned his elbows on the arm rests of his chair as he continued. Your granpa thought it made people nervous so he didnt talk about it. He never talked about it the whole time Id known him until he made a slip during the battle that day. In the hospital, when I asked what hed been talkin about, he tried to push it off but I had a way of knowin when he was trying to shake me off a somethin important or trying to feed me somethin I shouldnt eat. Young Henry smiled at Jims way of talking but Jim, focused on his memories, didnt notice. Your granpa used to have these dreams. Special dreams he called em. Jim paused and looked into Henrys eyes before continuing. They really were special! They showed him the future! Young Henrys eyes widened but tightened a little as well as he puzzled over his uncles words.

Yeah, I know how it sounds, Jim spoke up as the boys expression held. Just hear me out.

The boy nodded as he answered, Im listening Uncle Jim.

He saw you in one of his special dreams that very day. You hadnt been born yet so he didnt know who you were at first. In fact, he though he was seein your dad. Jim paused for a moment and looked up toward his friends picture. In the dream he saw you at his own funeral. Young Henrys eyes widened but he stayed quiet. Jim nodded and continued. When your granpa lived past that day, he was real puzzled for a long time. He said his special dreams had never been wrong before. It wasnt until your dad got into his teens that it occurred to Henry who the boy in that dream was going to be. Thats when he

29

started calling you his dream boy. Long before you were born.

Henry frowned. He never told me why he called me that.

Jim settled back in his chair. When we were in the hospital he still thought he was a short timer. He lived on a thread for years. Once he finally figured out who you were he came to my place and gave me the rest of the story. It was that day he decided youd saved his life.

Young Henry gasped lightly at his uncles last sentence. Saved his life! Grandpa nearly died that day! Both of you did! How could I, or a dream with me in it, have kept you from being...

Yeah, I didnt get it at first either. Just hold you horses, Im going to give you the whole story, I already told you that. Take a breath now and let me tell you. Jim smiled. Its a good one!

Better than half an hour later Jim paused. Hed begun with his awakening Henry from his dream that long ago morning. He included the details his old friend had later given him of that mornings special dream. He retold the events in the village and began telling of what happened during their time in the hospital together.

Young Henry had heard the story about that day many times. Because of the danger, the heroism and the eventual outcome, his grandfather and Uncle Jims survival, Henry had always been happy to have the story repeated. The loss of his legs had not lessened Jims rendition before or today. This telling was different however because of the new information and details his Uncle was adding. Jim carefully included everything that the senior Henry had told him about what he was feeling and thinking that day. The dream,

30

if it was real, made Henry feel special. It made his Grandpa seem magical!

Sitting with his eyes wide and staring blindly, young Henry attempted to wrap his brain around the wild facts hed just heard. At first a small smile played at his lips. So he thought he was seeing dad when he was a kid like me, he thought aloud. After a few moments he frowned and asked, But I still dont understand how seeing me saved his life?

Yeah, Jim began. Its hard to get a handle on. Understand now, it took your granpa some time to put it all together himself. Like I said, it wasnt until your dad was in his teens that he figured your part out, but let me tell this in order. Jim frowned, getting his thoughts straight in his mind. Even before we talked at the hospital, Henry had spent some time thinking it out. We werent assigned to the same wing until we were transferred back to the states and neither of us could get around when we first got there. Your granpa was healin up from burns, wounds, several bruised and two broken ribs, and a leg that was pretty messed up. I was dealin at first with the docs trying to save my legs and then with them trying to save me once they took em. Henry got himself transferred to the bed next to mine while I was still floatin through a purple haze of pain and pain meds.

Jim paused for a moment with an anguished expression as he thought of those difficult weeks. Your granpa, with my wife and lil girl, saved my life again as I woke up without my legs or a real desire to keep livin. With a sigh he looked back at young Henry and got himself started again. Anyway, it was almost three months later, during one of your granpas visits, when I asked him about what hed been talkin about in that dark hallway. About knowin what his chances were before wed even gotten there that day. Jim smiled and chuckled as he remembered Henrys squirming. First, he tried to get out a tellin me. He tried to change the subject, and then tried to convince me that I was nuts and hadnt heard it right but, like I said

31

before, I know better than to put out my hand when someones offerin me a cow pie.

Both Jim and young Henry chuckled that time. After a few seconds, they both sobered again and Jim continued. Thats all he wanted to give me at first. It took several visits with me pesterin before he started talkin, but I could see he wanted to tell me. Wanted to tell me bad he did. Just wasnt sure how Id take it.

Jims eyes drifted back up to his friends picture as he continued. Once he finally started talkin though, I thought he was still messin with me. Jim chuckled. I told him it was too late to be pullin my leg. I was fresh out of em. Jims expression grew serious again as he continued. AHis expression shut me up quick. Jims brow furrowed further as his gaze dropped back to young Henrys face. Your granpa hadnt told anybody about his dreams since he was a lil kid, but once hed started tellin me he would a burst if he hadnt been able to get it all out. That was when I first learned about your grandpas dreams. He told me all them. Dreams hed had before, when he was a boy, a teen and an adult. About babies being born, accidents, things lost and found. Good and bad things and how theyd all come true.

Young Henry sat quietly. Uncle Jim could stray when he talked about the old times. The boy usually liked that but today he wanted his uncle to stay focused. Jim could clearly see, in the boys eyes, that he was anxious to hear it all so he got straight on with the story.

He said seeing you was what got him off his butt, Oh! Sorry kid. His can. Jim and young Henry smiled at one another and Jim continued, Henry said that he wouldnt have taken charge like he did if he hadnt been thinkin of that sad kid in his dream. How the boy wasnt going to have much more than that medal he was holding to remember ol Henry by. Jims eyes lost focus a little bit as he paused for a moment. AHe

32

thought of my lil gal too he said. I really appreciated that. Im sure glad I was around to see her grow up. Young Henry was sitting anxiously again. Jim noticed and got back on track. Anyway, your granpa was determined that if he had to die, that it be with honor. Something Mark, and you, could remember proudly.

Young Henry had his elbows on his knees as he sat forward listening to his uncles words. As Jim prepared to continue, the boy suddenly frowned with confusion. AWhat? Jim asked.

The medal, young Henry stated without asking a question but Jim knew what he meant.

Yeah, you werent at the hospital when it arrived. Your granpa was asleep when a Lieutenant brought it in. I realized what it was right away. If I hadnt been in this chair I would a fallen down. I scared the hell out of the Lieutenant. Jim lifted his hand to his mouth and his eyes lost focus as he lapsed into silence for several moments.

Young Henry, suddenly nervous, reached for his uncles hand and whispered, Uncle Jim?

Jim jumped slightly as the boys hand made contact. His eyes refocused and he smiled reassuringly at the boy saying, You know, until that moment, I dont think Id really believed Henrys dream story. That damn box you were supposed to be holding was always the thing that kept me from belivin. I never said anything to Henry because it would have only aggravated him. He felt so much better having somebody who knew. It was important to him that I believed in the dream too. Jim frowned slightly as he continued. Your granpa never had any other special dreams after that day. Later he realized that hed never had a special dream until after his last one had come true. Jims eyes moved to the box on the table. He cursed quietly before saying in his normal voice, That damn box.

33

Its the one in the dream, Little Henry whispered.

Yeah, and your granpa knew that one day it was going to come.

Did he ask for it?

Jim shook his head. No he didnt, well not recently anyway. Jim straightened in his chair and licked his lips. Your granpa earned that Purple Heart when I earned mine but he was also nominated for and awarded that Medal of Honor. Jim nodded toward the framed award on the wall. Your granpa never got his Purple Heart. With the excitement over the Medal of Honor, his paperwork for the Purple Heart just got misplaced. The Army promised to get it to him but Henry, so happy to have made it home and worried about me, didnt follow up. Over the years wed talked about it and he even made a couple of half hearted phone calls but it never came. Your granpa knew it wasnt time yet so he didnt worry about it.

Wringing his hands, Jim frowned. Then he had his stroke and was taken to the base hospital. It was the first time hed been admitted since after the war. Well, they pulled his hospital file and somebody found the paperwork for his medal clipped in there. It had been filed away and forgotten after his discharge. Well, the forms finally got forwarded to the right division with a note. The brass got a look at the dates, his history and his current condition and rushed the process. Thats how it ended up being hand delivered to the hospital. Jim paused as he pictured the next moment in his mind. His brow creased as he continued, Once the Lieutenant was convinced I was alright we both turned toward Henry. He was looking at the box which the Lieutenant had sat on the foot of the bed as he rushed to me. His eyes stayed on the box as the Lieutenant walked over.

34

Looking back toward Henrys picture, Jim sighed. When Henry saw the box he knew the time had come. He almost seemed relieved. After the Lieutenant left, Henry told me to hold the medal for you until the funeral.

Young Henry was startled when Jims expression suddenly turned angry. Whats the matter Uncle Jim? he asked.

With his jaw clenched, Jim shrugged and then shook his head. AThat damn medal. It was... Jim shook his head again. No, it was your granpas belief in those damn dreams of... Jims eyes met Henrys. He sighed again and rested against the back of his chair. Henry watched in silence as his uncle calmed down. After a few moments Jim continued. Your granpa was in bad shape. The stroke had done a lot of damage. His heart wasnt what it used to be. Still the docs thought hed pull through... but when he saw that box. He immediately knew what it was and, just as fast, he accepted that it was time. He held on long enough to see you and your family and then he just went.

Jim almost scowled as he spoke again. I cant keep myself from wonderin,... He sighed and looked back toward Henrys picture. If Id met that Lieutenant in the hall, got the box from him there and put it away somewhere. Could I have beaten out your granpas inevitable dream?

Jim looked at young Henry who was sitting attentively. The boys eyes were sad again but Jim saw that he didnt have anything he wanted to ask or say. Jim continued. Anyway, if Henry hadnt gone into the building, after me, hed a still been sittin out there when that second missile took out the trucks and the front of the building. He wouldve died that day just like he was expectin. Instead, he went inside and

35

both of us came home. Also, because he was inside, he saw the fire and warned off the rest of the unit. They were hurrying away when the missile hit. They would have all died from the explosion or the collapsing building, instead only a few were hurt.

Your granpa survived and so did a bunch of other guys, includin me, because of that special dream. A special dream that finally came true today.

END

36