287 What She Really Meant

Gael loosened his tie when they landed back on the ground floor of the Bunk. The underground level felt suffocating the entire time they stayed there. Seeing that man again brought memories from that day—August 30—his birthday. He tried to push the haunting thoughts out of his head so his father wouldn't see how that day still affected him. They mourned over losing their soldiers and feared nearly losing his grandmother and sister that day.

His uncle and father—heck, the whole family told him it was not his fault. But he couldn't help feeling guilty over what happened. The names of the men they lost that day floated in his head. If only he knew better. If only he was a better leader. He pushed the door to the bathroom and closed it behind him. Splashing his face with water, the coldness hit his skin, and he was calmer.