Can a regular errand like Laundry be memorable? It was for me.
Was busy loading the washer in the apartment laundry. Noticed a guy in US army uniform busy at the dryer.
Could not stop chatting up.
Me:"Are you in the army?" (You never know...best confirm)
Soldier: "Yep"
(pause) we both get busy. He starts to leave, and says,
I am leaving today
Where for?
IRAQ (Eye-raak, he says)....
Oh...(i don't know what to say)...finally manage...Is this the first time?
No, Second
Oh...(Again i don't know what to say)....Idiotic question follows...What is it like there?
He shrugs, Its CRAZY, what more can i say?
I am not done yet, more idiotic comments to follow- ...."Its been years now, American people are against it, still the government is adamant on keeping troops in Iraq. "
They want to help. Although, when we had the huge flood down south, nobody helped. No country did.
Hmm....I hope this madness ends soon. and you come back quickly.
He smiles, (but his eyes are brimming with tears). Thats face is imprinted in my memory. Inexplicable.
We say goodbye...SEE YOU SOON.
I come home with a heavy heart. Idiot me, should have asked his apartment number. I can at least go and meet his family while he is away....Never thinking of right things at the right time is an old problem with me. And now there is no way of knowing....
Next day, at the gas station, hubby is complaining about the raise in Petrol prices. from 3.37$/ gallon to 3.48/ gallon.....Hubby's friend chipped in, If not for the troops in Iraq, It will go to 10$/ gallon. May be. I don't understand the politics/ Economics behind it. But what about the tough soldier's eyes brimming with tears? What about them?
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