THE SOLDIER: A Vietnam War Era Novel by Schwartz Richard Alan

Author:Schwartz, Richard Alan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Village Drummer Fiction
Published: 2020-11-09T16:00:00+00:00

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Following lunch, they worked in the kitchen while preparing Thanksgiving dinner. Rachel stood at the sink washing celery. Next to her, Brian cubed parsnips. She inadvertently bumped against him. He then purposely bumped her with his hips. She burst out laughing, then returned his action in kind. Brian wanted to ask a question about her great-aunt’s papers but with Shira also in the kitchen decided not to.

They gathered at the Thanksgiving dinner table. It was laden with the results of multiple day’s preparation and many hours of cooking.

Rachel, sitting at Brian’s side, used both hands to straighten out his collar.

“Thank you,” he said, amazed at the warmth he experienced from her simple gesture.

The assembled closed their eyes and bowed their heads as Arnie intoned, “We thank you Lord for allowing us to reach this day of Thanksgiving and the bounty before us. Please Lord, in your infinite mercy, see to it those still fighting in Vietnam come home safe and without injury. And those who’ve come home can heal and find peace within themselves” He looked up at Shira who was glaring at him. “And that this is the last year of the war.”

In unison, they said, “Amen.”

“Did you celebrate any holidays in Vietnam?” Rachel asked.

“Arnie and I attended Passover in Da Nang,” Brian said. “I never liked gefilte fish but it was such a pleasant reminder of home, I ate extra.”

“Could we have one meal without war stories?” Shira pleaded.

After a few minute’s silence, Rachel said to Brian, “Arnie said you live on a ranch. Please tell me about it?”

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