I lay in my own pool of blood, riddled with bullets, waiting for my end to finally arrive. I've lost all feeling, I can not hear my surroundings, and my vision is slowly darkening. Or maybe the night is setting, and there is nothing around me... I don't know, and I don't care since it doesn't matter anyway as long as my brothers are safe. Failing this mission would only cause turmoil for my country, so one small sacrifice, my sacrifice, is of little loss. I don't feel much pain, so I guess my time is nearing. I haven't lived a good life... a dysfunctional brat in a horrible household grows up to be a soldier protecting his country. Many would see that as inspirational, maybe... but the things I've seen...  the things I've done... no one would be normal after all that. But I can't regret what I've done... I made those decisions; I willingly killed, tortured, and ordered the deaths of many. Many who were the enemy... and many who I have no doubt in my mind were innocent. Is this the life of a soldier, to be sent off to god knows where and do god knows what because the people in power back home told us to? While they live a life of comfort with their families and wealth, their citizens go to a land unknown to them surrounded by chaos. The first time I was deployed was nothing but a nightmare. Bodies lying on the ground; friend and foe, young and old, man and woman. I couldn't stomach it, but the others around me were unfazed; maybe because they were here longer, it didn't affect them. I don't want to turn in to them where a horrific sight like this was the norm, but it was inevitable... I became a monster like them. I hate myself... I hate those who sent me here... I hate my brothers in arms... I hate this life... I want a better life not just for myself, but for others who shouldn't live this life and those who never want to live this life again. Ah, I didn't realize, but it's complete darkness now. Did night finally set? Or have my eyes finally shut? It doesn't matter anymore; I just want to rest.

(Audible chatter from a distance)

Hmm?

(Audible chatter from a distance)

Who is that? Is that the enemy or reinforcments?

(Audible chatter from a distance)

I guess it doesn't matter since I'm on the brink of death.

(Audible chatter from a distance)

Whoever it is I hope they find me already, I'm trying to have a peaceful death here, but all that chattering is getting on my nerves.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

(Audible chatter from a distance)

Seriously, what the hell!

I open my eyes and become perplexed at the sight before me. A carved ceiling full of engravings, something you'd see from an old European castle.

I don't understand; I was in enemy territory, so it's not possible for me to be here, is it? Was I saved and transported here? But how and why? There's no way I survived; it's impossible. I was full of bullet holes. I was as good as dead.

(Audible baby noises)

Was that a baby? Why is there a baby near a patient?

I listen closely, but nothing except for the distant chatter.

Strange? I thought I heard the cooing of a baby.

(Baby cooing)

There it is again! Why is there a baby here? Is it someone's kid visiting another patient? Matter of fact, am I even in a hospital?

(Baby cooing)

They sound so close, like they're next to me. Is it my kid? No way, I'm pretty safe with that kind of stuff, and I wouldn't want to be some kid's father. I wouldn't feel right raising a child after everything I've done... I don't think I'm capable of giving them affection without feeling any semblance of guilt.

The guilt consumes me. I recall my dreadful past, and a lump creeps up to my throat. The wailing of a baby ensues. The loud screeching was deafening. I wanted to cover my ears so badly, but my arms were restrained by my sides. No amount of struggling would free my arms. I was resigned to believe that I had finally passed on to the afterlife and was now in hell. Although the booming cries echoed throughout the space I was residing in, I could faintly hear a pair of footsteps coming closer to me. The more I hone in on the sound of footsteps, the more I could differentiate the clacking of high heels and dress shoes inching closer to me. It must be the parents. Tears roll down my eyes as I thank God for bringing my saviors. The footsteps stop beside me, and a man's head pops out from the corner of my vision. 

I freeze, and the wailing dies down. I was petrified by the man's appearance. Pale white skin with a bit of age and long, black, wavy hair that passes his shoulders and a patchy beard with thin, wide lips and a straight nose. He wasn't anyone that I knew, but his eyes looked familiar. They were like mine when I was first deployed. Jaded with hardly any focus. His eyes were on me, but not looking at me, not really looking at anything. He was like a vampire. The man was clearly tired, and I could tell he hadn't had any proper sleep for days.

His arms reached out to me, and he... picked me up? I was bewildered by his strength as he picked me up so effortlessly like I was a... baby...

No... No... NonononononoNO! THAT'S NOT POSSIBLE; IT CAN'T BE!

Why didn't I notice this before? Cries as if they were next to me, tears rolling down my eyes, and my arms restrained to my side. 

I... was the baby...