War

I quietly walk inside my house; the moon having long taken the suns position. "Mom! Dad! I'm back for the night!" I yell into the darkness. Maybe they're already asleep... I tip-toe my way up the stairs, and to my parents room. I flick on the hall light, and find a letter taped to their bedroom door.

Dear son,

Your mother and I have gone out to eat with some of her friends (Celestia knows I wouldn't put up with them if it wasn't for her). You're on your own for dinner tonight, expect us to be back late, and your mother to be drunk. If I don't get to see you before you leave, I just want you to know I love you. You're my one and only son, so please, for me and your mom, come back safe... I saw that look in your eye... It was the same one I had when I enlisted. Just remember to keep your head down and your rifle pointing down range. And I beg of you, please please PLEASE don't be a hero... I've watched you from the moment you were born until now; I've seen you transform from a mischievous colt, to a smart, handsome young stallion. And it's going to hurt me to see you transform into... Into a fighting machine. But that's what they'll train you to be, and that's what you'll be... Be ready to break down and be rebuilt; be ready to change. You won't come back the same; nothing will be like it was when you left. Relationships end, opportunities close, and public opinion sways. We might be backing our troops now, but in a year, it could be the complete opposite. War is funny like that...

Love,

Mom and Dad

He knew I was going to enlist from the beginning... I neatly fold the letter into a small square, and tuck it away into my pocket.

Ding! Dong! Dong! Ding! the old grandfather clock strikes 11. Guess it's time to sleep... I just want to fall asleep and not wake up...Better yet, wake up and find this all to be a dream...

        I slowly open my eyes, recounting the day before. That's right, I got drafted... I-I really have no say in the matter... I quietly think to myself. Slowly, I rise from my bed; both my alarm and the sun telling me it's passed 12 PM sharp.  Well, shit... Still got a few hours till Mac gets done...

        With nothing else to do, I make my way towards my bathroom; reasoning a nice warm shower will help me relax. I turn the facet until the water is just above room temperature. The warm water cascades from above, causing both my mane and fur to be pressed against my skin. Trying to relax, I lift my head up, allowing the water to douse my face. But no matter what, I can't stop thinking about it. I feel my face scrunch up, unable to keep the negative thoughts at bay. One question lingers in my mind.

What if,,, What if I die?