Battle of the Rhine

The last time Michael saw Quincy was early in the morning.In summer, European skies light up very early.A pearly mist wafted through the forest, and the yellow sun slanted to one side of the sky like melted cheese.The German prisoners were arranged neatly in groups of two, silent and orderly.They wore tattered field gray uniforms, many without hats and helmets.Quincy stood at the back of the line, next to a square-faced man who looked like a carpenter.Michael was standing on the other side of the road with a gun in his hand, and Oliver said, "Ha, that's a big deal."

The team of prisoners moved slowly, and soon, like a march, the Germans walked westward along the road with neat steps.It wasn't until Quincy disappeared that Michael murmured, "They won't die, will they?"

"God only knows—the Wehrmacht might be better than the SS," said Oliver, straightening his hat. "It wouldn't all be hanged, I guess. Somebody's gotta be left to rebuild those nice houses, don't you think?"

"you're right."

Michael did nothing wrong last night.Really, he lost even the desire to do bad things.His stomach seemed to be filled with several large heavy stones, and he couldn't even eat dinner.Quincy lay under a tree, eyes open.If it weren't for his chest still heaving slightly, Michael would even feel that he was facing a corpse.

"You've got to learn to smile," Michael said. "Don't stare when you're registered when you're out of here."

He didn't care if Quincy listened or didn't understand, he just babbled on his own, "You have to smile—look at Fried, that little fat guy, he smiles at everyone, and everyone agrees." Like him. That guy's going to be all right, he'll be home in a few days. I know you're a college student. . . . It doesn't hurt to smile more."

From the moment Michael received the order from his superiors, he began to move around.He went to the commissary and bought a few pairs of sturdy socks—the new shoes were uncomfortable and too glaring, so the socks were much more understated.He also bought a new pair of underwear, some chocolate and black coffee.In addition, he got some little cheese and fruit drops.He stuffed them into a bag, it was a trophy, leather, good quality.Quincy should also have such a leather bag, which is the standard equipment of the German Wehrmacht.But Michael didn't see Quincy have such a bag, maybe it was the same as the one in his hand, and it was seized by some American soldiers.

Sugar provides energy.Michael peeled off a candy and stuffed it into Quincy's mouth.Quincy continued to lie dead with the candy in his mouth.Michael unbuttoned his clothes - well, he had to, but not to vent his wicked lust.He felt on Quincy's chest, found the secret pocket of the shirt.Then Michael put a small roll of money into the secret pocket, one hundred and seven dollars, and he couldn't afford more.

"I have no money, not much, and I have to save some money. My salary is sent to Mary..." Michael pulled out his hand and lit a Camel cigarette.U.S. dollars are very popular in Germany today. He estimated that 100 yuan would always keep Quincy from being displaced after being released. "Even if I compensate you." Michael said, this was a bit awkward, but he couldn't find a more suitable wording, "You remember to hide the money well, so that no one can steal it."

This time, Quincy moved.Of course, he simply "moved", stretched his legs, and rested his elbows on his chest.His eyelashes trembled a few times, and his lips moved.Michael thought he'd say something: "Thank you", that's impossible; "Go to hell", "You nasty porno" or "I'll get my revenge sooner or later" would be more German.But Quincy didn't say a word, he shut his mouth tightly, and after a few seconds, even his eyes closed.

Michael and Quincy sat under that tree for half the night.Michael clutched his gun and smoked his stash of cigarettes.Finally, he grabbed Quincy and kissed him on the left cheek and then on the right cheek.Quincy was stiffer than a rock under his hands.Michael didn't try to kiss Quincy on the mouth, although he badly wanted to.

"Long way to Diporelli,

There is still a long way to go.

Long way to Diporelli,

Go find my most beloved girl! "

"Little German" Oliver hummed a song, shaking his body gently to the tune.For German prisoners of war, there is indeed a long way to go.For Michael Fiennes, his military career came to an end in August 1945.The Japanese announced their unconditional surrender, and the two atomic bombs made these stubborn heads suffer a lot.Michael no longer has to worry about being sent to the Pacific battlefield, he can go home, take his combat infantry medal, and many comrades in arms, leave Europe by boat, and rush to his long-lost hometown.

"Fuck me, I'm never coming back," said Peter, shaking his hat furiously. "Goodbye! Fuck Europe! Fuck war!"

Going home made waves in Michael's mind, and for a moment, he had to admit, "going home" suddenly became an unattractive word. "I haven't had time to take a good look at the Rhine," he muttered, "I want to jump in for a swim or something."

"Forget it," "Big Girl"'s hat flew out of nowhere, her hair fluttering in a mess in the sea breeze, "I almost lost my life by that damned river—"

Together they thought of Tim.Tim was buried on the slope beside the Rhine. If he was still alive, he might have cried out of excitement. "I want to live well," said "Big Girl" with red eyes, "to live to be a hundred years old. When I live to be a hundred years old, I will come back and see. At that time, Germany may have changed its mind and become a good country." Scientists have also invented a new means of transportation, and it only takes one and a half hours from New York to Berlin. About one and a half hours, what do you think?"

"It's fine," Michael said.The shores of Europe grew farther and farther away, gradually turning into a blur of shadows.The weather has turned cold, I wonder if Quincy is still alive?If he is still alive, has he been released?Are you home?Have you met his Emma?Michael fumbled in his pocket, where lay a military badge hanging from a chain.This is the only personal item he snatched from Quincy... "It should be exchanged for 100 yuan."