brothers in arms

A long time ago I heard a story that has stuck in my memory ever since.

War. Two brothers in arms. A company is forced to retreat under heavy fire. One of the two is severely wounded. After some time the latter becomes aware that the other one was left on the battlefield. He comes back, looks for him among the dead and finds him still alive. He takes on his back and carries him under fire.

When he reaches the camp, his friend is dead. His wounds were too severe and there was nothing to be done anyway. His colleagues ask him whether it was worth risking his life. He looks at them, astonished, that they ask such a question. He says, “When I found him, still conscious, he said “I knew you’d come”‘.

Coming back instead of pushing forward, taking a roundabout way, exposing oneself to a danger, giving one’s life for the others. Even among nonsense and turmoil. The final proof that you’re important to me. My husband, my wife, my daughter, my friend.

M