An Army of One 

     Part 3

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    We are home, and our family is complete. Lianne is back from work and Robin has settled in. He has eaten, showered after his long journey, and has accessed his duffle bag to transition to casual shirt and jeans. He looks almost like a teenager again. 

    Robin spends a few days at home. He enjoys a carefree weekend. Operation Iraqi Freedom becomes temporarily distant as he relaxes and recuperates. He sleeps late. He has friends to visit, and a social life once again to pursue. 

​    On the Monday following his arrival, Robin and his longtime best friend from high school, a friendly, outgoing Muslim named Masood whose family is from Afghanistan, travel together to vacation in the Bahamas. They spend a week partaking of sun, sea, and tropical nightlife.

​    During Robin’s absence, Marcy and I, too, are on leave, of sorts. Gone is the anxiousness of the last seven months, and the parental concern for our son’s safety. 

It’s a welcome reprieve. 

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       Part 4.

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