That evening, Mark and his wife watched reruns of the attacks. They saw people leaping to their deaths and then the collapse of the towers. On the screen, people ran through the streets covered in the deadly dust that shrouded lower Manhattan.
“Shelly?” His wife turned to him. Tears stained her cheeks. “Shelly!” he repeated.
“If I was a paramedic in Manhattan, I would have been in or near those towers. I’d be dead now. All those men and women … ” A tear rolled down his cheek. She reached out and brushed it away. “Shelly, I’m going to join the army.”
“Mark, you can’t! What about our baby?”
“It’s because of the baby, Shell. We can’t let people attack our country and take our freedom.” He paused and pulled Shelly into his arms. ”Freedom is what this country is built on. It’s what our flag stands for.”
“But, Mark. What can you do for the army? You’ve never fired a gun in your life.”
“I could be a field medic.”
“I don’t want you to go, Mark, but I understand your reasons and will support you.”
The next day, Mark stood in line at the recruiting center with other men and women who heard the call and wanted to protect their country. Four months later he was sent for basic training. When complete, he had a few weeks to spend with his wife, who by now, was very pregnant
“Mark, you look great in your uniform.”
Mark held his arms out from his sides and spun in a circle. “You like?”
“Oh yes!” Shelly said with a twinkle in her eye. “You’ve lost weight. And look at look at your arms. They really got you in shape at camp!” She reached out and hugged him – their unborn child between them. “I’ve never been with a knight in shining armor before.” she whispered into his ear.
“This is your lucky day!” Mark laughed and held her tight. “Come with me my little damsel.” He led her to their room.
