The first time breathing fresh air freely, without needing a gas mask.
The first time touching soft green grass without thinking about digging a trench.
The first time twisting open a party popper without looking for cover.
The first time feeling the joy of a musical rhythm instead of covering my ears.
The first time falling asleep peacefully, without nightmares, no longer needing to grip a pistol at all times.
Experiencing so many firsts, the tears suddenly started to fall.
'So I can still be moved after all.'
....
"Boss, we're over here!"
A veteran saw Yves and Paine walk into the bar and shouted, raising his beer bottle.
Yves and Paine followed the voice and found the veterans.
Each of them grabbed a beer from the table and took a long swig.
The cold beer flowed down their throats, chasing away some of the morning chill.
