A Smokey Day The Germans no longer covered the burning hills around them. The only shooting Martin heard was far away. There were still plenty of screams, though, plenty of moans and breathless prayers. The Germans had not bothered to come down and check on their handiwork, and were too occupied to miss a couple hundred Allied soldiers, a quarter of whom, judging by the noises and the movement, were still alive. One man, not …showed first 75 words of 949 total…

…showed last 75 words of 949 total…the first attack. The flames reached the edge of the water and died with remarkable swiftness. The sight both sickened and elated him, the river was silent. None of the survivors spoke or even moaned. They lay back, their eyes closed. Martin followed their example. Thinking of the future Billy had before him, as he pulled out the receipt to an engagement ring he was asked to hold. Martin hoped the smoke would never lift.