All it takes is a moment (Friday Fictioneers)
Floating so peacefully down this river I am worlds away from interstellar war. I can almost image it was a bad dream. Here the sun’s heat warms my face, and pollen sneaks up my nose making me sneeze. I hear buzzing bees, bird calls and the splash of waves. There is no laser fire, explosions or the smell of blood. I close my eyes and concentrate on my breath, on my heartbeat, and on the tremor in my hands.
I can’t go back.
Decision made I drop my communicator into the water. The squad departs at dawn. I must hide.
This is a Friday Fictioneers Prompt
You can read more of the FF prompt responses here
word count: 100
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Rambles, writing and amusing musings 
This could have been a shell-shocked soldier in the trenches, or even a bullied bank clerk. You captured the trauma and the need to escape so well, Laurie
Thank you so much, Neil!
You masterfully described the sharp contrast between a peaceful spot in nature that doesn’t care about wars. Let’s hope, the MC can escape the horror.
Thank you so much!
Good idea, hide by the tranquil river. Well done, Laurie.
Thanks Mason!
Great Take and descriptors
Thank you!
We all have a choice, but sooner or later that freedom is taken from us. Do they shoot deserters?
I don’t think it’s her fellow soldiers she is going to have trouble with sadly.
Laurie, I love being a witness to the MC’s watershed moment. Good for her. Sounds like she can take care of herself.
Thanks Jade!
You’re welcome 🙂
I hope he can find a place to hide though I’m not sure staying there will fix what ails him.
True. I don’t think there is escape from what is going on in their mind.
I hope the planet can provide the sort of hiding place “you” are seeking. Perhaps all is not as it seems. . . . Or not.
Ah, yes indeed. Thank you!
Dear Laurie,
I hope your MC can make a clean escape. You had me in the water, swimming along. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you, Rochelle !
Works very well, leading to the decision, v good…
Thank you so much!
A very satisfying story, Laurie. Your ending is a surprise and yet makes perfect sense. I’m rooting for your deserter!
Thank you Penny!
Oh yes. Good for her. She needed to break free from all that.
Agreed! Thank you
My pleasure!