The sky was emblazoned with orange, not only from the dying sun. Sat on the top of the sand dunes about a mile from the centre of Tripoli was the best view of the sunset in the evenings; which was the only peaceful sight to be seen unless you were on the other side of the countries border. It was mid summer, the light lasted longer, meaning it all settled down much later. Distant flashes could be seen on the horizon, followed by a dull warm light, dancing in the city for many hours on end. Of course, it shouldn't be something that should be described like a painting, the warm light was burning, destroying, consuming. Deep sounds that shook the ground could be heard, followed by the sound of allied planes flying over head, shooting far away to reload and do the same the same time the next day. The operation ran like clockwork. The sharp, high pitched sounds of gunfire, ringing in the ears like bells. And the quiet, constant sound, like a metal ball rolling down a wooden table, of trucks and cars driving through the sand. It was the lethal orchestra, but somehow always in time, never missing a beat.
I laid back in the dust, it matching the colour of my uniform, my helmet laid to my side. I played with the straps thoughtfully, looking up at the pastel sky containing more aircraft trails than clouds. Most would play with their phone at the strike of boredom, but I could tighten my bulletproof vest, reload my gun, adjust the straps of my helmet. It was a simplistic life, yet you were always on edge. If only I did have my phone in my pocket I thought, a pang of longing shooting through my mind. Just over 1000 miles away laid my beautiful Analine, probably asleep already. I could distinctly remember the exhaustion we felt every night when Katti was first born, especially in the first 6 months. Making an unspoken rota for who shushed her back to sleep, who was up first in the morning to let her out...it made my heart ache just to think she was looking after them alone. Only a few months ago our second, Cosmina was born. She says she has my eyes, but I don't know yet. I can't wait to see.
The sharp high pitched sound in the distance suddenly sounded louder, and I flinched. I sat up abruptly, and pulled my helmet over my head. The flashes still grew bright, brighter than before, but my eyes were probably still adjusting to the sand coloured buildings instead of the pastel sky. I got to my feet and began walking down the hill, hands in my pockets.
Then my head hit the ground.
hehe!
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