Page 7 of Buddy System

“Are you back working for your mom and dad’s business?”

“Part time, yes. I’m not sure for how long, although I do love it in Honeybee Hollow. You guys ought to come down for a visit. It’s beautiful and relaxing there. The people are great too.”

We shoot the breeze for several minutes, talking about Honeybee Hollow and nothing of much consequence until I can’t stand it anymore. I look at Skyler’s earnest expression and ask, “So why are you here?”

He frowns and snaps, “Because you won’t answer your fucking phone! I’ve been worried about you and…I missed you.”

“Oh.”

“Oh?”

“Um, oh…sorry?”

“Levi, what in the hell is going on with you? Are you still in a lot of pain? On drugs? Something else?”

“I just…I don’t know. Nothing sits right with me. Every little weird noise makes me want to jump out of my skin. The planes and helicopters flying over from the base all the time make me want to dive under the bed, and I have terrible dreams and flashbacks. I just want to disappear.”

“That’s pretty normal after being in combat and especially after being wounded, you know.”

“Yeah, I know. But I feel horribly responsible for our guys who didn’t make it back.” My voice cracks, and that makes me feel even worse. “I was in charge, dammit!”

I wait for Skyler to tell me how it isn’t my fault. I wait for him to say all the things that everyone else says about how I just have to be positive, be patient, give it time. But instead, Skyler just nods. His eyes are sad and resigned, as if he really understands. I blow out a breath, my body relaxing just a little bit. “How are you coping?” I ask.

Skyler shrugs. “Some days are better than others, but I don’t try to put up a good front for anyone, and I don’t live near a base that reminds me of stuff all the time. When I have a bad day, I go fishing or watch too much brainless TV. Sometimes I hike on the nature paths around town.” He pauses for a second and then adds, “I think about you a lot too. That always makes me feel better—except when you treat me like I’m a stranger by not answering my calls. Have you asked for help on the base, or do you know any other vets around here in town you can talk with privately?”

“I haven’t tried.” I scowl. “Brooke has been after me about that.”

“Then you’re lucky I showed up,” Skyler tells me with a big grin. “Even if you haven’t answered your damn phone.”

“How long are you planning to stay?”

“I guess until you either throw me out or come back to the Hollow with me.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Not just you, Levi. You and Brooke. For some time off and a change of scenery.”

“Hmm…”

“Do you like this house?” he asks, looking around.

“Not particularly. Brooke and I rent it month-to-month. I’d like to buy something though. Maybe a little bigger than this, but this place has been fine for us.”

He shrugs. “This place is okay, but I bet houses are way cheaper and lots nicer in Honeybee Hollow. And we don’t have military aircraft annoying the shit out of us by flying over.”

“Are you the Honeybee Hollow ambassador now, or did you just get your realtor’s license?”

“Neither one. I just think you’d like it there. Didn’t you tell me Brooke works remotely?”

“Yeah.”

“Then what’s keeping you here? Do you have more family I don’t know about?”

“Nah. My parents went to Florida to retire a few years ago. I’m not sure they like it though. And my sister and her husband live in Lexington.”

“That’s only a couple of hours away from the Hollow. You could see her more often than you do now, I bet.”

I sigh. “It would be fun to watch her kids grow up.”

---