Hawkeye and Margret worked their shift. Neither Hawkeye, nor Margret, acknowledging each other, more than necessary. They replaced bandages and filled out paperwork. After the agonizing, palpable tension, of their Post O.P. Duty, they headed into Colonel Potter’s office. He did not look happy. Colonel Potter sat at his desk. His hands folded, giving them, his fear inspiring, stare.

“So. Do either of you want to tell, me why my head nurse, and Chief Surgeon, are acting so strangely?”

Colonel Potter said. Glaring at the pair. Hawkeye and Margret exchanged a look. “Maybe you better-” They said in unison. “Somebody better!” Bellowed Colonel Potter. “I’ll do it.” Said Hawkeye.

“We were out, having a few drinks.” Said Hawkeye. “I walked Margret, home and…” Hawkeye paused, fearing the worst. Margret spoke up. “I kissed Captain Pierce.” She said. “I was drunk, Colonel, I apologize for my behavior.” Said Margret. “I have been having, a hard time with Donald.” She added.

Colonel Potter, leaned back in his chair. Looking thoughtful. He mused for a moment. Then said: “Maybe it would be best, if you two kept your distance, from each other.” Said Colonel Potter. “As a precaution.” Said Colonel Potter. “Sir!” Exclaimed Margret. “You don’t really, expect this to happen again?”

“No, I don’t.” He said. “But I can’t take any chances, you both have been drinking, heavily.” Said Colonel Potter. “I think it’s best if you both, in your free time, stay clear of each other.” Said Colonel Potter. “Just for now.” “I want this whole thing to clear up.” Said Colonel Potter. “I am worried about both of you.” Said Colonel Potter.

“And stay away from the liquor.” Said Colonel Potter. “I know this, will be especially hard, for you.” He said. Looking at Hawkeye. “Yes, sir.” They both said looking glum. They walked out of his office. “Well…” Margret’s voice, trailed off. As they stood outside. “Later.” Said Pierce. “Yeah, later.” Said Margret. Walking away.

Hawkeye decided, to go to the mess, tent. For some notoriously bad chow. He grabbed a tray. Then got in line. Klinger was dishing out the food. He was wearing a dress and looking particularly grumpy. “That Zale.” He groused. “What does he know about fashion?” Said Klinger. Slopping some food. On Hawkeye’s tray. “So, how are you?” Hawkeye asked Klinger humorously. “Don’t ask.” Said Klinger.

Hawkeye continued, on down the line. Next he grabbed a cup of coffee. Putting it on his tray, Hawkeye, surveyed the mess tent. Looking for a place to sit. He saw Father Mulchay, talking animatedly, with Charles. Who was looking annoyed. I’d rather avoid that … thought Hawkeye.

Hawkeye spotted BJ, sitting alone. He decided he would sit there. “Hey, Beej” Said Hawkeye. “Hey, Hawk!” Replied BJ. “Have a seat.” Said BJ. Hawkeye sat down. “How is going?” Asked BJ. “Was it a tough time in Colonel Potter’s office?” Said BJ. “Things have done downhill.” Said Hawkeye, starting to look agitated.

“I don’t want to talk, about it right now.” Said Hawkye. Sticking his fork, into a meatball.

Hawkeye, BJ and Charles, were all in The Swamp. “Want a drink?” BJ asked Hawkeye. Hawkeye glanced at Charles. “No, I think I need a break, from that stuff.” Said Hawkeye. “Finally, come to your senses, Pierce?” Piped up Charles. “I just need a break.” Said Hawkeye. Charles grinned to himself. “Mail call!” Said Radar. Entering The Swamp. “One for Hawkeye.” “Two for BJ.” “One for Charles.” Said Radar.

Radar handed them their mail. “Do you still, get any of those magazines?” Radar asked Hawkeye. “Radar.” Scolded Hawkeye. Giving him a look that, promptly shooed him from The Swamp. BJ and Charles had already stared opening their letters. BJ was pleased. “One from Peg and one from Erin!” He said, smiling. Charles read through his. “My investments are holding up well.” He said pleasantly.

Hawkeye stared at his. It was from his dad. “Go on Hawkeye!” “Open it!” Said BJ. “Alright, alright.” Said Hawkeye. He opened the letter:

Dear Hawkeye,

I haven’t heard from you in a while. Hawkeye thought back, to his unfinished letter. To his dad. Stuffed away. I know from what you, have told me, that it’s hell over there. You are in my thoughts. I hope you are OK. I don’t want you to worry about me. I am getting older, son. But my concern is for you. Come home safe.

Love, Dad.

Hawkeye sighed. “What is it?” BJ wondered. “It’s my dad.” Said Hawkeye. “He’s worried about me.” Hawkeye stood up and started to pace. “This place really stinks.” He said. Hawkeye walked out of The Swamp. Hawkeye wondered aimlessly around the compound. He couldn’t drink. He felt completely and utterly stuck. Lost in a seemingly never ending war.

Hawkeye kept walking, consumed by his tormenting thoughts. He didn’t know how far he walked. Until he unrealized he walked, far out of camp. Without giving the password. He had walked past a sleeping Zale.

He found himself in a wooded area. His heart began to race. Which way was back to camp? Hawkeye had gotten very turned around. Hawkeye could feel his palms sweat. He surveyed, the area, trying to decide, which way was best. He did not want to be taken prisoner. He kept walking. Trying to stay out of plain sight. In case he ran into an enemy patrol.

Exhausted, Hawkeye, eventually came to a field. He knew this was dangerous, because of land mines. However he did see, a hut up ahead. And outside the hut stood a figure. It can’t be… thought Hawkeye.

But there she was. There was Kyung Soon.