Interior Monologue

Brian stared up at the clear sky, filled with twinkling stars. His muscles were tense, his thoughts swirling around inside his head, making sleep impossible. Lying in trench didn't help things either. I wonder if it's as clear a night back home as it is here, He wondered. Is it raining there.....snowing? He sighed. What did it matter what the weather was like back home? What did he care? Closing his eyes, he tried to shut off the thoughts that circled in his mind, willing himself to fall asleep. The soldier in the trench next to him let out a loud snore. Brian jerked his eyes open, and scowled at the noisy sleeping lump near by. Really, can't you refrain from snoring so loud every stinking night, Joe? It's hard enough to sleep as it is, out here. Another heavy sigh escaped him, as he turned to gaze up at the stars, and his thoughts turned to his family. Jill would have tucked the kids in by now, and probably would be sleeping soundly herself. Or, perhaps she was unable to sleep, as he was, and was thinking of him. She worries too much. Poor girl, she has her hands full, with four kids, a baby on the way, and me miles away. The kids are good kids though. They'll help out when the baby comes. He smiled as he pictured his children in his mind. Eight year old Kevin was the spitting image of Brian, and had just as many quirks. Like his father, Kevin was, as Jill put it, a 'clean freak'. His room was always spotless, his appearance always fresh and clean. Kevin was always ready to lend a helping hand. He'll help out his mother when the baby comes. He already helps her with the other kids. Savannah was six and full of spunk and spirit. The wild child, Jill always said, Savannah was everywhere at once, whizzing through the house. If someone dared her to do something, she did it. If someone said it couldn't be done, she'd be the one to prove them wrong.....or at least want to try. Her brown curls were always in her face, adding to her wild effect. She's definitely a wild thing. Keeps Jill on her toes, she does, Brian chuckled quietly. Four year old Maria was the little angel of the household. Her blue eyes, golden hair and sweet complexion floated before Brian's eyes. Maria was a dainty, delicate girl, who had almost never been. She had been born early, and because of that, had never been healthy. In fact they had almost lost her at one point in time, when she was born. Thank God we didn't! I don't know what we'd do with out her. Dear sweet innocent girl. She's the household peacemaker, that girl. The youngest of the family, soon to be a big brother, was 2 year old Corry. His red hair and green eyes were so like his mother's. A bundle of mischievousness, Corry was into everything. If something was laying on the floor, and was small enough to fit in his mouth, he'd eat it, regardless of the taste. If a cupboard was left unlocked, and was where he could reach it, he'd be in it. One time he had gotten into a chocolate cake, that Jill had made, and it had been all over his face and hands. Brian grinned at this remembrance. Jill had called him ranting about little Corry's cake escapade when it had happened. Flustered and irritated, she complained to Brian, and he had simply laughed and asked her if she took pictures. Ah, that boy. The little monkey! How I wish I could have been there. Brian's smile faded. Will I even see them again? What if I'm killed out here? They won't have a father. Jill won't have a husband. My little unborn baby won't even get to meet me. Brian frowned. Stop it! What on earth is wrong with you, Brian Sullivan! You go home in two weeks. Nothings going to happen to you. I'll see them in two weeks! Brian sighed. If he didn't get some sleep tonight, he'd be sorry tomorrow. He needed his sleep. It was so hard sometimes though. His mind would start swirling with thoughts of his family. Sleep! Go to sleep. He sighed, once again, settled in the trench more comfortably, and closed his eyes. Now, if only Joe refrained from loud snores, and his....mind would.... quit..........thinking................

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