Mark sat in the dark smoke-filled room, the only light came from the red glow of his cigarettes.
Silent nights were his worst companions but he couldn’t stand the meaningless drone of the TV, where everyone looked cheerful and conversed with the ease of those who led normal lives. He hated the silent nights.
PTSD. That was what the doc said. PTSD. An easy blanket name used to describe his postwar struggles, and a handful of prescription that didn’t take away the recurring booms of explosives, the pungent stench of charred human bodies, the severed limbs, and the blood; so much blood.
The heroes welcome had been short-lived, for in the land fit for heroes there’s hardly any jobs for those like him and he wished he was back in Afghanistan, where he knew his place.
Now, he just didn’t know himself anymore.
Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha
a cooking pot and twisted tales 
This is so poignant and real. Good one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Drew.
LikeLike
@thelonelyauthorblog, my thoughts so exactly it’s a little freaky. Seeing posts generating awareness of PTSD especially in our veterans encourages me too. Thank you, Jacqueline ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now, he just didn’t know himself anymore.
–That’s the sad part.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😕 he’s facing an inner war different from what he’s known…and has no idea how to fight it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He felt the physical war was easier than the one inside him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sad and so undeserved for those who fought for their country.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s just sad how society seems to forget them after all said and done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those who willingly volunteer to pay the ultimate price deserve so much more than they are given. This post has so much feeling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Steph. Such selfless sacrifice does indeed deserve much more than they are given.
LikeLike
Stirring is the word I was searching for.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Powerful and hard hitting. An apt description our how our war time Veterans are not getting the care, support services or programs they need.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope there will be a change sometime in the near future.
LikeLike