The War Raged On: A Short Story

"The War Raged On" is a short story depicting a Civil War battle told from the alternating view points of Union soldier Jeremiah and Confederate soldier Samuel as destiny leads them to the same place at the wrong time.They say misery loves company but that’s not my motive. My probably-already-cold corpse doesn’t need to steer you (dead) wrong. I’m confident there’s plenty of “company” in the Rings of Purgatory, where I’ll spend eternity - no doubt insufficient prayers will be going up for me. But imminent death wouldn’t have been my fate if I could have just faced reality.If I could’ve remembered the old, “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is,” (maybe had it tattooed somewhere I could see it easily and often) chances are I’d have more just a few months left on earth.But who can resist quick, easy, money, especially when their credit card statements look like mine? Even now, on the computer, beautiful people in banner ads are practically crooning my name, promising a better-paying career, or shadowing me with flickering visions of stuff I’ve window shopped for (but need a better paying job to pay for!). So, back in June with that Vegas bartender? After a few sips of something he concocted, I was all eyes and ears.And all you need to know, to stay safe out there, (or anywhere) is: stick with the bottled drinks. 'Cuz his blasted strawberry slushy recipe turned him from a half-blood hound, into a garnish-skewering, paper-parasol wielding demi-god of pre-mature death.They say, live and learn. I say, learn from me and live longer.