“Hey Chad, it was an accident you know? He didn’t mean to do it, and he’s really sorry about it, aren’t you Duck,” Shane said, and knelt on the floor next to Chad.

Duck looked sideways at Shane then said “Yeah buddy, it was an accident all the way. I was just wired up from the kid shooting at me and stuff. I’m real sorry.”

“She never hurt anybody. She didn’t deserve this, you know. I just can’t…can’t,” Chad said and turned to Shane for the words. Shane threw his arms around Chad, pulled him in and hugged him.

“It’s alright buddy. Sometimes bad things happen, and there is nothing we can do about it. It’s just not fair, I know, but that’s the way it is. It’s okay big guy, let it out. What should we do for her you think,” Shane said pushing Chad away just enough to look in his eyes.

“Can we have a funeral for her,” Chad said sounding younger than he looked.

Duck started to laugh, but his laughter was cut short by the fire in Shane’s stare.

“Sure we can. I think that’s a good idea,” Shane said turning back to Chad, and then helping himself and Chad to their feet.

Chad shuffled out into the glaring sun carrying the dog with him. They walked around the corner of the building, and found the right spot. The one spot that was clean and soft and in the shade of two tall buildings. Chad handed the dog to Duck, who was loathe to take it at first but caved under his Sergeant’s stare, and dropped to his knees. He drew his folding shovel out of his pack and began digging. It took half an hour for him to dig a suitable grave, and another half an hour to fill it in with tears streaming down his cheeks the entire time. After a few words from Shane they walked away; Chad between Shane and Duck each of them with an arm over his shoulder. The began making their way back to base. It had been a long day. Their scheduled patrol was almost over, it was getting late, and there was a good chance the next day wouldn’t be any shorter. They all needed a little rest.