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"Would you relax?" she says with a hushed tone

I lean over so that ainst her ear "Sunshine, would you be able to relax if all you could picture was a little alien popping out of one of their bellies? Just like in that damn Spaceballs movie I swear to God, if that happens, you’re on your own because I’ the attention of the roo me with their eyes

"Goddammit, I’m in some weird hormone bubble and I feel violated Oh so violated," I coles out of Chelcie I try to scowl at her, but that only causes her to laugh louder

She holds her hands up in surrender, trying her hardest to calnancy azine she handedthe same article for the last thirty ?

I’ht now

"You two are just lovely together Congratulations on your baby," the wohter Her husband is overseas--bless his heart Anyway, I’m here to be support if she needs me It’s so wonderful to see a couple so in love"

"Thank you, ma’am And please tell your son-in-law thank you for his service"

She looks over at me with a question in her pale eyes before a wide smile takes over her weathered face "What branch were you, son?"

"Marines,out to patman I’ll pass that on And thank you for your bravery, honey It takes a strong soul to be able to do what y’all do"

I s the uncomfortable lump in my throat and try to think of an appropriate response I’ when an attractive woman wobbles out and walks over She set one ets up and leaves

I look back down at et ether If only she kne broken ht, you know," Chelcie whispers

I don’t respond I just sit there, reach out, and grasp her hand with ht squeeze I’ve never felt brave I’ve felt coht with him for our freedom in more ways than one But I always felt like a fraud because I joined the Marines to make sure I was there for Coop, and I’ve always felt incredibly selfish for my motivations

"Ms Avery?"