Summary

Chapter 21 (page 108) brings news of Eden’s reenlistment and Mary’s disapproval. During a briefing, all soldiers were alerted to a 400 thousand insurance benefit payable should anything happen to them. They were to list a sole beneficiary. Eden leaves his form blank and asks his friend to be roommates when they come back, indicating a split between him and Mary. Eden appreciates that he did not let him quit in survival school so he would not be stuck back in the States. The narrator secretly places Mary as his beneficiary on his form.

Gabe calls Mary at the beginning of Chapter 22 (page 114) wanting consent to give Eden a strong sedative for his body thrashing and teeth gnashing. She took her time arriving at the burn unit, hoping it was the end. She changes her mind when she sees Eden, unable to let him...