The memories haunted him like dark shadows, whispering reminders of loss and sacrifice. He had lost friends in battle, young men with dreams just like his own, and their faces often flashed before him in moments of silence.
The bartender, a young woman named Carla, looked up when he arrived, her gaze lingering on him for just a moment. Their eyes met, but then she quickly turned back to her work, wiping down the bar and preparing drinks for the customers.