"Oh… to be young," sighed Colonel Abad, his gaze fixed on the scene unfolding below.
From our vantage point on the ridge, we watched the young soldiers enjoying themselves in the river. They splashed and chased one another, disturbing the fish and creating waves in the otherwise serene water. I wouldn't be surprised if, before long, their playfulness turned rough, and we'd have a repeat of the brawl that had broken out during their first week of training. It was surreal to think that had been only a month ago.
Others were more content to remain on the banks, where they gathered around fire pits, roasting generous portions of fish and pork I had provided for the outing. Dimalanta, ever the instructor, hadn't shed his military mode. In a quiet corner under the shade of a tree, he sat with a group of recruits, animatedly lecturing as he scribbled notes and diagrams into his ever-handy paper pad.
