Larry paused for a while and continued, “Fortunately, we survived every mission and never suffered any severe injuries or casualties.
“Everything was smooth until our superior assigned a precarious mission to us.
“When he met us, he stated clearly that the mission was important but dangerous. In fact, he said that the probability that all of us could survive was merely twenty percent.
“Since the mission was the most dangerous one that we had ever accepted, we couldn’t help but feel heavy-hearted.
“Nonetheless, we couldn’t opt out because it was our duty, responsibility, and immense honor to serve the country.
“At that time, I somehow understood what my dad meant.
“We flew to Manchernius for the mission. Since the mission went on smoothly, we were delighted and thought that our superior exaggerated.
“However, when we were halfway to complete the mission, a mole revealed some classified information to the enemy. Hence, our whereabouts were exposed, and we were surrounded by more than three hundred enemies.
“It was too late for us to realize that the mission was indeed precarious. As the mission failed, we had to try our best to escape.
“We fought hard for a way out.
“Unfortunately, only five of us returned to the country. Two of us were severely injured and passed out. As for the remaining three comrades, we failed to even locate the bodies.
“I still remember one of my comrades said before he died, “Boss, run for your life. They can’t make it if you don’t lead them. Take care of them. Also, take care of my parents!”
“With that, he sprang upon the enemies to distract them while I grabbed the chance to escape. Do you know how heartbroken I was at that time?
“He died because of me. I watched as he fell to the ground. He dared not to even glance at me, for fear that the enemies would discover me. At that moment, I felt that my heart was sliced piece by piece with a knife!
“Nonetheless, I knew that I couldn’t die, for I had to live not only for myself but my comrades. Besides, I had the responsibility to take care of his parents!
“I finally understood what my dad meant. It wasn’t as simple as I thought to become a good special forces member. The moment I joined the special forces, I had been shouldering huge responsibility and calling!
“Alas, it was too late for me to understand it. Among the eight of us who went through fire and water, three could never come home.
“As for my comrades who suffered severe injuries, one of them had a disabled right arm, while the other lost both of his legs. Despite the tragedy, they didn’t regret their decision. After all, as part of the special forces, we are mentally prepared for accidents since day one.
“After the mission, both of them left the army. Our superior looked for a job for them to live their life peacefully.
“Although they were still passionate about being part of the special forces, they had lost the right to pursue their dream.
“The remaining three of us eventually applied to retire.
“Among all, we felt guilty about failing the mission, though it was beyond what we could do. Also, we were tired and wished to go home.
“Our superior didn’t stop us but approved our applications straightaway. Besides, he didn’t get any jobs for us because we requested him not to.
“After leaving the army, the three of us visited our friends who left earlier. When we met, we didn’t utter a word but merely hugged each other.
“That night, we were wasted and cried like babies.
“The past is in the past. Apart from reminiscing, we also pondered about our future.
“When one of them asked about our plans, I said I would go home and take over my dad’s company.
“The other said he wanted to go home and take some rest.
“After a while, one of them said, “Boss, I’m used to following your orders without having to think too much. Let me follow you. I can be your bodyguard!”
