He pulled off his cap and exposed his naked head to the air, his thoughts turning to his family. If he had any sense, he’d go home, beg LaDaisy’s forgiveness and hope she wouldn’t kill him for deserting them. How would he explain the nightmares? He was surprised she hadn’t figured it out all by herself after a few years of marriage. Would she understand those horrible experiences stole a man’s pride and sanity? And how could he admit his shame for being unable to provide for them? It was a hurtful situation for a proud family man. I promised you a vine-covered cottage, girl, not a ramshackle house with a yard full of weeds. You at least deserve someone who can pay the rent.

He put his cap back on, picked up his sack and started walking again. He hadn’t gone far when a dusty truck pulled up beside him, and one glance told him he needn’t have worried about his appearance. Men with unshaven, tired faces rode standing up in the back of the truck. A few sat at the rear with their legs dangling over the tailgate. A large sign hung from the side of the truck: BONUS ARMY. He would not have described any of those pathetic men as a bonus to the Army.

The driver stuck his head out the window and waved him over.

“I reckon you’re headed our way.” He motioned behind him to the truck bed. “Hop in, if you can find an empty spot.”

Daniel tipped his cap and nodded. “Much obliged, mister.”

He handed his pack up to one of the men, then grabbed an outstretched hand and clambered aboard. The men wedged him between them as the truck started up and continued down the road.

He got his breath and turned to the man beside him.