Gerry’s laughter, giddy and unrestrained, grates her nerves for all the wrong reasons. Again, Carolina insists on ignoring it. No point in acknowledging nothing— and this is nothing.

She’s carried dozens of soldiers like this. All he needs now is a few bullet holes in him.

She hoists Gerry once or twice to adjust her grip, then starts the long trek home.

“You have an actual response? Mm… Sentimental, then funny. I want both.”