Jon won his bet. Before the month was up his eyesight had restored itself. He had put on stone in weight and was considered ready for the long term Rehabilitation Centre. Here, with good solid food, freedom to move around, pay in his pocket, and girls ready to come at his beck and call he put on more weight, relaxed and sorted out his feelings. He waded through the phases of self-pity, bitterness, anger at the futility of war, and regret that he never fought a battle. Then as he became mentally stronger he became more positive, and even started to put pen to paper. After two months at the Centre he was called to the War office. Here, to his great delight he received acknowledgement of his efforts. Owing to his German skills he was seconded to the Intelligence Branch, and best of all he was promoted to the rank of a Captain. He was posted to war-torn Hamburg, where he was to help the Allied forces search out the German war criminals.
The ferry boat steamed out of Dover. Jon, in his new officers uniform, Sam Browne polished so it gleamed, leant over the rails. He watched the white foam as the ship sliced its way through the waves, tossing the water aside to make patterns which then disappeared.
Suppose I'm a bit like this ship. I've gotta slice thro' life, on and on. Must shed whats unnecessary, bad memories, fear, hunger and all that crap. My first steps on the stairs of life havent been all that easy. But its up to me, Jonno old boy. Goin' to look forward, thats what I'm goin' to do. Life as an officer! My My! Officers Mess. Regular food. Good money. Maybe I'll catch some of the buggers who roughed me up. Here am I, twenty-three years old and just starting again.
A large wave blew a cloud of spray across his face. Even that spray is wonderful. Christ Almighty, I'm lucky to be alive. Now whats coming next?