(no subject)
“ - and the goat’s bleating gave us away.”
Heather doubled over laughing, having to wait to speak until she caught her breath.
“Oh…my. Did they make you clean the barracks with your toothbrush?”
“No - the commandant actually thought it was funny, although he couldn’t say so. We were merely confined to quarters for a week.”
“I thought they’d be harsher for something like that.”
“Well, nobody got hurt. Most importantly, it was a prank on the navy, which any soldier can appreciate. You know, the whole Army/Navy thing.”
“Ah.” Heather said. “I’ve always thought that rivalry was ridiculous.”
“Maybe it is. My father only forgave my sister for marrying a sailor a few years ago.”
Heather looked at him in disbelief.
“The sailor wised up and dutifully suggested an annual family Army-Navy game of bowling. Every year he loses on purpose. My father eventually came around.”
Heather thought about asking if his family had survived, but she didn’t want to ruin the mood, so she steered the conversation back to more the amusing subject of pranks.
“Well, that story completely ruins your image as a stoic army officer.”
“Don’t let it get out. COs aren’t supposed to have a sense of humor.”
“Ever?”
“I tell people it was merely a rebellious phase in my youth.”
“So I don’t have to worry about you catnapping my Tom Cat and dressing him up in humiliating clothes?”
“No,” Beck laughed “Besides, dressing up a cat sounds hazardous to my health.”
“Not Tom Cat. He’s a real rag doll, even for strangers. As long as he’s getting attention, he’s happy.”
Heather’s fond chuckle turned into a yawn.
“My, it’s gotten late.”
“You’re right, we should probably call it a night.”
“See you tomorrow.”