Tylor’s Reviews > The Women > Status Update

"When did you start to smoke?" Mom asked.

"I think it was after a red alert." At her mother's blank look, she added, "rocket attack on the hospital. The explosions were deafening. Terrifying. Or maybe after a push in the hospital where men came in blown to shit. Who knows? One minute I wasn't a smoker, the next minute I was. It helped with the shaking in my hands."

"I see," her mother said.

"No, you don't."

"It won't hurt. Either way, you leave tomorrow. Here's your itinerary. Go. Rest. Drink cocktails that come with umbrellas. Sleep. I could be saving your life, McGrath. Trust me. I've been where you are. We all can break"

"What's it like? Vietnam, I mean"

"Words won't help, ma'am. I could talk all day about what it's like and you still won't be ready. But you'll learn fast. Just keep your head down."