Barren Soul: (8) Carentan
Kat watches from the town square as more members of Easy start to file in - Talbert and Shifty, along with Gordon and Blithe. She’s happy to see them - the other men look up to Talbert in particular and rely on him. He’s a good soldier, one of Easy’s best.
He’s still one of the holdouts in regards to Kat - polite enough in the few occasions they’ve interacted, but he doesn’t seek her out, either. She knows how much the rest of the men rely on him, and she knows he’s a good leader, so his rejection stings, though she tries not to take it personally.
“Well look who decided to show up, Floyd!” George Luz crows, approaching his friend to shake his hand.
“I thought we’d never find you.” Talbert says, and Kat can practically feel the relief pouring off him. She wonders where he’s been - who he’s been fighting with. She stands, ready to go over and check over the four of them.
She trusts the medics in other units, but feels a pull to take care of her own men, even if they’d still rather be looked after by Doc Roe.
“Get a load of this,” Liebgott has elbowed his way to the front of the gathering crowd, unfurling a Nazi flag. He’s been showing it off all morning, and is equally impressed by the poncho Talbert pulls out of his pocket.
Kat approaches slowly, still feeling hesitant, but listens with a small smile as Hoobler declares his luger is going to be the talk of the platoon when he finally gets one.
Shifty spots her first. “Hey, Kat,” he grins, “You made it.”
She can’t help but return his genial smile. “You too, Shifty. Didn’t doubt it.” She glances over at Tab, who is watching her closely. “Talbert. You guys all right?”
“Fine, ma’am.” Tab responds quietly. Kat wants to bristle at the use of a formality rather than her rank or her name, but she doesn’t push it. He’s at least speaking to her this time, though he’s not making any eye contact at all.
“I think we’re moving out soon,” she says. “Might want to catch some rest if you can get it before Welsh rounds us up.”
Talbert nods and Shifty and Gordon go with him. Blithe doesn’t say much, and Kat watches him carefully, wondering if she should speak to him, or find Roe. He looks out of sorts, a little dazed, though she is also feeling out of sorts - she feels like she hasn’t slept in a week.
Kat settles on the ground and lets the low rumble of voices around her lull her into a restless sleep. She tries to stay alert, but the adrenaline is wearing off, and she suddenly feels the weight of her exhaustion.
It feels like only seconds before Lieutenant Welsh is bellowing, startling her awake. “Let’s go, First Platoon! On your feet!” He fiddles with his pack as the men grumble. “Easy’s moving out!”
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