Paradoxical Itch

“Remarkable, most people blunder around the city and all they see are streets and shops and cars….you see the battlefield. You’ve seen it already, haven’t you?

You have an intermittent tremor in your left hand. Your therapist thinks it’s post-traumatic stress disorder. She thinks you’re haunted by memories of your military service…Fire her. She’s got it the wrong way around.

You’re under stress right now and your hand is perfectly steady. You’re not haunted by the war…you miss it (whispers). Welcome back.”

—M.H.