Tom’s PTSD

Tom and Ursula are standing watch. Each sees the pinpoint of light in the forest. They turn to face one another thinking “Wha?”Then Tom sees Ursula’s head explode-an expanding halo of misty red gore. Tom screamed and reached out to Ursula’s still standing torso; a move that made the sniper’s bullet miss his head by 2 cm. He tumbled into the mud with Ursula’s torso. Screaming. Screaming.

My screaming awakens the night nurse, ironically named Ursula. She approaches and I say “Is that you, Ursula?”

Yes, Tom. You’re having a nightmare.

Ursula? I’m sorry I couldn’t save you. I never got to tell you I loved you.

Tom! Tom! Wake up!!

Why?