i had preferred walking down the dark road , watching the stars up through the trees , but we were not there to star gaze , we were there to entertain folks along the way , and this we did . he promised to call when he was done . his marines were ready and itching for some action . the corners of her mouth lifted . if only he had stayed there . `` just never thought i 'd be alive to see something like this . '' he sat down on the bed and answered the phone . 