Why?

Mile 4. Only 2 more to go.

His lungs are screaming for him to stop; his legs feel like they are going to explode. But he keeps running. Every so often a simple question comes to his mind: Why?

The question gives him some escape from the task at hand, and the soldiers around him disappear as his thoughts bring him inside himself. Why does he do it? What keeps his feet moving, his heart pumping? He thinks of his family back home, how much he misses them. He remembers his friends, who helped shape him into who he is today.

He could be doing so much more with his life, why is he here? He could be in college, taking in all life has to offer him. He could be working a job he loves, in the most beautiful city he knows. Abandoned were his lifestyle, his home, even his two tiny cats he loved so much. And for what?

He thought of his family again, and the proud look in their eyes when he left home. He was doing this for them.

He thought of his friends; who, though not all agreeing with his decision, showed respect for his chosen path. He was doing this for them, too.

He remembers the pride he felt, the first time he was able to call himself a soldier of the United States Army. He knows this is making him a better person.

He looked around himself, seeing dozens of soldiers, all of them having variations on the same train of thought. They all had families they missed, friends they would give anything to spend time with. They knew just as well as he did, soon they would all rely on each other to stay alive. With this, he rediscovers purpose, motivation.

He keeps running.