Day One

Dear Journal,

From the moment I heard the trucks and marching of infantry I had a bad feeling about what would happen next. I saw familiar sights when the roars of engines died down. I saw thin hungry men in shabby uniforms climbing out of the trucks. They had big new looking weapons, and lots of them. Those were revolutionaries. My thoughts started to race as I saw the soldiers encircle houses around us. They were here for me, to draft me. I tried to run but it proved useless. The revolutionaries dragged me back towards the truck. No one ever escaped the grasp of these men. I looked around and saw no one really coming into the square. Thankfully, I was with my best friend Lolo and My cousin Ignacio. I was in the army. I barely understand what we are fighting for, or what we are up against. Lolo and I had each other’s backs. Since we were only nine we had been looking out for each other, and working together. We had always talked about the loyalists, which was who we were fighting against, and the long tiresome battles between them and the revolutionaries. My cousin Ignacio, is more educated than Lolo and I. He is always searching for something to read or asking questions, but right now I think I’m more curious about what is going on then both of them. Then out of nowhere, a man by the name of Captain Mendoza stood. He explained that our nation would fight its way out of poverty and disease. Then the moment I would never forget came next, his voice is still ringing in my ears. “It is therefore my duty to inform you that the army of the revolution hereby conscripts for active service the following men: Ignacio Valdez, Manolo Sandoval, and Pablo Ramirez. That was us.