As I walked through camp that night, I felt numb.

Around me through the smoke of the littered campfires, I could catch the whispers bearing news I did not want to hear. I wanted to shut it out. I kept walking until I reached a random tree sitting away from the camp. I shook off my cap, and let out a frustrated sigh. Throwing my rifle to the ground, I slumped and buried my face in my hands for the millionth time, it seems, as a cursed replay of what happened only a day ago snaked its way back into my mind. The battle at New Point had started an hour ago. We were perched up in the trees. We were not too high, but we were not too low so that we could not see what was happening. It was cold. My fingers fumbled when I reloaded my rifle. It was around 4:00 A.M. when I saw Daniel get a look on his face. The other chap, Henry McComas I think, seemed to get the same idea that Daniel was getting. I blew it off because they were the top sharpshooters we had. It was only when Daniel raised his gun did I notice who he was aiming at. Daniel, almost always having perfect aim, had raised his gun at General Robert Ross. I was getting excited at that point. If he took him out, we could win this war! Out of the corner of my eye I saw McComas do the same. Ross was ignorant of what was about to happen as he shouted orders at his soldiers from his horse. I watched Daniel take a few, deliberately short breaths before he pulled the trigger. Time seemed to slow for a second as the bullet raced through the air. It was only a few moments after Ross fell did I finally see that the bullet had made its mark. There were cries of panic from the enemy as the notice their leader had fallen. I almost laughed. I saw General Stricker signal for me to move to another vantage point. I nodded in confirmation. I turned to Daniel and grinned. You, my good man, have just turned the tides of war. I said to him as he grinned back, Want to celebrate after all this mess is done and over with? You know I could never pass down an offer like that. He replied, still grinning I promised you we would become heroes.

I snorted. Hah! Yeah right! Right now I only see one hero here and it is you. I clapped him on the back. He only chuckled and turned back around to do his job. You better not stand me up on my offer! I said as I ran away to another tree that was further away. I was sure he had heard me. Later that night when the battle was over and soldiers were drunk celebrating our victory, I was searching the masses for Daniel. It seems like the general was looking for him too. News of who shot Ross had spread through the camp like the plague. Daniels name was pretty famous. I smiled every time I heard of his heroic act. Stricker probably wanted to congratulate him. It was only when Stricker came up to me with a grave expression on his face did my face lose its mirth. Soldier James? He asked, addressing me. Yes, sir I answered. He straightened up when I answered. Then he looked me straight in the eye. What I saw there made my heart drop. There was nothing but pity in his eyes. My eyes grew wide. Stricker sighed. I am sorry to present you with this in hopes that you could get it back to his family. I heard you were close with him. He was a great man and will be famous for what he has done in this battle. As he finished, I slid to my knees for in his hand was the bloodied, stiff, cap that all sharpshooters were to wear. To make it even more real, I took it from him and read a tag on the inside that Daniel had placed there himself. It read Daniel Wells. I could only guess what this meant. To put it simply : Daniel Wells, my best friend, was dead. Dead after accomplishing what he had wanted to do his whole life: Become a hero and be famous. Yes, he would be famous but he would not even be alive to embrace it! Coming back to the present, I stared up at the stars. It was rather annoying as they twinkled as if nothing had happened. I let out a frustrated yell. I did not care if anyone heard me. He was only eighteen! I groaned in defeat. I remember being fifteen, sitting in those blasted cots with him and swearing an oath

that we would always look out for each other. What a friend I am. The memory of his last smile pained me because I that was the last time I ever saw him, and the time I broke our oath that I would always look out for him. Nearby I heard yet another soldier talking about Daniel. That boy Daniel is a hero alright. Hell be famous all around. Too bad he died though. Gosh, just look how his friend is taking it. Yeah, I guess it is sad, but dont the greatest heroes die? He will be famous one way or another. A second soldier said. After taking in what they said, I looked up to the stars. He was right. Great heroes often die, but they also are famous for what they did. I guess Daniel fit the bill. Looking up, I could not help but notice one star twinkling a bit brighter than the rest. I also could not help thinking that that star was Daniel, showing up for a celebration of being a hero at last.