They smoked feverishly in silence, watching the thin smoke raising like small dancing deadly snakes above their heads. Shaking hands raising the small tabs to tight mouths in metronome synchronicity. The air still and dark. The dreaded feeling of waiting.

In their small corner of safety amongst the hell of humanity a feeling of peace existed between them. Brothers in arms, both united in their smoking, and waiting.

One looked upwards to the dark cloud covered sky hiding the luminous light of moon and stars from those seeking cover below. A slow exhale erupted, emptying lungs and body all life giving air.

The quiet of this moment, both shocking and loud since the ever persistent drumming and pummelling of death’s percussion was not now playing it’s deadly noise.

Another body crouch crab walked to the couple. ‘It’s almost time’ was whispered before the perfunctory check that each had all necessary kit for their task, their guns inspected.

Hands roughly shoved the pair towards the parapet and the steps leading upwards to a known and experienced Hell.

‘Be careful out there.’