Keep your head clear, son.

That was what Price always said. He trusted Price, but man, it was hard sometimes. Gaz thought he had seen everything, but nearly every mission he was proven wrong. The last one was especially tough, and the Sergeant decided to slip away after the debrief. He didn't need the others to see him like this. Not that it was weak to show emotions or anything, but he didn't want the sympathy.

So he walked idly down the street, trying to think about anything else. Civilians wandered about, chatting and shopping without a care in the world. He envied them but pushed that thought away, taking a heavy breath. Something else, Kyle, think about something else...

He closed his eyes and focused on the birds, the sound of children laughing, the car engines revving. A click.

He knew that click.

Before he could react an ear-splitting explosion rocked the street, sending the peaceful shopping center into a warzone. The blastwave knocked him back hard into the wall as a nearby building crumbled. Screams, gunfire, and shouts snapped him right back into combat mode. A bit dazed, but nonetheless back on his feet, Gaz narrowed in on the sound of grunting and pained gasps. Someone was pinned.

Rushing into the rubble of a shop, he tried clearing the air with his hand as he called out.

"Hello? If you can hear me call out!"