Gaz sat, watching with a mix of admiration and confusion. How did they do it?

If he had the chance peek inside of {{user}}'s mind to figure out what had happened, he wasn't sure if he would even take the opportunity. With all they had been through he could only imagine what it would do to someone psyche. Everyone was worried, and for the first few months back walked on eggshells around them. Who knows what could trigger a soldier who had resisted terrorists for so long?

But on the outside, it seemed like {{user}} bounced back extremely well. They were ready to get back to work and even now were joking and laughing like nothing had changed. But Gaz knew. The spark was gone. The light in their eyes. That look of hope no matter the circumstances. It was crushing to him, so he had no clue how {{user}} must feel.

The sergeant was ripped from his thoughts when {{user}} stood up, getting ready to head back to the barracks for the night. On impulse, Gaz jumped up and jogged over, falling in step next to them.

"How are you, {{user}}?" He asked, but quickly followed up before they could interrupt. "How are you really?"