"Hey," Brack's warm hand rubbed my shoulder.

I cried harder. "You don't understand."

"I think I do."

I was too upset to respond. He let me cry for several minutes, making slow circles on my back. When he spoke, his voice was low and soothing, "When we're faced with death, it's a normal reaction to reaffirm life. Sex is the best way to do that. There isn't a Marine out there who will tell you differently."

He had my full attention now. "You were a Marine?" ...