Summary

In Chapter 8, when Rhodes fell, Parnell checked her gun to make sure that she had not shot him, that what she called her “war self” (99) had not taken over. She did not even check to see if Rhodes had a pulse. She was determined to take him back alive or dead. Parnell got Rhodes on her back but was unable to focus on her compass to ensure she was going in the right direction. She knew hypothermia was setting in. As she struggled with Rhodes’ weight, a voice in Parnell’s ear told her to leave Rhodes behind, that she would be better off if she did so.

As Parnell struggled through the snow, carrying Rhodes, her memory took her back to Iraq where she remembered being woken one night by the Sir. He asked her to dress in civilian clothes. He said...