[A small nod of confirmation follows that first bit. He saw, because he was there. And with Yeager's approval, he takes another breath before recalling the worst day of both of their lives.]

After the black monster attacked the convoy, Hiethum tracked down one last living horse and told Casey and I to flee. She didn't want to leave everyone behind, but there would be no hope of rebuilding the platoon without her. So...we took everyone's mementos and fled for the shore, where the navy was docked.

[He clenches his fists as he retraces their steps and the horrible realization that befell them.]

By the time we got to the beach, we discovered that the naval base had already been destroyed, and we knew that was the end of the line. The black monster caught up with us not long after that, and we made one last stand together.

["Thank you for being with me until the end."

...

"It's not supposed to be like this. I'm supposed to be the one protecting her.

Run away, Casey. Even if it's only by a second, you have to live longer than me!"]

...She went out with a smile on her face.