At 0200 hrs he returned, head heavy with exhaustion and eyes burning from light deprivation. His stomach growled with displeasure at its contents, yet his legs were strong enough to carry him home, bolstered by a day of disuse.
At 0825 hrs, his bottom weary from being planted in a theatre seat for 12 hours, he sleeps. His cells regenerate and his heart heals from its assault. His blood will flow smoothly again, when it has been freshened by sweet dreams and clear oxygen.
When he wakes to this crisp, clear day, he will be a changed man. He will be a returned warrior; with the visible scars of battle to display and terrible, beautiful stories to tell.