On the rainy river | Noter i engelsk | Over 2 sider

Innledning
"Rainy River," penned by Tim O'Brien, is a reflection made two decades after his Vietnam War days, where the narrative's backdrop is set.

O'Brien communicates the profound impact of war, highlighting its physical and especially mental tolls. The narrative unfolds around O'Brien's younger self.

Aiming to confront his own internal struggles, shame, and guilt about the war, the now matured O'Brien shares a deeply personal chapter of his life, which he had kept hidden.

Utdrag
One day, a sudden impulse to head to Canada overcomes him during his shift. He leaves, driving toward Rainy River, which forms the boundary between the U.S. and Canada.

Fatigued and overwhelmed, he halts at a somewhat run-down fishing lodge on the American side. There, Elroy Berdahl, an elderly man, rents him a place without prying into O'Brien's obvious intentions.

O'Brien battles internal conflicts, feeling shame about possibly fleeing to Canada. Nevertheless, he finds temporary solace assisting Elroy with chores.

As O'Brien prepares to settle his dues, Elroy, considering the tasks O'Brien had done, hands him $200, claiming he owes O'Brien instead.