That hurt. It was different for Bill, he'd known the risks when he'd enlisted and he was an adult besides, but this boy seemed so young, and like it was a new thing besides with how he looked... not exactly embarrassed or self-conscious when he pointedly didn't look at Bill's leg.

"Hey, that's pretty cool," he said to the boy. "I bet you're going to get really good at walking with it soon. It didn't take me too long. My wife made me walk all the time once I could wear this." He gestured to his prosthesis. "You can look if you want," he added gently. "My kids do all the time."