have already made other arrangements. There is a large Muslim community in Paterson and I am looking forward to visiting a few of the mosques there. You can come with me, but somehow I don't think a sober celebration was what you had in mind. Maybe some other time."

And so each had gone their own way and now they had both returned exhausted. They lay on their cots and rested till it was time for chow call. After waking up and going to eat, they went to the PX, picked up a few last minute things, and Joseph made a phone call to Richard. They talked about little things for a while. Rich told him about his day and how much he missed Joseph. Joseph in turn related details about his day, and they set a time to call each other every day. Joseph told him that it might be two weeks before he was able to get another pass.

"Two weeks, that long?" he said dejectedly. "Two whole weeks, damn, can't I come and visit you on the weekend? There must be motels near the camp? If you were able to get away in the evening I could stay there and we could at least see each other for a few hours. Ask around; see what you can come up with. Two weeks will seem like a lifetime without you, baby."

"I'll check it out and let you know," the soldier said, "but I wouldn't want you to spend all that money, and we would have to be very careful not to be seen together as 'you know what.' I miss you too, babe, but me being in the army and all, we have to get used to being apart. After all, I will be going overseas someday soon, and you won't be able to follow me there."

“Don't remind me. That's why I want us to be together as much as we can while you are still here. I love you and want your warm body close to me." For close to half an hour, the conversation continued along those lines: each not wanting to break the connection, wanting to hear the voice of the other, afraid to let the other hang up. Finally, Ibrahim, who was waiting outside knocked on the phone booth door, and Joseph told Richard he had to get back to the barracks as it was getting late. They kissed good night and hung up.

"Sorry about that. You know how it is when you get to talking and lose track of the time," he said after getting out of the booth. "We better get back. We have a busy day tomorrow."

"How is she?" Ibrahim asked as they walked back to their quarters. "I assume that was your girlfriend. No one talks that long on the phone except to the love of his life."

"Well, what do you know? Besides being a scholar you're a detective and a clairvoyant as well," Joseph smiled. "I hope you don't read minds also."

"No, I don't read minds, but I bet you are going to want another three-day pass soon," he said as they entered the barracks to bed down for the night.

The next day was fast-paced. The orientation went well and the introductory classes