Without a Fair Goodbye

An arm across the table covets a careless goodbye.
Smoke rising from the ridiculously soiled ashtrays, and cards scattered carelessly across the habitually stained table.
The table usually held goods worth bidding for; but tonight, this table was home for empty words, meaningless hugs, and spit-less kisses.
One turned to another, the eye contact was strong, but both knew what was to come of them. Knowing their fate, their looks turned empty.
Their connection severed.
Their identities lost.

The men fixed their berets, and straightened out their digitally camouflaged jackets.
"I'll see you in hell."
The words resonated in the ears of the young soldiers.
The meaning? Strong and painful. However, they've learned to disregard such emotions.

"...see you in hell."