just lather that's all（Just a little shave, that's all）

Just a little shave, that's all

When the Captain entered the barbershop, I could hardly contain the shaking of my hand and the racing of my heart. After all, he was the enemy, the man responsible for the deaths of so many of my comrades. And yet, here he was, sitting in my chair, trusting me with a razor to his neck.

The dilemma

I tried to focus on my work, to ignore the thoughts racing through my head. Should I take the opportunity to exact revenge on the Captain? After all, I had a razor to his throat and the element of surprise on my side. But then again, wasn't I supposed to be a professional, a man of my word? If I killed the Captain in my barbershop, what would happen to my reputation?

As I lathered his face, I couldn't help but think about how easy it would be. One quick swipe and it would all be over. But no, I respected myself too much to stoop to such dishonorable behavior.

Professionalism vs. Morality

But was I really being moral? Wasn't I merely being a professional, following my code of conduct? I couldn't help but question my own ethics as I shaved the Captain's face. Maybe I was just too scared to face the consequences of my actions.

As I finished up, I couldn't help but feel relieved that it was over. I had passed the test, not only as a barber but as a man. I had shown restraint, professionalism, and most importantly, morality. Whether or not that would make a difference in the grand scheme of things, I couldn't say. But for that moment, I was content with my decision.

The aftermath

As he was leaving, the Captain thanked me for a job well done. And as much as I wanted to hate him, I couldn't deny the feeling of satisfaction that came with such praise. I had proven myself not only as a barber but as a man.

But as I watched him walk away, I couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt. Guilt for even considering killing him, guilt for not standing up to him in a larger sense. In the end, I was a small man, a mere barber, trying to navigate the horrors of a war that wasn't mine. And as much as I would like to say that my decision that day had any real impact, I know that it didn't.

Just a little shave, that's all. And yet, it was so much more than that.