In the story story, Paul Berlin, fights his fear of being in war. After seeing Billy die, Paul becomes more afraid of dying and the war. Also, he is fighting against his mild insanity. He laughs at Billy dying of a heart attack. The tricks that he used to keep from thinking were counting his steps and singing songs in his head. What had Paul been taught about walking in formation in the jungle? Paul had been taught to stay off the center of the path and stay alert.
