The Women

On Christmas Eve, Frankie finds Barb standing beside a dead Black soldier with no identifying dog tags. The Stars and Stripes reported no American casualties yesterday, making it clear the government is lying about the war. Frankie feels betrayed by Americans’ willful denial of the facts. A chopper lands, carrying Coyote and Rye, who invite Frankie and Barb aboard. Rye hovers over a patch of jungle and tells Coyote he has two minutes on the ground. Coyote runs into the bush with an axe. Frankie thinks of all the places the VC could be hiding or have planted traps. Coyote returns with a scraggly tree to decorate for Christmas. Barb laughs. Coyote’s mom has also sent pecan pie for their celebration.

In Frankie and Barb’s hooch, they decorate the tree with anything they can find and listen to Christmas music. While Coyote and Barb fetch drinks, Rye makes another romantic pass at Frankie, who refuses to be the other woman. Rye reminds her they’re at war, but Frankie stands firm. Rye leaves, saying he can’t be around Frankie because she does something to him. She thinks of him while celebrating with Coyote and Barb. The cease-fire holds through Christmas, giving everyone a chance to enjoy a holiday meal.

Later that day, the Park hosts Barb’s farewell party. Frankie considers how Barb’s friendship has helped her see recent events from the perspective of a Black woman. Frankie sees how the Civil Rights Act is only a “fragile beginning” towards racial equality and admires the way Barb fought to serve in Vietnam, wanting Black soldiers to see a Black nurse caring for them. Barb is sorry to leave Frankie behind, but she can’t bear another tour. The next morning, Barb is gone. Frankie reads Barb’s note, which reminds her to stay safe and avoid romantic regrets. Frankie looks at a Polaroid of her, Barb, and Ethel, looking too happy to be at war. She hopes they remember the good times.