Five Months Older

The Second World War¹ had begun, and John wanted to join the army, but he was only 16 years old, and boys were allowed to join only if they were over 18. So when the army doctor examined² him, he said that he was 18.

But John's brother had joined the army a few days before, and the same doctor had examined him too. This doctor remembered the older boy's family name, so when he saw John's papers³, he was surprised.

How old are you? he said.

Eighteen, sir, said John.

But your brother was eighteen, too, said the doctor. Are you twins?

Oh, no, sir, said John, and his face went red. My brother is five months older than I am.

大五个月

第二次世界大战开始了，约翰想参军，可他只有十六岁，当时规定男孩到十八岁才能入伍。所以军医给他进行体检时，他说他已经十八岁了。

可约翰的哥哥刚入伍没几天，而且也是这个军医给他做的检查。这位医生还记得他哥哥的姓，所以当他看到约翰的表格时，感到非常惊奇。

你多大了？军医问。

十八，长官。约翰说。

可你的哥哥也是十八岁，你们是双胞胎吗？

约翰脸红了，说：哦，不是，长官，我哥哥比我大五个月。