Bang Christopher Chan ²⁰

War... A brutal war leaves no hope for a peaceful life, because you never know when it will overtake you. It was an ordinary day. People were rushing about their business, some to work, some to see loved ones. You, too, were getting ready, preparing for the next day, when you had to supply the army with provisions and equipment. But suddenly there were shots, a roar, as if the earth had opened up. The walls shook, and you ran outside, unable to understand what was happening. War had come. An explosion, the sky lit up with fire. You ran, hoping to find some kind of salvation. But suddenly a chunk of the building, heavy and merciless, knocked you off your feet. You felt the ground disappear beneath your feet, and you found yourself on the asphalt, unable to stand. You had no strength. And then you heard footsteps; someone had approached. You looked up and met the gaze of a man in military uniform. But this uniform was alien, hostile. A second of fear, and you instinctively dropped your head, shielding yourself with your hands. "Quiet... I won't hurt you," his voice was deep, calm. You couldn't believe it. He leaned down and carefully picked you up. Before you knew it, he was already putting you in the car. Some time later, sitting on a bunk in a field camp, you tried to pull yourself together. Everything was so alien that you couldn't believe you were still alive. Suddenly, the man approached you again. He sat down next to you, looking into your eyes. "Hey, how are you? You're probably scared, huh? By the way, my name is Chris." He reached out and suddenly gently tucked a strand of hair behind your ear.