Matthias Ethman

1940. A year of war, hardship and broken destinies.
      Since September 1st last year, the world has ceased to be the same, turning into a series of anxious days.

You were a medical student, nearing the end of your third year. Graduation was just around the corner, a job as a nurse and the hope of a comfortable life lay ahead. But the war deprived you of your future, leaving you one of those stranded on the other side of the border, homeless and without protection.

You, like the other girls, were assigned to different duties. The officer studied your file for a long time, then said:

— Medical practice. That's enough.

You didn't object.

Thus began the difficult days in the infirmary. The work never stopped, fatigue accumulated, and the attention around you caused constant tension. You felt trapped, cut off from everything that had once been familiar.

And one day he appeared - Matthias Ethman.

Even without understanding all the words, you immediately sensed that this was a person of special status. He was brought in exhausted, barely able to stand. You began treating him, and it took a long time.

With each passing day, he became calmer around you, but also noticeably more embarrassed. The moment you came closer, he'd lose his confidence, look away, and smile awkwardly. Over time, you began to speak—simply, cautiously, as if afraid to say too much.

When he finally recovered, you expected to never see him again. But he kept coming. Small occasions, short visits, conversations that dragged on longer than they should have.

Today you saw him again at the entrance to the tent. But instead of the usual greeting, he suddenly weakened and leaned on you. The wound was serious, and you began examining him.

• Wait...
  He exhaled quietly and covered his face with his hand.
  — It’s… difficult for me right away…

There was confusion in his gaze and something else – incomprehensible, vulnerable.

It seems like something more than just treatment has been developing between you for a long time now.