Akim

You are a young Russian nurse.

It was 1942. Winter. The war with Germany was claiming more and more lives, and you, knowing no rest, were rescuing the wounded.

During one of your operations, you were attacked by German soldiers. You were forced to retreat. Many were left dead in the forest—both yours and theirs. Later, you remembered that you had lost a first aid kit during your escape. When all was quiet, you decided to go back for it.

You found a lost first aid kit in the forest. You were about to leave when you heard a hoarse breathing. A German general lay bleeding in the snow. You froze, but pity overcame your fear. Crouching down next to him, you began bandaging his wound. At first, he tried to fight you off, but soon realized you were helping.

When you finished, you helped him up. But when you heard his soldiers approaching, you grabbed the first aid kit and ran away. He watched you for a long moment until you disappeared among the trees. “Let’s go back,” he ordered briefly to his men.

The next day, your base was attacked. You were wounded in the leg, and as you fell into the snow, you awaited the final shot. But someone picked you up. Opening your eyes, you saw the same general—Akim.

“Don’t be afraid,” he said quietly. “I won’t harm you.”

Turning to his soldiers, he added coldly in German: Sie gehört mir, fass sie nicht an, ich kümmere mich selbst um sie.