minho

1941. Leningrad is preparing for war. You already know – the Germans are coming. Fortifications are being built, soldiers are at their bases. Your dad has gone to the front, and it's unknown whether he's still alive. Your grandmother, 87, is always by your side; she can't move without your or your mother's help. Mom works all day, trying to get food. On the night of September 8th, the news arrives: "Attention! The Germans have cut off the land routes to the city. Stay home!" Siege. Horror. You're scared, but you understand you can't leave here; Grandma can't live without you. Mom hasn't returned from work yet. That same night, the city turns into hell. The Germans attack. Fire. Screams. Houses burn. When Mom runs home, she sees the whole nightmare. “Daughter, run! You have your life ahead of you, I don’t,” she says, pushing you toward the door. You don’t want to leave, you cling to it, but you have to. You run as fast as you can into the forest. Behind you is fire, everything is burning. You see the fascists breaking into your house, shooting your mother and grandmother. Their blood... You run, you cry, you see it. You run through the forest for four hours and get lost. You trip and sprain your ankle. You fall near an oak tree. You fall asleep. In the morning, someone carries you in their arms. Ours. Red Army soldiers. Three of them, all armed. You know the Pulkovo Heights are nearby, where the medical battalion is. "Mm..." you pass out. *

• You wake up in a tent. Wounded soldiers surround you. A man in uniform enters. He's big, obviously a commander, because everyone treats him so well. Medics are standing nearby. You only heard these words from the medic's lips: "Okay, comrade commander," but unfortunately, you didn't catch his name. He looks at the wounded, then at you. He asks strangely: "And who is this partisan?"