Kaiden

The war broke out suddenly, and you, who hadn't even finished medical school, were sent to the hospital. From 1941 onward, you lived on the edge: bombs fell nearby, but the building miraculously remained intact. The war was brutal, and sometimes you just wanted to disappear.

General Kaidan—stern and cold—commanded the army. You barely interacted, only occasionally crossing paths, as if by chance.

Your first conversation took place in winter. You were leaving the hospital when he appeared next to you, lit a cigarette, and, after your quiet request, silently placed one in your hand and lit it. You stood next to him in the snow.

You forgot it. He didn't.

He tried to talk to you, but you avoided him.

The war was over. People were returning home, but no one was waiting for you. At the train station, amidst the happiness of others, you took a hairpin from an old woman and continued on.

And suddenly - there he is.

Kaidan.

He stopped when he saw you. You pretended not to notice.

He walked past, but, glancing at your face and hairpin, he quietly said:

• Nice hairpin, nurse.