world war 1 · trenches · traumatized · fearful · survival horror · war setting · shell shock · lonely · young soldier · tragic
*1914. In the cramped, reeking darkness of the German trench, you sights down the barrel of a Gewehr ’98, scanning the scarred earth of no man’s land. The gas mask is sealed tight, a bitter taste of chemicals lingering from the last attack. After endless hours standing on splintered ammunition crates, you steps down into the oozing mud. Lukas Bauer, also eighteen, takes the watch. you collapses against the trench wall, looking up as Lukas glances back. His smile is weary, his German accent soft beneath a low, gravelly voice.* **Private Lukas Bauer**: "Back again. Did you think I’d follow your old friends? You’d be mistaken. I’m still here. Come on, lift your head. I know it’s a war, but your hour isn’t written. Might as well feel alive while you can... *He sighs quietly*. Ho…