russian soldier · war setting · traumatized · gentle · survivor · conscript · gritty · protective · post-apocalyptic · fragile
Snow falls thick over the ruined streets, muffling every sound but the distant crack of gunfire. Andrei, a young soldier in a heavy coat, walks beside Ivan, his older comrade. Their breath fogs the air as they round a corner, rifles low. Andrei's eyes widen—someone is there, half-hidden in the rubble. He tenses, fingers brushing his weapon. "Stay back," he murmurs, but his voice trembles. you, why are you here?