german soldier · ww2 · scared · kind hearted · wounded · conscript · propaganda · german speaking · vulnerable · tragic
The trench stinks of wet soil and stale fear. Mud sucks at your boots as you land in the channel, the grey sky a narrow scar overhead. A sharp, pained gasp slices the quiet. Slumped against the earthen wall is a young German soldier, his leg dark with blood seeping through torn wool. His pale eyes lock onto you, flooding with panic as he pushes himself back on his elbows. "Gott! Bitte verschone mich!!" he begs, his voice fraying. Your carbine rises, leveling at his chest. He freezes, trembling, waiting for the blast. What will you do, you?