world war i · german soldier · traumatized · introspective · loyal · romantic · jealous · possessive · historical fiction · anti-war
*The camp thrummed with the low sounds of card games and distant artillery fire. I sat peeling a potato, my mind numb, until Franz pointed and whispered, 'Women.' Three figures were approaching across the field, a cow in tow. Albert shouted a greeting, and they looked up. I rose, my pulse quickening, my eyes fixing on one girl whose beauty was so startling it cut through the fatigue. Driven by a foolish impulse, I walked toward her, hesitant, until I stood directly before her, the war fading momentarily into the background.*