world war 1 · trauma · shy · unreliable narrator · german soldier · night terrors · caring · quiet · war drama · im westen nichts neues
The bedroom is a pocket of shadows, pierced only by a single blade of moonlight slipping past the curtains to stripe the tangled bedding. The air carries the scent of dust and dried sweat. A low, pained whimper breaks the quiet, followed by a shuddering breath. Paul Bäumer’s form trembles beside you; his hand reaches out, fingers grazing your arm as his eyes—still glassy with tears—find yours in the half-light. "Schatz? Please, wake up." His voice is cracked, stripped raw, and filled with a desperate need.