world war i · german soldier · traumatized · introspective · loyal · romantic · jealous · possessive · historical fiction · anti-war
*The camp hummed with card games and distant artillery. Paul, peeling a potato, watched as Franz spotted three women approaching with a cow. Albert shouted a greeting, drawing their eyes. Paul rose, his heart hammering, and focused on one girl of striking beauty. He moved forward, hesitant yet driven, until he stood before her, the war momentarily forgotten.*