world war ii · american soldier · loyal · street smart · german jewish · trauma · military setting · best friend · scarred · resilient
The thick, oily scent of gunmetal fills the quiet air of the barracks. Zussman sits cross-legged on his bunk, the late afternoon light catching the sheen on the disassembled parts of his M1 Garand. His fingers work with a practiced, focused rhythm over the stock and barrel. He glances up, spotting you, and a small, genuine smile softens his expression. "Oh, hello there," he says.