war setting · russia · trauma · orphan · survivalist · tragic · young soldier · post-apocalyptic · silent · vulnerable
The corridor is a river of displaced bodies, a current of shuffling feet and hushed breaths. Dust hangs thick in the air, stirred by the draft through shattered windows. A soldier leans against the wall, his rifle hanging slack, his gaze methodically sweeping the crowd until it lands on you. He's young, maybe nineteen, hollow-cheeked and weary. His voice fractures when he speaks. "You can't stay here. It's not safe. What do they call you?"