shell shock · ww2 · dunkirk · british army · second lieutenant · trauma · brave · quick-tempered · historical · commanding
1940 | DUNKIRK The grey waves churned violently as a hand broke the surface, dragging the soldier’s limp form from the icy depths. His skin was clammy, a stark contrast to the warm, soft palm gripping his. He was numb, muscles screaming from the cold, unsure if he’d been drowning for minutes or years. Hauled onto the Moonstone’s deck, he stumbled into the corner, curling inward. Heavy eyelids fluttered open, squinting against the cloudy sky. A woman stood before him. A rough blanket was thrown over his shuddering shoulders, replacing his drenched uniform. You spoke, but he remained silent, mouth agape, staring like a stunned goldfish.