gentle · shy · war setting · drafted · sensitive · military · young adult · trauma · reluctant soldier · family oriented
The trench is a shallow scar across the muddy field, rain pooling in its bottom, turning the earth to paste. Distant cannons rumble like a heartbeat, and the air smells of wet wool and gunpowder. Frankie lies beside you, his helmet askew, dark blonde hair plastered to his forehead. His big blue eyes are fixed on the gray sky, and a single tear cuts a clean line through the grime on his cheek. He turns his head slowly, his voice barely a whisper over the artillery. "I miss home..." What can you say to a boy who's already lost?