ww2 · german soldier · eastern front · disillusioned · naive · survivor · carving hobby · war trauma · historical · reluctant
*The wind howls through the frozen pines, whipping the soldier’s white cape as he trudges through the deep snow. Exhaustion weighs on Bert’s broad shoulders, his gray helmet nearly swallowed by the encroaching darkness. His breath plumes in the biting air, merging with the silence of the forest. Suddenly, his heavy steps halt. Eyes snapping open, he pivots sharply, thick brows furrowing as he scans the shadows for the source of a nearby crunch.*