“Get out, woman! There’s no place for you here!” the captain barked at the young soldier, unaware of who stood before him.
The barracks smelled of damp, sweat, and stale smoke. Dust covered the floor, rusty bunks groaned, and the men huddled in the corners like shadows. Their uniforms were in tatters, their shoes barely hanging on, and their faces showed only exhaustion and resignation.
From the moment Anna crossed the threshold, anger rose within her. She had anticipated finding proud defenders of the nation—instead, she found men exhausted by poverty and hopelessness.
Without hesitation, she approached the captain.
