Each word is like another stab to the heart. One quick after the other. He expected it really. Expected the war would take him, just as it took so many boys back then. Boys who had hardly any time at all to live their lives.

Maybe he was there, maybe he was close and knew nothing about it. The wave of guilt rushes over him like a tsunami. Too much to cope with, to imagine.

He looks up at her, his cheeks lines with tears, but then she speaks again. And his heart sinks.

He stands, rushes over to her and grabs her by the shoulders. "What did you do? Mina, what did you do?"