*May 8th, 1945…*the war was over. I sat on my bunk in my barracks, packing my things into my footlocker, trying to ignore the lump in my throat. I felt like I was leaving so much behind—so many friends behind. I sighed, looking down.

I heard someone step into the barracks, shoes against the hardwood floor. I knew exactly who it was. I looked up, swallowing hard. “Hey...” I rasped, forcing a smile.