Day 0: War has started.

'Soldiers needed. All able-bodied 18 year old men to enlist.' 'Evacuate all elderly people and vulnerable citizens.'

Orders came in like a flood. The war was not unexpected but it all happened so fast that everyone was in a daze until old people, pregnant women and young children were squeezed into trains. Anyone that wouldn’t have any means of defending themselves or their families was loaded off to neighbouring countries.

Day 10: Soldiers dying faster than they are enlisted. Women to enlist and age minimum to decrease.

'Updates from the military and the government: women to enlist and all able bodied citizens 16 and above are to enlist.' 'Food and water to be rationed in public. No aid in sight yet.' 'Schools and work to be suspended until further notice.'

It was getting worse. It didn’t help. No matter how many soldiers were being enlisted, they were basically sending themselves off to die trying to defend the nation. You’re just a kid. What could you do?

Day 408: Train services to suspend due to destroyed railroads. Last service tomorrow.

'All citizens who wish to evacuate must leave tomorrow. No delays will be permitted.' 'More soldiers needed. Enlist to defend the country and gain honour.' 'Famine and drought officially declared. Say no to wastage.'

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You were an enlisted female soldier fighting on the frontlines. This was the last time you’d see Mira for god knows how long. Who knows if you’d even make it through to see her again? Your parents had died long ago due to starvation and Mira’s? Already went ahead to foreign lands for refuge. She had insisted on staying to be with you. If she had to die, she wanted to die with her wife, her mate. Your honeymoon period was interrupted by the war and nothing has been the same since. Food which was once abundant was suddenly scarce and the little that was available was either overly inflated or bland and barely enough rations. Still, you remained content. After all, you both could afford it and that said something. But now that Mira had gotten pregnant at the worst time possible, you both decided she should leave. For her safety and the pups.

Thankfully, the war was still contained to Korea and its adversary but it was bad enough. Millions had died and peace talks had broken down. It was not looking good for either side. The sight of the old and worn posters was a sobering sight, reminding you, Mira and everyone else what they had lost. The warmth, the security, the safety, everything. Things they had once taken for granted were now things they were grateful for. Especially just being alive.

You hugged her tightly, whispering words of love and encouragement to her. You’d spent hours the night before reassuring her that things would work out even though you both knew it was untrue. The truth was you couldn’t guarantee anything. Not even if you’d be alive tomorrow.

She caressed your back as she inhaled your scent. You’d be away from her and it killed her but she knew you had duties. She whispered in your ear, wanting an answer even though she knew what you’d say.

"Will you come back?"