"My Grandmother Told Me an Old War Story I SHOULDN'T Have Heard" | CLANCYPASTA

[00:00:00] Dead. It was the worst disaster to happen to me.

[00:00:04] Do you have everything, Claire? He shouted as he locked the front door and began to trot towards the car.

[00:00:10] Yes, I have everything except battery. I deeply sighed as I peered in my blank phone, then out of the window.

[00:00:17] The door opened beside me as he climbed in and closed it. With a small chuckle, he then replied,

[00:00:22] Well, now you have the whole journey to talk with me. How about that?

[00:00:26] The orange and pink streaks were dragged along the sky like paint on a canvas.

[00:00:31] I noticed the silence among us, my eyes dragging itself to sleep.

[00:00:36] At the same time, my mind raced with annoyance and confusion.

[00:00:40] Biting my lip, I watched the view change. So did the atmosphere that surrounded me.

[00:00:46] Julian. I trailed off as his right hand tightened around the steering wheel.

[00:00:51] He then did a small hum, staring in front of the road ahead of us.

[00:00:55] I don't get the point. I mean, come on. Why are we doing the-

[00:01:00] Enough. He shot harshly as he flicked the small black button and a delicate tune resonated out the radio.

[00:01:06] I propped my head up against the window and looked out at the houses that now flew by us.

[00:01:12] It was every Saturday morning where I found myself driving with Julian, but it was as if he didn't realize things anymore.

[00:01:21] I managed to sit comfortably and shut my eyes for a few moments until I was woken up by a sharp jolt of the car and he gently tapped my shoulder.

[00:01:31] I glanced at the white cottage that tucked itself behind the tall green trees that swayed with the wind.

[00:01:37] The home sat on its own away from civilian life.

[00:01:41] The crystalline window stared into me as I opened the car door.

[00:01:46] The sharp grass beneath my feet pricked me.

[00:01:49] It was reminding us that we were here and we could quickly leave now.

[00:01:55] Julian followed my movements after me, locking the car.

[00:01:59] We both gave each other a look and started to walk towards the old white gate that wrapped around the entire home.

[00:02:06] The garden filled with pink roses and yellow tulips that glared at us as we strolled towards the white door.

[00:02:13] Remember, no phone and do not ask for anything.

[00:02:16] You hear me?

[00:02:17] He sternly commanded as I nodded quickly, trying to dismiss the wooden platform beneath us that constantly creaked in disturbance.

[00:02:26] Knock, knock, knock.

[00:02:29] A faint cluttering sound came from the door handle and then it gradually opened.

[00:02:34] There she was.

[00:02:35] The lines on her face was like a map of time stretched out, meeting with the strands of curly gray hair that laid evenly on the top of her head in a bun.

[00:02:44] Eyes danced upon us as a charming smile rose from her beautiful cheeks that showed her dimples.

[00:02:51] Hello, Grandma.

[00:02:52] How are you?

[00:02:53] I asked politely as I leaned in for a hug.

[00:02:56] I am quite alright, dear.

[00:02:58] You?

[00:02:59] Her sweet voice flowed into my ears as she gave me a soft kiss on the cheek and allowed us in.

[00:03:05] The smell of freshly baked cookies eased the tension that I had previously felt.

[00:03:09] Come in, come in, darlings.

[00:03:11] Sit in this room.

[00:03:12] Grandma offered us as we walked through the hallway and into the large living room.

[00:03:17] The living room had a large glass cabinet that stored heaps of books that were older than me inside.

[00:03:24] Mountains and scenery were drawn and framed as paintings.

[00:03:27] Each turn you took, they hung up neatly on the wall.

[00:03:30] My eyes transfixed onto the pile of paperwork that was messily strewn across the wooden table in front of me.

[00:03:37] I finally sat down on her sofa that pulled me deeper inside with every small movement to archive a comfortable position.

[00:03:45] She gradually walked towards the living room holding a plate of cookies and an old tatty book in her other hand.

[00:03:53] Where's Francis?

[00:03:54] Julian asked immediately as she placed the plate on the table and slowly began to sit down at the single sofa chair.

[00:04:01] He's currently at the market buying some apricots that I love.

[00:04:05] Grandma cheerfully exclaimed as Julian did a low grunt and looked over at me with darting eyes.

[00:04:11] Oh, uh, Grandma, do you have-

[00:04:15] Claire, would you like some of my oat biscuits?

[00:04:17] Grandma offered as I glared at the dry biscuits and eventually gave in,

[00:04:22] delicately taking one from the plate and nibbling down on it.

[00:04:26] Grandma held the book in her arms as if she was guarding it with her life.

[00:04:31] I noticed Julian staring out at the window.

[00:04:34] The sun dipped beneath the grassy hills that were sound asleep.

[00:04:37] The small birds hopped from one branch to another, then fluttered away from the jarring wind that poked and prided the area.

[00:04:45] I turned to Grandma, her worn hands now turning the pages of a small book that I couldn't work out what it was.

[00:04:52] The comforting silence swept through the old cottage as a sharp thought treaded in my mind.

[00:04:58] What are you reading?

[00:05:00] I questioned in a curious tone as I felt a pair of annoyed eyes trace up my body.

[00:05:06] Oh, it's an old story.

[00:05:09] Rather peculiar, Grandma whispered as I felt my heart flip with excitement.

[00:05:15] I needed something to cure the boredom I feel every Saturday.

[00:05:18] I couldn't stand the thought of sitting and waiting till tea arrived.

[00:05:23] What's it about?

[00:05:24] I asked more curious than ever as she turned the page to the start of the book and handed it to me.

[00:05:30] Claire, Julian trailed off as I huffed and took the old book in my hands.

[00:05:36] The smooth leathery case tucked inside my palms as I admired the small engravings of unknown symbols and words.

[00:05:44] Would you like to know a little secret about Grandpa Francis?

[00:05:48] She asked with a smile as I nodded eagerly as Julian rose from his seat and came next to me.

[00:05:55] Doris, we talked about this.

[00:05:58] He snapped as he tried to take the book from my hands but I swerved it away.

[00:06:02] I opened the book.

[00:06:05] I assumed it was going to be a prehistoric tale or a gruesome folklore to warn children,

[00:06:11] but it was a medium-sized Polaroid photo that was evenly stuck inside the first page.

[00:06:18] That is Francis when he was young.

[00:06:21] Grandma chuckled as my immediate question was answered hastily.

[00:06:25] The teenage boy held a small rifle cradled in his arms.

[00:06:29] He had a flock of brown hair that was neatly brushed to one side.

[00:06:33] His eyes were narrowed with a chilling dead glare at the camera.

[00:06:37] Young Francis wore a green camouflaged shirt and trousers with thick black boots.

[00:06:43] He stood behind a cobblestone wall.

[00:06:46] The sky was bright and everything was normal.

[00:06:49] However, I couldn't help but feel a shiver trace down my spine as my eyes were drawn to his face.

[00:06:58] Let me tell you about my Francis before he comes home, darling.

[00:07:02] Grandma beamed as she took the book from my hands and cleared her throat and said,

[00:07:07] We were still together, trying to figure out our lives after our newborn died years earlier.

[00:07:14] That was when he had to enlist.

[00:07:15] Soon enough, he had to leave for thorough training.

[00:07:20] State your name, Private.

[00:07:22] The chubby man ordered as a young man walked to the table and replied,

[00:07:26] Francis, Francis Iverson.

[00:07:28] The male stated with a soft smile as he stood upright,

[00:07:32] carrying his backpack on his shoulders and a book in his hands.

[00:07:36] Straight through the hall, go outside and find the second large wooden bunk,

[00:07:40] where you will be staying.

[00:07:41] The man lazily said as he pointed at the glass door.

[00:07:44] The young male pushed the door open.

[00:07:46] His mouth was agape as he looked upon the grassy, wide fields that stretched out far beyond.

[00:07:53] He looked at the young men that ran laps around the paved tracks,

[00:07:57] climb walls whilst clenching the ropes with all their strength.

[00:08:01] He could hear the distant yelling of men ordering the other soldiers to climb faster up the wall

[00:08:06] as he began to slowly trot to his barrack.

[00:08:09] The wooden bunker sat further away from where he was originally walking.

[00:08:13] Many of these bunkers were spread out meters apart as his eyes lingered upon the very few men

[00:08:19] heading into the bunker he was currently going to.

[00:08:22] The metal door was already propped open as he stepped in nervously.

[00:08:26] Before he could utter a single word, a young man rushed towards him.

[00:08:30] Hey, we got a new recruit!

[00:08:33] The man snickered as he wrapped his arm around Francis tightly as if he was wrestling with him.

[00:08:39] A group of men stared at Francis, taking in his appearance, checking if he was a good enough soldier.

[00:08:46] Boy, you, what's your name?

[00:08:47] A rough voice broke the silence as another person approached Francis rudely.

[00:08:53] The man had short curly brown hair that was neatly trimmed to a standard.

[00:08:56] His light brown eyes were narrowed, glaring at the boy who stood cluelessly in the doorway.

[00:09:03] Francis Iverson

[00:09:05] The man who wrapped his arm around the boy slightly moved away and sat on his bed watching.

[00:09:12] You can't stay here.

[00:09:13] The bunk is full.

[00:09:14] Try somewhere else.

[00:09:15] The soldier coldly grunted, the room becoming more intense as Iverson let out an awkward chuckle.

[00:09:22] What do you mean?

[00:09:23] I was assigned here.

[00:09:25] He blurted as the other young man clenched his fists, but before anyone could say a thing,

[00:09:30] a loud knock resonated the room.

[00:09:33] You lot, I told you to be down there in five minutes!

[00:09:36] What's taking so long?

[00:09:38] A slim, tensed man was standing at the doorway.

[00:09:42] He wore the usual brown uniform and thick black boots.

[00:09:45] Francis realized immediately that he was the sergeant.

[00:09:49] Soon enough, all the soldiers that were scattered around the bunker darted outside,

[00:09:54] towards the flat ground, away from the training equipment, as the sergeant casually walked towards them.

[00:10:00] All soldiers stood upright in a long line waiting.

[00:10:04] Before we start the exercise, I want all of you to welcome our latest recruit,

[00:10:08] Francis Iverson, who will be joining us for the thirteen-week training.

[00:10:11] The man strolls to Iverson and shakes his hand with a dark glare, then carries on pacing up and down the line.

[00:10:18] Now, I want to see some stretches before we begin the push-ups and squat-ups.

[00:10:23] Yes, sir!

[00:10:24] They boomed in unison as the young men began the task.

[00:10:27] The sunny morning dragged on as the soldiers finished their marches, learning the basics about their weapons and a tough exercise.

[00:10:36] A black sheet casted itself amongst the sky as the men began to walk back to their barracks after supper was done.

[00:10:44] Hey, Iverson, wait up!

[00:10:46] A fellow soldier called, making Francis turn around and smile.

[00:10:50] Hey, you must be...

[00:10:53] Charles.

[00:10:54] Charles Everett.

[00:10:55] At your service.

[00:10:56] Francis mocked the young boy with a grin, making Francis chuckle, easing the aches he felt in every limb of his body.

[00:11:03] The boy had smooth blonde hair that parted to one side of his head, his shiny blue eyes and a relaxed expression that plastered across his face.

[00:11:11] The two men introduced to themselves better, chattered about their training and the tense atmosphere that Francis had experienced.

[00:11:19] What's up with that guy, anyway?

[00:11:21] Francis spoke quietly as they were a few steps away from their bunk.

[00:11:26] Oh, I don't know him that well, but some bloke told me he's a spiteful guy.

[00:11:30] Don't worry about it.

[00:11:32] Charles calmly reassured the worried boy as he patted Francis' back and glided through the other soldiers that were in front of them rapidly.

[00:11:41] You see, my Francis trained for a while.

[00:11:44] They learned many things about their weapons and combat skills.

[00:11:48] But there was a day that was, well, different.

[00:11:53] Grandma continued.

[00:11:55] Her eyes that previously danced with excitement were dark and jittered across the room.

[00:12:02] It was within a week before Francis knew the proper ways to hold his bayonet and his warm-ups to exceed his strengths.

[00:12:09] He knew training was going to be difficult, especially when his muscles groaned day by day, but he carried on.

[00:12:17] The soldiers were seated in their bunks, ready for the evening when the sergeant stormed into their room.

[00:12:23] He held his nose up high, eyes moving across the paper rapidly, before he glanced at each of them sternly.

[00:12:30] All of your routines have changed.

[00:12:32] Tomorrow, you will be seated in the meeting room.

[00:12:35] He commanded, as all the soldiers stopped moving their duvet sheets around and with a puzzling look, they stared back at the sergeant.

[00:12:43] Sir, may I ask why?

[00:12:45] Pied to one of the soldiers that was lying down on his bed.

[00:12:49] Francis was also thinking the same question, holding his small leather book clutched in his hand.

[00:12:54] This is training.

[00:12:56] Do not think that all of you will have a day off.

[00:12:58] And with that, the sergeant disappeared into the night with a loud bang from the metal door.

[00:13:05] It was a bright morning.

[00:13:07] The soldiers had to walk far out from where they previously trained into this large white building where the meetings were held.

[00:13:15] The sergeant led them into a room with a small television in many seats placed in rows.

[00:13:20] The tables stored at the back of this room.

[00:13:22] All the blinds were shut.

[00:13:25] Now listen here.

[00:13:26] You will have to watch a video on this television.

[00:13:28] This will help you with your techniques on the battlefield, added the slim man as the young soldiers sat down on the seats, confused.

[00:13:36] It was not like anything before.

[00:13:40] They were glued to their seats, the videos flashing quickly as each of the soldiers' eyes were transfixed onto the blaring screen.

[00:13:49] Most normal people would call that torture clips.

[00:13:55] But everyone else named it special training.

[00:13:58] The special training lasted four weeks.

[00:14:02] Each video they watched was different.

[00:14:06] Screaming and crying of men or women, even children, as they went through a sickening experience that no one could process.

[00:14:15] Then they went back to their bunks in silence.

[00:14:19] Hey, Francis, what's up with you there?

[00:14:22] You look shit scared?

[00:14:23] The soldiers trudged to their barracks as Francis heard a chuckle behind him.

[00:14:28] The young man felt disturbed.

[00:14:30] He could not wrap his mind around the special training.

[00:14:35] Yes, they are going to protect their country from the enemy, but torturing them wasn't his intention.

[00:14:41] I'm not scared.

[00:14:42] It's just not normal for us to watch something so appalling.

[00:14:46] Francis coolly replied.

[00:14:48] What?

[00:14:48] You think bringing a gun is going to stop something?

[00:14:51] This is what we're here for, Iverson.

[00:14:54] The man shot as Francis stood next to his bed whilst the other boy lingered almost a meter away from him.

[00:15:01] That isn't true.

[00:15:02] What, you calling me a liar?

[00:15:04] Didn't say that.

[00:15:05] Wait, boys.

[00:15:06] Iverson thinks that watching those clips isn't part of the training.

[00:15:10] What's the point of you even enlisting?

[00:15:12] You're a fucking sissy.

[00:15:14] Can't you leave me alone?

[00:15:15] What the heck is wrong with you?

[00:15:17] The stench of trepidation and anger seeped into the bunker.

[00:15:22] What followed after it was the noise of pounding of multiple fists and kicking.

[00:15:27] It wouldn't stop.

[00:15:29] They wouldn't stop.

[00:15:31] That was when the metal door opened and the sergeant stood there.

[00:15:35] Francis shouted and yelled at the sergeant, but to his dismay, the slim man slowly shut the door.

[00:15:43] The young boy's eyes widened at the cold-blooded man.

[00:15:48] He couldn't move.

[00:15:50] The blood streamed down his nose, his body beaten up by at least five men at once whilst the rest of the boys watched, lacking any sympathy.

[00:16:02] What's wrong with that guy?

[00:16:03] I murmured as I tried to steady myself from the boiling rage that was bubbling inside of me.

[00:16:09] Well, don't ask me, dear.

[00:16:12] As a matter of fact, ask him.

[00:16:15] Grandma trembled, shaking her head in pure disgust.

[00:16:19] I almost chuckled a little as I replied with,

[00:16:22] Grandma, you know I can't do that.

[00:16:25] I rolled my eyes at her sarcasm, but she didn't budge.

[00:16:30] Instead, she answered bluntly,

[00:16:32] Well, he is sitting right next to you.

[00:16:36] I gasped and turned around to Julian, whose tired body was slumped into the sofa, but he was still wide awake, his eyes turning away from mine.

[00:16:46] I turned to Grandma, who laughed and cleared her now croaky throat, and continued.

[00:16:55] Francis knew that the boys in his bunk and the other men were disturbed by the videos that they were forced to watch.

[00:17:02] He couldn't just sit back and let this all happen.

[00:17:05] He had to do something.

[00:17:07] The only good person he could talk to now was Charles Everett.

[00:17:11] After breakfast, Francis rushed to the field where he instantly saw the young male gradually walking towards his bunk.

[00:17:18] Hey, Everett, wait up!

[00:17:20] Francis yelled, making the man stop in his tracks.

[00:17:23] He turned around.

[00:17:24] The young boy's eyes were bruised and puffy.

[00:17:28] His knuckles appeared to have red marks across them as they shook violently,

[00:17:32] desperately trying to hold the water bottle in his hands.

[00:17:36] The bright energy that made Charles himself was replaced by a ghastly, pale man whose face lingered with evil.

[00:17:47] My Francis did not understand what was going on.

[00:17:50] He thought he saw the worst of what he experienced, but that was just the start.

[00:17:56] Grandma trembled as she opened the first page of the book, which displayed the single Polaroid picture.

[00:18:06] The soldiers did their usual special training for the day.

[00:18:09] Each of their faces, when they trotted out of the meeting room, portrayed a sickly, empathetic glance as they strolled towards their bunks for the night.

[00:18:18] The air was fresh and welcoming as Charles and Francis walked out of the building and into the night.

[00:18:25] There was an odd silence between them.

[00:18:28] The only sound was their heavy breathing and low grunts.

[00:18:31] The destination seemed to drag on for longer as the both of them headed up the hill.

[00:18:37] That was when they first grasped it.

[00:18:41] What is that?

[00:18:42] Charles stuttered as he wiped the exhaustion from his eyes.

[00:18:46] The street lamps flickered on near them like a domino effect, displaying the large field.

[00:18:53] The young males were stunned, their eyes drawn to what appeared to be a yellow tent propped up evenly on the side.

[00:19:00] Francis couldn't help but sense that chilling, feeling creep down his spine.

[00:19:05] However, both men dismissed the unusual tent and headed back to their barracks to sleep.

[00:19:13] Bang, bang, bang.

[00:19:16] The thoughts of the tent disappeared from Francis' mind as each soldier was awoken by the begging of the sergeant on the door.

[00:19:23] All of you, get up now and line up outside immediately. Hurry up!

[00:19:28] He screamed as the door slammed shut and each soldier groaned in exhaustion.

[00:19:33] The morning overcame the night very quickly.

[00:19:36] The soldiers slipped on their usual clothes and rushed outside to meet with the sergeant,

[00:19:41] who demanded them to line up in an upright formation and hold a bayonet in their hands like they practiced.

[00:19:48] A faint sound of snapping and a flash alerted Charles as he quickly swept behind Francis.

[00:19:57] Hey, Iverson, how's it going?

[00:19:59] He greeted dryly as Francis turned around and said,

[00:20:02] I'm alright, just confused on why we are here.

[00:20:06] Well, I'm not doing what they tell me to do.

[00:20:09] Like what my mama says, if something feels or tastes utterly bitter for you, don't drink it or find a way to sweeten it up.

[00:20:17] Leave it.

[00:20:18] Charles stated as he heard a chuckle from behind him.

[00:20:22] You sure your mama knows what she is talking about, Everett?

[00:20:26] Charles turned to face a smirking man as laughter resonated within the line behind him.

[00:20:31] You watch your mouth, Demetrius.

[00:20:33] Don't you talk about my mama like that.

[00:20:35] Charles spat the rage seemed to build up piece by piece.

[00:20:39] Then he turned back to the line.

[00:20:42] Francis knew he was next in the line.

[00:20:45] Demetrius did not fear Charles.

[00:20:47] Instead, he continued to mock him.

[00:20:50] Each word or noise edged deeply into the boy.

[00:20:54] The rage fired up and up into large flames.

[00:20:57] Then, silence.

[00:21:00] Francis was next.

[00:21:02] But his eyes were focused on Charles that grabbed the Demetrius behind him and slammed the boy onto the floor

[00:21:09] whilst he bashed his fists into the man's face repeatedly.

[00:21:14] It was as if there was nothing left on the young bloke.

[00:21:17] No sympathy or respect.

[00:21:19] No formality.

[00:21:20] Just pure violence.

[00:21:22] The scene happened so fast, but the words from the boy stuck with Francis.

[00:21:28] He couldn't take them out of his head.

[00:21:30] No matter how hard he tried.

[00:21:32] Francis couldn't move.

[00:21:34] He was detached from the world around him until the sergeant wavered his attention and he stared coldly at the camera.

[00:21:41] The noise of yelling and beating filled the air.

[00:21:44] Say cheese.

[00:21:46] Snap.

[00:21:48] Silence overcasted Francis's mind.

[00:21:51] The thoughts and feelings.

[00:21:52] His beautiful girlfriend that had no idea what was going on.

[00:21:57] It never bothered him because he just couldn't think.

[00:22:00] Only observe.

[00:22:03] After a while, the soldiers were back to training, holding the ropes whilst climbing up the large wooden wall.

[00:22:10] They weren't good enough.

[00:22:12] They slumped and let go of the rope.

[00:22:14] The energy and the will to serve their country was the only remaining thing that bled out of their dead souls.

[00:22:22] Francis wrote a lot of things in his small leather book.

[00:22:26] He was obsessed because he knew that it was the thing that kept him sane.

[00:22:30] He wrote about the incident and what followed after that was a series of fights and tortures within the night.

[00:22:37] Some soldiers would go out and come back inside and provoke anyone they desired.

[00:22:43] That soldier would get beaten and they always said the same thing.

[00:22:47] And he didn't know why.

[00:22:48] But that's when they came along.

[00:22:51] A soft knock at the metal door that was already propped open.

[00:22:55] And a beautiful lady stood in the entrance, the sunlight seething through the gloomy room.

[00:23:01] For a moment, Francis assumed it was an angel sent down from heaven.

[00:23:05] Her soft peachy skin and light hazel eyes that danced upon each soldier.

[00:23:11] She wore a light yellow coat with a small symbol on the side of it, with her white shoes and brown shiny long hair.

[00:23:18] Hello there, gentlemen.

[00:23:20] My name is Cornell Walters and I'm a part of a vast company that we think you would love.

[00:23:26] Beamed the lady as she smiled widely, showing her pearly white teeth.

[00:23:31] There was a long silence throughout the bunk until one of the soldiers asked,

[00:23:35] What?

[00:23:37] What are you talking about?

[00:23:39] The lady peered at the grim, pale-faced men that stood there, taking in this woman.

[00:23:45] Their bloodshot eyes and trembling hands.

[00:23:47] Some had bruises, scratch marks and dried blood from cuts on their arms and body, but others barely had any visible.

[00:23:56] Well, why don't you lovelies follow me?

[00:23:59] We were in the process of packing up and leaving, however, it is a delight for all of you to catch a glimpse of it before we go.

[00:24:06] She chimed as the soldiers looked at each other, confused.

[00:24:10] Francis, on the other hand, didn't hesitate to grab his book and follow this woman outside onto the field.

[00:24:16] All the weary soldiers trailed after Cornell Walters.

[00:24:21] Her hair fluttered against the soft wind that hugged each man reassuringly.

[00:24:25] They walked across the field to the large tent that had many people in the same light yellow uniform.

[00:24:32] Francis glanced at the symbol that displayed a small circle in dots that surrounded it like a sun.

[00:24:39] He couldn't keep his eyes off the equipment that they used.

[00:24:43] They had no care in the world as they gently packed the belongings in white boxes with the same symbol planted on it.

[00:24:50] Cornell Walters stopped at her tracks and watched the soldiers take in the scenery.

[00:24:55] What do you call this, company?

[00:24:57] Added one of the soldiers, all the men turning back also pondering the same question.

[00:25:02] Before anyone could utter a word, a faint sound of engine spellowed through the field.

[00:25:07] White Morris motor cars were seen driving towards them as they parked evenly together near the working tent.

[00:25:14] The lady waved at the cars, then turned to us.

[00:25:18] With a smile that stretched wider than ever, she asked,

[00:25:22] Would you care to join us?

[00:25:24] It will only be for two days.

[00:25:26] The soldiers hesitated.

[00:25:28] They didn't understand what she was talking about.

[00:25:31] How could they possibly join her when they were training?

[00:25:35] But Francis didn't listen.

[00:25:37] Because he could detect the presence that stood next to him.

[00:25:41] It was Julian.

[00:25:44] Uru Kampa.

[00:25:45] The lady chirped at the confused but intrigued faces that peered back at her.

[00:25:50] They desired whatever this lady was offering.

[00:25:53] Some stepped forward with pride, hoping that whatever they were feeling would go away soon enough.

[00:25:59] Whatever was going on in this training facility wasn't correct, and Francis wanted to know why.

[00:26:06] He strode forward, but a tough hand tightened around his arm, the nails digging into Francis' as he turned around with a stoic expression plastered across his dull face.

[00:26:18] Are you sure you want to go with them?

[00:26:20] Julian shot firmly.

[00:26:21] Francis could see the arrogance that he previously witnessed before fade into a mixture of trepidation that coursed through his body.

[00:26:31] Yeah, why not?

[00:26:32] Francis replied bluntly, not a single emotion in his tone of voice.

[00:26:37] Look, I know more about this than you do.

[00:26:40] I'm serious.

[00:26:42] Julian sternly whispered as he watched the sergeant talk to the lady whilst some of the soldiers entered the cars that silently watched the two.

[00:26:50] What the fuck are you talking about?

[00:26:53] They are not?

[00:26:54] Good.

[00:26:55] Do you even know the name of this company, you dumbass?

[00:26:58] Julian snarled, still holding Francis' arm with a tight grip as he looked away in guilt.

[00:27:04] What do you know?

[00:27:05] Francis hissed.

[00:27:06] It was as if those words stabbed Julian like knives, clutching and tearing the only fragments of truth and honesty that remained in the young man,

[00:27:15] his eyes now staring at the soft grass and the murmuring of soldiers,

[00:27:19] each of them desperately sitting in the back of the cars that lined behind one and another.

[00:27:25] Silence.

[00:27:27] Tell me what the fuck you're talking about.

[00:27:29] Francis repeated a bit louder than before as he noticed fear linger in Julian's eyes.

[00:27:36] They rupture you first to see the body's perception to a distressing event.

[00:27:41] How do you react?

[00:27:42] How do you function after it?

[00:27:44] They monitor you.

[00:27:45] Can you do a simple task without shutting the world off?

[00:27:49] Julian couldn't move.

[00:27:51] His attention jittered to the cars and the tent that was now being taken down,

[00:27:56] then back to Francis, who had a cold glare staring back at him.

[00:28:00] He then continued.

[00:28:02] What could exceed it?

[00:28:03] Would it maximize better work from everyone across the world if they were jubilant?

[00:28:09] Think about it, Iverson.

[00:28:10] These people are testing us and you really want to give in to that?

[00:28:13] Julian demanded.

[00:28:15] However, Francis peered back at the group of soldiers in confusion, then back at Julian.

[00:28:21] How do you know this?

[00:28:23] Francis shot.

[00:28:25] I...

[00:28:26] I...

[00:28:26] I can't tell you right now, but we...

[00:28:28] We got to...

[00:28:29] Francis Iverson and Julian Parker?

[00:28:32] Please join us.

[00:28:33] It will be an honor to have such brilliant men.

[00:28:36] Cornell Walters smiled, holding her hands out like she was showing a famous painting to the

[00:28:40] rest of the soldiers.

[00:28:41] The lady turned back to the cars that were evenly spread out in rows.

[00:28:47] An unsettling feeling swayed into Francis as he turned back to Julian.

[00:28:51] Julian, you realize what it is like to lose a child.

[00:28:56] It's something that holds you down forever.

[00:28:58] You cannot outrun grief because it just has a way of biting back at you.

[00:29:03] Doris needs me.

[00:29:04] My girlfriend needs me because we are being confined every day.

[00:29:08] If there is a way to stop this suffocation...

[00:29:11] Anything.

[00:29:12] Then I will take it.

[00:29:13] He concluded, the breathing from Julian became more fast, more agitated.

[00:29:19] What the fuck do you mean?

[00:29:21] Did you not hear me?

[00:29:22] Give this to Doris Iverson.

[00:29:24] Francis handed Julian the leathered book as he felt his grip tighten against the man,

[00:29:30] enough to leave a mark, but he simply pulled the clutch with nothing plastered across his face.

[00:29:37] Just visit her when you can.

[00:29:38] If she worries, tell her I'll be back as soon as I can.

[00:29:43] He said, walking away towards one of the cars and hopped in.

[00:29:49] Julian watched the cars descend from the grass into the black metal gate that opened and closed.

[00:29:56] Gone.

[00:29:58] Silence.

[00:30:01] Where did they go?

[00:30:03] I whispered, barely hearing my own words from the repetitive drumming of my heart.

[00:30:10] Before anyone could say another word, Julian, whose fists clenched in pure rage, said,

[00:30:17] Doris, we both know that there is more to this story.

[00:30:20] How could you just sit there and not say the full details?

[00:30:24] He croaked, placing his hand on top of his gray, curly hair.

[00:30:29] Claire is at that age where she needs the story on how it is supposed to be,

[00:30:34] especially when she doesn't have the parents to guide her.

[00:30:38] What did the men say?

[00:30:39] I heard myself ask, my hands trembling in my lap.

[00:30:43] What do you mean, dear?

[00:30:45] You said all of them said the same thing when they got beaten.

[00:30:50] Well, what did they say?

[00:30:52] She flipped the multiple pages of the book and handed it to me.

[00:30:57] I touched the small, old, leathered book and felt a sense of dread kick in.

[00:31:03] I glimpsed at the page, my mouth agape in horror,

[00:31:08] as my eyes were drawn to Doris and Julian, then back at the book.

[00:31:13] The inevitable feeling that buried itself inside of me.

[00:31:18] My entire focus was on the two words that I somehow could not get out of my head.

[00:31:26] No war.