Boys Will Be Boys

This short story (2280 words) is about the experiences of a German World War I veteran in the last days of the second World War.

Excerpt of the story:

"My limp was more pronounced when I was hurrying, I knew that; I prided myself on it only being noticeable to people who knew or to keen observers when I was walking at easy strides. But my strides weren’t easy in these early morning hours. I wanted to run, but my stiff ankle forced me into some sort of farcical galloping clown whenever I tried. Several times I told myself that I had to slow down, walk normally, to pass undetected.

I half-smiled to myself, patting the thick blanket I had strapped on top of my rucksack to make sure it was still there. They’ll notice that before they’ll ever pay attention to my limp.
I was running off with a rucksack full of food; Food that I had stolen from my own family only minutes before."