She is Alive

“Just tell me here, there is nothing that you need to hide.”

Chang straightened his back but didn’t stand up.

The soldier gave up on his persuasions, keeping in mind Chang’s position. He could only lower his voice before saying, “Alright, but please don’t tell others that I’ve talked to you about this.”

“No problem.”

Chang nodded.

“Do you know about Officer He?”

The platoon leader made his voice almost inaudible, worrying that what he said next would be heard by people in the gym other than Chang.

“You mean, Zhizhi? What happened?”

Chang was surprised that the platoon leader would mention someone that had died in that battle.

“She was my childhood friend, we grew up in the same neighbourhood.” The soldier kept his voice low. “She was one of my best friends.”

“Alright. Then?” Chang struggled to tighten his rigid brow muscles to make an expression. “What do you want to tell me?”

“I was trying to… trying to let you know that she is not dead.”