As the sun peeked over the horizon, haze covered the fields. It gave the camp and its surroundings an eerie appearance. In the waiting crowd Johann spotted Gerd and walked over to him.
“Hello,” Johann said. There wasn’t much else to say. Glad you’re alive. Is your barracks as horrible as ours? Did you sleep well?
. Glad you’re alive. Is your barracks as horrible as ours? Did you sleep well?“Hello,” Gerd answered, peering at him with bloodshot eyes. His face and neck were covered in red bites. Involuntarily, Johann touched his own neck, reminded of the itching bug bites.
“Anyone know what’s going to happen?” another newcomer asked.
“No.” The usually well-informed Gerd shook his head. “As mute as maggots, those Ivans.”
As if to contradict him, one of the guards yelled, “Line up in singl
