Young Flowers

Train

As I settled into my seat on the train, I felt a sense of relief wash over me, but the fear of an uncertain future still lingered. After months of being stationed in the Kayin State, I finally had a chance to go home for a short while. I took a deep breath and tried to relax as the train started moving.

Looking around, I noticed that the train was fairly empty. Most of the seats were vacant, and only a few people were scattered here and there. I saw a young couple sitting across from me, holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes. The woman giggled at something the man said, and I couldn't help but smile at the sight.

As the train picked up speed, I leaned my head against the window and watched the scenery pass by. The lush green fields stretched out as far as the eye could see, and the tall trees swayed in the breeze. The sky was a clear blue, with fluffy white clouds lazily drifting by. The beauty of the landscape was mesmerizing, and for a moment, I forgot all about the harsh realities of the world.

The train made its way through small villages, and I saw people going about their daily lives. Children ran around playing, women hung laundry on clotheslines, and men sat outside their homes, smoking and chatting. It was a peaceful and idyllic scene, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of envy for the simplicity of their lives.

As the train approached a station, a group of vendors boarded the train, carrying baskets of food and drinks. They walked up and down the aisle, calling out their wares and trying to entice passengers to buy. I waved them off, preferring to stick with the snacks I had brought with me.

As we pulled out of the station, the train picked up speed once again. I found myself lost in thought, reflecting on my time in the Kayin State. It hadn't been easy. I knew that I had not made much of a difference. The rebel forces we had been fighting had lived in these lands since the beginning of time, and our presence had not helped anything, let alone to restore some sense of peace and stability. The so-called rebels were just civilians fighting for the cause they thought was right.

I couldn't help but wonder about the innocent lives that had been lost in the process. The villagers who had been caught in the crossfire, the families who had been torn apart by the conflict. It was a heavy burden to bear, but it was one that we soldiers had to carry.

As the train rumbled on, I could feel the fatigue setting in. The long days and sleepless nights had taken their toll, and I found myself struggling to keep my eyes open. I leaned back in my seat, closing my eyes for just a moment.

When I woke up, the train was pulling into the station. I stretched my legs and gathered my belongings, feeling grateful for the chance to take a break from the chaos of the Karen State. I stepped off the train and took a deep breath of fresh air, feeling rejuvenated and ready to face whatever came next.

As I walked out of the station, I felt a sense of excitement mixed with apprehension. It had been so long since I had been home, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. But for now, I was glad to be away from the conflict, even if it was just for a short while. I was glad I would get to hold my Yuna in my arms again.