The soldier stands in the alley, watching the city burn. Smoke drifts between buildings. Citizens scatter on streets, and those with guns fire desperately at the advancing soldiers. Staccato gunfire is punctuated by screams. People fall.
A woman runs past, clutching a bundle to her chest. He's close enough to see tears trailing down sooty cheeks. He lifts his rifle, aims, but the barrel trembles in his hands. His finger curls around the trigger.
A shot rings out.
And she ducks into a crumbling doorway, unharmed.
The soldier exhales, lowering the rifle. He sags against the wall and wonders...
