The History of an Evil CEO

Chapter Ⅲ War Mistake Part 2

During the afternoon I decided to see the village with Matthew which was totally destroyed by the war. Everything is in ruins: empty houses, broken walls and a silence that feels heavier than the air. It's hard to believe that this was once a place where people lived, where families sat together and children played.

He and I decided to camp in a house that was in very good condition for the night. The plan is to head to Cambodia tomorrow, but for now, we need to rest. I like to see the stars in the sky, they are something that brings back so many memories, and there was that big hole in the roof. I also like to think that my father was in big battles like the Normandy landings and... I think that's the only battle I remember, that he was in. That's why I'm here, after all: to live up to the example he set, to make him proud.

The silence was a bit eerie, but we kept up our spirits. Matthew told some crazy stories and I played my guitar for a while; Anything to keep us away from the darkness that surrounds us. No matter how much we laugh and try to relax, there is no way to escape what awaits us out there.

Tomorrow we head into the most unknown jungle between Vietnam and Cambodia.

The next day was the start of the offensive, we were in the jungle dividing Cambodia and Vietnam and from there everything became a nightmare. During the offensive we were ambushed and caught off guard as enemy fire rained down from the thick jungle around us. It was chaos. Bullets were flying, men were screaming and we had no choice but to retreat. But the enemy was everywhere, closing in on us.

It seemed like hours had passed but it was probably only a few minutes before we resorted to napalm. The fire spread quickly and thick smoke rose above the trees. I remember the heat on my face and the horror of watching the jungle turn into an inferno. It was the only way to break their hold and buy some time but it came at a price, me and Matthew got separated from the group so we ran through the jungle, getting so far away that we almost fell into a ravine. I can still hear the screams.

When we were trying to get back, to regroup, we were surrounded. The Khmer Rouge had anticipated our movements and before we knew it, Matthew and I were taken prisoner. They tied our hands and forced us deeper into the jungle. From there we came to a camp where they were staying, where they showed us in small wooden cells to remind us that we are still alive.

For now, the only thing that matters is survival. I can only hope that we find a way out of this and that the others stand firm. I try to stay strong, remembering why I am here and thinking of my father's courage. That is all I have left.

After a few days since we were captured and things are getting worse. At night, we're separated and I'm never sure if Matthew is still alive. I had to do something, anything, so I took a chance.

I remembered the small radio I had hidden in my gear, something I had managed to keep even after I was searched. While the guards were distracted, I carefully pulled it out and sent a message, praying it would get through. I kept my voice low but steady, giving our approximate location and asking for help. I don't know if anyone heard it, but I had to try.

This morning, I could hear the guards talking more than usual. I don't know their language, but I can tell something has changed. I feel the tension is higher, like they know we're not disappearing into the jungle anymore. There's a glimmer of hope now and I'm holding on to it, hoping someone out there is looking for us and help is coming.

If my message gets out, it won't just be about us anymore. The whole world could be watching us Maybe finally someone will help us, have faith in it