Lorena

Lorena, or "Hummingbird" as we all called her – a nickname earned from her lightning-fast reflexes and grace under pressure – sat across from me, her usual vibrant energy subdued. She’d seen the Colonel’s tirade too. The quiet concern in her dark eyes was more comforting than any pep talk. We both had gotten drafted a year ago, so what should feel like an amassing of days feels like forever. After being chewed out by your commander you head back out, and sit… only to find the other soldier, Lorena.