There is no liar like the one who lies to himself. He has a fool indeed for an audience. - Jane Yolen

Overhead the swallows dipped down to catch bugs rising from the ground. Then they soared back up beyond the barracks. Hannah watched them for a moment, scarcely breathing. It was as if all nature ignored what went on in the camp. There were brilliant sunsets and soft breezes. Around the commandant’s house, bright flowers were teased by the wind. Once she’d seen a fox cross the meadow to disappear into the forest.

Fifteen years can be a long or a short time, depending upon whether one is immortal or not.

Wars may make heroes of men, but not all the time.