Blood on the snow

‘Finished studying?’ Janek asked his son.

Kuba put the textbook aside, by the miniature Christmas tree. They snuck out before sunrise, trying not to wake Zofia. A tank left tracks in the snow, leading towards the shipyard.

Since Kuba left for university, they didn’t talk much. Kuba was too busy reading philosophers and writing poetry. But now, he chose to stand up to The Party alongside the striking shipyard workers, unafraid of tear gas and batons. Janek was brimming with pride. He pictured telling Zofia about the brave things their son would do.

Later that day, he came home alone.