Flames Of Resistance

• Kavan Nguyen, Grade 9
• Short Story
• 2023

The fall of the British forces to Hitler's Third Reich marked a turning point in history, plunging the once-proud nation into darkness and despair. Amidst the rubble of shattered cities and broken dreams, Samuel, a former British soldier, refused to give in to the oppressive weight of Nazi rule.

After narrowly escaping capture during the final days of the war, Samuel went into hiding, witnessing the horrors inflicted on his homeland. Determined to make a difference, he began gathering allies, forging a rebellion from the embers of a seemingly extinguished hope.

As the rebellion grew, so did their daring attacks on Nazi camps. Each victory bolstered their ranks and confidence. It was during one such raid that Samuel met Alex, a skilled and charismatic fighter. The two became inseparable, fighting side by side and sharing their vision for a free world. With Alex by his side, Samuel led the rebellion to liberate England and a neighbouring country.

Months after their victories, the rebels worked tirelessly to rebuild their home, their spirits lifted by the hope of lasting peace. It was during a gathering to plan their next move against the Nazis that their world came crashing down.

The night sky was suddenly ablaze as bombs rained down on their camp. The rebels scrambled to defend their home as Nazi forces swarmed from all directions. Amidst the chaos, Samuel realized Alex was missing. Desperate to find his friend, he sprinted towards a burning building, guided by a faint cry for help.

Battling through the smoke and flames, Samuel found Alex trapped beneath a fallen beam. As he moved to help his friend, he felt the cold barrel of a gun pressed against his forehead.

"Samuel, I'm so sorry," Alex whispered, his voice trembling with sorrow.

Confusion and betrayal clouded Samuel's mind as he studied Alex's anguished face. The truth slowly dawned on him: his closest ally had been working against him from the start.

"Why, Alex? Why?" Samuel's voice was barely audible over the roar of the fire.

Tears streamed down Alex's face as he choked out his confession. "They have my family, Samuel. They threatened to kill them if I didn't cooperate."

In that moment, Samuel understood the impossible choice his friend had been forced to make. With a heavy heart, he whispered, "You may have betrayed me, Alex, but the fire of freedom will never die."

As the flames consumed the building around them, Alex pulled the trigger, and Samuel's lifeless body crumpled to the floor. Yet his unbroken spirit and the rebellion he had built would live on, inspiring others to continue the fight for freedom.