Conflict Never Ends, but Neither does Hope
Stories offer an escape from reality and insight into what the world could be like. Mortals are fragile beings, and they rely on nice resolutions to feel better about themselves and the world around them. However, the story I am about to tell is one with a happy ending forged by tragedy that will inspire others. Some have asked me if this story is true, and I always respond, “you’ll figure it out.” If I were to tell them the truth, where would be the fun in that? Whether these events are true or fake, they must decide that for themselves. What I speak of are events that took place recently in a war that struck fear into the hearts of an entire country. Lives were lost and countless families were torn apart by the chaos. This is a tale of the Russo-Ukrainian War, and a tribute to all the brave souls that managed to change the balance of nature.
This story began in the country of Ukraine. For many generations, the country of Ukraine and its people had been looked down upon by the people of Russia. The leaders of Russia wanted full control over Ukraine and had demanded cooperation, but with no success. Their inner evil finally showed through their false facade. All mercy was thrown away and seeking power, the Russians prepared to invade. After the presidential election of 2020, Joe Biden was named 46th president of the United States, and after hearing concern from the Ukrainian government regarding Russia, Biden would offer help as an “ally.” The U.S. military traveled to Ukraine to help the country, however the Ukrainians would soon learn not every promise is kept, as the terror on the horizon would send their allies running.
Russia would give obvious warnings of their invasion; threatening to destroy anything that would stand in their way. The Ukrainians were clearly unprepared for a fierce battle of country spanning magnitudes, which happened to be one main reason America sent help. The citizens of the U.S. started appreciating their government, even calling them “righteous.” This would all change on the day that plunged Ukraine into Chaos.
February 24th of 2022 marked the day everything went wrong, as Russia finally launched their full-scale invasion. Despite the danger to the lives of Ukrainian citizens, President Biden was unwilling to go against Russia, as it posed a risk of starting another world war. Unwilling to face the risks, he “reluctantly” ordered all Americans to leave immediately to not lose American blood and to avoid any further conflict. The Ukrainians needed help, but instead; they were practically thrown to the Russians like meat to dogs. The world shifted that day, as several American citizens took back all praise they had given Biden calling him a “coward.” Biden refused to change his mind, and so the country of Ukraine was decimated by Russia as the American military fled without batting an eye.
Days passed, and the country of Ukraine was in flames. Cities were reduced to ash, thousands of innocent lives lost, and countless children were left wailing over the corpses of their families that had been torn from them. All citizens were beginning to accept impending death, it was hopeless to them. However, not all was lost as a miracle occurred. See, not all the Americans left Ukraine, some stayed, and one among them would impact the lives of countless soldiers and civilians.
A young major of the U.S. with just over one-hundred soldiers returned to Ukraine. He and his unit had stolen guns, ammo, and so much more. When asked why; the leader responded, “we aren’t just here to provide for this country, we are here to teach you all how to fight back and help you all do so.” The Ukrainians gained instant respect for the young man leading, he was mysterious and stoic; yet at the same time courageous and possessed a pure heart of gold. An angry young boy stepped out of the crowd and shouted, “My family! My family! They’re dead because of you! You promised us help and ran with the rest of your troops! Why now?! Do you think I can forgive you?! The man knelt to the child and responded, “I am sorry for your loss, I take full responsibility for my people and our mistakes. I don’t expect forgiveness, and this is by no means for redemption. I just can’t leave behind those in need, and if I must betray my country’s orders to save more lives; then so be it.” Everyone in the crowd was shocked by the man’s calm response, after which he began marching to the nearest gathering point that had been established. Before this, the boy asked, “sir, what’s your name?” He was silent for a moment, but then he turned to the boy and spoke. “My name is Hopeful.”
Several months passed and the young man known simply as “Hopeful” had contributed greatly to the defense of Ukraine and its people. The boy named “Glory,” who had once thought of “Hopeful” as his enemy now considered him a great friend despite coming from different countries and circumstances. They would go on extraction and rescue missions together, even when “Hopeful” said “no,” the boy would still follow regardless. Everything seemed well, until one fateful morning. The unit led by “Hopeful” engaged on Russian claimed territory, however as they walked in they were ambushed, with hot metal cutting through American and Ukrainian soldiers alike. Hopeful told everyone to retreat to higher ground and began fighting back by himself taking down multiple enemy soldiers, however, there came a point where he began to falter and he couldn’t fight anymore. He then saw “Glory” running to save him. The Russians pointed their guns at the boy and “Glory” accepted his fate, but after closing his eyes he felt no pain. He opened them, and saw his friend from America, “Hopeful” full of bullet wounds in his neck, torso, limbs, and eye. “Hopeful” picked up his young friend and ran up to the others. As he started to fade in the arms of “Glory,” he reached and took the boy’s hand. His last words were, “I can never die, I am not one man, I am part of everyone including you. “Glory my friend, you are “Hopeful.” As long as you and everyone remember that; I won’t die, and neither will anyone else.” Those were the last words of this one man, these words would encourage “Glory” to continue the fight with determination in his soul.
A tragic tale it is, his death was never recorded by America as he betrayed the country to help save another country. Eventually, even “Glory” died on the battlefield after saving countless lives. Even to this day, the war continues to ravage the world passing the torch between a myriad of soldiers until “Hopeful” was forgotten by nearly all. The individual may be gone forever, but his idea continues to exist. The Russo-Ukrainian War goes on, but the feeling of “hope” will never die. Be kind and stand up for people who come from different places as you, become a protector and be “Hopeful” for the future, because in this unforgiving world, even a single person can save countless lives; not just with strength, but with words and compassion. For those with the heart to stand up in any way, are the greatest of heroes.
