CHAPTER 1

Dear Diary.

It has been a week since I was separated from my family as we made our way through the occupied territories. We were hoping to escape across the border. Away from the war. I have not dared to search for my family, there are still many patrols looking for refugees. I have been living in an abandoned farm house for a few days now. The people who used to live here must have packed up and left when the war started.

Now I have this large house all to myself. But I know I won't be able to stay here forever. It's not safe, and I should try to find my family. My brothers must be so worried about me. And soon, I will need to find more food. Right now, however, I am preoccupied with another matter.