Tatyana Kulikova, Russian student (Allies/Soviet) [Main Story.]

I’m not really paying attention as one of my classmates stands at the front of the room and talks about herself. I can understand what she’s saying, most of it anyways. Her English is pretty good, probably better than mine, but it’s hard to think about this class as she finishes her presentation, knowing what is happening, knowing that they’re coming closer and closer.

“Tatyana Romanovna.” My professor calls out. I snap my head up. It’s my turn. I make my way to the front of the room, and look out at all of the students watching me.

“You may begin.” She tells me.

This is it. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. I take a deep breath and begin.

“My name is Tatyana Romanovna Kulikova. I am from Tula Oblast, Russian SFSR.”

I can already see my professor’s face turning sour as she watches me.

“The Tula oblast, in the Russian SFSR.” She corrects me.

“I am eighteen years old.” I continue. “My birthday is September 29th. I go to school in Minsk. I study English and German language.”

“The English and German languages.” She corrects me again.

“I have one older brother, and one younger sister. His name is Victor, and her name is Anastasia.” I continue. “My hobbies are reading and spending time outside.”

“Her hobby is guys!” Somebody from the crowd whispers excitedly. Lots of people snicker and even laugh.

“Enough!” My professor interrupts.

“I like talking to my friend Sasha. My favorite animal is cat.” I continue.

My professor rolls her eyes and throws her hands up, but doesn’t stop me. She just watches me in frustration as I painfully finish the rest of my presentation.

I look at her as she takes a deep breath and collects herself.

“Your grammar is terrible.” She tells me. “And your accent. You could cut down a tree with that accent. There’s no way any Englishman could ever understand you.”

“Do you know how to cook?” My professor asks me.

“A little bit, why?” I ask her.

“You’re a pretty girl, you’ll find a good husband. Take your seat.”