An Unfortunate Birthday

Your name is Noel Girald, which really means “bold as a spear”. You are living in France, 1914. Today, you are three, but as a horrible birthday present, you have to part with your father. He’s going to war in Germany, and you will have to go live in an orphanage from now on. As far as your memory goes, you’ve never had a mother, or any siblings, it’s just been you and Dad. As the giant truck drives Dad away, you silently sobbed. Soon after, a man came to take you to the orphanage.
The orphanage is a run-down place. Not a place you would want to be. But this is your life now. During your first year in the orphanage, you made a friend. His name was Eli. He didn’t remember his last names or parents; like you, he never met his mother. He’s been in the orphanage for six years. The two of you quickly became the best of friends. You always had each other’s back and did everything together. Eli was like a brother to you, and you to him.
Twenty six years has passed. You are now 28, and Eli 31. You two are drafted into the military to fight a battle in Dunkirk. After fail attempts to stop Germans from invading France, you were ordered to flee in British ships. This event was known as the Evacuation of Dunkirk. Many of your fellow soldiers died, but fortunately, you and Eli survived. You are now safe in Britain, but not for long.
Four years later, you and Eli were again in the military, getting ready to win back France. You and Eli were two of the few French soldiers that survived. You had the first wave. The General had warned you that this mission was fatal, many will die. At first, you did not want to accept this mission. After all, it’s a day before your birthday. After seeing Eli bravely jumped on the small boat, you reluctantly followed after him. The boat was still far from the beach, nearly 5,000 yards away. They started firing. Everyone panicked, but was shot right in the head. The sea runs red with blood. Tides carry dead bodies into the vast ocean. Dead soldiers sprawling on the beaches, covered in blood. Eli and you hid under the dead bodies on other soldiers on the boat and survived that hit. It's times like these where you don't really feel as bold as a spear. As the boat keeps floating towards the coast, Eli peeked to see if the boat was in a safe area to get out. He was immediately shot. Shocked and horrified, you lie still under his dead body and mourn your dead friend, who has been the only family to you.

Forcing in from the water

You lie there for what seemed like days, but only a few hours had passed. A tall man, scouting in boats to find survivors, came and saw you piled under dead bodies. Lieutenant Walter Taylor! You went onto his boat with him, and continued the war. You and the team ran up the beach, shooting at everyone you see. No mercy was given that day. You were shot in the arm twice; you winced in agonizing pain, but continued on.
Not long after, the enemy surrendered. You scout the beach with a few army men, searching for your dead friend. You found him inside of the boat you were in and carried him onto the beach. The next day, he was given a proper burial, along with a few dead bodies that were found. Once again, your birthday was spent mourning your loved ones.