Why had they taken the time and effort to build the tunnel like this? The trees sculpted into a square that created an enclosed walkway leading to the side entrance of the lair. Why not just a line of trees? Why not a concrete tunnel?

Perhaps it was for camouflage. From the sky above the roof would look like forest floor.

Perhaps it was because He had been an artist, or used to be. He pictured the Führer sat at an easel painting the dappled shadows and sunlight shifting across the ground.

Not that he had ever seen The Man himself. He had only been here a month guarding the side entrance that no one used. Not much of a war story to tell Heidi when he returned to Munich.

Not that he should complain. Thanks to his father’s position he had avoided being sent to the Eastern Front. Rumours circled the guard hut that things were not going well there.

The sun dipped behind the tall trees and he heard Heinrich approaching to take over for the night. He could taste the promised cigarette in his mouth and feel the comfortable mattress waiting to enfold him.

Written as part of Sunday Photo Fiction. Write a story of around 200 words based on the photo prompt given (above). Hosted by Susan Spaulding. For more details visit HERE.

To read more of the stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.