Land of the Free 

by S. M. Ulbrich

Tears stung Private Elena’s eyes as she knelt behind a crumbling wall, clutching her brother’s dog tags. The valley roared with the sounds of war, but her squad’s courage burned brighter. “For you, Miguel,” she choked, his sacrifice haunting her heart. The enemy surged, yet she rose, rifle trembling, driven by love for her fractured homeland. 

Bullets tore the air, but her resolve held firm. At dusk, the flag stood tall, stained with blood and hope. Elena sobbed, pride and grief entwined. This land, her home, was free–not by fate, but because of the brave who bled for it.

100 Word Flash Fiction contest entry. Recognized