Livestreaming the Long March

I was livestreaming and taking calls when I connected with a young soldier from the war years.

A slightly childish voice came through the microphone: “Comrade, could I trade you for something to eat?”

“I’ve only got this pair of straw sandals. Could I trade them for a handful of millet? If not, even some bran would do.”

At first, I thought one of my viewers was joking with me.

But the other person’s next words left me frozen in place.

“Our political instructor is about to starve to death. He’s counting on me to bring back some grain to save his life.”

“Comrade, please! I’m speaking on behalf of our whole company when I say thank you!”