This week’s short story, by Judit Szaniszló, is set in the hinterland of a fictional war. The narrative focuses on a moment of quiet desperation, depicting a character’s interaction with a fly buzzing against a window. The character ultimately crushes the fly against the glass, accompanied by a white curtain. This seemingly mundane act symbolizes a larger sense of futility and the silencing of life amidst conflict. The story explores themes of isolation, the monotony of waiting, and the subtle violence inherent in wartime existence. It offers a glimpse into the psychological impact of war on those not directly involved in combat, highlighting a pervasive sense of stillness and loss. The author uses stark imagery to convey the emotional weight of the scene.