THE WHOLE VILLAGE GOSSIPED ABOUT THE SOLDIER WHO CAME HOME WITH NO MEDALS AND ONLY “SCARS” ALL OVER HIS BODY — BUT THEY STOPPED DRINKING WHEN A GENERAL STEPPED OUT OF AN ARMY JEEP AND SALUTED HIM

Berting had been gone from their village for five years. He was a soldier. Everyone expected that when he came home, he would have many stories of heroism, plenty of money, and a chest full of medals.

But when Berting stepped down from the tricycle, he looked different.

Thin. Hollow-eyed. And most noticeable of all — his arms and neck were covered in scars. There was a large gash on his face that looked like it had been slashed by a blade.

No medals. No new uniform. Just an old duffel bag in his hand.