
One word, Harooqi drops. Her knees hit concrete between his boots. The leather smell fills her nostrils. She’s staring at mudcaked laces at eye level.…

Lick your fingers. Three words. The messaul freezes. 47 Japanese women, hands still greasy from rice and vegetables. Stop breathing. Norico, 24, signals operator from…

Sleep on the floor. Naked. Six words. The translator’s voice cracks on the last one. Mikasa, 24, former Imperial Army nurse, feels her stomach drop…

Let me dry you. The towel moves lower. 16 women stop breathing. Hedwig’s back hits the shower wall. Cold tile. Colder fear. The American soldier…

Hold my belt tight. Five words. 17 women stop breathing. Marta’s fingers hover an inch from the American soldier’s waist. She’s 22. Vermach signals clerk.…

Dance with me. That’s an order. Six words. The room freezes. 43 Japanese women stop breathing at the exact same moment. Ko, 24, signals operator…

Take off your wet uniform. Five words. The American officer’s breath fogs in the frozen air. Renat Messner, 23, feels her spine lock. Behind her,…

You’ll serve dinner in your undergarments. Six words. The messaul goes silent. 12 German women stop breathing. Margaret feels her stomach drop through the frozen…

Put this on. He holds up silk, thin, almost transparent. It belonged to my wife. Tomoko’s hands won’t stop shaking. The fabric catches afternoon light.…

Lie down. Oil my back. Four words. Broken Japanese. The American officer’s shirt is already off. He’s walking toward the wooden table in the center…




