In the field hospital, Tanaka was seen by a group of American medics, who were more accustomed to treating their own wounded soldiers. They had not expected to be tending to POWs, let alone a woman. The American soldiers had their orders to provide care to those in need, but they were not prepared for what Tanaka would reveal about herself and her fears.
Tanaka, though physically injured, had a different kind of wound—one that was not immediately visible. She was emotionally scarred by her capture, her captivity, and the prospect of what lay ahead. But there was something specific that terrified her. Something she couldn’t bear to face.
Chapter 3: The Fear of “Cutting Open”
When Tanaka was taken into the medical tent for treatment, the medics quickly realized that she was in worse shape than they initially thought. Her wounds were not immediately life-threatening, but she was malnourished and exhausted, and they were concerned about her long-term health. After a brief evaluation, they determined she needed surgery.
Tanaka’s reaction to the news was unlike any other. She screamed. The sound was high-pitched, filled with panic, and echoed through the field hospital. Her eyes were wide with fear, her hands trembling as she attempted to pull away from the medics who were preparing for the procedure. It wasn’t the pain that frightened her—it was the thought of the surgery, the “cutting open” that she feared most.
