This enthralling story is part of Duckbill’s Songs of Freedom series, which features stories of children navigating life across different parts of India during the struggle for independence. The novel follows  thirteen-year-old Bawiha, who lives with his grandmother (Api), mother, and adored older brother Kima, growing up in the Lushai Hills during World War II and the impending Japanese invasion. The narrative is set between 1942 and 1944 in Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram (then known as the Lushai Hills). Bawiha lives in a world of simple joys, heavily influenced by his grandmother’s traditional folklore and stories of magical heroes. His mother and he work hard at the bungalow of the British Superintendent, Mr. McCall. While some locals deeply resent the British colonial presence, it initially does not disrupt Bawiha’s innocence. The story shifts dramatically when the realities of World War II reach the Indian border. As Japanese forces sweep through neighboring Burma and prepare to invade northeast India, the local region is thrown into turmoil. Kima decides to enlist in the British Indian Army to defend their home, abruptly ending Bawiha’s carefree childhood. The title of the book refers to the poignant postcard and communication Kima sends home after joining the brigade, altering Bawiha’s perception of what it truly means to be a hero.