It was morning.
Simo had woken up early, like usual.
Outside of his home, everything looked the same as it always did every winter.
At first, everything felt normal.
He got dressed and went outside.
Simo walked toward the barn where his father was working.
His father, Juho Häyhä, seemed to be worried about something.
Simo noticed.
"Is something wrong?" Simo asked.
His father did not answer right away.
Then he spoke.
"There was some late news last night," he said.
Simo waited.
"The Soviet Union attacked Finland."
Simo stood still.
Simo was confused.
"Attacked?" Simo asked.
"Soldiers charged and attacked while bombs were falling on towns." His father replied.
Simo looked out across the land covered in snow.
It looked the same as it always had.
"When?" Simo asked.
"Yesterday," his father said.
Simo thought about the day before.
He had been out in the forest, skiing and hunting like always.
While he was out there, the war had already started.
"What happens now?" Simo asked.
His father looked at him.
"You'll be called in," he said. "Soon."
Simo had trained for this.
But while it was morning, without being called in, Simo did what he always does.
Help with farm work.
But, Simo couldn't stop thinking about how his life is going to change very soon.
The calm life he had always had was going to change completely.
After some time, a man arrived from the village.
He went to Simo to tell him that all trained men had to prepare for service.
Simo went back inside and began gathering his things.
His rifle.
His clothing.
Everything he would need.
His mother watched as he packed.
She didn't say much, but you could tell she was concerned.
Simo finished packing and stood near the door.
Then his father stepped forward.
"You know what to do," he said.
Simo nodded.
"I do."
He stepped outside with his bag.
Then started walking down the path away from the farm. He was headed to fight in war.
He didn't feel fear.
He didn't feel excitement.
He felt prepared.
He was ready to fight for his country.