STEPANAKERT. – Twelve-year-old Vardan was always on time for his classes, but on April 2 he left home 30 minutes earlier because of his friends. As soon as he reached the school, he heard a blast. He does not remember what happened next.

The school of Zorakan village in Nagorno-Karabakh’s Martuni region was shelled from BM 21 Grad multiple rocket launcher by Azerbaijani side at 8:30 a.m. on April 2.

“Gevorg and Vaghinak came and we left the house earlier. I do not why.  heard the explosion when reached the school,” says Vardan, one of the boys who was wounded.

Fifteen-year-old Andranik, Vardan’s elder brother, was the first to help Vardan and Gevorg. He took the boys to Martuni hospital by his dad’s car. Gevorg underwent an urgent surgery, while Vardan was transported to Stepanakert, capital of Nagorno-Karabakh. A month after the incident Vardan started walking.

“Gevorg has been discharged. He visited me yesterday,” the boy says.

Vardan does not like to talk much, his answers are short. Everyone says this is because his father is a serviceman. He has been serving in Karabakh Defense Army for over 20 years.  

“I decided to become a soldier once I grow up,” Vardan concludes and smiles silently.