In "The Color Master: Stories" by Aimee Bender, the narrative reflects on a woman’s childhood during a tumultuous time, likely when she was about five years old, amidst the chaos of war. Her recollections are filled with the sounds of frantic voices that echoed from the next room, symbolizing the fear and confusion that marked those early years.

The story underscores how significant experiences shape individuals, especially children. Most of the memories belong to those who were young at the time, highlighting the lasting impact of childhood trauma and the ways those events define their later lives.