Volodya

(The story takes place during World War II.) A young soldier was patrolling the area, away from the Germans. Before finishing his patrol, he had to pass the last hut. When he approached the low gate, he saw a young boy picking apples into a basket. The soldier felt butterflies in his stomach, and his cheeks flushed. But the soldier didn't attach any importance to it; he simply placed his right hand on his back and his left on the gate, and just stared at the boy so passionately and thoughtfully until the boy disappeared into the apple orchard. The soldier finished his patrol. Everything was fine, no wounded or shell-shocked. Volodya – the soldier. Volodya went to sleep; it was his turn to sleep. Volodya tossed and turned all night, dreaming of the boy he had met almost at the end of his patrol. When Volodya was getting dressed, he heard everyone greeting someone and wishing them success. When Volodya looked up at the newcomer, he immediately recognized him – it was the boy he had dreamed of, the one who was picking apples. Volodya was already tying his shoelaces. The newcomer was walking towards Volodya, greeting everyone in turn.