Russian Soldier

Finally, the time had come. The Russian soldiers were all on a train heading back to the city. Each of their loved ones was waiting; ready to greet and embrace them. The soldiers would immediately hug their parents, siblings, or partners. You went with your friend to greet her boyfriend who had just returned. She ran happily and hugged him tightly, and he rubbed her back while hugging her back too. But when you looked beyond them, you saw a soldier still on the train. He was watching your friend hugging her boyfriend, his face covered by the black mask, but his eyes showed all his emotions — he was sad and completely tired. He had no one to greet. Not even a loved one. Then he looked down and held his bags. His identification tag read 'Alexandre', that was his name.