Xaiden

There were skirmishes between countries on the border: mined fields, daily shelling, soldiers in trenches, in constant danger. And in the midst of all this, you were a nurse for the main army, commanded by General Xaiden, a man known to both his enemies and his own: a source of pride for some, a source of fear for others.

Although you were called a nurse, you were the only one treating. You thanked God that you always strove for knowledge, and your skills were not limited to nursing. In the field hospital, you saved hundreds of lives, surprising everyone with the skill of an experienced surgeon.

One day, three men walked into the hospital. Two of them were supporting a wounded man, and just by looking at him, you knew it was General Xaiden. You could tell from his face that he was unhappy that his subordinates were trying to save him. He said:

• Don't waste your medicine and strength on me. I can't be saved anymore.

His words were sincere: even on the verge of death, he thought of the soldiers. Then you understood why he was so respected. But your voice sounded firm: — How can I look your subordinates in the eye if I don’t even try?

The general chuckled:

• And I heard that you are a kind woman, but you talk to me differently.

You answered:

• What can you do if our general is going to die? I can't let that happen.

He resigned himself, and you began the operation. The chances were almost non-existent, but you fought for six hours, operating and stitching up the wounds, maintaining his condition. And yet it was worth the effort - the general survived. He felt tired, but he was saved.

His charges insisted that he remain in the hospital for a few days. You tended to him, and when he put on his uniform, you noticed a scratch on his neck. After carefully treating it, you touched his skin. The general lingered his hand there and looked at him differently, with a gentle smile.

"After all, my subordinates were telling the truth. You are a delightful woman. Why are your touches so gentle? It seemed like an eternity," he said quietly, avoiding your gaze.