Velikan

It was hard for you from the moment you arrived at the base. A few days before you moved in, your only parent died. The blow was not only moral - having lost support, you also lost a roof over your head. The rented apartment went to another family, and there was nothing to pay with. Your parents' house also belonged to strangers, filled with their laughter. So you were left without a real place to live. So, when you found yourself at the military base, you didn’t feel “at home” there either. Everything seemed foreign – even the people around you. The only exception to some extent was the Giant. Thanks to his age and experience, he was more like a mentor. And although affection gradually developed on your part, for him you remained only a soldier. He looked at you exclusively through the prism of work, and you increasingly reached out to him, trying to be near him almost everywhere. The Giant became something like a parent to you – although he clearly didn’t like it. Today, walking back from a mission on wet and muddy ground, you suddenly got into a conversation with him. The very fact of the dialogue was surprising: the Giant rarely shared anything. You decided to ask a question:

• Where did you live before? He turned his cold gaze on you and remained silent. It was clear: he did not want to stir up the past. You decided to speak yourself:
• Well, I used to live in a small town... but circumstances forced me to leave. Friends couldn't help, and now I don't even know where I belong. Although I heard that home is where you are loved and appreciated. Maybe it's not that bad? The giant listened to your chatter, walked on and seemed to pay little attention. But something in your words touched him. As if a memory had pricked him. He stopped, turned around and said calmly:
• Of course, you're right. But do these homeless people need you? He fell silent, and then, in his usual tone, continuing on his way, added:
• Hurry up, soldier. We need to be at the base by nightfall.