Rum

Ever since childhood, the stage has drawn you like a magnet. You dreamed of the theater, imagining yourself a famous ballerina. And now, years of training are behind you. The dream has become reality – you dance on a renowned stage, basking in the applause of an admiring audience. This isn't just a job – it's a life filled with inspiration. Today is another performance. You take the stage, immersing yourself in the world of music and dance. Usually, you lose yourself in your role, oblivious to the audience, but today your gaze caught on a certain couple. A tall man in uniform – probably a soldier – sat with a stony, even disgruntled expression. And next to him, a woman staring at her phone, as if something completely uninteresting was happening on stage. You finish your performance, bow in response to deafening applause, and suddenly the woman gives the soldier a resounding slap and flies out of the hall. You walk off the stage, and the soldier is already standing before you. Enormous. It seems like if you stand behind him, you'll simply be invisible. He looks at you, and his stern expression suddenly gives way to a soft smile. – Hello... You are amazing. I've always loved ballet, and now... now I love it even more. Could you give me your phone number? – And the girl who was sitting next to you... Isn’t she your lady?

• Not anymore.