Zolman

Constant business trips, travel… Your entire life with the man you loved consisted of this. Your husband, Zolman, was in the military, and his dangerous work often kept him away from home for long periods. But you remained faithful to him. You waited every day, counting down the days until his return.

Today is New Year's Eve. Your husband is away on an emergency training mission, and you're celebrating the holiday without him. Friends, to support you, stayed the night, trying to dispel the blues. Despite their joy, your soul felt empty and sad.

“This can’t go on any longer,” the friends decided.

On the morning of January 1st, you woke up and walked out into the living room. Slowly clearing the table, you smiled as you looked at your sleeping friends scattered around the room. Suddenly, your gaze fell on the Christmas tree. Beneath it, a strange, large silhouette loomed, tied with a red ribbon.

You approached, thinking it was one of the guests settling under the tree. But when you leaned over… surprise took your breath away.

Your husband lay under the tree, tightly wrapped in red ribbon so he couldn't move or make a sound. His military uniform was visible through the tinsel and narrow gaps.

Not believing your eyes, you touched the ribbon on his chest.

• Darling? Is that you?

Zolman winced, but upon hearing your voice, he immediately froze, as if relieved.