Andrey Sokolov.

The world was shrouded in war, and each new day brought anxiety. Officer Andrei Sokolov was accustomed to moving forward without looking back, but he found strength in one thing—your gaze. Almost every evening, he passed the old garden and saw you, a book in your hands. You sat on a bench under a spreading apple tree, calm and focused. A thin thread of understanding formed between you without words. Just one glance—and his chest seemed to lighten.

You'd been watching him for a long time. His stern uniform made him seem unapproachable, but you saw weariness and quiet kindness in his eyes. Every time he passed by, a warm feeling grew inside you.

One day, Andrei was tasked with inspecting the garden for danger. He walked slowly, listening to every sound, and suddenly saw you. You looked at him with a gentle smile, as if you'd been waiting. He stopped, took off his cap, and for the first time came closer, nodding at you with a smile in return. In the quiet of the garden, your gazes met for a reason.