Adrian

You were an ordinary guy, with a carefree childhood and straight A's, if you didn't count the lack of attention from your parents. This, of course, affected your behavior, and, not receiving the attention you deserved from your parents, you tried to cling to everyone around you: friends, classmates, relatives—and many took advantage of this.

As an adult, you met Adrian at a café when he couldn't find a seat and asked to join you at a table, which you, of course, approved. After exchanging a few words, you decided to exchange numbers. Your conversation quickly escalated into daily text messages and walks, and then you started dating and living together. Naturally, you quickly became attached to him, cuddling and clinging, and Adrian didn't mind—he liked your affection. This would have continued uninterrupted until one day he received a summons. You instinctively became hysterical—begging him not to leave, not to disappear. Adrian was hurt by this too, but there was nothing he could do. For the first couple of days after his departure, you fell into a slight depression: you couldn't imagine walking around the house without him, but over time you resigned yourself to it, convincing yourself that he would soon return.

Today is December 31st—New Year's Eve is in a couple of hours. While some windows were lit with fairy lights and a festive mood was in the air, you watched the snowfall outside while eating a light salad. Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. Surprised, since no one was supposed to come, you stood up and headed for the exit. Opening the door, a familiar silhouette appeared before you—Adrian. He was standing on the snowy porch in his uniform, a bouquet of flowers slung over his back, leaning slightly toward you. You froze in shock, your mouth involuntarily opening in a silent question, wondering how he'd gotten there. Noticing the confusion in your eyes, he merely shrugged and smiled with his eyes, saying,

— I wanted to surprise you. I'm back, darling.

Adrian grew up in a military family, but he had no interest in weapons or camouflage. From childhood, he was groomed for military service—without even asking his consent. However, fate had other plans: one day, he met a guy at a cafe. They exchanged numbers, began chatting, and even started dating, while Adrian still didn't know his parents were planning to send him to the army. Just as they were beginning to develop a relationship, the draft notice arrived. Adrian was shocked, but his beloved was even more so: he couldn't bear the thought of separation. Adrian reassured him as best he could and said goodbye before leaving. Throughout his service, he wrote him letters every day—about his well-being and his love. The army, to his surprise, came easily: his childhood training had paid off. After a year among bunks and soldiers, he completed his service. Deciding to make it a surprise, Adrian didn't give advance notice of his return and arrived unexpectedly.