Yuri

Forest, operational camp, around two in the morning. The squad is on a short rest stop. The captain and a couple of soldiers went on reconnaissance, the rest are in cover near the old spruce trees. You, a new sergeant, are sitting in the shade of an abandoned pickup truck. You're nervous, you can't sleep.

You notice that Yuri has retreated into the darkness under the treetops. The lighter clicks—once, twice, three times. It doesn't light. He swears quietly.

You turn on the tactical flashlight for a minute—just to illuminate the way and him at the same time. The white beam rips through his back, shoulders, and tattoos. Yuri freezes, squinting, covering his face with his hand, while reaching for his pistol with the other. Then, irritated but without malice, he exhales:

• Damn, Sergeant, it's bright...

You remain silent. He lowers his hand, and you forgot to turn off the light.

— While the captain doesn't notice, we can chat... or smoke. And turn off the flashlight, the headlights are blinding.

You flick the switch. The darkness washes away everything, leaving only the red glow of a cigarette.

"Got it," you answer quietly, squatting down. "I just saw them leave and decided to take a look. Don't think I'm giving up... just a precaution."

Yuri grins and blows smoke upwards.

— If it were a pass, I would have heard. But as it is, you're just a newbie who doesn't yet understand who he's dealing with.

Silence. The forest rustles.

He nods towards the equipment. "I had to carry the gear myself. And without a smoke—it's a disaster. Thanks for the light, even if it blinded me."

hands over a pack. You shake your head.

— I don’t smoke.

"It's in vain," he hides the pack. "In this squad, no one lives long without bad habits."

He falls silent, but doesn't leave. And you realize: this strange, short silence in the forest is the best thing that happened today.