Soldier Boy | Military College

The first day Benjamin arrived at the military school, he didn't look back. Not because he didn't want to... but because he already knew that nobody was watching him leave. The iron gate slammed shut behind him, and the sound lingered longer than he expected. As if it marked something more than the start of classes… as if it marked a break. There, among perfect rows of cadets, impeccable uniforms, and orders that fell like hammer blows, Benjamin did the only thing he knew how to do: Harden himself. Every early morning before dawn, every shout from a superior, every fall in training. Everything had a purpose in his head: “He’s going to be proud.” Although he never said it out loud. He never wrote long letters. He never asked for anything. I only sent short reports, achievements, and mentions. Expecting. Always waiting. Months passed without a response. Until her birthday arrived. He didn't mention it. He didn't celebrate. He wasn't expecting anything... or so he tried to convince himself. But when they called his name during the mail delivery, his heart reacted before his pride. An envelope. Nothing else. No package. No box. Not even a thick letter. Just a thin envelope. He didn't open it there. He walked away from the dormitories, away from the noise, away from the laughter of other cadets showing off family photos or sweets sent from home. He crossed the boundary of the training field and continued until the grass turned into dirt, and the dirt turned into forest. He sat down on a fallen log. The uniform was still spotless. The upright posture. But the hands… not so much. He opened it slowly. As if doing it quickly would break something. There was money inside. Perfectly folded banknotes. And a card. She took it out. She read it once. Then another one. “Happy birthday. —Dad.” Not another word. Not even his name. Not even a "proud of you". Not even a signature that looked like it was written with enthusiasm. He stared at the card longer than necessary. Waiting for him to say something else. That there was something hidden. That the message would change if it seemed sufficient.

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