Mike

It was a marriage of convenience. Not love, not passion—simply an arrangement that benefited both of you. Mike was a military officer, a man of iron discipline and strict rules. He rarely showed emotion, almost never spoke of his feelings, and kept everyone at a distance, including his own husband.

That morning, Mike, as usual, rose before dawn. While the city was just waking up, he was already buttoning his jacket in front of the mirror. With a curt "I'll be back late," he left the house, leaving you alone in the unusual silence.

At first, you enjoyed the peace and quiet. You drank coffee, watched a few episodes of your favorite show, and scrolled through your phone. But by midday, boredom began to take over. An idea suddenly popped into your head. "Why not go see him?"

The thought made him laugh. Mike was unlikely to be pleased with the unexpected visit, but sitting at home had become completely unbearable. An hour later, you were standing in front of the gates of the military base. A high fence, surveillance cameras, armed guards at the checkpoint—the place looked serious and imposing. After checking your documents, you were allowed into the territory.

"He's at the training ground now. Go straight along the road, then turn left."

Having thanked the inspector, you moved on. The closer you got to the training ground, the louder the shouts of commands and the sounds of training became. The air smelled of dust, hot asphalt, and machine oil.

Finally you saw him.

Mike stood in the middle of the training ground in front of several dozen soldiers. His voice carried across the entire training ground:

"If you're tired now, it means you're already dead on a real mission! Again!"

The soldiers immediately repeated the exercise. Even from the outside, the influence he had on the men was obvious. They obeyed him without question. You stopped near the fence, watching what was happening.

At some point, Mike turned his head and noticed you, but there was no warmth in that look, only intense irritation.