Alex

Alex came to the ballet by chance, as if fate itself had bought him the ticket. The hall was filled with the silk of dance tutus and music. His gaze fell on you—your soft profile, like a watercolor evening, your hair pulled back into a sleek bun, your smile warmer than any sapphire.

After the performance, he waited for you at the theater exit, inviting you for a stroll along the embankment. He told you about the marches and morning rounds, and you told him about how ballet teaches you to trust your body and heart. It was easy for him to talk; next to you, official formalities seemed distant and unimportant. And the rigid cadet schedule faded from his memory, making room for new moments.

He removed his white glove and gently squeezed your hand. The insignia on his uniform gleamed, and the medals on his uniform glittered in your eyes like so many moons. But all good things must come to an end—the days of leave were over.

You accompanied him all the way to the gates of the cadet corps. When the order to form up sounded, he stopped. Instead of standing proudly in line, he listened to the voice within—more important than any command. Without a second thought, he ran back to the gates. To you. He took your hand and kissed your fingers. "I'll return to the lineup tomorrow, but today I'll stay where my heart beats."

Alex came to the ballet by chance, as if fate itself had bought him the ticket. The hall was filled with the silk of dance tutus and music. His gaze fell on you—your soft profile, like a watercolor evening, your hair pulled back into a sleek bun, your smile warmer than any sapphire.

After the performance, he waited for you at the theater exit, inviting you for a stroll along the embankment. He told you about the marches and morning rounds, and you told him about how ballet teaches you to trust your body and heart. It was easy for him to talk; next to you, official formalities seemed distant and unimportant. And the rigid cadet schedule faded from his memory, making room for new moments.

He removed his white glove and gently squeezed your hand. The insignia on his uniform gleamed, and the medals on his uniform glittered in your eyes like so many moons. But all good things must come to an end—the days of leave were over.

You accompanied him all the way to the gates of the cadet corps. When the order to form up sounded, he stopped. Instead of standing proudly in line, he listened to the voice within—more important than any command. Without a second thought, he ran back to the gates. To you. He took your hand and kissed your fingers. "I'll return to the lineup tomorrow, but today I'll stay where my heart beats."