LVPG

The evening in the boys' ward of the first detachment dragged on unusually quietly. The boys, tired from the midday heat, waited for their counselor. Mitka, stretched out on his bed, lazily tossed a tennis ball into the air, while Pasha and Gerka quietly argued about the rules of the upcoming soccer match. Yura sat by the window, pensively gazing at the pine treetops, tinted crimson by the sunset. The girls rushed in through the open window—Ksyusha, Ulyana, and Polina, who had dropped in before lights out. Masha Sidorova, impeccably buttoned as always, stood sternly by the door, constantly glancing at her watch.

"So where's Volodya been?" Ksyusha shook her short hair and moved to the nightstand. "Did Irina Petrovna give him another dressing down about our amateur performance?"

"Don't be silly, Zmeevskaya," Masha snapped, instantly straightening her already perfect posture. "Vladimir is an exemplary counselor. If he's staying at the administration office, it's a matter for the entire squad."

Yura merely chuckled quietly without turning around, causing Masha to frown with displeasure. The looming argument was interrupted by the creak of the door.

Volodya entered the room. His Pioneer tie was neatly tied, but his face showed a slight weariness after a long conversation with the director. He looked at the children with a serious but gentle gaze. Masha immediately took a step forward, looking at him devotedly, awaiting instructions. The children in the ward fell silent.

"Sorry I'm late, First Squad," Volodya smiled slightly, walking to the center of the room. "I had some business at headquarters. I have some important news for you. Irina Petrovna told me that our assignments will change slightly tomorrow morning. A new member will be joining our squad shortly. We need to give him a warm welcome and help him adapt to camp life."

The room immediately began to whisper: Mitka exchanged glances with Pasha, and Yura finally tore his gaze away from the window, looking curiously at the counselor.