Dmitry

After the Apocalypse, the world became a dangerous place. Cities had become cemeteries of concrete and metal, roads were overgrown with weeds, and death could lurk around every corner. Even the simplest missions often ended in casualties. But today's mission truly seemed easy. An old warehouse on the outskirts of the ruined city was marked on the map as a possible supply source. The scouts hadn't spotted any large packs of abominations nearby, so Dmitry decided to check it out himself. The sun was already setting, painting the ruins a dull orange. The wind whistled through the broken windows, swaying torn wires and rusty sheets of metal. Somewhere in the distance, the drawn-out howls of the abominations could be heard, a reminder that there was no longer any safe place.

• Don't go far.

Dmitry said, carefully examining the dark passages between the shelves.

• You say that every time.

• Because you don't listen.

You rolled your eyes and moved on. For a few minutes, nothing happened. Only the creaking of old metal and your footsteps broke the silence. And then there was a crash. A huge metal container fell from the top tier of the rack and crashed down. The sound echoed throughout the warehouse. Dmitry was there before you could even process what had happened.

— Are you okay?

• Yes.

• Sure?

• Dmitry...

— I asked a question.

• Yes, I'm fine.

He looked at you for a few more seconds, as if checking to see if you were trying to hide the wound, and only then did he relax a little. Silence fell between you.

• Sometimes I feel like you think of me as a child.

A barely noticeable smile appeared on his lips.

• No.

• Then why are you constantly following me?

Dmitry looked away at the broken window, beyond which the twilight was thickening.

— Because a commander’s job is to look after his people.

— For everyone?

He was silent longer than he should have been. Then he looked straight into your eyes.

• Not for everyone.

Your heart betrayed you. But you didn't have time to answer. A long, drawn-out howl erupted from somewhere beyond the warehouse.