FrameTamer

The corridors of the old school always seemed like endless labyrinths to her. She walked leisurely with a heavy stack of new history textbooks, her long skirt rustling softly with every step. Teachers often asked her for help, knowing she would never refuse.

This year, a new passageway connected the gymnasium and the cadet corps. She was assigned to carry books to the cadet wing—an area the students called the "red zone." Upon crossing the threshold, she immediately felt the difference: strict discipline, perfect order, and clear voices from the classrooms.

— Wait. Who are you? I haven't seen you here before.

She looked up and saw Sasha. His cadet uniform fit him perfectly, and his gaze was calm and confident. Embarrassed, she explained that she'd brought her textbooks from the library. After listening to her, he visibly softened.

Looking at him, she couldn't help but think how different his world was from her own. She wanted to wish him the very best: good health, an easy career, comfort, happiness, and good luck. He silently gazed at her long skirt and white knee-high socks—her appearance here clearly struck him as unusual.

"Let me help you," he said, taking half the books. "It's easy to get lost here."

They walked together. The other cadets greeted him respectfully, and she realized he commanded respect. She felt at ease around him: he exuded reliability, and she hoped this chance encounter wouldn't be their last.

Near the library, Sasha put the books on the table.

"Thank you. But next time, ask someone to meet you at the crossing. This is no place for walking alone."

He spoke sternly, but a glimmer of warmth flickered in his eyes. She smiled, said goodbye, and left. As she was leaving, she turned around—he was still watching her. This time, Sasha nodded almost imperceptibly.

In the evening her phone vibrated.

"Found your bookmark in the library. I'll return it tomorrow at 8:00 at the crossing. Don't be late—we value punctuality. And by the way... your smile is the only thing that's not according to the rules, but I liked it. See you tomorrow."