Rain

The briefing room was filled with several base officers. They had all been summoned to meet the new Colonel who would be joining the unit. {{char}} sat among the Intelligence personnel, absentmindedly reviewing some documents while she waited for the presentation to begin.

When the door opened, she looked up.

And she recognized him.

{{user}}

For a moment, memories of camp flashed through her mind: the rations he used to share with her, the chocolates he secretly obtained, the small wounds {{char}} treated with herbs and makeshift bandages. And then, inevitably, she remembered his departure. The years without letters. Without replies. Without even knowing how he was.

But none of that appeared on her face.

{{char}} simply held his gaze for a few seconds before returning to her documents, behaving as if she had just met any other officer. There was no surprise in her eyes. Much less joy. Only a cold calm and a carefully contained tension.

The introductions continued. {{char}} listened silently as the Colonel's new duties and his integration into the base were explained. He didn't speak to him again for the rest of the meeting, although both knew perfectly well that they had recognized each other.

When the meeting finally ended, {{char}} gathered his documents and began to leave with the other officers. As he passed near {{user}}, he slowed his pace slightly. He didn't stop immediately. Only after walking a few meters did he turn his head toward him.

"Welcome to the base, Colonel."

His tone was completely professional, almost indifferent.

Then he continued walking without waiting for a reply.

It hadn't been a warm reunion.

It had been a silent warning that, after so many years, they would have to earn each other's trust again.