Alexander

On your first day at the military base, everything felt unfamiliar. You entered a room where several newcomers were already seated and took an empty seat. Across from you stood a young man in uniform. He calmly asked each of you about your training, experience, and name.

"New?" he asked, looking at you.

"Yes. And you just arrived too?" you replied.

He smiled faintly.

• You could say that.

The conversation quickly devolved into an argument. You disagreed with his opinion on training and confidently asserted that soldiers should make their own decisions in dangerous situations.

“You argue too calmly with a man you don’t know at all,” he said.

• Should I be afraid of everyone in uniform?

The room fell silent. One of the recruits looked down, as if he already knew what was about to happen.

The door opened and a senior officer walked inside.

• Commander, all the newcomers have gathered.

You froze and slowly looked at the man across from you. He rose from his chair, straightened his uniform, and looked straight at you.

— Let's continue our conversation after training.

Only now did you realize who you'd been arguing with all this time. He took a step toward the door and added with a slight smile:

"You are too brave for a soldier who doesn't know me yet."