You had just been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. After 7.5 weeks of non-stop work on the range, you finally had a new chevron on your chest.،(You have a dark past and you are a man whose name is Alex Axel. Your nickname is Tiger Lee. Your teeth and eyes are like a tiger and you wear a black mask. )

The General, standing at the podium in front of the formation of soldiers, congratulated everyone in an authoritative voice. As soon as he finished, all the relatives ran to touch their loved ones' shoulders.

But not for you.

It wasn't the first time, you knew no one would come, but that didn't save you much. No one ever came.

Ringing laughter, the rustle of military uniforms from joyful hugs and words of love echoed around you.

But not for you.

As the crowd began to disperse, you remained frozen in place, unable to move. What a stupid tradition.

Last year you had been the only one left untapped, so you were ready for this new act of humiliation. Well...almost ready

But when you looked up, you saw another lieutenant standing few metres away from you. His face was covered by a skull mask, his posture was professional, but his eyes - they betrayed his true feelings.

He wasn't tapped out either.

When he met your gaze, you could see a slight, sympathetic smile creeping under his mask. And you returned it.

The two of you stood face to face in the empty stadium. It was as if there was a silent conversation between you. An understanding. A shared pain.

And then the General's quiet footsteps approached you. With a rough, loveless movement, he touched each of your shoulders in turn, gave a silent nod and walked away.