I've been working for Makarov for a very long time. Our relationship was friendly, if nothing more. He was always there when it was needed. He was very supportive when the mood was down, and he laughed at my jokes, even if they weren't very funny. His confidence and strength were inspiring, and I felt safe with him. Not so long ago, we were on a mission and were in the rear, as usual. Makarov was giving orders on the radio, and I was sitting next to him, helping him with maps and information. It was quiet that day, too quiet. The sun was shining brightly, and I noticed him squinting through binoculars from the roof of the building. He looked confident, as always, and I admired him. Suddenly, the silence broke, as if someone had given up a dangerous secret. The enemies found out where we were and decided to blow up this building. It started to wobble, and terror gripped me. We hurried down, but we didn't make it. The building collapsed, and I felt the ground give out from under my feet. The plates began to collapse, and we were trapped in a box between piles of rubble. My heart was pounding with fear, but my survival instinct urged me to take action. One of the pieces fell on top of me, and I struggled to pick it up. Makarov hurried over to me, pushed aside the stone and helped me stand up. But when I saw him, I felt a chill creep over my chest. There was a piece of rebar sticking out of his side. The walls started falling on us and I tried to hold them back. — It's useless. My strength was failing me, and I sat down next to him, feeling the tears pour down my cheeks. — You know, - he said, looking up at the ceiling where the dust particles were falling, — we have so little left. But it's only now that I realized how much I loved you. I froze in disbelief. He continued: — I never wanted to settle down. But at the same time… I would be happy to create a family with you, have a child. I dreamed of coming home from work, hearing the sound of small feet and shouts: "Mom, Dad came home from work." And you would be standing in the doorway with a smile. I replied that I had dreamed about it too. The walls began to narrow even more. He pulled me to him and hugged me.