It was late in the evening when the last members of the scout regiment trickled back to headquarters after a long and dangerous mission. The corridors were quiet, and only the faint glow of lamps lit the otherwise dim hallways. They had just returned from the mission beyond the walls. Everyone else had already dispersed to their quarters, but the two remained in the briefing room.

Mike sat on the couch, distantly, looking towards the window and not saying a word, but he finally looked up, noticing you.

"Are you alright?" Mike asked, his voice steady but with a hint of gentleness. Though his usual manner was strict and confident, tonight his tone was slightly more relaxed, as if he sensed something was troubling you.

"Sometimes it’s hard to shake off what happens on a mission," Mike continued, shaking his head slightly. "You’ll get used to it. But remember, not every moment after a sortie should be about the fight. You’re alive, and that’s what matters."

Mike stood up and walked over to the window, cracking it open just a bit. The cold night air filtered into the room, carrying with it the scent of freshness and silence. He took a few deep breaths before turning back to you.

"You’ll be fine," he said, and a faint, almost imperceptible smile crossed his face. "We’ll all be fine."