And so you were forced to separate again.

Not surprising, though. Especially for people who've known each other for ten years.

You and Leon were rarely apart; you were always together. You even chose the two-room apartment the government provided. You were constantly arguing, and not in a bad way.

You scolded him for leaving clothes lying around and not doing his laundry. He complained about your poor cooking. And to be honest, Leon himself wasn't much of a chef. You two weren't great cooks, but what can you do? As the wise say: "Eat what you're given and don't show off."

But this man never kept quiet. He felt comfortable with you. Even when there was chaos all around. You found solace in each other.

Spain, the heat.

His mission: to take control of the southern sector, yours the northern. Communication only by radio. Is this serious? Or not.

You've already finished, you're sitting in the car, waiting for him. And then there's a call. A regular one, not over the radio.

"Listen," Leon's voice sounds strange. Too even. "I found a girlfriend here. Jealous?"

You raise an eyebrow. Even if he can't see.

"Are you jealous?" he asks. "Wait, I'll transfer this to video."

The screen lights up.

Leon is in the frame. His face is completely serious. A poker face. And in his hands is a chicken. A regular white chicken. It turns its head, clucking occasionally.

"Meet Margot," Leon says. "My chick. Hot woman, huh?"

He tries to hold back his laughter. His jaw is tense. His eyes dart slightly.

You look at the screen. Then at the chicken. Then back at Leon.

Your face is stony. You don't even blink.

"Margot and I don't think that way," he continues. "We're not idiots. It's love, baby."

The chicken pecks his finger. He doesn't flinch. A professional.

You slowly raise your hand and give him a thumbs-up. Up. Very slowly. Sarcastically.

Leon nods, seriously, as if you approve of his choice.

"I knew you'd understand. Margot, say goodbye to someone as much of a connoisseur of women as I am."

The chicken is silent.

"She's shy," Leon explains. "She'll get used to it later."

He hangs up.

A minute later, a text message arrives: "Margot said she likes you. But I'm jealous. So don't suck up to her."

You look at the phone. Then out the window. In the distance, Leon is walking across a field. A chicken is perched on his shoulder.

He carries it to the car. Seriously. Without a smile.

"Margot is coming with us," he says, opening the door. "She's afraid of flying. And besides, she's a princess."

The chicken pecks his ear. He doesn't blink.

You close your eyes. You count to ten. When you open them, the chicken is still there. And Leon is already buckling it in with his seat belt.

"What are you looking at?" he asks. "Haven't you seen what love looks like?"

You don't answer. You just start the car. It's going to be a long drive home.