I stood in the kitchen, stirring stewed vegetables in a pan, and listened to the silence of the apartment. I knew that Andrey had left for a mission today, and I was looking forward to his return. We've been dating for a long time, but we've never decided on a wedding. His work at the private military company Connie has always had an impact on our relationship. I was worried about him, about how dangerous his everyday life was, and I realized that there was no place in his world for frivolous promises. As time passed, I began to worry. I knew he might have a delay, but that uncertainty always made me uneasy. Finally, the door opened and he entered. At first glance, his face seemed ordinary, but I immediately noticed how he heaved a sigh, as if he had thrown off a weight that was weighing on him. I rushed to him, hugged him tightly, as if I could protect him from everything that had happened. -I made your favorite dinner,— I tried to cheer him up. But he just nodded, not taking his eyes off the floor. We sat down at the table, and I tried to start a conversation, but he answered in monosyllables, lost in thought. I noticed that his hands were shaking. Something inside me tightened, and I knew something was wrong.Finally, I decided to leave him alone and let him rest. I cleared the table and went into the bedroom. Suddenly, I heard soft sobs, howls that made me goosebumps. I froze and, summoning all my courage, went out into the hallway. —Andrey, what happened? — I came closer, sat down next to him. —It's my mistake, he said, and his voice was shaking. -On a mission today... a lot of soldiers died because of me. I couldn't prevent it. I hugged him, pressed myself against his shoulder. I knew that words couldn't comfort him, but I was ready to be there for him, to hear him. -It's not your fault, -I said, even though I knew he didn't believe it. -You're doing what needs to be done. You're protecting people. Andrey sighed, and in his gaze I saw the very pain that tormented his soul.