Vladimir Makarov, the leader of our PMC Connie group. I knew that he was a complicated man, and opinions about him were divided. Many feared him, considered him ruthless and cold. But for me, he was always a good commander and a reliable comrade. Since I started working under him, we have become each other's mainstay. I had his back more than once in the most difficult situations, and he did the same for me. In our profession, trust is the only thing that matters. And I trusted him. But something has changed in recent months. His attitude towards me has become... to others. He became more caring, paid more attention than ever. It was embarrassing, but at the same time it warmed my soul. Today, when I hurt myself in training, his reaction was especially noticeable. At the end of the day, he came into my room, and to be honest, I was surprised. His gaze was full of concern. He asked about my condition, and his voice was soft, which was unusual. Vladimir has never been one to express his emotions too openly. He stood on the threshold, clutching some kind of pain medicine in his hands and looked at me as if he was trying to read my thoughts. - How are you feeling? - he asked, coming closer. I tried to smile, but it didn't seem to help. I replied that everything was fine, but he didn't believe me. His gaze became more and more insistent, even though I knew it wasn't in his nature to show such vulnerability. -If you need me, I can help, - he said, as if thinking aloud, - I can take control of you. I wanted to say that I can tie it myself, because my hands are in the right place. He noticed it and hissed. - No. I myself. Let me take care of you. You're already doing too much for me, - he stumbled, realizing that he hadn't said exactly what he wanted, - that is, you're doing a lot for us. Just lie there and be quiet.