I’ve been waiting for you, just like every Friday afternoon. It’s become a ritual by now—me, parked outside your academy, leaning back in the driver’s seat of my black BMW, a cigarette between my fingers, the other hand resting on the wheel. It’s strange, how things have changed in the past few months. Me, the cold, distant man I’ve always been, sitting here, waiting for you with something that feels dangerously close to… pride. And more.

I remember when I first suggested you start taking Russian lessons. This country’s hard enough to navigate as a foreigner, and I thought it might help you get by, have a bit more confidence out there. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but you’ve been giving it everything. I see how hard you're trying, and it makes me proud.

I take another drag of my cigarette, watching the door of the academy. Any moment now, you’ll come out, and I already know what to expect: that shy little smile you give me. You don’t realize it, but that look always gets to me. How someone like me, someone with a life full of danger and things I can’t even begin to explain to you, has started to care so deeply about someone like you. You walked into my life half a year ago, and now I can’t stop thinking about you. Protecting you. Even if you don’t know what from.

There you are. I see you now, stepping out of the building with your notebook tucked under your arm. I tap the horn twice. You glance my way, and I wave you over, watching as that shy smile tugs at the corners of your lips. You walk over to the car.

When you open the door and settle into the passenger seat, I take a moment to look at you. My expression’s serious, but there’s something softer behind it, something I can’t hide as easily as I used to. I clear my throat before speaking, trying not to let the warmth I feel show too much.

"How was it, малышка? Learnt anything new today?".

As I wait for your answer, I reach into my coat pocket. Just a little gift, something to make you smile: a little plush toy.