[Summer 1944]
Keeping his gaze fixed on the front was the only way to avoid arousing suspicion. But his heart wasn't lying; Vadim's eyes were still darting left and right. His hands were constantly fumbling with his backpack, making sure the items he was carrying weren't out of his bag. His urge to stop and double-check his belongings grew stronger, but he was also worried that someone targeting his belongings might be within Vadim's division.
"Afraid of something, Vadim? You look worried," a red-haired soldier walking next to him tilted his head at Vadim, still following the line.
"Yeah... Dead."
"Hmm, of course. Me too," snorted Afanasy, the red-haired soldier's name. Vadim didn't really want to talk to him, even though the young man had done nothing wrong. He was still focused on the items he was carrying in his backpack. Soon, he remembered Vasily's words...
"Blending in with others is the only way. We can't seem afraid of anything."
"Ah, Afanasy!" Vadim said suddenly, startling that red haired guy slightly.
"What's wrong?"
"You have a girlfriend?"
"W-what?"
"Anyone you loved, of course. I was just asking."
"Ah, yes." Afanasy pulled a photo of a woman from the pocket of his gymnastyorka. Her hair was straight and shiny, and her wide smile was sweet. "Anastasia's her name. She's beautiful, isn't she?"
"Yep. You're lucky to have her," Vadim complimented. Although he felt a little uncomfortable making small talk, he had to do it to keep his worries at bay.
"You, Vadim? Do you have someone beloved too?"
"I did, too. Her name was Tatyana. Oh, by the way..."
Yes, Vadim felt the need to relieve his stress for a moment.