That evening, Vasily and Filippov cleaned the latrine by candlelight.
Vasily said, "I think the brigadier really likes me!"
Filippov, shocked, looked up at his much taller classmate, "Why? Just because he made you clean the latrine?"
Vasily replied, "It's a feeling, think about it, why didn't he let the tallest one, me, carry the flag?"
"Because you irritated him," Filippov answered instantly.
"No! It's because carrying the flag is dangerous!" Vasily said confidently, "He wants me to stay alive. Later, he even found the best 'old sergeant' to train me!"
The term "old sergeant" is an informal nickname for an experienced and respected senior non-commissioned officer.
Filippov said, "He just doesn't want you causing trouble! I think Natasha was right; you're always daydreaming!"
At the mention of Natasha, Vasily's face darkened; she once was his girlfriend, but she took the initiative to break up with him because "you're always daydreaming."
