August 26, zero five hundred hours, Shostka.
With the help of Ludmila and Nelly, Wang Zhong dressed himself and, after taking a satisfactory look at his own reflection in the dressing mirror, nodded approvingly.
Ludmila: "Today, I'm heading back to the unit."
Wang Zhong: "Ah? What about my hugs every morning?"
"You can find Nelly for that."
As soon as Ludmila finished speaking, Nelly took a step back, her displeasure evident on her face.
Pointing at Nelly, Wang Zhong said, "Look! You've scared Nelly now!"
Ludmila laughed and gently ruffled Wang Zhong's hair. "Alyosha, haven't you always slept on your own before?"
"It's hard to go from luxury to frugality, you know?"
"Alyosha." Ludmila simply called Wang Zhong's name, then gazed at him.
Wang Zhong sighed. "I'm just showing how hard it is for me to part with you. Shoot down a few more enemy planes, okay?"
With those words, he embraced Ludmila, allowing the girl to rest on his chest while he gently stroked her hair.
