The sniper shoots his shot

I’ve been lonely since Evgeny left for his event, a dinner with some important officers, commissars, and journalists. It’s late in the evening, and I’m eagerly awaiting his return.

The evening passes by, and many of the weary patients go to sleep. Yeva checks on me before she leaves, and the nighttime staff begins their shift. There is only one doctor, a janitor and a few nurses, who only make the rounds through our section occasionally , mostly staying in the area with the needier patients.

I pace about the ward, before settling by the door. I wait there for what feels like forever, fidgeting and grooming myself, waiting for him to come through that door.

Finally, the door opens, and Evgeny comes through with his crutch. He’s wearing a dress uniform, and he looks so sharp and handsome. If I wasn’t afraid of breaking his leg, I would jump on him.

“Hiii Evgeny!” I say excitedly, my eyes fixated on him.

“Hey.” He says cooly.

“How was your dinner?” I ask?

“I enjoyed it.” He says. “The food, that is, not the spotlight. It did go well. I was able to talk to a few important people.” He gives me a grin.

“You did?”

“Yes, and I’m very confident.”

“Oh Evgeny, you’re too good to me!”

“Don’t mention it, Tatya. You know that I like you.” He says.

My heart flutters and I smile big for him.

“Do you want to stay up a little, and talk?” He asks.

“Yes, of course!

“I just need to check in with the nurse, I’ll be right there.” Evgeny tells me with a wink.

I go over to my bed and wait impatiently for Evgeny to get back. He comes with a nurse in tow, and she begins to look about the room, checking on all of her patients.

I lay on my side, head propped up on my hand, twirling my hair, and eagerly watch Evgeny take off his uniform. It kills me how slowly he does it, meticulously folding each article as he undresses. I run my eyes all the way from his hair down to his legs. He looks strong, even with one of them bandaged. Once he’s down to his underwear and his undershirt, he settles into his bed, but stays awake and sits up.

When the nurse finally leaves, I gently sit on the edge of Evgeny’s bed next to him.

“I missed you.” I whisper into his ear.

“You know, the whole time I was at dinner, I was wishing you were there too.” He tells me.

“Like a date?”

“That would be nice. It’s a shame that they’re going to ship me over there so soon. Two weeks isn’t enough time to spend with someone like you.”

“Maybe we can see each other when it’s all over.” I suggest. “We can stay in touch.”

“I’d love that.” He says. “There’s nothing I want more than to settle down some day with a nice girl, bring her home to my farm, but it will probably never happen. Honestly, I don’t see how I could survive the rest of the battle, with the way things are.”

“You are a clever man.” I assure him. “You will find a way.”

“Believe me, I will do everything I can, if a future with you is at stake. I’m going to pull out every trick, and do whatever it takes to survive. Do you remember what I said, about patience?”

“I remember.”

Intensity builds in his gaze.

“How I said that you need to take your shot at just the right moment?”

I nod attentively, and glance down at his lips before bringing my eyes back to his.

“Well, sometimes, opportunity presents itself sooner than you would expect. Sometimes, the right moment is now.” Evgeny leans closer to me, and his voice softens. “Sometimes, you need to take the shot before you lose your chance.”

He leans into my face, turns his head, and closes his eyes.