A flight attendant approached him. Her voice was soft, but filled with genuine compassion:

— Sir, I’ve just heard about your comrades. I’m so sorry. You must know: you are a true hero. We are proud of you.

The soldier nodded, forced a slight smile, almost out of politeness, and lowered his head again. His hands trembled, and his eyes remained cold and lost.

The woman beside him, who had been watching him with open contempt, suddenly couldn’t hold back. Her voice rang sharp, almost accusatory:

— A hero? You are a traitor. How can you live knowing you didn’t save your friends?

The soldier raised his eyes. Tears glistened in them, despair was written on his face. But he remained silent.