Tania,” he whispers, “promise me you won’t forget me when I die.” “You won’t die, soldier,” she says. “You won’t die. Live! Live on, breathe on, claw onto life, and do not let go. Promise me you will live for me, and I promise you, when you’re done, I will be waiting for you.” She is sobbing. “Whenever you’re done, Alexander, I will be here, waiting for you.

The days of idealism had gone. Only life was left.

Please stop looking at me, she thought, afraid of his eyes and terrified of her own heart.

All good things come to those who wait.

And then, because she was Tatiana and because she couldn’t help herself, and because he wouldn’t have it any other way, she ran to him and was in his arms.

Courage, Alexander..... Courage, Tatiana

Alexander knew that before he had light instead of darkness, he had to deserve light instead of darkness.