For the Better Future by Valeria Lob

A tremendous explosion causes an ash cloud.

A soldier gets up trying to look around, but it`s hard to do because of the veil of smoke. The nearby building is on fire. A severe headache makes it hard for him to think clearly and the taste of metal and blood makes him nauseous. He decides to find a shelter in order not to be killed from subsequent shelling. Though his heavy uniform slows down him, a few minutes ago he would die if he was without it. But he is still alive and finally finds at least some kind of shelter. It used to be a supermarket, yet it is one of the numerous abandoned places now. Windows are broken there and shards of glass are on the floor. The shelves are empty and covered in dust. Notwithstanding the soldier is looking for some water as his throat is dry. Finding an old chocolate bar and a small bottle of water seem like luxuries to him. Sitting down and leaning against the wall, he takes sips of cool water, but he does not dare to open the chocolate bar. It seems to be the thing from his other life. A peaceful and calm life which is in the past now. In an attempt to feel the taste of the erstwhile life, he opens the chocolate bar. Closing his eyes, he inhales the smell of bittersweet chocolate with cherry. Along with the smell, his mind is full of memories. 

It comes to the evening. The workday is over, so he takes his daughter from school and drives home. On the way, they stop at a supermarket to buy his daughter's favourite chocolate bar. She is sitting in the passenger seat and talking to him about her dreams and future plans. He tries to look at the road carefully but occasionally glances at his daughter. He knows his wife is waiting for them at home having cooked delicious dishes and she doesn’t have to know that their child eats junk food. Having eaten the chocolate, his daughter starts singing along to the popular song playing on the radio. He bursts into a laugh as she doesn't get into a rhythm and looks funny trying to move like a rockstar. She frowns: “I would sing better if I took vocal classes.” So, he has no choice but to promise to enrol her in vocal lessons. Raising her head she declares: “You will see how one day I will become a rockstar!”

These memories seem to take place a long years ago. Now, he isn't even sure whether his daughter still wants to be a rockstar or someone else. But one thing he knows for sure: he fights for the daughter's future and will do his best in order to make the opportunity for her to achieve whatever she wants.