The guardian

EXT. MOSCOW STREETS - MORNING

Orion walked through the foggy street. People passing by nodded - maybe those two soldiers made him a little famous. Or maybe it's just his coat and posture.
He wore his army coat proudly.

As he passed a narrow storefront, the scent hit him - warm, buttery, nostalgic.

He paused. Turned.

Behind a fogged glass pane sat golden, flaky pastries. Layers crisped like old letters. His feet moved before his thoughts caught up.

The bell chimed above him. The warmth kissed his cheeks, and the smell wrapped around his senses.

Behind the counter, a pale woman in her forties' smiled politely.
Shop lady:
"Welcome to Sasha's, Ser. What would you like?"

Orion opened his mouth to answer-

"Three Medovik, please."
A voice cut him in middle.

Lada stepped beside him, eyes on the shop lady.

He raised his brows.
"Signorina, good morning."

No response. Lada didn't even glanced at him.

Orion blinked, then shrugged awkwardly.
"I'm sorry. We can hang out and enjoy your hobbies too. What would you-"

Before he could finish, Lada grabbed the pastry and left.

Orion stared after her, mouth opened in surprise.

The shop lady cleared her throat.

Shop lady:
"Ser, what did you want?"

Orion turning to her, didn't answer right away. His eyes traced on the pastries.

He pointed at one.
"This one... what's it called?"

She glanced at it.
Shop lady:
"Börek. With cheese today. We make them fresh every morning."

He murmured the name like he was trying it on.

Orion:
"Börek... it reminds me of something from Greece. Mrs.Ariti used to make something like this. Cheese wrapped in layer... Tyropita."

The shop lady smiled.
"Then you'll like this. We Slavs and Greeks- we're not so different when it comes to dough and comfort."

Orion smiled faintly. He fished into his pocket and dropped a few kopeks on the counter.

Shop lady:
"Two for ten kopeks. Fresh and warm."

He took the wrapped böreks, held them for a second. As if the warmth could pass into his hands, deeper than skin.

Outside, he sat on a bench. The steam from the pastry rose like breath into the cold air.

He took a bite. Closed his eyes.

It almost tasted like home.

INT. LADA'S HOUSE - MORNING

Lada entered the small house, Olga was struggling to button viktor's torn shirt.
Her small fingers pushed and pressed hard.

Lada crouched down, gently turned viktor toward her and, with practiced hands, fastened the buttons.

Viktor (softly):
"This shirt's torn. I want a new one, Lada."

Lada gave a faint smile.
"I'll get you one soon. Maybe for your birthday next week."

Viktor's eyes lit up.
"Really? Thank you!"
(He hugged her tight and kissed her cheek.)

Lada froze for a moment.

Then. She stood, brushing the dust from her skirt.

Lada:
"Come. I bought you something."

The school buzzed with students - Teens murmured and giggled. Small boys dashed down the corridor.

Orion sat outside the principal's office,
Clutching Documents in his hand.

Amid the noisy footsteps and chatter, the distinct sound of approaching shoes echoed.

Lada appeared, flanked by Olga and Viktor. She peered through the glass of the office door.

Orion caught her eye.
"The principal's out for now. They said he'll be back soon."

Lada glanced at him sharply, then lowered herself into a seat, leaving an empty one between them. Olga and Viktor settled in the seats beside her.

Orion spoke softly, almost hesitantly.
"Signorina, have I offended you? If so, I'm truly sorry."

Lada exhaled through her nose and finally faced him.

"You didn't offend me. I just talk less. I don't like to interact with people - especially outlanders."

she turned away.

Orion fell silent.

Moments later, the principal appeared in the corridor, his gaze fixed on Orion.

In Russian, he asked.
Principal:
"You're Orion? The Greek soldier?"

Orion stood, nodding.
"Yes, sir. I am."

The principal nodded toward the office.
"Come in."

Lada watched them as the door closed behind them.

Inside, the room was cozy and warmer than outside. The principal sat behind the desk and gestured for Orion to take a seat.

Principal:
"Sit down."

Orion sat, placing his documents on the table.

The principal picked the file.
He flipped through the papers, brows lifting.

Principal:
"You scored well in track and football. Do you have coaching experience ? trained anyone before?"

Orion:
"No, not professionally. But I trained many students back in Greece Before the war."

The principal nodded.
"good. Your papers are in order. wait outside - I'll inform you about the arrangement."

Orion nodded, stood, and started to leave.

The principal called after him.
"Mr.Orion, tell the lady to come in."

Orion:
"Of course."

Outside the office

Lada turned at the sound of the door.

Orion stepped out, and turned to her.
"Signorina, the principal has called you in."

Lada stood, turning to Olga and Viktor.

Lada:
"Stay here. Don't run or.."

She nodded toward Orion, lowering her voice.
"That man will shoot you."

Orion blinked, saying nothing.

Inside the office.

Lada quickly stepped in.
"Excuse me, sir."

The principal looked up at her, nodded once.
"Come in. Take a seat."

She lowered herself into the chair, spine straight.

Principal (reading from a form):
"Miss...Lada Petrov. Daughter of Vladimir Petrov. Was he a lawyer?"

Lada (quietly):
"Yes."

He nodded respectfully.
"And the children's age?"

Lada:
"Olga is eight, Viktor is six."

He flipped through the papers in slow, deliberate turns.

Outside the office, hallway.

Olga and Viktor sat stiffly few seats from Orion. Their eyes flicked at him like he might vanish - or explode.

Orion (softly):
"What's your name?"

Olga clutched her torn bag tighter.
"My name is Olga."

Orion:
"You don't have to be afraid."

Olga (quietly):
"But you'll shoot us."

Orion (gentle, deadpan):
"If you don't run, I won't."

He glanced at Viktor.
"What's your name?"

Olga (interrupting):
"His name is Viktor. He doesn't like people who shoot kids."

Orion (nods):
"Fair enough."

A pause.

Olga:
"Is your little brother studying here?"

Orion:
"No. I'm here for an appointment. Coaching position."

Victor's eyes lit up, he turned to Orion.
"Coach? you know wrestling?"

Olga:
"Or gymnastic?"

Orion gave a faint smile.
"Not gymnastics. track races. Football. I know wrestling too."

Viktor:
"Will you teach me?"

Orion:
"Sure. But only if you stop bothering your mama for it."

Olga's face darkened.
"But our mama died in war."

Orion's smile faltered. His eyes shifted.
"Then.... who's Signorina Lada?"

Viktor (quietly):
"She's our sister."

Silence.

Inside the office.

The principal lingered over one paper. His face hardened.

Principal:
"Miss Petrov, your background check raised concerns. A year ago, An officer reported... questionable activity. Something about the PODVAL."

Lada didn't blink.
"That's a misunderstanding, sir. I work overtime at the bar. I can get a confirmation letter from Mr.Volkov."

The principal didn't react. He stacked the papers neatly and slid them back toward her.

Principal:
"I'm sorry. Without a clear statement from authorities, I can't list you as their guardian. Either provide that soon... or appoint someone else."

He paused, firm but not cruel.

Principal:
"Enrollment closes next week. You may go."

Lada nodded once. No protest. No plea.

She stood, gathered the file, and stepped out - quiet, composed, breaking silently.

Outside the office.

The door clicked open. Olga turned quickly to her sister.
Olga (brightly):
"Sister, what did the principal say? Can we join school today?"

Lada paused, caught in those wide, hopeful eyes. Then, with a soft voice.
"Not today. But he agreed to enroll you. You'll start from Monday."

Viktor (grinning):
"Yay!"

Lada:
"Come on. Let's go home."

She took their hands. Three of them walked down the hallway, shadows stretching behind them.

Orion watched them quietly. His eyes stayed on her until the last fold of her coat vanished around the corner.

End of chapter 3- Her Name Was Lada

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Kristan