The Return of the Cornet

For twenty long years now, every time New Year came, ensign Podberezkin— or one of his comrades from forced emigration—would invariably make a toast wishing that the next time they celebrated the holiday would be at home, in Russia. But the years went on, and along with them hope for an early return to their homeland grew ever more phantom-like. And then—seemingly impossible dream became real: ensign Podberezkin was returning to Russia! True, not the way he had imagined it all those years—not among the ranks of the White Army, cleansing their native land with fire and sword of the filth that had flooded it. He was stepping onto Russian soil as part of the invading forces, fighting against his own country. Still, his heart ached with anticipation of meeting his beloved homeland—something he no longer even hoped to return to.