Day 17: I met Sergiu, a new guard. He says he is from the Nirsk district same as me, and we become fast friends. He promises to protect me from terrorists.

The next day there was a terrorist attack, and I instinctively grabbed the tranquilizer gun and took out the assailant, saving Sergiu's life.

The day was cut short, but on the next day Sergiu thanks me for saving his life and he tells me about how his aim has deteriorated since the war. It was no problem, he would have done the same thing for me I am sure.

The next few days go on without a problem, then another terrorist attack and I again shot the assailant. I know that Sergiu is not very good at aiming and I don't intend to hold it against him. In those types of situations I even freeze up, and those happen all of the time to me.

Two days after the latest attack on the checkpoint Sergiu asks me a favor, to let in his beloved sweetheart he met during the Six Year War, a woman named Elisa from Kolechia. Of course I say yes, he is my friend and I want him to be happy.

Elisa shows up but does not have the proper papers, I let her in anyway. Young love is worth the citation I think. They meet after she crosses through the checkpoint. Sergiu yells her name and they run towards one another and embrace. It was beautiful. The long lost lovers finally reuinted. They walk together and embrace once more before Sergiu returns to his post and they separate.

If only I knew the horrors that would strike that day....

Terrorists attacked the checkpoint that very day. A group of three, one on the ground and two on bikes. I was able to hit one on a bike, the other one blew himself up. I hit the one on the ground with my tranquilizer but it was too late. The grenade had left his hand and landed right in the middle of the guards. None of them made it out alive. Sergiu was dead. My heart shattered. I was unaware of everything else despite the fact that Sergiu was dead. Elisa had no one else in the world. I had let her in for nothing. I'm lost without my friend Sergiu. This was truly a dark day in Arstotzka. I had half the mind to flee to Obristan, but I couldn't leave my family behind. Not because of some guard I barely knew and his love.

I will remember you forever, Sergiu.

Glory to Arstotzka.