The Tiny Soldier & The Promise

The Tiny Soldier

There was once a promise that wasn't meant to be broken—a promise made between a Tiny Soldier and a Princess.

It all began when the Tiny Soldier had just completed his military attachment. He was looking forward to a much-needed vacation and planning a trip to visit his grandmother, whom he hadn't seen in years. But, as he browsed through his plans, he decided to take a short break and joined an online game to unwind, a place where he could relax and chat for an hour or so.

In one of the game's chat rooms, he noticed something peculiar—a player who sat quietly in the corner, never typing, just silently observing everyone else as they laughed and got to know one another. The Tiny Soldier's curiosity piqued. Most people would have overlooked the quiet figure, but not him. He saw something in the stillness, a mystery waiting to unfold. He hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say, but then typed a simple "Hi."

At first, the response from the player, who went by the name "Princess Dira," was brief and reserved, like a delicate whisper. Their conversation started awkwardly, filled with long pauses and half-hearted attempts at humor. But something compelled him to keep trying. He asked her about her favorite movies, and she asked him why he had chosen to be a soldier. Slowly, the words began to flow more naturally between them. The Tiny Soldier found himself eagerly awaiting her replies, while Princess Dira seemed to open up, sharing little pieces of her world.

Days turned into weeks, and their conversations grew deeper. They laughed together, shared secrets they hadn't told anyone else, and discussed their dreams. The Tiny Soldier, who had always felt a certain loneliness despite his many comrades, felt something bloom inside him—a warmth he hadn't expected. Princess Dira spoke of her love for poetry, her dreams of seeing the world, and the simple joys she found in everyday life. She made him feel as though the world was softer, kinder.

One day, after a particularly long conversation, they dared to plan a real meeting. Jakarta seemed like the perfect place—a bustling city where he could meet his old gaming friends, and she could see a bit of the world she had always longed to explore. The Tiny Soldier couldn't hide his excitement; he wanted to show her the places he loved, to see her smile in person.

They meticulously planned the trip. He would arrive first, secure a place to stay, and then meet her at the airport. As the day of their meeting approached, the Tiny Soldier felt his heart racing with anticipation. He wondered if he would recognize her immediately or if they'd have one of those awkward moments where they walked past each other without knowing.

When the day finally came, he arrived at the airport early, standing near the arrivals gate. His palms were sweaty, and his heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nerves. He scanned the crowd, looking for the girl whose face he had only seen in tiny profile pictures. Then, suddenly, he spotted her.

There she was, Princess Dira, looking just as nervous as he felt. She wore a simple dress, and her hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail. For a moment, they just stared at each other, both unsure of what to do next. Then, slowly, she gave him a small, shy wave.

The Tiny Soldier's face broke into a wide grin. He waved back, and they both laughed, feeling the ice between them melt instantly. As he approached her, they stumbled through their first words, not knowing whether to shake hands, hug, or just stand there. It was awkward but in a way that felt endearing, like two children meeting for the first time.

"I can't believe this is actually happening," she said, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

"Me neither," he replied, his smile widening. "I'm so glad you're here."

They stood there for a moment, just soaking in the reality of it all. Then, without thinking, he reached out and took her hand. She didn't pull away; instead, she squeezed back. It felt right, like finding a missing piece of something he didn't even know he was searching for.

They spent the next few days exploring Jakarta together. They visited the old town, laughed over cups of coffee at a cozy café, and took selfies with the Monas Monument in the background. He introduced her to his gaming crew, and she instantly charmed them with her quick wit and easy laughter. The awkwardness of their first meeting faded into a comfortable rhythm of shared jokes, small adventures, and quiet conversations that stretched into the night.

One evening, they found themselves on the rooftop of a small hotel, looking out over the city lights. She talked about her dreams of traveling to Europe someday, seeing the Eiffel Tower, and visiting the cobblestone streets of Prague. He listened, captivated by her passion, and realized he wanted to be there beside her, wherever her dreams would take her.

"I have a promise to make," he said, turning to look into her eyes. "If you ever decide to see those places, I'll be there with you. I promise."

She smiled, a soft, genuine smile that seemed to light up the night. "And I promise I'll be there with you, too. Always."

As their time in Jakarta came to an end, the Tiny Soldier had to head to Bandung to visit his grandmother and family before returning to Singapore to continue his duties. They both knew there was something special between them, something neither had expected to find. As they hugged goodbye, the Tiny Soldier whispered, "I'll see you soon, Princess."

She smiled. "See You Soon, Tiny Soldier."