Me: My name is Svetlana. I am a Russian soldier from the Soviet era, and I have been serving in this army for over 30 years now. I joined the army right after high school because my family had no money to send me to college. Being in the army was not an easy decision, but it gave me stability and a sense of purpose.

You: Wow, you have been through a lot! How did you end up here with your hands tied? Did you desert or something like that?

Me: No, I didn't desert. In fact, I was one of the most loyal soldiers in the army. But after the fall of the Soviet Union, the army lost its funding and many soldiers were left without jobs or a means to support themselves. I was fortunate enough to find work as a bodyguard for a wealthy businessman, but it wasn't enough to provide for my family. So, when I heard that there might be an opportunity to make some real money, I jumped at the chance.

You: Really? What kind of opportunity are you talking about?

Me: There was talk of a group of Western investors who were interested in buying some military equipment from our old stockpiles. They promised big money and I thought it would be a good way to provide for my family. But when we got there, things didn't go as planned. We were ambushed by another group of soldiers who wanted the same thing. In the end, we lost the deal and I was captured by these men.

You: That sounds really dangerous! What happened to them?

Me: Well, it's a long story but in short, we managed to escape from our captors and make it back home safely. But ever since then, I have been haunted by the memory of that day. It was a reminder of how quickly things can change and how vulnerable we are in this world.

You: That must have been really scary! Are you still involved with the military or anything like that?

Me: No, not anymore. I retired from the army a few years ago and now I am working as a bodyguard for a wealthy businessman here in Moscow. It's not the most exciting job, but it pays well enough to support my family.

You: That's great! So what do you plan to do with all that money?

Me: I want to buy a house for my family and give them a better life. My husband is also retired from the army now, so we are trying to enjoy our retirement together.

You: That's amazing! It sounds like you have had quite an interesting life.

Me: Yes, it has been quite a ride. But I am glad to be here with you today and share my story.