Shooting Competition

The menu at the restaurant was a symphony of flavours, paying tribute to the diverse culinary preferences of soldiers hailing from around the world. The dishes ranged from familiar comfort foods to exotic delights. ‘Soldier’s Stew’ promised a hearty blend of meats and vegetables, evoking memories of rations shared during campaigns. ‘Sergeant’s Surf & Turf’ boasted succulent cuts of meat and fresh seafood. The lighting, subdued yet warm, cast a gentle glow reminiscent of soldiers finding solace around a flickering campfire after a long day. Soft chatter and laughter intertwined with the subtle background music, creating an ambience that resonated with both camaraderie and romance. ‘It almost feels like I’m back at the academy,’ Callie said. ‘But with better-smelling food.’ The waitstaff, dressed in uniforms that mirrored military attire from various eras, moved with disciplined grace. Their attentive service echoed the dedication and precision that defined soldiers in the field. Each dish that arrived at the tables was a testament to the culinary skills of the kitchen team, who worked together like a well-coordinated squad executing a tactical manoeuvre. Callie’s taste buds were already tingling in anticipation. ‘The spicy seafood pasta smells so good.’ ‘Let’s dig in, then.’ Callie went for the pasta first. The spicy kick of the linguine was a symphony of sensations that painted a grin on her face. ‘Oh, Elias, you have no idea how much I love spicy food.’ He chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. ‘I’m learning, Bunny.’ His own dish was a hearty testament to his love for meat, the rich aromas mingling with the air around them. ‘There’s something about a perfectly cooked steak that just hits the spot,’ he remarked, his voice a low, satisfied rumble. Callie took a bite of her pasta, savouring the explosion of flavours on her palate. ‘Let’s trade. My spicy linguine for your meat.’ Soon, the dessert menu arrived, a delightful assortment of sweet temptations. Callie was torn as she perused the choices. ‘Chocolate lava cake or ice cream sundae?’ ‘Just order both. We’ll share.’ After a long and incredibly enjoyable dinner, they stepped outside for a leisurely evening stroll. The rain had abated, leaving behind damp earth and a sense of rejuvenation in the air. Wingston, with its blend of military history and small-town charm, welcomed them with open arms. The streets were a bustling canvas of life, with tourists exploring the quaint shops and locals going about their routines. Men with buzz cuts, their posture betraying their military background, mingled with civilians, a testament to the town’s laid-back attitude. A few pairs of eyes lit up with recognition as Elias and Callie walked by. Salutes were almost automatic, but Elias’s gesture was clear: tonight was about shedding the uniform, even if just for a while. The evening was meant for relaxation, for weaving memories that held no rank or obligation. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, Elias and Callie found a bench to sit on. The town square was alive with a gentle hum, conversations and laughter mingling with the soft rustle of leaves. It was a scene of peace, of lives intertwined in a dance of camaraderie. Elias slipped his arm around Callie’s shoulders, his touch a silent promise. The evening breeze played with her hair, strands of deep brown dancing in the fading light. They sat in comfortable silence, their hearts in sync with the rhythm of the town. After a while, they got up and continued to amble through the cobblestone streets. As they rounded a corner, they stumbled upon a local fair that had unexpectedly sprung up in the heart of the town. It was a burst of colour and energy, a carnival atmosphere that felt like a magical surprise. The air was suffused with the sweet aroma of cotton candy and the savoury scent of popcorn, while the joyful symphony of laughter and music danced in the breeze. Callie’s eyes sparkled with delight as she took in the vibrant scene. ‘Oh, Elias, look at this! It’s like stepping into a storybook.’ Elias concurred as he observed the bustling fair. They weaved through the crowd, the world around them a whirlwind of lights and sounds. Callie’s laughter was a melodic undertone, her excitement contagious. Elias found himself drawn to a particular stand, where players could pay to shoot an air gun at balloons and win prizes. He glanced at Callie. ‘Care for a little challenge, Bunny? Time to put your shooting training into practice.’ Callie’s eyebrow lifted. ‘Oh, a challenge, is it? And what’s the prize?’ Elias’s gaze flickered to a big stuffed bunny with long ears, perched high on the shelf. ‘That bunny right there. What do you say?’ Callie bumped fists with Elias. ‘You’re on, General.’ With an air gun in hand, Elias took aim at the balloons, his focus unwavering. A small knot of kids gathered around them, rubbernecking. As Elias squeezed the trigger, the air gun released a soft, rhythmic hiss, and the balloon popped with a satisfying burst. Cheers erupted from the spectators as Elias hit his target with perfect aim. The vendor handed him the big stuffed bunny, its soft fur and floppy ears making it an irresistible prize. Elias turned to Callie, his expression victorious. ‘For you, Bunny.’ She laughed, a sound that seemed to fill the entire fair with its joy. ‘Oh, Elias, it’s so cute!’ ‘I thought it suited you.’ Callie accepted the stuffed bunny with a grateful smile, holding it close to her heart. ‘Thank you, Elias. Now, my turn.’ But handling a pistol felt different from handling an air gun. Callie tried four times but narrowly missed her target each time. ‘You just need a bit more practice,’ Elias comforted her. Callie put down the air gun and shrugged. ‘Maybe we should step up my training once we return to the academy.’ Her spirits were lifted soon as she spotted a stand adorned with handmade pottery, the vibrant colours and intricate designs drawing her in like a magnet. ‘Elias, look at this!’ Callie pulled him towards the stand. ‘Handmade pottery! Isn’t it beautiful?’ ‘Let’s check it out.’