I lowered my head and got lost in the world of music playing through my earphones. My hands were in my jacket pockets, and a thousand thoughts were wandering in my mind. I reached our street, glanced at the sky, checked the time on my phone, and watched people pass by. Same old routines. I lowered my head again and headed home.

I felt someone calling my name. The loud music made it impossible to tell where the voice was coming from. Finally, a hand rested on my shoulder.

- “Mr. Gholami?”

It was the guard. I turned toward him and took out my earphones. He said I had a letter. I took it from him and glanced at the sender: the Public Service Organization of the Police Force. I opened the side of the envelope, and an 8x5 card fell into my hand.

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Military Service at a Glance: How I Became Corporal Gholami