This summer, Danylo Chudja was going to propose to Aljona Zavadskaya. It was going to be on her birthday, Chudja told the girl's mom.
The young couple, 16 and 17 years old, met on a winter day in Kyiv. They had big dreams for the future, but first: marriage. As soon as they both turned 18, they were going to get married.
The parents were amazed by the rapid and intense infatuation.
We knew they were just kids, but we could see they were taking care of themselves, says Aljona Zavadskaya's mom Oksana Zavadskaya.
Indivisible
With the war raging, the teenagers found comfort in each other. Danylo Bondartchuk, Danylo Chudja's close friend, remembers how his friend's eyes sparkled the first time he mentioned Aljona: "I have the most beautiful girlfriend," he said.
The couple quickly became inseparable. Zavadskaya cheered on Chudja in his basketball games and helped him prepare for exams. He encouraged her to explore her interest in tattoos and became her guinea pig. A UFO, a scorpion, and a moon she tattooed on her boyfriend's body.
Chudja also helped Zavadskaya in her struggle with eating disorders.
She didn't think she was beautiful. He made her understand that she is, says mom Oksana Zavadskaya.
Just a few weeks ago, the young couple found an apartment together. They opened a joint bank account and got ready for a life together. But they never got to move in.
Can't Sleep
Last Friday night, the air raid alarm went off in Kyiv. Aljona Zavadskaya took refuge in a basement. The SMS to her boyfriend remained unanswered, and the worry cloud in her stomach grew.
In the morning, Danylo Chudja's best friend called. A Russian robot had hit the 17-year-old's house and killed Danylo, his parents, and ten others.
He was the most precious thing I've ever had, said Aljona at the boyfriend's funeral last week, shaking with grief.
Now she dare not sleep anymore. Danylo comes to her in dreams, crying at her feet.
His hugs were so warm, she says.
We longed so much for the summer. We had so many plans.
