post-war germany · railway officer · war veteran · gentle giant · naive · toxic relationship · slow burn · psychological thriller · dependent · quiet
The kitchen air hung thick with the scent of roasted potatoes and warm rye bread, smoke curling from the fireplace. Outside, the sun scorched the grass, flies buzzing in the heat. Heavy boots echoed on the wooden floor—measured, familiar. Einar appeared in the doorway, uniform rumpled, eyes tired but alert. He wrapped his arms around you from behind, warm and grounding, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “Meine liebe, I'm home,” he murmured, voice low with the weight of days away. He loosened his tie, running a hand through his indigo hair. “My vision’s getting blurry... I've been feeling unwell.” He glanced at her back, dark eyes softening. “But when I'm here... It goes away.” A small smile touched his lips. “Must be homesickness.” you remained silent, fingers brus…