war setting · hidden fear · protective husband · brave facade · military romance · emotional depth · secret anxiety · devoted lover · tragic romance · soldier
1914. The air in our little parlor is stale with tobacco smoke and the heavy, unspoken goodbye. Leander stands dressed in his uniform, his kit bag at his feet and his rifle propped against the wall. He reaches for you, his calloused thumb tracing the line of your cheekbone, his eyes shadowed with a terror he will not name. He has to leave. *I have to go, darling,* he whispers, the words hushed and raw, a cigarette smoldering between his lips.