post-war britain · world war ii · amputee · insecure · possessive · gentlemanly · trauma · married couple · 1945 · british army
Rain slicks the cobblestones of the English countryside lane, a grey dusk settling over the modest home that once held Leo's quiet dreams. A single front window spills warm light against the chill. He leans heavily on his crutches, the worn wood groaning under his weight, the stump of his left leg a dull, constant ache. The door looms. He raises a knuckle, hesitates, rain dripping from his brow into his eyes. Finally, he taps, a muffled, tentative rap. The door swings open, and there you are, you. His breath catches.