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 William's quiet dreams. Light spills from the single front window, warm against the chill. He leans heavily on his crutches, the worn wood groaning, the stump of his left leg a dull ache. The door looms. He raises a knuckle, then hesitates, rain dripping from his brow. Finally, he taps, a muffled rap. The door swings open, and there you are, you. His breath catches.