Chapter Fifteen

Later that afternoon, Adeline found Wilhelm in the backyard garden. The scent of lilies hung in the air. He sat beneath the cherry tree, reading her novel. He looked up as she approached. She hesitated before speaking. The silence stretched between them, punctuated only by the chirping of birds.

He rose and finally spoke. "I've finished reading your novel. Your writing is remarkable. You always know the right word for the right moment." He handed her the novel, his fingers brushing hers.

"Thank you," she whispered. "Wilhelm," she said, her gaze locking with his. "What you did… in the square... Thank you for saving me." Tears welled in her eyes.

He looked at her, his gaze intense. "I couldn't let him hurt you. I couldn't bear the thought of it."

His confession resonated deep within her. Wilhelm had lied to his fellow officer, putting himself at risk to save her. The weight of his sacrifice settled heavily on her chest, a suffocating mixture of gratitude and guilt. How could she feel such profound affection for an enemy soldier? Yet, the lie he'd told, the risk he'd taken . . . it showed the depth of his feelings, a truth that transcended the boundaries of war and hatred.

The sudden opening and closing of the door shattered the fragile peace. Footsteps approached and then Wilhelm's orderly appeared. When he spoke to Wilhelm, his face maintained the impenetrable expression of a professional soldier.

"Herr Oberleutnant," he announced, his voice crisp and formal, "the Major requires your presence in the German Headquarters immediately."

"Jawohl."

In the heart of the German headquarters, the air was thick with tension as Major presided over a crucial meeting. Officers from all three infantry companies gathered around the long oak table, their faces reflecting a mix of determination and apprehension. The dimly lit room echoed with the sound of military boots and the rustle of uniforms as Major laid out his orders. "Prepare for the troops tonight," he commanded, his voice steady and authoritative. "We are joining the invasion of Russia."

Shortly thereafter, the posts erupted with hectic activity. Wilhelm moved swiftly among his men, barking out orders while ensuring the horses and the equipment were meticulously checked. The weight of their mission loomed large over him. Each soldier's readiness was paramount; they would soon embark on a journey that could change their lives forever.

After the preparations completed, he made his way to Adeline's house. He went to his room, his mind racing with thoughts of the impending deployment. As he packed his belongings, his orderly helped him load everything into the staff car. Yet, amidst the preparation, one thought lingered in his mind – Adeline. He hoped to see her one last time before he left. He opened several doors, looking for Adeline but he found Jeanne instead.

Wilhelm greeted Jeanne with a nod, "I am being sent to Russia," he conveyed softly. "I'd like to thank you for your kindness and for letting me stay here during my duty." His voice carried the weight of gratitude, yet, her expression revealed a different sentiment. A flicker of delight crossed her face, as if she were a bird finally escaping from the confine of a cage. He could sense the relief that washed over her, the unspoken desire to be free from the presence of the German officer who had occupied her house. He could understand war had turned their lives upside down, and she longed for the return of normalcy and peace, just as he did.

"Madam, I don't see Adeline. Where is she?" Wilhelm asked.

"She said she was going to the lake." Jeanne thought he was unable to have a last farewell with Adeline because he would go shortly.

Wilhelm stepped out of the house. His orderly waited for him, sitting at the front seat of the staff car. Wilhelm took a deep breath, steeling himself for the unknown challenges that awaited him. He glanced back at the house, a bittersweet ache in his heart. Though he would miss the comfort of its house, he knew the duty called. With one last look, he climbed into the staff car. As they drove away, the landscape of Adeline's house swallowed into the distance.

Wilhelm's staff car stopped beside a country lane. The trees towered above. A thick carpet of leaves muffled his footsteps as he made his way to the lake. There, the water's edge, sat Adeline. She turned at the sound of his approach, her face was surprise.

"How did you find me?" Adeline asked.

"Jeanne told me."

"She told you so?" Adeline's voice was soft, laced with a subtle irony, as if to imply, "Why did her mother reveal her whereabouts? Didn't she forbid this relationship? How odd her behavior was!"

"Yes," Wilhelm nodded. "Let's go for a walk."

They strolled through the meadow, a sea of wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze. Adeline picked a few sprigs of dandelion and smelled them. Unexpected to her, Wilhelm took one of the flowers she held and tucked it behind her ear. "Beautiful," Wilhelm smiled. A blush bloomed on her cheeks. As the Sun dipped closer to the horizon, its golden light cast reflections that danced over the lake. The warmth of sunset hues created a serene atmosphere.

Wilhelm looked around, admiring everything around him, "This place reminds me of you," he said. "I still remember your smile and your melodious voice when you sing Bel Ami."

"It was such beautiful memories," Adeline said, a wistful sight escaping her lips.

His smile faded away, replaced by a sadness that etched itself onto his face. "The war…it will likely last long in Russia. My regiment is being deployed for reinforcements. I am leaving now."

The sorrow gripped her heart. "I hope you come back safe," she said, her voice thick with emotion.

"I will never forget you,"

"And I will always remember you."

Their farewell was a silent exchange of glances, heavy with the weight of separation. He walked through the flower meadow that was bathed in the golden hue of sunset. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she watched him slowly fade into the distance. All that remained was their shared memories.

THE END