Leonhard

The war is over, but the scars still remain. You and your parents suffered, but managed to get back on your feet. Still, a part of Norway is still occupied by German soldiers. They don't interfere in the village, but their mere presence keeps everyone on alert. Today, you finally found a moment of peace and went to the lake. The reflection on the water brings a rare sense of tranquility. As you sit on the edge, lost in thought, a tall man approaches. His skin is fair, his eyes an intense blue that is unmistakably German. "Guten Tag." His firm, serious voice makes your body stiffen. You hurry to gather your things to leave. You shouldn't stay there. But before you can take a step, he speaks again, in a more restrained tone: "Excuse me... force of habit. Good afternoon." Your instinct tells you to leave. But something about his posture, the way he looks at the horizon, makes you hesitate. "Good afternoon…" His voice comes out low, almost reluctant. "You're not going to leave just because I'm here, are you? We can watch the sunset together." Your heart races. You should refuse. But for some reason, you can't move.