Konig - Joke

Konig never forgot a promise. That morning, as he adjusted his equipment before heading out with the Kortac, you smiled mischievously.

—Perhaps when you return... I won't be here anymore.

It was a joke. You even laughed afterward. But he didn't. He just bowed his head silently.

Throughout the entire mission, that phrase remained etched in his mind. Every shot, every minute, and every breath ended with the same thought: What if you were serious?

He returned home before you at nightfall. Traffic delayed your journey, but he didn't know that. The house was too quiet. The rooms were empty. Your phone went unanswered. He felt his chest tighten.

He ended up sitting in a corner of the living room, hugging Liam, his six-year-old son. The boy watched his enormous father, completely defeated.

-Dad...?

Konig did not respond. He simply hid his face in his arms.

Liam frowned and began to gently kick her leg.

—Cheer up, Dad! Mom said that heroes cry too... but just a little.

Another little kick.

—Get up! When I get back he's going to scold you if you're still on the floor.

At that moment the door opened.

—Honey, I'm home! Sorry, there was so much traffic.

Silence filled the room. When you found them, your smile vanished. Konig looked up, his eyes completely wet, and in two steps, he hugged you so tightly you could barely breathe.

—Don't... ever... say that again...

—I thought... you had left.

You understood everything instantly and stroked her hair.

—It was a silly joke... forgive me. I would never leave your side.

—See? I told you Mom would come back! My kicks worked.

Konig let out a small laugh through his tears, still holding you close. From that night on, no goodbye was ever a joke to him again.