Anna had just about managed to convince Elli to come home last night. It had taken a good hour of persuading, but she had finally succeeded. She'd avoided Hans completely as he'd slept through most of the afternoon, and then got Caleb to take him some supper. She hadn't slept well, and not just because Caleb was tucked in between her and Abe. She still had no idea how to process the news. Surely, she should be used to the idea of him not being there. For so many years she had thought him dead and had still lived a full life. Did his letters really make that much difference to her?

Abe wasn't surprised to see Anna lying awake beside him when the alarm went off. He didn't say anything at first, both of them tugging clothes on as Caleb remained sound asleep in their bed. Once they were in the kitchen though, he pulled her into him, Anna burying her nose in his chest.

"Still no better?" he asked, Anna shaking her head. "Kinda wanna be mad at the asshole for makin' you sad again."

"Me too," mumbled Anna, Abe smiling a little. "I still don't know what to say to him."

"The truth is probably best," said Abe, kissing her lightly. "Take this time to say everything you need to."

"We got a lot of it out at the trial..."

"Yeah, but you had a fair few obstacles stopping full conversations..." He paused. "Myself included."

"I think that was understandable though," she said quietly. "But I suppose you're right. And this is my only chance..." As the words escaped her mouth, she broke down in tears again, Abe rubbing her back soothingly. "I don't know why," she managed, "but it's like losing Karl and Freddie all over again."

"Because he was a part of that world," whispered Abe. "He's the last part of that world, save for you." Anna went to continue when they heard footsteps dashing down the stairs.

Anna wiped her tears as Caleb ran into the kitchen, still in his pyjamas. His hair was still a mess, Anna unable to stop herself smiling at him.

"Where did y'all go?" he asked indignantly, but then saw Anna's face. "Mama?"

"It's all right my love," whispered Anna. "Come, I'll make us all breakfast..." They sat down at the breakfast table, Anna setting out coffee and juice before she prepared them both eggs. She didn't listen to what they were whispering about, her mind caught in another time.

As she served them their food and sat down, Caleb cleared his throat. "Mama," he said, Anna looking at him. "Can you play piano after breakfast? When the others are awake?"

Anna's heart melted as she looked up at Abe, who was grinning at their son.

"I'd love to," she said. "Now eat up." They all did so, Caleb helping with the plates as Abe pulled on his boots.

They heard people moving around upstairs, Abe now seeing that Anna was tense again. "Look after your mama for me, Caleb," asked Abe, kissing his head.

"I will daddy," he promised, Abe smiling before he went to Anna, wrapping his arms around her again.

"I love you so much," he whispered, kissing her deeply.

"As I love you," she replied. He pecked her cheek, then left. "Come on then," said Anna, "what are we playing today?"

"My song!" asked Caleb, pulling her over to the piano in the corner of the room.

As Abe had promised, he'd saved up and bought the piano for Caleb's first Christmas with them. It was only small, but Anna loved it more than any other she had ever owned.

"You could play for me, you know," she said. "You haven't done any lessons in days..."

"It's summer! I'm too busy," he explained, Anna laughing. "Please Mama, play my song!"

"All right," she acquiesced. Stretching her fingers, she began to play.

The music drifted throughout the whole house; it was soft and light, filled with all the joy and love she had for her son. He cuddled into his mother as she played, humming along to it as he so often did. Of course, his song was his favourite, but he liked daddy and Elli's too. Anna let herself get lost in it, letting the warmth spread through her and fill her up.

She didn't notice Hans come downstairs. It was almost a siren call to him. He hadn't heard her play since their engagement party, and it was as though he was there with her again. Silently, he slipped into the living room, perching on the sofa so that he could still listen. He could almost feel her pressed against him again, her eyes light up as she looked at him. It made his heart pine so terribly.

As the song ended, Caleb looked around, now noticing him. "Hans," he said excitedly, Anna whipping around too. "You're up!"

"Indeed I am," said Hans as Caleb ran over to him. "Thank you very much for lending me your bed. It's the best night's sleep I have ever had." Caleb grinned excitedly, Hans looking up at Anna. "Good morning," he said softly.

"Good morning," she replied, her voice throaty again.

"That was beautiful," he said. "I don't know it..."

"It's my song!" exclaimed Caleb.

"Your song?" he said.

"Of course! All of the family have a song; Elli, daddy and me!" Anna saw Hans' eyes grow sad for a moment, realising that he didn't have one. She should tell him he did, but then she'd have to play it. She couldn't face that right at this moment. "Did you want to hear them?"

"I'd love to hear Elli's again," he said. "That one was always my favourite."

Caleb ran back to his mother, snuggling in beside her as her eyes stayed locked on Hans' for a moment. Then she turned and began playing the familiar tune.

He closed his eyes, remembering back to the first time he heard this... when he had surprised her with the piano. She was utterly radiant that day, and it was the first time he had ever felt truly at peace in his life. How he wished he could turn back the clocks.

No one noticed Elli as she stepped quietly into the front room, watching the scene with interest. She smiled a little at Anna and Caleb before her eyes transferred to Hans. He was completely transfixed, his fists clenched at his sides. Elli studied him carefully, her head cocked to one side. He wasn't how she remembered him at all. He seemed so much softer now. Perhaps it had been because she was so young when she had met him, or the fact that he was no longer in uniform, but she didn't think so. Maybe when you know your time in this world is coming to an end, lots of your previous troubles ebb away.

She moved to stand beside him, Hans now aware of her presence. "Will you take a walk with me?" she asked softly, Hans' brow furrowing.

He glanced at Anna, seemingly reluctant to leave her. Yet he nodded and followed Elli outside.

They stood on the veranda for a moment, Elli taking in a deep breath. "I'll take you on a tour of the farm," said Elli, both of them now walking side by side towards the barn.

Abe was outside in the pig pen, filling all the troughs as the hogs bustled around him. He looked up, seeing the two of them. He gave a small wave, Elli returning it.

"Is this really a tour?" Hans asked. "Or are you two secretly going to feed me to the pigs."

Elli laughed, Hans giving a small smile. "No, it's a tour," she promised. "But I think both Abe and I have things to say to you. Best to do it when Anna is distracted." Elli now looked at him, Hans returning the gaze. "You look strange without the uniform."

"I'm surprised you remember it... it was so long ago."

"I think it's the photograph I remember more," she admitted. "I did only meet you the once." There was an uncomfortable silence.

"Elli," he began, stopping for a moment so that she mirrored him. "I'm so sorry for everything I did. I'm sorry that I was a coward and didn't look after you as I should have."

Elli sucked in a long breath, huffing it out audibly. "Hans, if I'm honest, I forgave you for that many years ago," she said, Hans confused. "I understand that it wasn't through contempt of me, it was through love of Anna... a very warped love, if you ask me, but still love."

"But, when I arrived..."

"My anger towards you has always been for breaking Anna's heart," she cut across, her gaze hardened. "She was so utterly broken when we found one another again. That scared me more than anything else we encountered. She was, and still is the strongest person I know. To see her so distraught was terrifying; it felt as though the world was ending." She studied Hans guilty expression. "I know that you know all of this," she sighed, "so there is really no sense dwelling on it. I suppose that was where I went when you appeared here after all these years... And I suppose, I didn't think you had any right to be here, no matter the circumstances."

"My God you are so like Anna," he said, Elli smiling. "So painfully direct."

"I figured you appreciate truth far more than sycophancy."

"Naturally," he replied.

"Anna clearly wants you here, though," continued Elli. "So, in the end, that's all that matters."

"Thank you," he murmured. There was a pause before he began to take in his surroundings to distract from the moment. "So, shall we get on with the murdering?" he asked, Elli giving a huffy laugh. She simply nodded, leading him over to Abe.

"Now there's a sight I thought I'd never see," said Abe, leaving the pigs and coming to lean on the fence. "You calmed down yet, El?"

"Don't I always?" she returned, Abe giving a throaty laugh.

His gaze fixed on Hans, his expression falling serious again. "Do you want to talk in English or German?" he asked, Hans' eyebrow raising.

"Whichever you feel more comfortable shouting in," suggested Hans, a small smile flickering in the corner of Abe's mouth.

"Don't worry, I ain't gonna shout at ya. We got passed that years ago."

"Then I admit I am entirely curious as to what you're going to say," replied Hans as Abe sighed heavily. There was a long pause.

"I know why you're here," said Abe after a time. "I can't imagine how it feels knowing that your days are numbered... But I do know that if it was me, I'd wanna be beside the woman I loved too." Hans looked away a brief moment, Abe's gaze not leaving him. "Knowing that Anna is gonna be by my side for the rest of my life is a great comfort," continued Abe. "The night Caleb was born, I had to deal with the possibility that I might have to live without her... if I'd given into that, it would've killed me in an instant. And I don't think you're here to cause any trouble. I get that you just want to be around her, and I respect that."

"That's kind of you," said Hans earnestly. "I don't think I would be so forgiving if I were you."

"I mean, I know a part of you hopes she'll run off with ya for one last fling," said Abe, Hans smiling a little, "but I also know that ain't ever gonna happen."

"Not even a little worried?" teased Hans, Abe smiling confidently.

"No," he retorted. "I know my wife."

"Pity," sighed Hans. Another pause.

"I just wanted to say, man to man, that Anna is gonna be all right," said Abe, their gaze locked again. Elli went over to Abe, linking her arm with his. Abe let her cuddle into him, kissing her forehead before he continued. "We've got a good life here. She's happy. I'm sure that part of the reason you had to see her was to check up on her and how she's doin'... See it for yourself rather than rely on her letters."

"Very astute," agreed Hans, letting out a long breath. "Thank you... to both of you. I can see that she's happy." He looked at them both. "I'm so grateful to you for taking care of her all this time. I know it's not my place to worry about her, but I do."

"She worries about you too," interrupted Elli, Hans quizzical. "She said you looked too skinny in your last photo and wouldn't shut up about it for ages."

Hans eyes grew sad for a moment, Elli and Abe glancing at one another.

"She'll talk to you soon," promised Abe. "You know what she's like... stubborn as a mule. She just needs to gear herself up for the goodbye."

"As do I," admitted Hans. There was a long, awkward pause. "Where is a good place to take a walk?"

"Just carry on this way," said Elli, pointing passed the barn. "The track leads to the woods. It's nice in there."

"Thank you," said Hans, clearing his throat and making to set off.

"Did you need company?" Elli asked, Hans pausing to look at her.

"You'd do that for me?" he murmured.

"I'd do it for Anna," she replied. He smiled again.

"I'm all right, thank you. I think I need a moment to collect my thoughts." He wandered off, Elli and Abe watching his retreating figure.

"This is gonna be a strange few months, ain't it?" said Abe, Elli grinning and kissing his cheek.

"Sure is," sighed Elli. "I'd best go, I've got to go and meet Eugene."

"Urgh," said Abe, rolling his eyes. "Is that the dang kid that looks like a gerbil?"

"He's nice!" retorted Elli as she unhooked herself from his embrace. "Why don't you like him?"

"He ain't good enough for you Elli Belly," he said, then paused. "Ain't nobody good enough for you." She didn't say anything else, just smiling to herself as she headed back towards the house, leaving Abe to continue on with the day as if there were nothing at odds about it.

***

Anna had gone looking for Hans the moment she had finished playing piano with Caleb. She chose not to follow him on his walk; he needed space. Instead, she busied herself with chores. When he wasn't back by lunchtime, Anna grew increasingly worried. Abe reassured her though.

"He ain't gonna leave ya now, darlin'," promised Abe, tucking into the cold plate she gave him. Still, Anna couldn't help but keep her eyes fixed on the window. When he finally returned, he didn't venture inside, instead sitting on the veranda. Anna tugged off her apron and made her way out to him.

It was time.

"You've been gone a long time," she said softly, Hans glancing up at her.

"Sorry, I was lost in my own thoughts." She smiled, sitting beside him as they both watched Caleb run around outside. "He has so much energy," sighed Hans, Anna giving a huffy laugh.

"Yes, he can be exhausting," she agreed, unable to stop herself smiling as she watched her son charge at an imaginary monster no one else could see.

Hans glanced at Anna, enjoying the fondness in her eyes. "Did you ever imagine this is where you would end up?" he asked, Anna looking at him.

"In America do you mean?"

"This life..." he said, gesturing to all around him. "It's a world away from what you always talked about..."

"Yes," she said, "but then being a curator was never my original plan anyway." He looked at her quizzically, Anna's mind drifting to a time she never really thought about. "When I was a very small child, all I wanted was to be loved," she admitted, Hans' heart swelling. "I just wanted a family... and I suppose over the years, I've been lucky enough to have many different versions of that dream." There was a pause, both of them considering what they had lost. "What about you?"

"Me?"

"Did you imagine your life would play out the way that it did?"

"Certainly not," he scoffed. "I never saw myself as a soldier. I fancied myself a scholar."

"I think you still are in your own way," she commented, Hans giving her a small smile. "Except you are also the fierce battle commander..."

"I never thought I'd be feared," he murmured. "I was such a shy boy."

They looked at one another, Anna studying his face again. She tried not to think about the fact that the little boy he spoke of was long gone; that soon, the man she knew and loved would be too.

"What does Caleb want to be when he grows up?" asked Hans suddenly, interrupting Anna's sorrowful thoughts.

"It changes regularly," she smiled, both of them watching him. "At the moment, it's a Pirate." Hans let out an unusually loud laugh, Anna joining in. Then their laughter ebbed away. They sat together quietly, Anna already fighting back the tears in her eyes. "She'd be seven now," said Anna quietly, Hans glancing up at her. "Reina, I mean."

"You still think about her?" he managed.

"Every day," whispered Anna. "You too, you know."

"As I do you," he replied. She took his hand, Hans squeezing it a little.

"I've said goodbye to you so many times now, you think I'd be used to it," she said, Hans giving a small smile. "Why is this one so hard?"

"Because you know that this is real... there is no uncertainty."

She nodded, the tears spilling down her cheeks. "Have you been happy?" she asked, shifting closer. "I mean... truly happy?"

His mouth pressed into a thin line, and he brushed the hair out of her eyes. "I knew true happiness with you," he admitted. "And I have not been miserable the last however many years... but it is not the happiness we shared."

Her eyes screwed shut, her head hanging low. "I wish you had been happier," she said. "You had a sad life... and you didn't deserve one." He cupped her face, lifting her chin so that she looked at him.

"We're here now," he said. "I get to be with you again now... I get to see the life you've created for yourself... the life you deserve. It means I will be at peace when I go."

"Does it really?" she questioned. He nodded. "But your sister and nephew? The woman you were seeing..."

"They all understood," he promised. "Klara and Kai had a lifetime with me. And I know that they are happy where they are now. And Margaret knows what it is to have lost the great love of her life. We were company for one another; companionship. The minute I told her what was happening, she knew where I needed to be."

She rested her forehead against his, gripping his hand tightly. "I'm not ready for you to go," she whispered. "I liked knowing that you were out there in the world. When you go, that's our life lost forever."

"I know," he returned. "But it was always going to happen, one way or another."

They stayed like this for a moment, Anna's mind drifting to many years ago.

There was a time in her life where his hand was the greatest comfort to her, that his voice soothed her and excited her simultaneously. She had loved him so much, and a part of her always had and always would. She lived years thinking he was gone, and yet she had had the chance to reclaim his part in her life. She had been able to write to him and send him music to listen to. She had known that he was out there, his presence on the earth strangely comforting... an anchor of sorts. But that was going to disappear. She didn't know how to explain her love for him; it wasn't what he wanted it to be. Yet there was still something so real between them... something that she might never fully understand.

"I'm glad you're here," she said finally.

"As am I," he returned. They both looked out, their gaze once again turned to Caleb, their fingers entwined as they tried to comprehend all that lay before them.