The last of Lariette's words reached Ruediger before silence fell, enveloping the small living room. Their eyes remained on one another, her faint yet genuine smile was reflected in his emerald orbs.
'She... that's what she remembered.'
The details were not vivid, but the essence of the story didn't change. He didn't know whether to be relieved or sad upon learning she remembered that day.
Ruediger parted his lips, intending to say something in response, but all the words stuck in the lump of his throat. He blinked slowly, trying again, yet nothing came out.
In the end, Ruediger lowered himself. He pulled Lariette closer, letting her bury her face in the crook of his neck as he tightened his arms around her.
When Lariette responded by encircling his neck and chuckling, a pang of ache constricted Ruediger's heart. A mix of emotions raged a quiet storm within him, of regret, relief and anger at himself.
Useless.
He felt so utterly useless.
