In Memoriam

In loving memory

Odin

"Good morning, my beloved". Like every morning, Freida set her picnic before pressing her lips to her husband's tombstone. She then took place next to it and served herself a cup of coffee.

During the past two decades, she never missed a single one of her daily dates with him. Each morning She visits his grave, and talks to him while having her breakfast.

The memory of that December evening still haunts her like it happened yesterday and not twenty years ago.

His head was falling back resting against his chair. "Don't disturb me". Hearing the door crack open, he breathed. "I'm not just dying; I'm in the process of dying". He looked so pale and his voice was weak and breathy. "I'm somewhat enjoying the process. Don't disturb my last enjoyment". The effort of speaking made his face twitch in pain.

"Oskar, my dearest". Freida's footsteps rushed towards him.

"My love". he mumbled slowly opening his eyes. She kneeled in front of him and cupped his face. "Who told you I came back to Heinessen? How did you get here". her thumb brushed his cold skin.

"Bergengrün called at the residence". She spoke pressing her forehead to his. "I came as fast as I could. Don't worry about Felix. I left him home with fraulein Karolina, it is safer there". she pecked his dry lips. "Why didn't you let them operate you?"

He tilted his head slightly. "For humans, there is an appropriate life, as well as an appropriate death, my love. I lived on the battlefields and in honor. Therefore, a death on a hospital bed is not suitable for me". he reached a shaking hand to caress her hair and face.

"But what about us? What about Felix?" Freida stuttered. "He still needs you. I... I still need you, Oskar. I need you by my side". she blinked several times trying to chase away the tears that clouded her vision.

"I trust you will look after our son and raise him well. I can already see the man he will become". his lips curled up into a weak smile. "Don't worry love, you won't be alone". His fingers run through his wife's auburn hair. "There's something that a self-important guy from antiquity once said, self-importantly: 'It's the utmost happiness in life to have a friend with whom one can at the time of one's death entrust one's infant'. Mittermeyer, I know he will look after you when I'm gone". He pressed his lips to hers. "You will be alright; both of you. I know you will". She fell to her knees and hide her head in his lap.

They remained like this for a good amount of time before he decided to break the silence. "Don't stay here; on Heinessen, it's not safe. Take Felix and leave as soon as possible". His voice was faint. "Either you go back to our manor or go to your grandfather's, it's up to you. but I prefer you move to Fezzan". He took a pause to catch his breath. "Please, make sure you explain everything to Felix when he is old enough to understand. I don't want him to hate me. Please, my love, don't let my own son despise me".

Hearing his words, she rose her head. "He won't". she spoke abruptly. "I'll make sure he won't. I'll make sure he knows how wonderful his father is. That he is a brilliant tactician and an excellent governor. A respectable man who lives in honor. He'll know how much you love him and all the sacrifices you made for him to have a better world to live in. How much you love both of us, your family. our son will be proud of his father. He will carry your name with pride". She hated how her voice broke. "He will love his wonderful father. Our baby boy will be thankful for having you as a parent". She linked her trembling lips to his. They exchanged brief and soft kisses. "As much as I'm thankful for having you as a partner".

"I love both of you, I wish I was worthy of your love". he whispered against her lips. "Thank you for making me a happy man".

"Oskar, please my beloved, don't speak such nonsense. You deserve the world. I'm lucky to have such a caring and loving husband". their lips connected for another couple of kisses. "I love you; I will always love you". She spoke with a shaky voice.