Countyhumans | Astrantia English Version (RusGer)

-29-

When Russia entered the tsar's estate, no one received him even though he had announced his visit. Except for the servants, he was initially unable to find any of his family on the ground floor. Annoyed, he headed for his father's study room, hoping to at least find him there. That would at least show that his father would work. But there was no sign of the mighty country in this room either. Russia let out an annoyed sigh and headed for the closet, which he knew his father had stored vodka in. The closet door opened with a small squeak, but before he gripped the neck of the bottle with his hand, he caught sight of the black garment hanging from the hanger.

Russia silently looked at the dirty uniform that Germany had worn long ago. He remembered how he had taken this uniform from him. All of this seemed to be decades ago, but at the same time, he could remember it as if it was yesterday. Unimagined and suppressed feelings slowly crept up in him.

Why hadn't father disposed of it long ago?

Lost in thought, he took the jacket off his hanger and held it up by his torso. Too small for him. He could swear that this clothing still smelled subtly after him after all this time. Still in thought, he ran his hand over the fabric of the black uniform. He was startled when he came across a small, almost fleeting, uneven area in the fabric near the left breast pocket. It was minimal and it could have been overlooked. But he was sure: there was something inside of the left breast pocket. He carefully put the uniform down on his father's desk and pulled up a chair. He ran his finger over the breast pocket again and then curiously opened the button on the pocket.

He slid in with his fingertips. There was really something in there. It felt like a piece of paper and he gently pulled it out from between his fingers.

Then he stared wide-eyed at the object in his hand. It was a piece of paper that had been carefully folded several times, which had apparently been opened and folded again often, because it had so many signs of use.

The paper was dirty and torn in places and slightly curled. Russia stared stunned at the small paper in his hand and a thought occurred to him that seemed to bind his heart so tightly that it was in danger of bursting.

He held his breath as he opened the paper with shaky fingers.

His heart, it hurt so suddenly.

There was a single pressed star umbel in the paper.

"О, господи ... (Oh my god)" he stammered while remembering the lines of Germany that had been written a long time ago.

A letter...

Addressed only to him...

"It's simple, but the meaning (at least for me) is more valuable and sacred than all the riches in the world."

"For me, it means the meaning of our connection and I will always carry it close to my heart."

Russia pressed his hand to his mouth.