Winfred

97

Official Report

British Intelligence

Code: 3986

Kathleen Winfred

The things they tell you about how life changes after you find someone to love are true.

There’s the fact that you feel warm inside, as though, no matter what the weather really is, the sun is shining brightly and you couldn’t be happier.

Then there’s the feeling of knowing that someone loves you, which is the best thing I have ever felt.

All of that, and more.

What they don’t tell you, however, is that once you’ve moved past the awkward part of the relationship where you don’t know exactly where you and the other person stand…when you’ve declared your love for one another and are ready to move forward…

That’s when they don’t tell you what to do.

The next morning, I awoke, feeling ultimately happy, but beneath that, somewhat confused.

Now how should I act around Freidrich? Surely he liked me as I was, so I didn’t have to change. But did I continue to act towards him as I had before? Or was there some special way you had to act now that things had changed?

It seemed a silly thing to worry about, but worry about it I did. (I seem to have a habit of worrying over silly things that work themselves out in the end.)

I decided that I needed some help…from someone with wisdom beyond me.

Pirot was already up and about, humming cheerfully as she made herself ready for the day. Albert was returning, and she could not be happier.

“Pirot?” I said, getting her attention. She stopped, cocking her head to one side and looking at me.

“I…” I didn’t really know how to ask what I wanted to ask. “Well…Freidrich…I mean…Freidrich and I…”

A huge grin began to spread across Pirot’s face. “Well, well, well,” she said, adopting a tone of teasing admonishment. “It’s about time!”

I must have looked confused, because she laughed. “Really,” she said. “It’s become kind of obvious.” She smiled. “I think the two of you are perfect together. And, since you’re my closest friends aside from Albert, I’m very happy for you.”

I smiled. “Well…” I said. “The problem is…I feel so…different. Do you understand? I feel like a different person.”

“I understand,” said Pirot. “You feel like that. I felt like that with Albert.”

“Well…” I tried to think how to word my quandary. “Since I feel so different…I guess there is a part of me that feels that I have to act differently.”

Pirot gave me an understanding smile. “I felt the same way, at first,” she said. “It’s new. But really…if you think about it…not much has truly changed. Just be yourself.”

I nodded, but as Pirot went on about her business, I couldn’t help but still feel unsure.

Eventually, I got out of bed as well, and got dressed, and went down to my desk. Freidrich was not there; I had told him that I insisted that he stay in bed and sleep for as long as he was able to.

I puzzled over my question as I did my work, my mind only halfway on the papers before me.

Eventually, Freidrich did come down to the office.

He greeted me, and gave me a quick kiss on the forehead, before taking the papers that were for him and turning to unlock his office door.

Before he could enter his office, I stopped him.

“Freidrich?” I said, hesitantly. He immediately turned, giving me his full attention. He looked concerned, as if something might be wrong. I gave him a small smile. “Nothing’s wrong…” I said. “I just…wanted to ask you something.”

He looked relieved, and smiled. “Go ahead,” he said.

“Well…” I decided to simply be blunt. “Now that we’ve…admitted our feelings for one another…Do things have to change? I mean…I’ve never felt this way about anyone before so I don’t know…do I have to change now that things are different between us?”

He tilted his head slightly, giving me a somewhat confused half-smile. “Mein Liebling,” he said, gently. I blushed slightly at the term of endearment. It felt so good to hear him call me ‘his darling’. “Why would I ever want you to change?” he finished. He still sounded confused, which made me laugh slightly.

I stood, and hugged him. “Did you sleep well last night?”

“Very,” he said, returning my hug. He pulled back slightly to look at me. “Are you alright?” he asked.

“Yes, of course,” I said. “You answered my question, anyways.” I smiled, and, after seeing me smile, he smiled as well.

“You’d…better go do your work…” I said, finally, reluctantly.

He nodded. “Of course,” he said. “Work. Yes.”

***

dedication to the lovely The_Emtastic_Emma for the lovely fanmade cover. :)

image: the cover, by Emma.