There was a pause, then Adrik’s voice softened. “You sound different, Hans. What’s wrong?”
Hans let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “Shit went down. Nothing that can’t be fixed when I cuddle you.”
“I need you so much. Can you believe I’m in Siberia?”
Hans closed his eyes. “No, and I hate it. Don’t stay a minute longer than you need.”
“Trust me, I won’t.”
“I love you, Adrik. Stay safe.”
“I love you, Professor Hans.”
The call ended, leaving Hans staring at the dark screen as if it might bring him back.
He packed up slowly, feeling wrung out, and headed for the train. He took the long route home on purpose, walking past Adrik’s cottage. He stopped in front of it, hands shoved in his pockets, wishing the lights were on and Adrik was inside,maybe cooking something or teasing him about being dramatic. Instead, the place was dark and quiet.
When he finally reached his own cottage, Karl was standing out front beside the new motorcycle.
“Hey, I thought you’d never come home,” Karl said.
“Let’s bring it to the garage around the back,” Hans muttered.
Karl blinked. “Aren’t you excited about your new motorcycle?”
“No.”
They rolled it to the garage, the whole thing feeling surreal—like he was watching someone else’s life. Karl followed him inside.
“Want a beer?” Hans asked.
Karl nodded. “What’s up, Hans?”
“Nothing is going as planned.”
Karl smirked. “Where’s that stud?”
“Visiting his mother.”
“Is that why you’re down?”
“One reason,” Hans said, dropping onto the couch. “But today Rector Hoffmann told me my contract ends in December.”
Karl’s eyebrows shot up. “What are you going to do?”
“Don’t know yet.”
Karl hesitated. “Your father called me and said they were stopping by tonight.”
Hans stared at him. “Stopping by? They’re in Munich.”
“Well, they told me they wanted to talk to you. A very serious talk.”
Hans took a long drink of his beer, letting the cold hit his throat. Perfect. Just what he needed—his parents showing up on the one day everything else was falling apart. And why were they calling Karl and not him?
“Why don’t you stay the night, Karl?” he said.
“I will, but when they visit, I’ll go out.”
