“Good things, I hope.”
“I think so. Is your itinerary the same?”
“Exactly. That’s why I’m leaving earlier to make sure there is no hold at the checkpoints. Meet me at Rostock.”
“I’ll be there.”
A small smile tugged at him. “Got to go. Love you, Hans.”
“Love you too.”
He set the suitcases by the door, and went to say goodbye. He knocked.
“Come in,” Viktor said.
Adrik stepped inside. “I’ve come to say goodbye. I need to catch my flight early tomorrow and I’m not sure how long the checkpoints will take.”
“You just got here,” his mother said, worry creasing her face.
“I’ll visit you at Christmas,” Adrik said, keeping his voice gentle for her sake. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, letting the moment be hers. But as he straightened, his eyes flicked to Viktor—sharp, brief, a reminder of everything that still sat between them. The unspoken truth hung there, heavy and understood, even if he didn’t say it aloud.
Viktor reached for him, pulling him closer. “If you need anything, call me. I love you, son.”
“Thank you.” The words felt too small for the storm inside him. He left before it all spilled over.
Yakov called to say he was outside. Adrik hauled his suitcase to the jeep. They made small talk on the drive, weaving through checkpoints until they finally cleared Seversk. At the airport, he checked in and collapsed into a chair, exhaustion dragging him under until the morning.
A nudge woke him. He blinked up and there was Sergei.
“What are you doing here?” Adrik muttered, still half-asleep.
“I didn’t think we left on a good note. I couldn’t sleep.”
“That’s because we left on a fucked up note.”
Sergei winced. “I thought about what I said. I said everything wrong.”
“What was wrong? You don’t want to associate with a gay criminal element? That’s what I am to you.”
“No.” Sergei shook his head hard. “You mean everything to me. We can still be friends. I’ll always be there for you. Please accept my friendship. That’s all I can offer, Adrik.”
The boarding announcement cut through the moment. Adrik felt tears slip free, and he didn’t bother wiping them. “You’ll always have a place in my heart,” he said, standing.
Sergei pulled him into a hug. “Stay safe, Adrik. Call me when you get home.” He pressed a business card into Adrik’s hand.
“Thanks.” Adrik stepped toward the gate.
“Hey, Adrik!” Sergei shouted.
Adrik turned. Sergei gave him thumbs-up.
Adrik gave one back before walking on.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Hans
Warnemünde, Germany
