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The final explosion went off without a hitch, and celebrations were in order. The crew had done well, Mike knew that, and he knew they deserved to celebrate. A drink was thrust into his hands by Kai, and damnit, Mike had to acknowledge the bastard had done good. He had a growing fondness for the Germans, most of all Zeigler, who had pulled the crew together and kept them working very well. As the crew began to converse in German, he saw it was time to go. He looked around and spotted Werner sitting sadly by himself on one of the couches. He crossed the room to go join him.
The man was staring up at the ceiling, seeming oddly melancholy. Mike gestured to the seat, and his friend made a non-commital gesture of welcome. Mike sat down.
“What’s on your mind?”
Werner sighed tiredly. “Oh, nossing really. I am pleased the blasting went well. No damage to the structure, no unforeseen incidents.” He stared ahead.
Mike was unimpressed. “You don’t seem pleased.”
Werner shrugged and did his best to smile. “I’m just tired.”
Mike turned to him. “I need to know what’s going on.”
“Nothing is going on!” Werner paused, shaking his head a little. “This work is taking longer than I estimated.”
“It is.”
“And I appreciate the R and R. The boys, they had fun. But I’m…” He shrugged again, looking at Mike, then away, trying not to show his emotions. After a long pause, he began again. “Michael, you were married?”
“I was.”
“How long?”
“Twenty-two years.”
“Then perhaps you will understand. Twenty-six in April.”
Mike blinked at him slowly. “Congratulations.”
“My wife,” Werner began again, smiling fondly at the thought of her despite the absence. He took a moment to try and convey his emotions in English. “Without her, I’m... I’m ad- ad-”
“Adrift.” Mike finished for him.
“Yeah. Adrift.”
Mike took a long look at his friend, then reached out and put his hand on his knee. “Werner, I know what you’re going to ask me, and I want you to know it’s impossible.”
“But-” Werner began, turning more to face him, desperation in his eyes.
Mike held up his hand to stop the man. “Listen to me, Werner. I need to you understand. If you do anything stupid, you are putting yourself, and your wife in danger.”
A brief anger crossed over the German’s face, before being replaced by overwhelming sadness. He looked down, nodding. “Of course, Micheal, you are right.” His voice cracked.
Mike put a hand over his friend’s. “I know this is hard, believe me, but you need to do your job. For her.”
Werner looked up, tears in his eyes. “You are right, Micheal.” He sniffled. “I just miss her so much.” He bowed his head and began to cry.
“It’s okay.” Mike scooted in closer and put an arm around the man. He had never been all that good at comforting, but Werner didn’t seem to mind.
They sat like that for a long time, and eventually, Werner composed himself. “Micheal,” he began, wiping tears away from beneath his glasses, “pardon my forwardness, but would you mind staying the night with me? The boys, I care for them dearly, but they are my boys, to them I am first and foremost their boss, not a friend.”
Mike thought for a moment, still cradling him in one arm. “Yeah.” He said, “sure.” Werner looked up at him, gratitude plain on his face. “Don’t thank me yet,” Mike told him, removing his arm from around the man and standing up, “my granddaughter tells me I snore.” He held out a hand for the other man. Werner took it and pulled himself up, laughing at Mike’s comment and the stiffness in his bones.
“You have grandchildren?” He asked eagerly.
Mike smiled fondly, putting his arm back around the other man’s shoulders, leading him gently back to the housing units. “Just the one, but oh man can she be trouble.”
Werner chuckled, “You know, I always wanted grandchildren. They are so very dear to me.”
“No children of your own?” Mike asked.
“Not for me, unfortunately. My wife and I always wanted, but it never worked out.”
“Well, children can break your heart,” Mike began, but not wanting to go down that road, he changed the subject. “But grandchildren, my god, they're fun.” He smiled. “Maybe you can meet her one day.”
Werner nodded, smiling. “That would be very nice.”