Chapter 594: A Date to Remember
Bruno rarely allowed himself a full day off. But this one; this he had promised Heidi weeks in advance.
The streets of Innsbruck were unusually quiet for a Saturday, softened by the whisper of early snowfall drifting over the rooftops.
Christmas lights were just beginning to appear in the windows, despite the calendar still sitting firmly in November.
Heidi clung gently to Bruno’s arm, her wool coat wrapped tightly around her waist, her hair pinned neatly beneath a fur-lined beret.
"You’re still thinking about the war," she murmured, not accusingly; just knowingly.
Bruno didn’t deny it. "You know me... But at least today... I’m trying."
She smiled and leaned her head slightly against his shoulder as they turned the corner toward the State Imperial Theater.
The marquee glowed gold in the fading light: "EISERN HERZ" Based on True Events – The Volunteers of the Iron Division.
A small line waited outside, mostly couples and older men in dark coats and medals. Many had come for the spectacle; others for the memory. Few had lived it.
Inside, the theater was warm, fragrant with pipe smoke and roasted chestnuts. A soft melody played over the loudspeakers:
"Auf Stählerner Straße."
Heidi guided Bruno to the balcony seating; private, velvet-lined, reserved. He had made the arrangements the moment they settled on a date.