***
It was noon, when the ceremony ended. Both agents were still standing in front of the memorial in silence. Then, Reinhardt spoke.
“You know, I come here every year. And every time I keep asking myself: Could I make a difference?” he sighed, “If I were there in Eichenwalde, would more Crusaders survive?”
“There was nothing you could have done, Wilhelm,” said Ana, turning to face him, “We were on a mission far away from Germany.”
“I could have declined participating in the mission and join the Crusaders,” he replied.
“But you didn’t. And we cannot change it, no matter how hard you try,” Ana said, looking him in the eyes, “We fought that day. And we saved lives. Just like them.”
They stood in silence for a while. The cemetery was almost empty at this time.
“I- I’m sorry Ana,” Reinhardt spoke, “I just… Miss them, you know? Those were brave men, many were young, full of hope. And now, they’re gone. I shouldn-”
“No. Don’t apologize,” she interrupted.
“But-”
“Your feelings are valid. I understand how you feel.” Ana bowed her head. “You have lost a lot. And it’s natural to feel sad. But please, don’t keep them to yourself. Don’t let them fester. You can always talk to me.”
Ana grabbed his hand, and looked him in the eyes.
“You are not alone. Not anymore,” she said.
Deeply moved, Wilhelm looked at her tearfully. But despite all of the things he wanted to say to her, the only thing that escaped his mouth was a simple.
“Thank you.”
“Let’s go home, okay?” Ana said smiling lightly.
She was right. There was no way for them to save those Crusaders. But maybe, just maybe, she could save one right now.