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“What, then, caused you to finally accept your friends’ invitations?” she asked.

He shrugged. “Nothing! One day, I simply realized that I no longer wished to disappear. Instead, I suddenly wanted to spend my life with those who truly matter to me.”

“Your friends.”

“Indeed, and this turned out to be the best decision I could have ever made,” he said, finally turning to her with a smile on his face. “If I had not accepted their invitations, Theo would not have invited me to the party where I met you, and if I had not met you, then I would still be living in misery, only having momentary relief whenever I saw my friends.”

There was such vulnerability in his eyes that Eveline had never seen before, and at that moment, she could see a glimpse of his younger self in them, vulnerable and unprotected.

She touched her hands to his scar, and he sucked in a breath. She slowly stroked his scar, touching the rough lines and the hard surface.

William felt relief like he had never experienced before. It was as though a heavy burden had just been lifted off him, and he could have sworn that he even felt lighter. All the pressure that had built up inside him all these years had finally been released.

However, only a moment later, the relief was replaced by fear and worry. He has never been so vulnerable with anyone before. Even his friends did not know most of the things he had just told his wife.

And now, as she touched his scar, he held his breath, and panic rose inside of him.

“How do you feel now that you have unburdened yourself?” Eveline asked.

It was as though she could tell that he was experiencing emotional turmoil.

“I am relieved,” he said, “yet terrified. I feel raw and exposed. I cannot help but wonder if I have shared too much. “

“Oh, William,” she breathed. “You could never share too much with me. In fact, I think you are brave for being so open.”

William did not feel brave at that moment.

“It only takes someone who is brave and strong to reveal all that you have. What most people would rather do is lock it all in and never speak of it. Only someone as brave as you would do the opposite,” Eveline added, admiration evident in her eyes.

William wanted to believe her, and yet he had the nagging feeling that she might judge him.

“But do you not feel scared? Especially because of the rather gory details I have shared?” he asked.

Save for her bloodshot eyes, which hinted at the fact that she may have cried, Eveline seemed rather calm.

“Nothing I feel could be close to what you have experienced. I can only imagine how nerve-wracking it must be to recount these experiences again.”

“Not with you by my side,” he responded. “I must admit. I cannot help but wonder if you think me a damaged man. I would not blame you if you did.”

Eveline looked hurt, and her eyes narrowed. “How could you ever say that?”

William shook his head. “I just cannot help but wonder if I deserve you. If I deserve someone so gracious.”

In response, Eveline turned to face him fully and planted a kiss on the scar on the side of his face.

That action said more than a million words could ever convey.

“Your scars are a testament to your bravery. You should wear them like a badge of honor,” she said as she planted more kisses on his scar.

William felt a rush of emotions. He was not quite sure if it was gratitude or love, but at that moment, he felt hopeful for his future.

She finally stopped kissing his scar and leaned back a few inches.

“You have me now,” she said, staring pointedly at him. “I am yours and yours only.”

William’s chest tightened, not in the same way that his chest would often tighten when he remembered the horrors of battle. This was different. It was as though his chest was filled to the brim with admiration and love for this woman. This woman, who has accepted him wholly and truly.

“I love you, William,” Eveline confessed.