The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

The way the kids clung to Herman, laughing and pulling at his sleeves, made him feel like he finally belonged. For the first time in ages, his wandering soul felt like it had come home.

There was no mistaking the warmth he felt with Anastasia and the children. With Sandy and Nicholas, there was always a sense of distance. But here, with them, everything felt right. He felt grounded.

Anastasia didn't want to interrupt. Once everyone else had gone, she lingered just outside the yard, quietly watching the sweet scene unfold. Her heart felt lighter than it had in months.

Salma came over, wrapping her cardigan a bit tighter. "Ana, honey, you should get some rest. He's home now-he's not going anywhere. Just look at yourself, you're completely worn out."

Anastasia hadn't slept all night. She'd rushed to Willowbrook and barely closed her eyes in days. Now that Herman was home, she could finally breathe again.

"I'll go rest in a bit," Anastasia replied, worry flickering in her eyes. "He's only just come back. I'm afraid it's all a bit much for him."

"You always put everyone else first, especially your son-in-law. I'm more worried you'll wear yourself out," Salma said, her voice full of motherly concern. After living together these past months, she'd seen how hard Anastasia had struggled.

Anastasia managed a tired smile. Her body ached, her head felt heavy, and she could sense a fever coming on. Still, she couldn't bring herself to rest, afraid she'd wake up and find it had all been just a dream.

Everything that happened today felt surreal—like a wild, beautiful dream she wasn't ready to let go of.

Inside, Herman glanced out the window and saw Anastasia and Salma talking in the yard. He gently placed the kids in their playpen and turned to Pattie. "Keep an eye on your brother and sister, okay?"

Pattie nodded, grinning from ear to ear. She was simply thrilled to have her dad home.

After making sure the kids were settled, Herman stepped outside. Salma saw him coming and, with a knowing smile, quietly stepped away to give them space.

Even though exhaustion weighed her down, Anastasia greeted him with a bright smile, wanting him to feel how much she cared.

"You've just come back. Everything must feel pretty strange. If you need anything, or if you want to ask me something-anything at all-just let me know. I'm here for you," she said softly.

Herman stood before her, his gaze deep and intent. The breeze caught a few strands of her hair, and he could see just how tired she was-how she was holding herself together with sheer will.noveldrama

A sudden ache pricked his chest. Without thinking, he reached out, gently tucking her hair behind her ear.

Her heart leapt at the tender gesture. He was so close; she could smell the faint, familiar scent of him, and her cheeks burned.

Anastasia caught his hand and pressed it to her cheek, gazing up at him. "Thank you for coming back," she whispered. "I don't know what I would've done without you. I just... I need you."

Herman brushed his thumb along her cheek, his voice low and rough. "I... I think I've seen you before. Maybe in a dream."

He'd had those dreams for weeks now-vivid, tangled dreams that faded when he woke. He could never quite see the woman's face in them, until now. Looking at Anastasia, the pieces started to fit.

Anastasia's eyes stung, but she blinked back tears. "It's me," she said, her voice thick. "I'm your wife Anastasia. I've been dreaming about you too. I knew you wouldn't just leave us. I can't stand the thought of being apart from you again."

She fell into his arms, burying her face in his chest. She'd put her heart in this

man's hands, and she didn't want it back.

Holding her, Herman felt whole for the first time in what felt like forever.

He wanted so badly to remember it all, but his mind was still a haze.

That night Anastasia made sure everything was ready for him. She changed the sheets, set out fresh pajamas, ran a hot bath, even placed his favorite soap in the shower. She wanted him to feel at home.

"I put your pajamas here, and your favorite soap's in the bathroom," she said as she bustled around. "I even bought you some new boxers. And if you don't like the new sheets, I can switch them out..."

She looked up to find him standing by the bed, just watching her. "Is there anything else you need?" she asked, flustered. “You don't like the sheets? I'll grab another set-"

Herman hesitated, looking almost shy. "No, it's fine. I... I can sleep on the couch."

Anastasia froze, then realized what he meant. Of course he didn't remember her. Why would he want to share a bed with someone he barely knew?

"I'll get the guest room ready-"

He shook his head. "No, really. I'd rather sleep on the couch."

She looked at him, confused. He pressed his lips together, then said quietly, "I

just... want to be near you."