Chapter 422: A Model Daughter-in-Law
When Friday night finally arrived, Lariette felt it was the sweetest moment of relief, knowing that winter break had officially begun. Before she dismissed her homeroom students, she reminded them to stay safe while enjoying the holidays.
Dinner was simple but cozy. Ruediger whipped up a chicken stew and fresh bread rolls. Lariette had two bowls of the stew, enjoying its delicious taste.
Afterward, the pair walked around the apartment before settling on the couch. The floor heating was on, so they only wore thin sweaters.
The soft glow of the lamp filled the room with golden warmth while the lights on the Christmas tree were more vibrant.
Lariette nestled close into Ruediger’s chest, letting his steady heartbeat calm her. He brushed her hair back absentmindedly, as if holding her was the most natural thing in the world.
"I can’t believe it’s finally here," Lariette said with a smile, her voice soft but brimming with relief, "Hehe, sounds silly, right?"
"You’ve earned the break," Ruediger murmured, pressing a light kiss to the crown of her head, "Sweetheart, you’ve been working yourself to the bone."
For the past two months, he had seen how much effort she put into her work. Seeing her so exhausted, especially right before and after the final exam, distressed him.
Fortunately, the flurry of exams and evaluations had ended. He hoped she could relax more before school resumed in January.
Lariette tilted her face to look at Ruediger, her eyes brightening with delight, "Honey, I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited for winter break. This one feels so different."
Ruediger tugged his lips into a knowing smile, "Because we’re celebrating the holidays together?"
"Hehe, yes. Also..." Lariette paused, a quiet breath escaping before she said, "I’m also happy that I’ll meet your mom tomorrow. I’m quite nervous, you know."
The sincerity laced in her words melted his heart. He tightened his arm around her, bringing her even closer.
"I’m nervous too. You’re meeting someone very important to me," Ruediger whispered, his warm breath fanning her face, "If she’s still here, I know she would’ve adored you, Lettie."
Her chest squeezed as pain flared. She leaned in, brushing her lips on his in a tender kiss, one that lingered until he chuckled teasingly.
"You know," Ruediger murmured, "You’re being such a model daughter-in-law."
"Hehe, of course, I am," Lariette laughed, lightly smacking his arm.
Their conversation eventually drifted to their trip the day after tomorrow.
Lariette and Ruediger had already packed their suitcases, standing by the bedroom wall. Unlike before, they wouldn’t drive the entire distance north.
The plane would carry them most of the way, sparing them from the grueling winter road journey. It would be safer and quicker. They would fly to Norvonna from the nearest airport in the north later.
Still, Lariette sighed dramatically, "It feels quite strange, though, don’t you think so? No long drives, no rest stops."
She enjoyed both times they had a road trip to the north. If not for how tedious it would be during winter, she would opt for it.
She didn’t mind driving all the way there, but he would disagree. The last time, she drove on their way back only because he had injured his back.
Ruediger chuckled, his chin resting on her head as his arms remained looping around her waist, "And not seeing you missing the ball from the baseball batting machine."
Her cheeks flushed at the memory, and she giggled, "Hey! I did succeed, okay? All thanks to my personal coach."
He smirked, "At least you knew."
Later, the pair retreated to bed, the comfort of the blanket cocooning them. As Lariette drifted off to sleep with Ruediger’s arms around her, the falling snow tapped lightly against the windows.
’Tomorrow... Will be more than visiting Mom.’
Ruediger exhaled a soft sigh, trying to calm the turbulence within him. Now that he had decided to lay the last piece of his secrets bare, worry inevitably weighed on his heart.
The next day, they woke up later than usual, sunlight already stretching faintly across the windows, only to be blocked by the thick curtains.
Ruediger stirred first, pressing a lazy kiss to Lariette’s temple before murmuring, "Time to wake up, sleepyhead. It’s almost nine."
She groaned. Turning away from him, she burrowed deeper into the pillow, "Five more minutes."
Ruediger chuckled in helplessness. After kissing her earlobe, he whispered, "Alright, sleep some more. I’ll wake you up in half an hour."
Lariette didn’t answer him, too sleepy to do so. Ruediger rubbed her head before sliding out of the bed. He went to the washroom first before heading to the kitchen, wanting to make breakfast.
In half an hour, crispy scallion pancakes, scrambled eggs and hot tea were served on the table. Ruediger returned to the bedroom, coaxing Lariette out of bed. They settled at the dining table fifteen minutes later.
After a leisurely breakfast, the pair dressed warmly in thick coats, scarves and gloves.
Lariette tugged at her woolen scarf nervously, her excitement mingling with a trace of worry. Ruediger noticed and reached for her hands, squeezing them gently.
"It’s nothing to be worried about," he said quietly, voice soft, "After all, I should thank you for coming with me."
Reassured by his touch, she smiled faintly, "Let’s get your mom’s favorite flowers first, okay?"
"Okay."
The drive to the cemetery took just under an hour. It was located on the other side of the city. The roads stretched white and endless as snow drifting lazily from the sky.
Inside the truck, the heater warmed them up, but Ruediger still reached for Lariette’s hand. He intertwined his fingers with hers as he held the steering wheel with one hand.
After a long silence, Lariette asked softly, "Eddy, are you okay?"
Ruediger’s jaw tightened slightly, "I’m fine. Just... It’s been a while. But I’m glad you’ll be there."
Her chest swelled. She stroked her thumb on the back of his hand, "Always."
He squeezed her hand in return, finding comfort in her presence.
The cemetery greeted them in silence. No one else was there, just rows of stones rising solemnly amidst the white.
After parking the truck under a tree, Ruediger held Lariette’s hand, leading her to a narrow trail. Their footsteps left two sets of prints across the untouched snow.
Lariette’s heart beat faster with each other. She cradled a flower bouquet of roses and sunflowers in her other hand while tightening her hold on Ruediger’s hand, feeling both her own nerves and his.
None of them spoke until they stopped before a simple tombstone.