You’d always wondered what his face looked like under that mask. The shape of his nose, the colour of his hair—despite knowing him so long, these details were still unknown.

Every time you asked to see, he’d shut you down with a sharp ‘nein,’ or change the subject. But you’re being particularly inquisitive today, and he realises he can’t distract you much longer.

“Nein. I am not a handsome man, liebling.” He answers firmly. “I would scare you away. Please understand, it is better this way.”