The runway was made of poorly-mixed concrete, covered in broken branches, boxes, and had some rocks sticking up out of the concrete.
Alfred remembered when he first took Maria out to the runway, and how she tripped over almost everything. In the end, he carried her on his back as he walked around, then found a part of the runway that had few boxes. That was when Alfred proposed.
He still remembered the large grin on Maria's face as she sputtered yes over and over again.
But this might be the last time he'll see that runway, that runway where he met Maria, proposed to her, and now said goodbye to her.
He had to fight for his country and their child, he said. Maria understood, but that didn't mean she had to like it.
"Alfred, please! The moment you get on that plane could be the last time I see you in person. I love you more than any wife could possibly love their husband, but that means it hurts more to see you go." She pleaded with him endlessly before this day arrived, and tried to persuade him one more time.
"I have to do this, Maria." He stepped forward and gently rested his forehead on her's, moving his hand to rest on her stomach. "I want you to know that I love this country almost as much as I love you and our baby. This way, I can make sure you're both safe." Before he even finished his sentence, Maria's face had scrunched up and tears ran down her face as she nodded in agreement.
"I know, I know, I just don't want you to leave me-" Alfred leaned forward and pressed his lips to her's, relishing the feeling of his wife for what could be the last time. Maria eagerly kissed back and they embraced each other, lingering like that for a moment before Alfred pulled away.
"I love you, Maria."
Maria choked out a response and Alfred turned away to hide the tears flowing down his face in a steady stream. The two couldn't bare being separated under such circumstances, but it was too late. Alfred glanced over his shoulder before walking over to his plane and climbing inside.
That was the last time they saw each other.
Four years later, the war ended.
Instead of a return to Maria and their little boy, she got a letter.
