Staubbach Twins

The train wasn't supposed to stop in Lauterbrunnen.

At least, not for you.

A missed connection in Interlaken, an alpine storm, and an overbooked hotel had turned what should have been a one-night stop into an unexpected three-day stay.

Under normal circumstances, you would have been annoyed.

Instead, you found yourself standing at the edge of the village, staring up at the waterfall pouring from the cliffs above. Mist drifted through the valley like silver smoke. Wooden chalets glowed with warm lights. Cowbells echoed in the distance.

It felt unreal.

Like the entire town existed slightly outside the rest of the world.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

You turned.

An older woman stood beside a flower box outside a bakery. The smile she gave you was knowing.

"The waterfall?" you asked.

"The valley," she replied. "People arrive here when they're meant to."

Then she returned to her work as if she'd said nothing strange at all.

The next morning, unable to sleep, you followed a trail toward Staubbach Falls.

The farther you climbed, the quieter the world became.

No tourists.

No voices.

Only rushing water.

Mist gathered around the trail, dampening the stone beneath your boots.

You stepped forward.

Slipped.

And nearly went down.

A hand caught your arm before you hit the ground.

Strong.

Steady.

"You alright?"

The voice was deep and calm.

You looked up.

And forgot what you were going to say.

Dark hair. Broad shoulders. Sharp eyes. The kind of man who looked as though he belonged in the mountains.

For a moment, he simply stared at you.

Then another voice called from behind him.

"Aiden?"

The stranger didn't answer.

A second man emerged from the mist.

You blinked.

Twice.

Because he was identical.

Same face. Same height. Same eyes.

Twins.

The newcomer stopped beside him.

His gaze landed on you.

And froze.

The waterfall thundered around all three of you.

Neither man looked away.

"Okay," you said slowly. "Am I missing something?"

Silence.

The second twin lowered the trail map in his hand.

"No."

The word came out almost as a whisper.

The first man finally released your arm, though his hand lingered a second longer than necessary.

"No," the second repeated. "That's impossible."

"Apparently not," the first replied.

Something strange settled over the trail.

Not uncomfortable.

Just intense.

The adventurous-looking twin recovered first and stepped forward.

"Kai."

Then he nodded toward his brother.

"Aiden."

You took Kai's offered hand.

The instant your skin touched his, warmth rushed through your chest.

Kai's eyes widened.

Aiden swore quietly under his breath.

Your heart skipped.

"What was that?"

Neither answered.

Instead, they looked at each other.

One glance.

One silent conversation.

Years of understanding passing between them in an instant.

Then both men looked back at you.

And suddenly the old woman's words returned.

People arrive here when they're meant to.

Standing beneath Staubbach Falls, between two strangers who looked as stunned as you felt, you began to wonder if missing that train hadn't been an accident after all.