فصل 95

florian

Joana lay with her head on my shoulder, cradling the baby. The little boy slept in a bundle under my good arm. The brave rescue crew worked with precision, moving the boat and plucking people from the water.

I had been certain I was going to die.

The baby slept. Where was the Polish girl? Had she been picked up? I looked at the wandering boy, asleep. Heinz had his papers, the address in Berlin.

Heinz.

Our shoe poet, our friend. Opi. I fought the emotion that stirred.

The sailors walked among the people who had been rescued. They spoke to each passenger, asking questions and giving instructions. Joana opened her eyes and looked up at me.

“They’re asking everyone for their name and information. They say we’re going to Sassnitz, on the German island of Rügen.” She squeezed my hand.

I bent over and kissed the top of her head. I then leaned back against the wall and closed my eyes.

My name and information.

Who was I?

I looked down at Joana and the children.

Who did I want to be?