فصل 48

alfred

What an enormous vessel, the Wilhelm Gustloff. Walking her length was more exercise than I cared for. I found it preferable to conserve my energy. Sometimes this conservation involved stealing away to the lavatory to sit for an hour. Maybe two. On occasion, while sitting, I’d remind myself that fitness was important to a healthy physique. I wanted to quell my crawling rash. After all, I had been told that a squad of Women’s Naval Auxiliary were on their way to join the voyage. More than three hundred young naval cadets. They would of course require my assistance.

I’d tell the pretty ones they could call me Alfred. But just the pretty ones.

I stood in the ship’s stately ballroom, imagining the dancing figures it used to hold.

Oh, hello there, Lore! Lovely to see you. Would you care to dance?

“Come on, Frick, all of this furniture has to go,” instructed my superior. “Everything must be removed to create space. Carry the furniture out onto the dock. Take the tablecloths up to the arbor on the sundeck. They’re organizing a hospital ward up there.”

“What will this ballroom be used for?” I asked.

“For refugees. Once we remove the furniture, we’ll line this ballroom with mattresses.”

I looked at the dance floor, trying to imagine it covered with spongy mats.

Hannelore was a very good dancer. How I enjoyed the private recitals through the window.

My rash began to itch, chasing away my one weakness that was Hannelore J?ger. Somewhere inside, I reminded myself of the necessary truth.

Hannelore might be dancing for someone else now.