فصل 77

joana

Part of me felt drawn to the doctor and the opportunity to help the incoming patients. But I did not want to leave our group.

“Go, my dear,” said the shoe poet. “Help others if you can. This young sailor will take us to registration. We’ll come back and find you.”

I knelt down to the wandering boy. “Now, Klaus, you stay close to Poet. Hold his hand.” The boy nodded. I gave him a kiss. He held out his one-eared bunny for a kiss and I obliged.

“Take care of him, Poet,” I said as I hugged the old man. “Make sure you find me before boarding a ship.”

“The clock,” reminded Poet. “We can meet under the clock.”

A panting, soot-covered locomotive appeared in the distance.

Emilia stepped toward me, eyes wide with fear.

“Don’t worry,” I told her. “I have to help these people. But I’ll help you too.” I tugged her pink hat down and straightened it. “Put on the lipstick,” I whispered. I set my hand on her belly. “I’ll see you both tonight.”

Even from afar, I could see the train cars were stuffed with wounded and refugees. Passengers leaned out of the compartments, screaming for help. Sailors rushed in, prepared with gurneys and pallets. The doctor began shouting instructions.

And then amidst the pandemonium I heard him.

“Joana.”

I turned toward the voice.

The Prussian pulled me aside.

“You wanted to know something,” he whispered, moving in close. His eyes found mine. “I’m Florian. My name is Florian.” He reached out and took one of my curls between his fingers. A blush of heat washed across my face.

I grabbed the young sailor who had brought me to the doctor. “What’s your name?” I asked him.

“Frick. But you may call me Alfred.”

“Alfred, these people are very important. They have papers. I’m going to help the doctor, but these people must be taken to the same ship I will be on. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Fr?ulein. Certainly.”

The train, battered like a bruised fighter, hissed in the sidings.

The doctor handed me a clipboard. Could I trust the sailor?

“Alfred, will you promise to take care of my group? This young mother is very important.”

“Leave it with me, Fr?ulein.”

Urgent shouts came from the train.

“Let’s go!” said the doctor.

I grabbed the Prussian and whispered in his good ear.

“Nice to meet you, Florian.”