فصل 90

joana

Dr. Richter would be angry. Instead of following him to the ship, I had left him with hundreds of wounded men.

Blessed, reliable Poet. He stood under the clock in the cold, the wandering boy playing in a mound of snow near his feet.

“See,” he said to the boy. “I told you she would come.”

The wandering boy jumped up and hugged my leg.

“Hello, little one.” I looked to Poet. “Were you able to get passes?”

“Four hours in that line. But yes, we were given passes. I was nearly conscripted to repair military boots. To be truthful, I think little Klaus was the only reason I was granted a pass. Small children are a priority.”

“And what about Emilia?”

“It was a mess. That blathering sailor pushed her to the front of the line. It drew more attention.” Poet frowned. “The girl, she was terrified. I had to push her, but she finally caught on and feigned contractions, lying on the ground wailing. Then the soldiers wanted to put her on the boat immediately, but she said she wouldn’t go without you, her nurse. They were only too happy to be rid of her. That silly sailor was so frightened by the threat of birthing that he lost all color and nearly keeled over.”

“But did she get a pass? Where is she now?” I asked.

“Oh, yes, the pregnant Latvian got herself a pass. She’s in the movie theater. She insisted on waiting for you. Where is Sorry Eva?”

“Eva’s in line for registration. We have to hurry. I need to get back. They’re boarding the wounded tonight. I want to take Emilia with me. The rest of you may board tomorrow.”

The young sailor suddenly appeared.

“Aha! There you are, Fr?ulein.” He moved uncomfortably close and began to whisper. “Your patient says he needs you in the movie house. I stress, Fr?ulein, he needs you.”

I looked at him, confused. What did he mean?

“He used those very words himself.” The sailor stared at me, blinking rapidly.

We left the sailor and ran to the movie house.