CHAPTER 35 - OLDENBURG, GERMANY—JULY 18, 1917
Early morning sun warmed Anna’s face as she walked a German shepherd toward the obstacle course, where the trainers were conducting drills with veterans and their guide dogs. Reaching Fleck, she commanded the shepherd to halt.
“Danke, Fr?ulein Zeller,” Fleck said, taking hold of the dog’s harness.
Anna glanced at Waldemar on the obstacle course. “It’s going to be hot today, sir. I’d be happy to alternate with trainers to give them a break from the heat.”
“Perhaps this afternoon,” Fleck said, peering toward the course. “I’ll let you know if you are needed.”
“Ja, sir.” Anna turned and left. I’ll never let up. I’ll continue to persist until he permits me to remain on the course as a trainer.
A horse-drawn wagon, driven by a man wearing a dark suit and homburg hat, pulled to the barn and stopped. As Anna approached, the man came into view. Dr. Stalling.
“Hallo, Anna,” Stalling said, stepping down from the wagon.
“It’s good to see you, sir,” Anna said.
He tipped his hat. “You too. It’s been quite some time since I’ve seen you.”
It’s because Fleck has me working inside the barn most of the time, Anna thought, but held her tongue. “I think the last time we spoke was the February class graduation.”
“Of course, I remember now,” he said. “You’d finished training Max.”
She nodded.
“How is he?” Stalling asked.
“Gut,” she said. “We’ve kept in touch through letters. He and Nia are adjusting well to his home in Leipzig.”
“Oh.” Stalling removed his hat.
“However, he’s having challenges with gaining employment. He’s an incredible pianist, and there’s little opportunity for him to work. I’m worried that he might not have a chance to display his talent until after the war is over.”
Lines formed on Stalling’s forehead. “Did Max mention anything about seeing me at the hospital before he left?”
Anna shifted her weight. “Nein.”
“I thought he would have told you,” he said, a tone of concern in his voice.
Her heart rate quickened. “Tell me what?”
Stalling paused, wiping his face with a handkerchief from his pocket. He drew a deep breath and looked at her. “In the German Reich, an unauthorized disclosure of a patient’s private secrets by a doctor is punishable by law, which may include a fine and imprisonment.”
Oh, God. Her mouth turned dry. She placed her hands to her stomach.
“I regret that I’m unable to discuss everything with you,” he said. “But from my conversation with Max—unrelated to patient-doctor privacy—I understand that he is quite fond of you. And I do not feel that I’m breaking my oath as a doctor by recommending that you pay him a visit.”
“What’s wrong with Max?” she asked, her voice quavering.
“I wish I could say more,” Stalling said.
She felt helpless. Her mind and heart raced. “I won’t be granted a leave of absence until the end of the year.”
Stalling shook his head. “That’s too long.”
Anna’s blood turned cold.
“I’ll talk with Fleck,” he said. “And I’ll insist that he permits you to take a leave of absence.”
“Danke, Doctor,” she said. “When should I plan on leaving?”
“As soon as possible.”
Dread shot through her. She clasped her hands to keep them from trembling.
“Take care of yourself, Anna.” He placed his hat on his head and walked onto the field.
Anna, struggling to control a flurry of emotions swirling inside her, watched Stalling cross the field and approach Fleck.
It must be serious if Stalling wants me to leave so soon.
This can’t be happening! As the two men discussed her fate, she said a silent prayer for Max to be all right, and for Fleck to permit her to take a leave of absence.
But only half of her prayer was answered when Fleck called her aside and said, “I’m granting your leave, Fr?ulein Zeller. You may go home and pack your bags.”