Chapter 27 #2
Passersby continued walking straight ahead, expecting the “Jewish pack” to step aside.
Others glared at them, or showered them with insults.
It seemed as if the people’s soul had been waiting for this opportunity to allow everything dark and repulsive to bubble to the surface.
Every single one of Germany’s once cultivated, well-read citizens seemed to have transformed into a brute, venting his resentment on the weakest members of society.
Eberhard wouldn’t miss his compatriots. If he was honest with himself, he deeply regretted not having taken this step much earlier, when emigration had still been permitted.
He reached for Selma’s hand and squeezed it briefly. His wife understood him without the need for words. Her brief nod assured him that she was on his side. No matter what comes our way, we can face it together.
Arriving at the office, he handed Selma his briefcase and rummaged for the key in his jacket pocket.
Shortly after his arm was first amputated, Selma had mothered him terribly, until she had accepted that despite his disability, he wanted to manage everyday life on his own.
He’d even learned to write with his left hand.
A smile crept across his lips, because even decades later, his handwriting was still lamentable.
Just as he was turning the key in the lock, he heard footsteps behind him and turned around. Behind him stood Michaela Kronberg, with two girls, presumably her daughters. Both were scowling at him, without saying a word.
Compassion for them rose in his heart. These girls were so young, it would be both easier and harder for them than for the adults.
At their age, every change was a catastrophe, leaving school and their friends was tantamount to the end of the world.
On the other hand, they’d adapt faster to their new surroundings, and learn a new language or make friends in the blink of an eye.
“Good morning, Herr Lange, Frau Lange,” Frau Kronberg greeted him, then said to Johanna, “You must be Johanna. I’m Michaela Kronberg.”
“Pleased to meet you.” Johanna shook the doctor’s hand.
The door sprang open at Eberhard’s shove and he invited the women into his office, just as the street door opened, and Anton and Gerda appeared. Fr?ulein Vogel scurried in behind them, panting.
“Am I too late?”
“No, you’re right on time, young lady.” Anton was charming, as usual.
Eberhard’s office wouldn’t hold this many visitors, so he invited the group into the waiting room and locked the door behind him. With what they had to discuss, he didn’t wish to risk unwanted interruptions.
“So, what is so urgent that you’ve called us together on a Sunday?” asked Fr?ulein Vogel, brisk as usual.
Sunday had proved to be extremely practical, since nobody would be at work and everyone could attend without a problem.
“I’m about to tell you.” Eberhard repeated what Lieutenant Hesse had explained to him. He looked around at their shocked faces as he concluded with the words: “I think this is the only viable way. I have taken the liberty of preparing a contract.”
Fr?ulein Vogel leapt up. “Give it to me. Where do I sign?”
“You’re going to simply hand over all your possessions to the Nazis?” asked Frau Kronberg incredulously.
“Sure. Firstly, I own next to nothing anyway, after being forced to leave my home three times in as many months, and secondly, my life is worth more than all the money in the world.”
“I agree with you on that point, but to sign over all our belongings to the Abwehr seems dangerous to me. What happens if our emigration is unsuccessful? Then we’ll be caught in the trap, and completely penniless,” Gerda Seifert pointed out.
She had received an inheritance in recent years, so the Seiferts were doing relatively well.
“If our emigration is unsuccessful, money will be the least of our problems. It won’t be long before we’re all on a train heading east.” Fr?ulein Vogel eyed the group with her lower lip pushed forward.
“I’m willing to do pretty much anything to leave this damn country and finally start enjoying my life again.
If needed, I’d march across the border stark naked. ”
Gerda shot the young woman a reproachful look for this scandalous suggestion. “It won’t come to that. Even the Nazis still have a small shred of decency left and will at least let us keep our clothes on. Won’t they?” Half imploringly, she gazed at Eberhard, seeking reassurance.
Although he’d heard rumors to the contrary, he reassured his old friend.
“There’s no need to worry, my dear. Before I forget, each of us has been asked to make a list of things we want to take with us.
It must all fit in a medium-sized suitcase and mustn’t have material value.
All items must be declared, including clothing, crockery, photo albums or books.
As soon as I have the lists, I’ll obtain permission from customs for our luggage. ”
“Do we really have to write everything down?” asked Frau Kronberg with an incredulous expression.
“Indeed. Only items on the approved and stamped list may be taken. So don’t forget to list stockings and underwear.”
Both Selma and Gerda pressed their lips together in indignation at this scandalous mention of intimate clothing. Fr?ulein Vogel, on the other hand, shrugged her shoulders as if it was nothing.