“Where are the others?” Her voice sounded so strained.Be calm.
“We aren’t certain. Some told us of their plans and left of their own accord. The others simply disappeared.”
A warm hand covered hers. Rick. Chaisley held on for dear life. She needed all the strength she could muster to keep a positive outlook for these kids.
The teacher continued in German. “But the students have been thrilled to hear about your tour and are excited to meet you today.”
The change in subject was forced but for the best. Chaisley listened to every sound in the room. The precious breaths of people surviving during uncertain times. Arms and legs shifting. The rustle of clothing. A tap here and there of a shoe on the tile floor.
She straightened in her chair, and a strength that was not her own filled her. “I’m so glad to meet each one of you today. I hope to learn your names and ages in a moment. But first, let me introduce myself. My name is Chaisley Frappier. I am a concert pianist.” She said it with confidence. “And yes, I am completely blind. I have been since my tenth birthday.” With a swallow, she surged on. “I don’t know what you’ve been told by people, but you arenotless of a person because you cannot see. You are just as worthy of life as anyone else on the planet. God made you just the way you are, and He has given you gifts to use.”
Did she sound too preachy? She shook her head. No. What she said was the truth. Someone needed to tell these kids how wonderful they were. How valuable they were.
Several clicking noises sounded around the room.
“I can tell some of our students have questions. They are instructed to click their tongues and raise their hand. Would you mind, Miss Frappier?” The teacher who’d spoken before was on her right now.
“I’d love to hear them. Oh, and please, tell me your name and age when you ask a question.”
After hearing from each student, ranging in age from seven to eighteen, and answering every question from her favorite color to why she loved the piano so much, she folded her hands in her lap. “I can feel a tension in the room. A sadness. What is it that you’re not telling me?”
Several sighs reached her ears.
“It’s our last day.” Lydia—the young woman with the lyrical voice—answered. “They are shutting down the school tomorrow.”
Chaisley leaned forward in her seat. “What will you do?”
“Most of our families are seeking refuge elsewhere. Some are even leaving tomorrow if they can.” Lydia’s voice moved closer to her. “But those of us who are on our own will have to figure something out. There’s a man who has hired people like us before. He owns a brush factory. His name is Mr. Weidt. I’m hoping to find employment with him.”
“Me too. My name is Anne, and I’m sixteen,” a sweet voice piped up.
“And what about your teachers?” Chaisley aimed the question to her right, where both teachers had come to stand.
“We aren’t sure what we will do, but we want to make sure all the students are safe first.” The emotion behind the words gave Chaisley the idea that both women were crying.
There had to be something she could do to help. For the long term. But what? “I have an idea. What if you all could come to my concert this evening? There’s plenty of space backstage for you to sit and listen.”
“That’s not possible, Fräulein Frappier,” one of the teachers said, “but thank you for the invitation.”
“Why not?” Melanie conveyed the same question Chaisley wanted to voice.
“The streets aren’t safe for the students after about four o’clock.”
“Why is that?” Rick’s commanding presence filled the space next to her. His protective streak was out in full force.
“We aren’t allowed to speak of it.” The quieter of the two teachers answered. “Now ... we do have a piano in the basement. It’s probably out of tune, but I’m sure the students would love to hear you.”
As the kids begged her to play, Chaisley’s thoughts drifted to Mary Beth and her mother. Were they already gone? Would she ever find them?
Lord, protect them.
As much as she longed to find the mother and daughter, a new thought sank deep into her heart. Their sweet letters had been thecatalyst for Chaisley’s new journey. God had used them to move her heart to a new place ... to urge her into action. No matter what happened, she would continue to hope for a meeting but would leave them in the Almighty’s hands.
“Follow us, please. Be careful on the steps.”
Lots of shuffling followed the teacher’s voice out the door.
Then a slight tap on her shoulder. Not Melanie’s usual signal.
