“Congratulations,” Emmi said, stepping to Max. “I heard the news.”
“Danke,” Max said. “But I still need to do well over the next seven days to graduate.”
“You will,” Anna said.
“How’s Ewald?” Max asked, wanting to forget that his time with Anna was drawing to a close.
“He’s well,” Emmi said.
“I’m sorry that I won’t get a chance to meet him this summer when he’s home on leave,” he said.
“Me too,” Emmi said. “Someday, Ewald and I will come to see you perform.”
“In the Great Hall in Vienna,” Anna added.
“That would be nice,” Max said. “But I’d be happy to play in any venue that will have me, and I’d be honored to have you visit me in Leipzig.”
Emmi glanced over her shoulder, as if she was concerned that Fleck would notice that she wasn’t working. “I better go. Lots of chores to do.” She turned and left.
Anna, Max, and Nia walked toward town. Their boots crunched over the snow-covered road, and they adjusted their pace to create distance from the other groups, allowing privacy to speak freely.
“Norbie will be excited to hear the news of graduation,” Anna said.
“Ja.”We have little time left together.
“Do you think we can finishLight Suitewithin a week?”
“I do,” he said, “assuming you’re willing to put in a few late nights of work.”
“Of course,” she said.
They walked for several minutes in silence, the news of his impending departure dampening their conversation. Eventually, it was Anna who broke the quietude.
“I’ve been wondering,” she said, walking with Nia between them. “Have you given any thought to staying in Oldenburg?”
His skin prickled. “I haven’t considered it.”
“With having no family in Leipzig,” she said, “I thought you might be open to a change.”
His mind raced, and he tapped his cane over the ground.
“Oldenburg is a nice place to live, when there isn’t a war, of course. And I’d be here to transcribe your music, assuming you think I’m doing a satisfactory job.”
“Your work is impeccable,” he said.
“Also, there are people here who care about you.”
His pulse quickened.
“There’s Norbie, Emmi.” She swallowed. “And me.”
Max’s chest swelled with hope and gratitude. Anna had captured his heart, and he yearned to stay here with her. But far more than his own self-interests, he wanted what was best for her.I could never let myself be a burden to her.
He tightened his grip on the harness. “I care about you, too. But you have training to do, and you’ll likely be asked to board another veteran with the next class.”
“I can help you find a place to live in town,” she persisted.
He slowed his pace and turned his head toward her. His shoulder muscles tightened. “As much as I enjoy being here, I think it’s best that I give living on my own a try.”
