However, things had changed with Anna’s invitation for him to remain in Oldenburg. All he had to do was accept her offer. But deep down he had reservations and was torn with making a decision. His heart yearned to stay with her.I’ve fallen for her, and I believe she has affection for me. Maybe with time, there might be a chance for us.But his brain told him otherwise.I’m blind. She deserves to have a life with an able-bodied man.He prayed that, in the end, he’d have the strength to do what was best for Anna.
He paused near a tree to catch his breath, and then began a second lap around the garden. But as he tapped his cane around a curve in the path, his head turned dizzy.
“Halt.”
Nia stopped.
He leaned on his cane. His breath quickened, and his pulse thumped inside his eardrums. He dropped to a knee and lowered his head.I should have eaten something.
Nia licked his face.
“Give me a minute, girl.”
“Are you all right?” a woman’s voice said.
“Ja.” Max stood, using his cane as a brace, and stumbled.
The woman darted to him and clasped his arm. “I’m a nurse. Let’s get you inside.”
“I’ll be all right,” Max said. “I merely need a moment to rest.”
“Nein,” she said. “You’re coming with me.”
The nurse led him and Nia inside and sat him on a hallway bench. An acidic smell of carbolic filled his nose, reminding him of the field hospital at the front. A cold shiver ran down his spine.
“I’m going to summon a doctor,” she said.
“It’s not necessary,” Max said. “I’ll be fine in a moment.”
“Stay,” she ordered, walking away.
Max ran his hands over Nia’s fur. “I’m sorry. If I would have eaten a bit of food, I wouldn’t have gotten us in this mess.”
Nia licked his hand.
He leaned his back against the wall and rested. A few minutes passed and Max heard the clack of approaching footsteps.
“Maximilian Benesch,” an older man’s voice said.
“Ja,” Max said, surprised to hear his name spoken.
“I’m Dr. Stalling,” he said. “We’ve met a few times at the obstacle course.”
Founder of the guide dog school. “Of course.” Max stood and extended his arm.
Stalling shook his hand. “I understand you were having some trouble in the garden.”
“I was a little light-headed,” Max said. “I haven’t eaten today.”
“Oh,” Stalling said. “I thought the military was providing lunches for the veterans at school.”
“They are.”
“Why didn’t you eat it?” Stalling asked.
Max paused, wondering if giving away his food might cause problems for Anna, but he wanted to be honest, especially with the man who was responsible for creating the guide dog school. “My host family has little to eat, and I’ve chosen to allocate my daily military lunches to them.”
“Damn naval blockade,” Stalling said, shaking his head. “It’s very generous of you to give Anna your food.”
