A mixture of joy and sadness swirled within Anna. She leaned to Max and whispered, “You did it.”
He looked toward her and smiled. “It’s all because of you.”
“And Nia,” she said, rubbing the dog’s ears.
He nodded and patted Nia.
Over the past several days, she’d brought up the subject of him staying in Oldenburg, and each time he’d declined, claiming that he wanted to give living on his own a chance. She admired his mettle, as well as his determination to regain his independence. But selfishly, she didn’t want him to leave.I care deeply for him, and I can’t imagine my life without him,she’d thought while transcribing his piano suite. Although she wanted to act upon her emotions, she’d harbored her heart, as if it were a dormant flower bulb stored in a shed to prevent it from blooming.
They’d went about their final days together, much like they had before. They’d woke early and drunk substitute coffee with Norbie, trained until sunset, ate a turnip dinner with additives from Max’s government-issued lunch, and then sat together at the piano to record his composition. Despite their aligned schedules, she’d had few opportunities for personal conversations with him, except during their time at the piano. Fleck had instructed the veterans and their dogs to traverse the city on their own for much of the week, leaving the trainers with idle time. And Anna was disheartened that her final days with Max would entail few walks with him and Nia.
“Gather in!” Fleck called, standing at a makeshift podium made from stacked wooden crates.
Anna joined Max and Nia near the center of the room. Fleck—a structured, ex-military man who valued concise commands over verbose explanations—gave a brief but thorough speech. He announced the names of each of the veterans and their dogs, gave a handshake to each of the men, and then turned the ceremony over to Dr. Stalling for closing words.
The doctor scanned the crowd and placed his hands on the podium. “I thank you, veterans, for your valiant efforts to protect our country, families, and loved ones.”
Anna glanced to Max, his blank eyes staring in the direction of the podium.
“I’m indebted for your service,” Stalling said. “You’ve sacrificed much, and the German people will never forget your selflessness to preserve the Fatherland from enemy peril.”
Max lowered his hand to Nia’s head, and the dog leaned to him.
“Today is a day of renewal and resolve,” Stalling said. “You have completed your guide dog training, and I congratulate you. You should feel proud of your accomplishment. And in addition to regaining your own lives, you’re paving the way for many battle-blinded men to follow in your footsteps.” He removed his eyeglasses and rubbed his eyes. “I pray that your shepherd will be a trusted companion—and a beacon of light to guide your way.”
Stalling stepped away from the podium, and the group applauded.
Anna wiped tears from her eyes.
“Are you all right?” Max said, turning toward her.
“I couldn’t be happier,” she said, her heart breaking.
Dr. Stalling mingled through the crowd and approached Max. “Hallo, Max. Anna.”
Nia raised her snout, her eyes locking on Stalling, and wagged her tail.
“And you too, Nia,” Stalling said, patting her head. He clasped Max’s hand and shook it. “Good luck to you.”
“Danke,” Max said. “Anna has given me and Nia all the skills we need to manage on our own. I’m sure you already know this, but Fleck is quite fortunate to have her as a trainer.”
“Indeed,” Stalling said.
Anna forced a smile. She hadn’t told Max that Fleck called her aside yesterday afternoon to tell her that—since Nia was leaving—she would begin rotating between caring for dogs with Emmi and substituting for trainers. Instead of Waldemar being on the sidelines, it would be her. And she hadn’t informed Max because she didn’t want to dampen his mood on graduation day.I’ll work hard to elevate my status as trainer, and if it doesn’t work out, I’ll inform Max in a letter.
“I’m glad things are coming along nicely for you, Anna,” Stalling said, appearing unaware of her recent change in duties. “And Max, I wish you and Nia the best in your journey together. Someday, I hope our paths cross again.” He tipped his hat and left.
The conversations dwindled, and the crowd dissipated from the barn. Anna said her farewells to the other veterans, and then she, Max, and Nia hitched a ride home in a trainer’s horse-drawn wagon. Inside the house, they were greeted by Norbie and Emmi, who had prepared a celebratory meal of acorn coffee, fried turnip, and slices of black bread drizzled with a spoonful of plum butter—which Norbie had bartered in exchange for an antique carriage clock.
With a few hours remaining before Max’s train departure, they gathered in the living room. On top of the upright piano was Max’s finished composition,Light Suite, that Anna had transcribed for him.
“You don’t want to forget your manuscript,” Anna said, retrieving the stack of papers. “May I place it in your leather case?”
“Of course,danke,” Max said, taking a seat at the piano.
As Anna inserted the composition into Max’s case, the scent of his freshly washed clothing filled her nose.He’s really leaving.Her chest ached.
“Would you honor us by performingLight Suite?” Norbie asked.
