“Hallo,” Norbie said, placing a ladle on the counter. He gave her a hug. “How was your day?”
“Same,” she said, releasing him.
“It’s only a matter of time before Fleck assigns you another dog and veteran to train,” Norbie said, as if he could read his daughter’s thoughts. “I have faith in you.”
“Danke,” she said.You always know what to say to make me feel better.
Norbie glanced to the counter and stuffed his hands into his pockets. “You received a letter.”
Anna’s heart leaped. She reached for the letter.
“It’s not from Max,” he said.
Anna froze, staring at the handwriting on the envelope.Bruno.A lump formed in the pit of her stomach.
“You don’t have to open it if you don’t want to,” Norbie said.
“I know.” She contemplated throwing away the letter, but she decided to open it, even at the risk of aggravating old wounds. “As much as I dread reading it, I think it’s best that I do.”
Norbie placed his hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “I’ll be in my workshop if you need me.”
“I’d prefer if you sat with me while I read it,” Anna said.
“Are you sure?”
She nodded, and they sat at the kitchen table. She drew a deep breath, attempting to quell her anxiety. Using her finger, she tore open the envelope and removed the letter.
Anna’s mouth turned dry. She squeezed the paper between her fingers.
Anna paused, rubbing her eyes, and then continued reading.
Anna folded the letter and placed it in the envelope. She looked at hervater, his eyes filled with concern. “It’s an apology letter.”
“Are you all right?” he asked.
“I am,” she said. “I feel nothing but pity for him, and I hope that he can find his redemption.”
Norbie nodded.
“It feels strange to be emotionally numb toward him,” Anna said.
Norbie patted her hand. “It means you’re beginning to heal and move on with your life.”
I hope you’re right.She glanced to the pot on the stove. “May I help you with dinner?”
“It’s all finished,” Norbie said. “I’ll serve the soup in an hour. It’ll give you time to wash and relax.”
Anna, knowing she’d never want to read the letter again, disposed of it in the trash. Instead of going upstairs to wash, she was drawn to the living room where she sat without thinking at the piano. A swell of loneliness washed over her. She ran a hand over the empty spot on the bench next to her.God, I wish Max was here.
CHAPTER35
OLDENBURG, GERMANY—JULY18, 1917
Early morning sun warmed Anna’s face as she walked a German shepherd toward the obstacle course, where the trainers were conducting drills with veterans and their guide dogs. Reaching Fleck, she commanded the shepherd tohalt.
“Danke, Fräulein Zeller,” Fleck said, taking hold of the dog’s harness.
Anna glanced at Waldemar on the obstacle course. “It’s going to be hot today, sir. I’d be happy to alternate with trainers to give them a break from the heat.”
