Max opened his eyes and blankly stared. “Norbie,” he said softly. “Please sit.”
Norbie sat in a chair beside the bed. “How are you feeling?”
Max tilted his head toward the sound of Norbie’s voice. “Better. I was thinking of taking Nia mountain hiking.”
“That’s the spirit,” Norbie said.
Anna fought back tears and patted Nia.
“How was the park?” Max wheezed.
“Gut,” Norbie said. “Nia chased a squirrel up a tree.”
Max’s lips formed a slim smile. “Dankefor being here, Norbie.”
“You’re welcome, my boy.” Norbie removed a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his eyes.
“I know it’s a sacrifice for you to leave your shop,” Max said.
“Not at all.” Norbie placed a hand on Max’s shoulder. “The clocks will stop ticking when I’m gone, but all I need to do is rewind them when I return.”
Anna’s chest ached.
“Would you like something to eat?” Norbie asked.
“Nein,” Max said. “But if it’s not too much trouble, a cup of your coffee would be splendid. Yours tastes better than mine.”
Norbie smiled and blinked tears from his eyes. “Of course.” He stood and went to the kitchen.
As Anna turned to follow him, Max patted the side of his bed.
“Stay,” he wheezed.
She approached him and sat.
“I should have gone to Oldenburg like you wanted me to.” He took in a few breaths. “It was stubborn of me to want to stay here. It’s a burden to you and Norbie.”
“It’s not,” she said.
He extended his hand toward her.
She clasped his fingers.
“I don’t want you to be sad,” he said.
“I can’t help it,” she said, her voice trembling.
“I’m not afraid of what awaits me.” He took in gulps of air.
Tears welled up in her eyes.
“After I’m gone—”
“Oh, Max,” she cried.
He caressed her hand. “I want you to live your life. I want you to pursue your dreams, fall in love, and have a family of your own.”
“I can’t.”
