“Here we are,” Anna said, reaching the door. She undid the lock with a key from her purse and guided Max inside. Ticktocks thrummed in her ears.
Max perked his head.
“Myvater, Norbie, is a clockmaker,” she said. “We live above his workshop.”
He nodded and placed his stick to his chest.
She led him upstairs to the kitchen, where Norbie was warming up leftover soup for dinner. A sulfuric turnipy smell, much like overcooked cabbage, filled the air. “Vater, this is Max.”
“Hallo.” Norbie covered a steaming pot with a lid and approached Max. “I’m Norbie.”
Max put down his suitcase and extended his hand.
“Welcome to our home,” Norbie said, shaking his hand. “We’re happy to have you stay with us.”
“Danke,” Max said.
“How was your trip?” Norbie asked.
“Gut,” Max said.
Anna removed Nia’s harness. The dog hobbled to Norbie to receive a rub under her chin, and then settled on the floor.You’ll feel better tomorrow, Anna hoped. She took Max’s coat and cap, and hung them on a rack near the stairs. “Do I have time to give Max a quick tour before dinner?”
“Absolutely,” Norbie said. “I’ll keep the soup warm.”
Anna, like a boardinghouse host, led Max through the kitchen, pointing out the location of cupboards, stove, sink, table, and chairs. Entering the living room, she said, “On the left is a sofa and an upholstered chair, followed by a small table with a gramophone. In the corner is akachelofen(tiled stove). We’re low on coal, which you likely noticed by the chill in the house. You might need to wear layers to sleep.”
Max nodded.
“Please, feel free to explore as much as you like.”
He shuffled forward, lightly tapping his stick, and located furniture.
“You’re approaching a bookcase,” she said. “I was informed that you might have received instruction on reading braille. I acquired a few books through the hospital. I hope you like them.”
“Danke. I’m sure I will.” He glided his fingers over books and moved on.
“Piano.”
Max paused, resting a hand on the keyboard. He tapped a few keys, producing a twangy resonance.
“It’s badly out of tune, I’m afraid. It hasn’t been played in years.” A dull ache rose in Anna’s abdomen. “It was mymutter’s. She died when I was a child.”
“I’m sorry,” Max said.
“Danke,” she said. “Do you play?”
“I used to, but not anymore.”
“Maybe you’ll want to try again during your stay.”
“Nein,danke.” He removed his hand from the piano. “Where would you like me to put my things?”
“Upstairs.” She led him to a third-floor spare room, which contained a bed, nightstand, and a chest of drawers. “The water closet is at the end of the hall. Please make yourself comfortable and take as much time as you need. Come down to the kitchen when you are ready to join us for dinner.”
He put down his suitcase. “All right.”
Anna closed the door, and then descended the stairs to the kitchen.
