“Is Max settling in?” Norbie asked, placing spoons and napkins on the table.
“Ja.” She retrieved bowls from a cupboard and placed them on the counter. “He seems a bit sad. I know he’s been through a lot, but I expected him to be enthusiastic about being here.”
“Leaving his home might be difficult for him,” Norbie said. “It might take some time for him to adjust.”
Anna nodded.
Fifteen minutes later, Max descended the stairs to the kitchen.
Nia hobbled to him and nuzzled his leg.
“Looks like you made a friend,” Norbie said.
Max nodded and patted Nia.
They sat at the table—Max between Norbie and Anna—with steaming bowls of turnip soup and three thin slices of black war bread. Norbie said a brief prayer, requesting a swift end to war and famine.
“It’s kind of you to share your food with me,” Max said.
“You’re quite welcome,” Norbie said. “Anna’s a remarkable cook. She can make a delectable soup from ugly turnips and scraps of potato peels.”
“Vater exaggerates,” Anna said, feeling appreciative for his sweet words. She took a spoonful of soup, bitter and lacking flavor.
Max took a sip. “It’s good.”
Anna smiled.
Norbie blew on his soup. “Anna mentioned that you are from Leipzig. Do you have parents living there?”
“Nein,” Max said. “They’re dead.”
Her breath turned shallow. “I’m sorry.”
Max nodded.
“My condolences.” Norbie sipped soup.
“Anna told me about your wife,” Max said. “I understand that she enjoyed playing the piano.”
“Very much so,” Norbie said. “Helga played beautifully, and she sang like an angel.”
“She sounds wonderful,” Max said.
An image of sitting on hermutter’s lap at the piano flashed in Anna’s head. She buried the memory and took a bite of soup.
“Do you live with someone in Leipzig?” Norbie asked.
“My fiancée, Wilhelmina.”
“She must be happy for you to attend guide dog training,” Anna said, feeling relieved to hear that Max wasn’t living alone.
Max gave a small nod, and then took a bite of bread.
“Anna is engaged, too,” Norbie said.
“Bruno,” Anna said. “He’s anoberleutnantat the front.”
“Congratulations,” Max said, his voice sincere.
