“Also, the military often changes dates of one’s leave on short notice. He’s probably already written you a letter to inform you of when he’ll be home.”
“I hope so,” she said. She hooked her arm around his elbow. “Let’s go.”
They left the train station and walked home. Reaching the front door to Norbie’s workshop, they stomped snow off their boots, and then entered. Anna locked the door and turned to go upstairs, but a savory aroma caused her to freeze.
Nia, her nostrils twitching, raised her snout toward the ceiling.
“Oh, my,” Anna gasped. “What’s that wonderful smell?”
Max sniffed, then smiled. “Norbie’s frying sausage.”
Oh, my! Food has reached the city!She imagined foreign supply ships breaking through the British naval blockade. Her eyes flooded with tears. She shook away her thoughts and dashed upstairs to the kitchen, where Norbie was stirring a skillet of sausage and onions.
“You acquired meat!” Anna said. “How did you get it?”
Norbie, holding a wooden spoon, approached her and grinned. “Bruno.”
Anna’s eyes widened.
“Hallo, Anna,” a deep voice said.
Anna’s breath stalled in her lungs. She turned and saw him, dressed in his military uniform and standing in the living room. Her body trembled. “Bruno!”
Bruno swept her into his arms and hugged her.
She squeezed him, feeling the bristles of his mustache tickle her neck.
He kissed her, and then wiped tears from her cheeks.
“Thank God, you’re home,” she said, placing her hands against the breast of his tunic.
“My leave was set back a couple of days,” he said. “I didn’t have the means to contact you. I hope my absence didn’t cause you distress.”
Anna sniffed back tears. “You’re here now, and that’s all that matters.”
Max and Nia entered the kitchen.
Anna slid her hands from Bruno’s chest. “This is Max.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Max said, extending his hand.
Bruno glanced at Max’s blank, staring eyes, and then shook his hand. “You too.”
“And this is Nia,” Anna said, stroking Nia’s fur. “She’s a guide dog and, hopefully, she’ll go home with Max after training.”
“She will,” Norbie chimed in.
Bruno tentatively approached the dog.
“It’s all right,” Anna said. “You can pet her.”
Bruno gave Nia a pat on the head, and then slid his hands into his front pockets.
“Anna is an incredible trainer,” Max said. “She’s the best in the group.”
Anna smiled.
“Bruno,” Norbie said. “You must go to the guide dog school to observe. You’ll be impressed when you see them train.”
