Wherever We Go

Chapter 7:

Josef

Bas drew me a map early this morning, showing me how to get to Zofia's place. Then he left, telling me that he was sorry that he couldn't take me there but he had to go to Seaport and help a very important case. To be honest, I'm glad that he didn't come. I didn't need him chattering on and on. I need to.

Very last time to change my mind.

But then again, Zofia is so close.

What if she tells me to leave again?
What did I hope for?
Why am I here?
Josef hesitates, knocking on the door. I should see her at least once before I go.

An old lady appears, wearing an apron. Josef smells food. Bas tried to get him to eat but Josef told him that he didn't want to and normally didn't. He was too nervous.

If this is where Zofia is staying, at least she is eating well.

"Hello. " She smiles and waits for me to tell her why I'm here.

"Hello, I'm looking for Zofia Lederman? Is she here?"
"Why yes, Zofia, it's for you!"

Zofia.

Beautiful Zofia.

Walking towards me.

"Josef?"
Before I can say anything she throws her arms around me. Tightly.

Josef releases a breath that he didn't realize that he was holding.

"Zofia?"

Josef's heart stutters. And quickly, he embraces Zofia tightly, to remind himself that this is no dream.

Then she breaks the embrace.

His heart stutters again. Just because she's happy to see you doesn't mean that she still loves you, that she wants you back, that she forgives you for concealing your past.

Zofia is still standing there in front of him. Everything else fades away.

Josef studies her face. She looks older and beautifuler. She's been fed better and her eyes are glistening. She's studying him just as hard as he is to her.

Distantly, the door shuts gently behind him.

"Josef. You came here. "
"Yes, I..."

"Let's go on a walk."
"Alright. "

The cement sidewalks smoothly transition into soft soil scattered with faded orange and red leaves.

Zofia walks a few steps ahead of him. He stares at her, to remind himself that he really is here and that maybe Zofia hasn't rejected him?

They walk deeper into the woods, finally reaching a clearing.

Its

Then Zofia sits on a fallen log, her palms brushing the brown fabric, smoothing it. She motions for Josef to sit too. He sits hesitantly, leaving a space between them carefully.

"Josef, you came back. I... I missed you. Where have you been?"

"I came to say sorry. I... I'm not sorry for my past but I'm sorry for not telling you sooner. "
How will she react? What will happen next? She hugged me.

"Josef. It's not up to me to measure forgiveness. I don't, I, I. I'm glad that you are here. "

I'm glad that you are here.

"Why are you here?"
Why are you here. Does she want me to leave?
"I... I came to find you. I..." I didn't imagine this would go like this. I didn't prepare a speech. I didn't come here to ask forgiveness for my past either. Why am I here?
"Josef. You didn't tell me about being a German soldier. I... I didn't know, I loved you once. I don't know. You were a German soldier. You didn't tell me. But you came here to find me. "
Oh God, what do I say.

" I'm not sorry for my past, I came here to tell you that... I'm sorry for not telling you, for hiding my past. But I'm not sorry for my past. Just sorry that I didn't tell you. " If I told you, my heart would still be intact.

" I guess that you would want me to leave but... before I go, I... here. I want you to have this. "

"Josef..."
Josef took off the silver locket that he'd always worn and handed it slowly to Zofia. Would she take this? Zofia slowly took the locket from his hand and where her fingers had brushed his hand tingle.

Josef stood and slowly walked down the path. He pauses a few yards away. Should I turn back? No she obviously doesn't want you. You were a fool, for hoping and thinking that everything was going to be fine. Wait! Wait and if she doesn't respond move on. Go and keep hiding and moving. 

Just keep existing.