L'Allemand et l'alliée (Englisch, Reylo)

chapter 4

Although it was way too late and I really wanted to sleep, the clinking next door kept me awake. Someone was playing the piano in the middle of the night. He kept repeating the same melody that I loved but couldn't hear anymore.

Promptly, annoyed, I tore the bedspread aside and straightened up. I tried to open the door quietly and saw from here how his door was ajar. I could see and make out his silhouette all too easily. The candlelight shone so brightly in such a dark hour. Nothing seemed to let him get out of tune and just went on playing quietly.

Quietly I tried to pass his room unnoticed and down the stairs.  The further I slowly stepped down the stairs, the quieter the music became. So Florille could be glad that her room was directly downstairs.

I cautiously entered the kitchen and went straight to a cupboard, which I opened and pulled out a glass. In the dark I looked a little helpless for the tap before I filled the glass with tap water. I leaned against the kitchen counter and took a few sips, but slowly noticed the light that was getting brighter and brighter and that was aimed precisely at the kitchen.  I took the glass down uncomfortably, but a few seconds later I saw that it was just Ben with an old candle holder in hand. "What are you still doing awake?" He asked and I quickly emptied my glass.  "Couldn't sleep," I say quietly.  "Was that because of me?" He chops up uncomfortably.  "More or less, yes." I look into his eyes reproachfully. "Then I'm sorry, otherwise I just can't find the time but in the evening. Is that your piano, it's really nice." Now he comes closer and puts down the candle holder. "No, how do you get that?" But I look away again after he starts to smile. "Well, your mother doesn't seem very musical to me," he explains briefly. "She is my mother-in-law, I am married."  I raise my hand and show him the ring. "You too?" He laughs softly and also raises his hand.  "Doesn't your wife miss you at home?" I say sullenly and wanted to suggest that he should live in his house.

"Hardly," he just says quietly and I sigh. "Do you miss your husband?" He looks up again and I nod. "Yes, very much. We haven't heard from him for a long time. But to divert attention from the topic," I look up and turn in his direction.  "Who is Kylo Ren?" But instead of answering, he stands still and looks me over. He didn't seem to find the right words and slowly opened his mouth to take a deep breath. At first it actually looked like he was about to say something, but he didn't.

I just nodded and gently left the kitchen again. I went up the stairs again, but couldn't make it past his room carelessly. I exchanged glances briefly with the stairs, but he was still downstairs. I quietly opened his room door and peered through at the piano that was open. I entered cautiously and slowly closed the door behind me.

I sat down on the piano stool and found piano notes in front of me that were difficult for me to decipher. I ran a finger over the sheet, but even so the notes magically did not turn into tones.

I got up quickly and went to the desk on which there were several pieces of paper. I picked one up and examined it suspiciously. It seemed to be complaining notes about citizens and even soldiers. Ben apparently had been assigned the task of dealing with these complaints, but most of them weren't even true. They were lies, bills to be paid.

Uncertainly, I put the little piece of paper back on a table and look around again. His suitcases were still closed, but one of his uniforms lay open on a chest of drawers.  Hesitantly, I grabbed the Wehrmacht peaked cap and gently twist it in my hands to examine it from all sides. The field jacket hanging from a heel also drew my attention. I approach it uncertainly and put my hand into one of the pockets in which there was even a key. After I pulled it out, I quickly noticed that it was the one from the piano.  Immediately I turn around and take a thoughtful deep breath.  If I were to play now, nobody would notice it except one...

"What are you doing here?"  But if I was torn from my dream and immediately turn back to the door. I swallow hard and cannot utter a word.  "I just wanted ... I thought I forgot something." I look down at the cap that I still held in my hand, but which was torn from me at that moment. "And you just come in there without asking?", He replies angrily, but I couldn't answer. "Answer me." He got a little louder and indistinct, I nod. "I'm sorry." I leave the room quickly and look into my hand, which still holds the piano key.

I quickly closed the room door behind me and smile briefly.  How long would that go unnoticed?