Belle's Story

Chapter Seventeen

                I entered Belle's new accommodations tentatively, not knowing what to expect, given yesterday. The room looked settled into, with a full array of petals, stems and vases on the large windowsill. Just like in her previous room, there was a recliner and a small wooden chair. A bedside commode had been added to the list of decorative touches, along with a couple of medical apparatuses that appeared somewhat like torture devices. Since this was the rehab wing of the building, I guessed they had something to do with physical therapy. My eyes turned to Belle who was sitting up, pretending to eat. I skipped over to her and gave her a peck on the cheek.

"I certainly have a chipper granddaughter this morning."

 "That's because I'm here with you. Do you like your new room?"

"It's a room."

"How did you sleep?"

"Well enough. I think they slipped some sleeping medication into this IV when I wasn't looking

 "Are you up to continuing? I'm kind of looking forward to hearing more of your adventures. What happened after you got on the train? Did you get to Holland okay?"

"So many questions. Be patient, Deborah. Holland didn't happen for a while. First, I had to get through Germany. Did you know that's where my family was from?"

"I thought you were Russian. All that talk about generations of council elders and stuff."

"Yes, but before that, we lived in Germany, not far from Poznan, I think. Anyway, that's a story for another day. And, ancestry aside, I hated Germany, even before knowing about the Nazis."

"Why?"

"Oh, Germany is cold and efficient. There is no beauty or soul to the place. The people are the same way, with the exception of Rolph of course. I rather liked him."

"What did you like about Rolph?" I could already tell from Belle's description that he was a kind person. But, I think there had to be more than that.

"Oh, just little things. Every morning he would ask me how I was and thank me for getting him out of the wind. All the officers opened doors for me, but Rolph acted like it was a pleasure and a privilege. Sometimes he would bow as I walked through and then giggle to himself. When we had a few minutes after dinner, sometimes he would show us card tricks. He was really just a kid in a uniform. I actually thought I would miss him as I boarded the train." 

"So, how did the train ride go?"

"As much as I disliked the good colonel, he was true to his word, and even a little generous with my payment. Having a private compartment was a luxury. The space was small, but more than adequate. It had a bench seat with a table and sconce for light at night; and there was a large window above the table. The weather was particularly clear and the sun bounced right off of the glossy walnut paneling. I climbed onto the cot just to feel fresh crisp linens. Sitting on the bed, I could see my reflection in a small mirror across from the headboard. I wasn't going to win a beauty contest, but didn't look the worse for wear. The most important thing about the train was that it was warm. My time with the Germans was spent in a car or in farmhouses and barns, which kept me dry and out of the bitterly cold wind, but that was it.  It was wonderful to snuggle into real heat. I didn't have to share this space with anyone, which was also a nice change of pace.

"I had some beef jerky and dried fruit from my time with the soldiers. And, even though there were food shortages everywhere, the dining car had a few things. I think I had biscuits, marmalade and tea quite a bit on the train. Nothing fancy, but more than enough to keep me from being hungry. Other than the dining car and the washroom, I mostly stayed in my sleeping compartment. I kept a journal to pass the time. I think I still have it. See if you can find it in that box."