The Cuckoo's Song

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Anna stared up at the clock of Grand Central Station. It was a famous landmark, Sam said; completely synonymous with New York. She couldn't help but smile. She had enjoyed her time here, but she was definitely ready to go home.

When the ship had docked in New York, they were met with huge crowds, heralding them home. Sam had been quick to steer them away from it all and off in the right direction. Eventually they managed to hail a cab and began their journey to his apartment. The girls were in awe of New York. They'd never seen a city so tall. Abe was just glad to be on dry land again, already complaining that he was hungry, just as Anna had predicted. The apartment was huge, Sam clearly embarrassed by the amount of wealth he came from. But he was happy to share it with his friends until they all left in a few days' time. This apartment was only used for business purposes when visiting New York; Sam's real home was in Connecticut. So the next few days were filled with sightseeing and fun, all of them enjoying the hum of city life.

Anna turned around, surveying the rest of Grand Central Station. Sam was preparing to head for a different train. The girls hugged Sam goodbye, begging him to come and visit soon, which he promised faithfully to do. Then the boys stared at one another.

"Well, it's been good, bud," said Sam, proffering his hand.

Abe laughed, taking it, and tugging him into an embrace, slapping him on the back.

"See, that's what I was trying to avoid," coughed Sam. "You don't know your own strength."

"I'll miss you too, Sam."

"Don't worry, I'll be down to bother you all soon enough," he promised.

"Best had do," smiled Abe.

They hugged again, clearly struggling to let go. The strange reality of their situation dawned on them the same as it had for Anna when she said goodbye to Maria. They had been each other's closest friend through a horrific and turbulent few years. Such extreme circumstances had a way of cementing relationships far quicker than everyday life, and to suddenly be without that person seemed earth shattering.

"We gotta go," said Abe, finally pulling back and taking Anna and Elli's hands. "See you soon, Sam."

"I promise you will," vowed Sam, and then turned, and ran for his train.

*

The journey to Missouri was long and tiring. Home was in the Southern half of the state, and they had to catch several trains to even get to the nearest city, Charleston. Abe promised they would be driving the rest of the way. His sister lived in the city and had been looking after his truck for him whilst he was away.

They spent the days of travelling practicing Abe's German with him. He was determined that he would be fluent, so that their new home would feel much like their old one. Elli enjoyed teaching him, even helping him to write the harder letters that Americans didn't use.

It was nearing eleven at night when they finally arrived at his sister's house. They had to get a bus there, and Elli was very grumpy and sleepy. Abe was having to carry her everywhere, which was exhausting him, and Anna certainly had no idea where they were going. But soon enough, they were outside, Abe wasting no time before he went and banged on the front door.

"Abe!" hissed Anna, but he just grinned at her, depositing Elli into her care.

They could hear someone muttering irritably on the other side of the door, loud footsteps coming hurriedly down a set of stairs. "This better be life or death!" warned an irritable female voice.

"I'd say it's pretty important," replied Abe, the sound of the chain unhooking rattling against the door before it swung open. "Hey Vera," he began but she had already thrown her arms around him.