Daniel Pov Prisoner Of Night And Fog

Chapter 22

I woke up and saw that Gretchen seemed to be in a fairly deep sleep, I guess she's trying to catch up on some sleep. I quickly made breakfast and my cousins and I left for work and university.

Once it was time for luncheon my cousins and I met in front of our apartment. We started walking in the hallway "Daniel, can we please get rid of her" Ruth said.
I sighed "Ruth, please, she needs some help, she's had a change of heart" I argued.
Aaron sighed "Ruth, she seems to be nice enough" he said quietly.
Ruth let out a frustrated sigh "I don't care if she's had a change of heart, Daniel. She isn't staying in our apartment any longer and that's final."

Our argument was cut short by another voice "That's right. I won't be" Gretchen said, startling me. Her knuckles had turned white due to her tight grip on her bikes handles "But I wish to thank you all for your hospitality" she said looking over all of us, before her gaze stopped on me.
She placed a hand on her wall, for what I guessed was for balance. Her arm looked shaking lightly. I looked over her, she still looked weak, and with good reason "I've read a good part of the book" she told me, referring to Mein Kampf. She put her hands on the handlebars again "and I understand much more now. Thank you" she said.

"Gretchen" I put my hands on hers. She shouldn't leave, her house isn't the safest at the moment. I had a good idea why she would leave, it was most likely Ruth "You needn't leave because of Ruth," I said, I knew Ruth was glaring at me.
Gretchen looked into my eyes, looking over my face. Her cheeks had a light pink tint that could be from the heat, or perhaps embarrassment, however when she smiled slightly, I knew it wasn't embarrassment, it was something else. "Thank you" she said.
"You mustn't go," I said "Ruth will come around," I continued, trying to convince her, even though I heard Ruths muttering about it never happening. I lowered my voice so that Ruth and Aaron don't hear me "Gretchen, you haven't any place to go. Please, you mustn't leave. It isn't safe for you out there" I almost begged, not wanting to see her hurt again.

She shook her head "I'm going to the boardinghouse. I must go" she said. I was about to speak when she cut me off "It's the only way, don't you see? I've thought it over and I'm fairly certain I'll be safe. The only people I've told about Reinhard did to me aren't likely to repeat it to anyone else. Uncle Dolf certainly won't mention it, since he prefers to ignore anything unpleasant, and Mama won't want anyone to know. Reinhard shan't have any idea I've tattled on him. He'll either be kind to me or ignore me for a few days." Gretchen said.
Sure, it all sounded good, but how long would the uneasy peace last? And her brother?
"Your brother is dangerous--" she cut me off.
"I know" she snapped, with some fear in her voice "But I must risk it. If I ever want to discover the truth about my father, then I have to go back" she explained, her voice going to a normal tone.

I'm sure my cousins were listening to our conversation. I looked down, she has could points, but it's just dangerous, and I hate the idea of her being there. I decided to let her, I'll checkup in her in the meantime "Yes. But I hate the thought of you returning to that place-- I refuse to call it your home." I said, finally looking up.
I could see she was glad at my words "I'll be fine" she said, in a simi fake confident voice.
"When can I see you again?" I asked.
I looked over her face, she still seemed pained, but she answered after a second's silence. "I don't know" she muttered "It isn't wise for us to meet in public" she started, be continued "But I'll telephone you at the newspaper office as soon as I can" she said.
At least she is willing to continue in the report and to be in contact with me "Gretchen" I said softly, I started to raise my hand, but I noticed Ruths look, and the pain it could cause "I'll telephone you" she said again.

She wheeled her bike out in a hurry. My cousins walked off in a hurry, I quickly turned to Gretchen and rushed outside and caught up to her "Be safe" I said, I don't want to see her hurt again; and goodness knows what could happen with her brother.
"I will" she promised, I knew she'll do her best to stay safe.
I touched her face lightly, not wanting to hurt her, I studied her fair face, and blue eyes. She looked pained, like she knew that she couldn't keep her word.
Gretchen looked hesitant, but didn't do anything, I stepped back, she could've been uncomfortable, and I shouldn't waste much time "Stay alive" I said sternly.
She nodded slightly "You too" she said before she pedaled away.