Your Silence Hurts Me

Chapter Three

As per usual, I wake up before everyone else. Aside from sitting in front of the fireplace in the evening, I love being up when it feels like the rest of the world is asleep. Quietly, I set my candle onto the table and pulls out a chair. The cold atmosphere causes me to tug at the bottom hem of my sleeping gown and tuck it under my feet. Additionally, I wrap a wool blanket around myself until I am practically mummified by it. I focus my attention on looking out the window that overlooks the backyard. Although the sun has not risen yet, the full moon aluminates the yard enough for me to look at the silhouettes of my mother's prized flower bushes. A smile comes across my face as I think about the day when my mother brought her first flower plant home. The way she went on and on about the way the flower needed to be taken care of and how it was to be planted. Because the weather is getting cooler, I know that the flowers will stop producing buds for the season. I also know that this will cause my mother to become sad, since the flowers are one of her only sources of happiness.

"Bonjour," someone says from behind.

The sudden break of silence, startles me and I quickly stand up from my chair and turn around to see who is also awake at such an ungodly hour. The slightest amount of nervousness rushes through me as I make eye contact with Captain Hans Müller. The moonlight that cascades across his face allows me to get see his face clear than I did last night. The first thing I notice is that his hair is not as blonde as most of the German officers I have seen; it's more of a light brown. Likewise, his eyes are a richer shade of blue than I am used to seeing. Instead of it having a shiny, crystal appearance, it has more depth to it—like the sea. His resting expression is calm yet intimidating and causes my anxiousness to rise.

"I apologize if I disturbed you," he states in a low tone, "I was headed out for the day and saw the light coming from your candle."

I break eye contact with him and remain silent. He stands for a while, and I know he is waiting for me to say something, but I never does. Eventually, he clicks his heels together, nods his head, and leaves the kitchen. The moment the door closes, I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding in.

About an hour later, my parents wake up and come downstairs. They are shocked to see me cooking breakfast, considering the fact that I only cook when I am stressed about something.

"Everything ok Marie?," mother asks.

Not wanting to talk about my encounter with the Captain, I brush off the question and give the reason that I had just not rested well. Before mother can question me further, I tell them that I have to get to the university. This reminds my mother about the occurrences of the previous day.

"Let me know if you find out anything about what happened to Professor Abadie," she requests.

"I will. Bye father," I replies as I give him a hug.

The minute I arrive at the university grounds, Louise rushes over to me. She links her arm with mine and continues to walk with me towards the history building.

"So, I heard some girls talking, and they said that Professor Abadie has been proven guilty and sent to Auschwitz," Louise informs me while looking around to make sure that no one is in earshot.

I was kind of expecting that to happen, so the news is not a great shock to me. Nonetheless, considering that my family were very close to Professor Abadie, the fact that he has been sent to a concentration camp that is known for killing anyone who goes in, makes me sad.

"Well, if that wasn't bad enough, we now have one of those Krauts living with us," I state with frustration.

Louise's eyes widen and she again looks to make sure no one is hearing their conversation.

Once she sure that no one has heard anything, she turns back to me and asks, "Who, what, when, how?"

I reply, "Hans Müller, a captain, last night, and because that's how the Germans are."

"Marie," a boy yells, as Louise and I are entering the classroom.

We make their way over to the boy and his group of friends.

"What do you want Leo?", I ask with discontent.

Leo smiles and replies, "We are all going to the lake this afternoon. Do you want to come?"

"I can't. Maybe another time," I answer knowing damn well none of this is true.

"Could all of you please get to your respected seat?" a man asks in a tone that suggests it is not a request.

I smile tightly at Leo before Louise and I walk to our desk. Louise whispers, "You aren't ever going to the lake with him, are you?"

I roll my eyes and say, "Absolutely not."

Once everyone is seated, the man begins speaking again.

"I am your new history professor, Mr. Omer. Considering the fact that I am coming in on the tail-end of your first semester, I ask that all of you give me a week to get everything in order. As far as your exam, it is postponed until January twentieth," he states, "Are there any questions?"

Everyone looks around to see if anyone will say anything, but no one does.

Clearing his throat, Mr. Omer says, "Alright then, today's lecture will officially commence."

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When I arrives home, I realize that both my parents have not arrived back from work. Joy fills me as  I decide to take the opportunity to catch up on some of my reading. 

The sun is setting, which causes the kitchen area to have a soft blue hue. It is calming and allows me to feel at peace after my day. After about an hour, I hear the front door open then closes. I get up from my chair and begins walking to the foyer.

"Work ran late?", I ask before the front door is in full view.

A gritty, soft voice responds, "Actually I finished early."

My eyes widen as I round the corner and sees Captain Hans Müller. Quickly, I look away from him and internally kicks myself.

"How was your day?", he asks.

I take a quick glance at him but do not say a word. After a while of waiting for an answer, he realizes I will not speak to him, so, as usual, he just clicks his heels together and nods his head goodbye. With that, he walks past me and up to his room.