Love Knows No Sides

Chapter 32

I agreed although I felt what her conversation with me might be about. Within those few seconds I tried to mentally prepare myself for it and I think I succeeded because during this not-so-pleasant chat, I managed not to cry or run out of the room. I guess it was because she was already at the edge of human endurance and I was supposed to lift her up.

"I'm sorry to ask you this but you're probably the only person who knows how I feel right now." Her serious look changed into sad one. "Will you tell me your story?" At that moment, Monika reminded me of a lost little girl who needs a guide, someone to hold her hand and lead her in the right direction.

"I will try." I agreed as I knew it was something she recently needed to hear. "Everything happened a few months ago. The Germans entered our yard, shot dead my older brother, and when we were escaping, they shot my little sister in the head and then shot dead my mother..." My voice stopped short. I felt that I needed to take a breath and I started again. "Later, I continued my escape alone and eventually fell into the river. I still don't remember what exactly happened but I woke up here." Monika was watching me intently with her eyes opened wide.

"They took literally everything from you." She whispered in shock nearly crying. "Your family, your home... They killed them in front of your eyes...-" Her voice also stopped short. We were looking at each other in silence for a while.

"Yeah..." I agreed finally. " But now I have a new home and a new family. I mean, I still miss my true family but I can't mourn them forever. I'm the only one alive and for that reason I must try to live my life. That's all I can do for them..." I fell silent for a moment but she was waiting for my further words. "You'll manage somehow. I'm certain... And I know it hurts a lot. It's unthinkable to lose everything in the blink of an eye and be completely alone. You're so lucky that at least your older brother is alive. You can support each other. Together it will be easier for you." I finished but suddenly a new thought came to my mind. "Listen, there are certain things you can do in order to be safe. You have to get new documents, go somewhere and start a new life. You will buy new clothes, rent an apartment, find a job. Maybe you'll even start a family. There are many possibilities. Just don't give up."

"You're right." She agreed, her voice was still collapsing. "It's a miracle that he's still alive." A single tear run down her cheek. She fell silent for a moment but then spoke again. ''Thank you so much for your words. And I'm so sorry for your loss." I smiled at her.

We joined Mateusz and Grandma who were sitting in Mateusz's room. To my and Monika's surprise,  Arek was explaining something to them. He's already woken up looking pretty miserable...