Hidden Grace

2

Five months ago:

"Are you sure this is safe to travel?" Arnim asks the pilot. The pilot explains all the safety procedures and plane updated codes. Arnim turns to his wife and baby daughter. He sighs as he looks at their clothing. Underneath her thick winter dress, Mia is wearing a white blouse tucked underneath a skirt printed with several blue flowers and some short white heels. A man takes the two suitcases beside Mia's feet. Mia allows Arnim to hold Annika. He smiles as he watches his sleeping daughter. The little baby wears a red, cotton dress underneath her winter coat. Her tiny black doll shoes make her seem so fragile.

Arnim kisses the top of his daughter's head. The little baby stirs for a bit and Arnim starts bouncing her in his arms. Annika's eyes slowly open up and she stares at her father's eyes. Arnim boops Annika's nose, making the baby coo. Arnim's heart melted, wanting to not let her go – almost. The pilot clears his throat and informs the wife and husband that they must leave soon.

As Annika stares at her father, Arnim looks up at Mia. Tears slowly escape her eyes as she realizes that they must leave soon. She shakes her head, "This was a mistake, Arnie. I cannot... We cannot leave without you." Keeping Annika steady in his left arm, Arnim wraps his right arm around his wife. He whispers, "I want to keep you and our little girl safe. Even if that means I must let you go, just for a little while."

Mia wipes her tears away and Arnim kisses her lips. He hands Annika back into his wife's hands. Annika slowly falls asleep in Mia's arms. He smiles, struggling to keep his own tears from escaping, and kisses the two of them once again. He softly says, "I love you. Both of you." Mia kisses him on the cheek and whispers into his ear, "I love you, too, Arnie." Mia starts heading to board the private plane. Before stepping through the cabin doors, she looks back and waves. Arnim waves back. He watches as the doors close behind Mia and Annika.

Present day:

Mia places Annika on her stomach. She scoots back a little and smiles, "Come on, Annika! You can do it this time!" Annika continues to cry, unable to move closer to her mother. Mia continues to encourage her seventh-month-old daughter to crawl. She stands up quickly and grabs Annika's bunny from the crib. Mia places the stuffed toy in front of Annika, "Look, Hase (bunny), is waiting for you!" Annika's arms flail around the air, never moving from her spot. Mia sighs and shakes her head, "What are we going to do with you, meine kleine (my little one)?" She picks up her daughter. Annika quickly latches on Mia's arm and smiles at her mother. Mia chuckles, "You just love being carried, don't you, Nika?"

Walking across the small apartment, Mia sets Annika in her high chair. She boops Annika's nose. Annika giggles and Mia copies the little baby. Realizing she forgot something, she heads back near the crib and grabs Annika's bunny. She hands Annika the toy. Annika makes noises while Mia cuts up pieces of banana. She smashes the pieces to make it easier for Annika. "Let's trade, shall we?" Mia takes the bunny and places the plate of mushy bananas in front of Annika. Mia starts helping Annika eat, using the plastic spoon to scoop up the food and slowly placing it into Annika's mouth. Mia plays with Annika, "Here comes another train!"

Once Annika finishes eating, Mia wipes the baby's face and carries her to a mat in the bare living room. Mia lays Annika on her back and starts playing with her. She tickles, talks, and copies Annika's noises. She absolutely adored her little daughter. A loud knock echoes into the apartment. Mia picks up Annika and places her in the crib. Annika starts to whimper. Mia soothes her daughter, "Mama will be right back, Annika." She places Annika bunny beside her and kisses the top of her daughter's forehead. Keeping a tight grip on her bunny, Annika calms down.

The knocks become louder. Mia goes to her dresser and grabs her gun. She holds it behind her back and unlocks the door. She opens and relaxes, seeing the mailman. The mailman reaches for his bag pouch and pulls out some envelopes, "Have a wonderful day, Ms. Zola." Mia takes the items from the man. She nods and smiles, "Thank you so much, Henri. Stay safe." The mailman, Henri, tips his hat and walks off. Mia closes the door and locks it. She places the envelopes on the kitchen counter and puts her gun away back in her dresser. She checks on Annika who is fast asleep.

Mia goes back to the kitchen counter and opens the envelopes. She sighs as she finds some bills she needs to pay for. She mumbles, "Even a war doesn't stop tenants from being cruel." Feeling slightly relieved by the food rations she received, she goes to the last envelope and smiles when she sees who sent it. She opens the envelope and reads the letter:

Hallo meine Frau (my wife),

I hope you and Annika are well and safe. Not a day goes by where I worry about the two of you. I fear that I will not be able to visit anytime soon. The war continues to rage on and Schmidt requires my assistance. Do not worry about me because without my skills, Schmidt would not be able to do anything without me. I do hope that Annika is growing strong and smart, just like you. I will continue to contact you through mail. I love you, my love. Until next time.

– Arnim Zola

Mia smiles and folds up the letter. Carrying the letter, she goes to the closet and grabs a shoebox from the top shelf. She places the new letter amongst several other letters from Arnim. Once she puts the shoebox back in its place, she checks on Annika who is still asleep. "I love you, Annika," Mia whispers after giving Annika a small kiss. Mia grabs a pen and piece of paper. She clicks the pen and starts writing:

Arnie,

I just received your recent letter. I am glad you are staying safe and using your genius skills. Since my last letter, Annika can now roll onto her back, stay seated while unsupported, and start eating soft foods. She even makes noises as if speaking to me. She is a bright, little one, just like you. I wish you could be here with us to watch her growing. I love you, meine Leibe (my love).

~ Mia

She folds up the letter and places it in an envelope. "I will have to send this tomorrow morning," Mia speaks to herself. She puts the envelope on the kitchen counter near the door. After checking on Annika once more, she decides to take a quick shower. She grabs a new set of clothing and her towel. She turns on the shower and takes off her clothing. She quickly finishes and changes into a silk nightgown. After brushing her teeth and combing her hair, Mia turns off all the lights. She leaves the nightlight on and goes to bed, falling into a deep slumber.