SPRINGTIME PROMISES *complete*

CHAPTER 29: SECRETS OF THE PAST

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over Kingston as Oscar Bartels made his way down the familiar cobblestone streets. The sounds of the bustling town echoed around him—the laughter of children playing, the clatter of horse-drawn carriages, and the occasional shout of a vendor selling his wares. It was a picturesque scene, yet Oscar's heart felt heavy. As the city's tax collector, he was all too aware of how his profession had turned many townsfolk against him, their faces souring at the mention of taxes owed.

Oscar's thoughts drifted to his daughter, Vera, now married to a Presbyterian man. It was a delicate situation for the Bartels family, especially given Oscar's secret. He had always felt a deep connection to his German roots, but in this post-war atmosphere, that heritage was a liability. To protect his family, he had taken to introducing himself as Dutch, a small lie that felt increasingly burdensome.

As he rounded the corner onto Alfred Street, he spotted a familiar figure standing outside the modest home he shared with his wife, Minnie. It was Ulrick Himmler, a visiting pastor who had recently arrived in Kingston. Oscar had met him before, and he was fond of Ulrick's wife, Lanecea; her warmth and kindness had touched him deeply, and he often marveled at how their grandchildren idolized her.

"Good afternoon, Oscar," Ulrick said, his rich German accent subtly noticeable despite his efforts to mask it. "I trust you're well?"

Oscar forced a smile. "As well as one can be, given the circumstances. How goes it with you?"

Ulrick shrugged, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Keeping busy with work. You know how it is. I hear you've been out collecting taxes. Not the most popular job, I imagine."

Oscar chuckled lightly, though his heart wasn't in it. "No, not at all, but someone has to do it. Otherwise, the city wouldn't function."

Ulrick nodded, his expression shifting slightly. "I can't imagine it's easy, especially with people's feelings running high these days."

Oscar met Ulrick's gaze and saw understanding reflected back at him. There was something about Ulrick—an innate sense of loyalty—that made Oscar feel he could confide in him. Perhaps it was their shared experiences as fathers, or the weight of their responsibilities in a world so eager to assign blame.

"Ulrick," Oscar began hesitantly, "may I speak with you about something more...personal?"

"Of course," Ulrick replied, leaning in slightly as if to emphasize the seriousness of the conversation. "What's on your mind?"

Oscar glanced around, ensuring they were alone, then lowered his voice. "I've been keeping a secret of my own. It's something that weighs heavily on me."

Ulrick raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "What kind of secret?"

"I'm not just Dutch, Ulrick," Oscar confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "With everything that's happened since the war, I've had to hide that part of my identity..."

Ulrick's expression shifted to one of surprise, but he quickly masked it with a calm demeanor. "I see. That's a heavy burden to carry. I imagine it's difficult to keep such a significant part of yourself hidden."

Oscar nodded, relief washing over him as he continued. "It's not just me I worry about. My daughter Vera, she's married a Presbyterian man. The family's faith has changed, and I can't help but feel like I'm losing a part of my heritage. It's all so complicated."

"Believe me, Oscar," Ulrick said, his voice earnest. "I understand the pressure to conform - to fit into the mold that society has created for us, but hiding who we are can often feel like a cage."

Oscar sighed, grateful for Ulrick's insight. "You've no idea how much it means to share this with someone. I've kept it buried for so long, afraid of what others might think."