Klaroline (english translation)

The Talk

Klaus POV

The dinner went off very relaxed. Miss Forbes talked about the time when Caroline was little, her younger sister Lussinda always made jokes in between which made us all laugh.

Caroline became more and more talkative over time and I liked how she always gesticulated when she spoke. Her laughter was so full of joy that it filled the room with happiness. For some reason, I felt at home with this family. Like I haven't felt for a long time. I remembered the dream that night when I took Caroline away from the laughing mob in the fete.

I had dreamed of her crying and holding her in my arms. I had never dreamed of a girl before. When she looked at me in my dream and her eyes sparkled, I had felt something. Something I can not describe. She looked beautiful. But today, as she sits in front of me, with sparkling eyes, one thing is clear. She is prettier than in my dreams.

Nobody spoke about the Topic, about my parents, what made me very happy. Because I first wanted to talk to Mister Forbes about everything before I talked to someone else about the loss of my father.

"The food was delicious Miss Forbes." I spoke the truth and wiped my lips with a napkin . "Oh dear call me Elizabeth please."

"Ok Miss Forbes ... I mean Elizabeth." I said and heard Caroline giggle. "Let's both go out when you're full, we have a lot to talk about." Carolines Father said and I got up.

Now I will finally hand over your letter to the rightful owner, Father, I thought, and my heart filled with joy. My dad would be proud of me for finally finding his beloved best friend. Mr. Forbes opened a door and we both went through it. It was the door to a backyard. A little further back, I discovered a small river. As far as that was possible from the darkness. It looked beautiful.

"Klaus, wait here for a moment, I want to show you something, I'll be right back." he said, leaving me alone for a moment. When he disappeared back in the house, I took a closer look.

It was a beautiful garden. Far and wide there was no other houses to be seen, only trees and fields. From the front the house looked worn and so old. But the splendor of such a view makes someone forget where you are.

"Here." Mr. Forbes suddenly said and brought me back to reality. I looked at the small box he held in his hands. A very old little wooden box. He gave it to me and wanted me to open it. When I did, I saw old pictures. On one of the pictures where two guys, maybe younger than my age. Next to them was a girl, all three looked happy. On another was the same boy standing next to the girl, hugging her.

Among many other pictures were letters and a necklace. What was it with this box? Why does this man, who does not even know me, want me to catch a glimpse into his private life?

"That's your father and I. At the age of fifteen." he said proudly and pointed to one of the pictures where you can see these two boys standing in front of a cafe. "This is my father?"

I could hardly believe it. I had never seen pictures of his youth. It was a strange feeling to hold these in my hands now. "What happened, why did you lose contact?" I asked. This question has been depressing me for months. My father had never spoken of this wonderful family before his death, and before he died he just said I should give this letter to the man he could never forget. He gave me the name of the village and the man standing in front of me. Explained that it was his best friend he had to leave many years ago.

The look of Caroline's father was filled with sadness. He sat down on one of the chairs that stood here and told me to sit in front of him. "Listen, boy, it's a long story, and I've never talked to anyone about it and it seems your dad did not either." he began to tell.

"That's probably part of the whole story." I stated, handing him my father's letter. He took it nervously and eyed it for a while. Then he opened the envelope on which My beloved friend was written . "It is better when I'll leave you alone." I said and got up. "Thank you, boy, I will join you soon." he said, turning to my father's precious letter. I went to the door and went back into the living room.

Caroline and the ladies sat on the sofa, but immediately got up when they saw me coming in. "How is he?" Caroline asked me very worried. I looked her in the eye with understanding. "I gave him the letter, he is reading it now. I did not want to disturb him with my presence." I explained.

"How attentive of you, my boy." Elizabeth said and smiled at Lussinda.

"Take a seat!" Lussinda demanded and I did as I was told. Caroline stood in front of the window and looked out at her father. Then she turned to me and looked me in the eyes. I do not know what she was thinking, let alone why she was looking at me. But one thing I knew, my eyes never left hers. Until Caroline's mother cleared her throat and told her little sister to help her with something in the kitchen.

Both ladies disappeared and Caroline was still standing there. After a few seconds, she came to me and sat down on the sofa. "What do you think is written in the letter?" she asked curiously. "I dont know."

She nodded understandingly and looked at her hands. "I think your dad will tell us the whole story for sure." I tried to encourage her. A smile twitched her sweet lips and she looked up at my eyes.

"Yes." she said and just smiled.

"Caroline I know maybe this is not the time but ..." Just when I wanted to ask her something important, her dad came in. Tears have flowed from his eyes.

When Caroline saw him like this, she got up and ran towards him. Gave him a compassionate hug and comforted him.

I also got up. "Kids, I have something to tell you!" her father said confidently and looked at us.

Now we will both learn the truth.