Broken Wings

An Unexpected Visit

Else Schüffen-   Munich, Germany 1941

Christmas was over. All the joy and friendliness the world had magically produced was seemingly gone. Else had become more determined than ever to find Max. There was something inside of her that egged her on, as if it would be her only chance to see him.

And maybe she was right.

"Mama, I'm going to Myna's house," Else said, bundling up in a warm parka and woolen hat and mittens. The night sky was slowing darkening, with shades of dark blue and purple trying to peek through.

"Okay, darling. Just don't be too late. I want you home before curfew. What's in the bag? It better not be food again, El--"

"Nein, Mama, it's not. I want to give Myna a painting as a Christmas present." Before her mother could answer, Else dashed outside, not wanting to be questioned any further. Myna was already standing outside the door; her face, though mostly covered up, had little snowflakes dotting it.

"What are we doing, anyways?" Myna asked, curious.

"I have to see my brother, it's really important."

"Josef? You just saw him--"

"Myna, this is really important. It's not Josef. It's Maximilian. Please, don't tell anyone, just help me," Else begged, studying her friend's confused eyes.

Myna bit her lip. She cocked her head, as if pondering what to do. Finally, a faint smile formed on her lips. "Sometimes, I don't understand you. But I'll help."

Else squeezed her, tears forming in her eyes. Finally, someone that understood. There was finally someone that could understand.

❀❀❀

She was not answering. The door remained closed.

"Please open, please." Else finally gave up on knocking, and twisted the door handle.

It opened.

"We can't just walk into their house!" Myna cried.

"Quiet! And I know they are home. No one is out this time of night. Too close to curfew." Else put one foot through the doorway, confident. The house was still dark. They must have fallen asleep early. Creeping up the dark, shadowy steps, following her friend into nowhere, Myna breathed out shakily. She had absolutely no idea what Else was doing, so all she had was trust.

Trust. I wish more people would learn and follow this word.

"Stop," Else whispered, standing in the doorway of the master bedroom, "Wait here."

"But--" Myna's voice went unheard. Else was already by the bedside, gently trying to wake the husband and wife up. "Excuse me." Frau Brandenburg abruptly sat up, a sharp shriek piercing the air. She panted heavily, her eyes darting rapidly back and forth.

"Goodness gracious, is that you Else?" she cried.

Else nodded. Her eyes were wide with fear, fear and anticipation. "I'm sorry to wake you, Frau Brandenburg, but it's really important."

Even in the swallowing darkness, Else could see the frown on the woman's face. Herr Brandenburg appeared not to stir. "What, my child, is so important that you found it necessary to break into my house?"

"Please, tell me where he is. I have to know," Else pleaded. By now Herr Brandenburg was awake, staring blankly into her eyes.

"What? You mean Max?" Frau Brandenburg said, her voice softening. She paused, gazing off into the distance. A couple minutes later, she opened her mouth to speak. "I'll write down his address for you. Und... please knock next time." Slow and steady, Frau Brandenburg squinted in the moonlight and shakily wrote a series of numbers and letters, then handed her a slip of paper. Else thanked her, clutching the paper in her hands, and crept out of the room to find her friend.

"Did you get what you wanted?" Myna asked impatiently.

"Ja. I know where he is. It's not far, just across the street." Myna sighed and carefully made her way down the steps. Whatever Else was doing, she was going to do it and succeed. When they met the frigid air once again, Else longed for the comfort of the indoors. Yet, there were much more important things in life than comfort.

Thankfully, the distance was not far. Within a matter of minutes, the two girls were standing in front of a tall, brick home.

The door opened within a matter of seconds.

"Hello?" a young woman said.

"I need to see my brother."

"Come, quickly, he is asleep," she said, her tone calm and collected. She seemed unfazed by the sudden presence by these two girls.

Else admired the home as they were lead inside. The interior was elegant and peaceful, though not too fancy. It rather soothed her.

"I think it is best if you wait down here until he wakes up. He has a slight fever, but I'm sure he will be fine by the morning," the woman said, motioning towards the couch.

"Is he all right?" Else said, her eyes widening with concern.

"Oh ja , just a bit weak," she reassured. Else nodded, overwhelmed yet relieved, and sat on the couch next to Myna. The two girls didn't have to wait long, for it was only a matter of seconds until Maximilian came, slowly making his way down the stairs with a slight limp.

I shall never forget the look of shock, surprise, and happiness on his face.

"Else. Oh, Else," he whispered, standing at the bottom of the stairs. Else stood up from her spot, frozen. And then she ran, ran until she reached his feet, and stood on her tiptoes like she always did, and she hugged him. She could feel him sobbing gently.

"I missed you so much."

Myna felt tears come to her eyes, the salty liquid burning through her soul. She finally understood.

It was one of those moments when nothing else in life mattered. It didn't matter that they would be separated again. It didn't matter that they could get caught.

All that mattered was that they were together.

❀❀❀

"I didn't know how close you were, Else. I'm so sorry I didn't help you before," Myna said. It was getting awfully dark out, yet they didn't care. Else wasn't going to leave Maximilian, not yet. A guilty feeling formed in her stomach, but she simply ignored it. Nothing else mattered now.

"I never told you. I couldn't tell you," Else sobbed, still a blizzard of emotions. Rosalinde patted her knee, desperately attempting to comfort her. Maximilian sat on the other side of Else, biting into a chunk of bread. A chunk of bread that wasn't stale. Rosalinde talked of the war, and how wherever they went, they could never be safe, unless they stayed faithful to God. Maximilian smiled, recalling events of the past. Myna laughed along, quickly eating her food in between. Else thanked God, grateful for friends and family. They were all together again. At least, her second family was. A family of understanding.

Though Else loved Mama and Father and Josef, they had never really understood each other. They had always been split, and it seemed they could never be together.

Finally, for once in her life, she was together. Together with people who understood her.

With people who loved her for who she was. Jew lover or not.