فصل 95

florian

I made my way down to A deck to check on the wandering boy. He slept, his head in the shoe poet’s lap.

“You’ve cut your hair. You look almost respectable.” The old man laughed. “Sit a while. Rest. The ship is doing the traveling for us.”

“Yes, at least we don’t have to walk,” I said.

“Ah, but remember, the poet Emerson said that when we have worn out our shoes, the strength of the journey has passed into our body.” He nodded and winked. “Wisdom pays the largest debt to his shoemaker.”

We sat in silence. I admired this kind man. Why couldn’t I have apprenticed with someone like him, instead of Dr. Lange? If I had listened to my father, how different would things be? I gestured to the boy. “He’s lucky to have you.”

“No, I am the lucky one,” said the shoe poet. “The boy keeps me kicking.” He looked at me and his face softened. He extended his hand. “I’m Heinz,” he said.

I shook his hand. “Florian.”

He held my hand for an extra beat, staring at me. “The children and young people, you are the unlucky ones. This war has murdered many futures. Are your parents still alive?” he asked.

I shook my head.

“Ah, I thought so,” he said, patting my knee. “You are a wandering boy too.”

“Will you give the little one to the Red Cross in Kiel?” I asked.

“I don’t think I could bear it,” said the shoemaker. “I quite like being Opi. I’ve got the address in Berlin that was pinned to his coat. I’ll take him there myself and see what comes of it.” He sighed. “But who knows how long Berlin will hold. Do you have other family?” he asked.

“A sister, Anni. I haven’t seen her in three years. I don’t know if I’d recognize her.”

“You’ll recognize her. Your feet will steer you in her direction.” The old man leaned back and hummed the melody of “Lili Marleen.” It made me think of Joana.

“Are you married, Heinz?” I asked.

“I spent fifty-five years with the love of my life. I lost her last July.” He gestured to the boy. “Just when you think this war has taken everything you loved, you meet someone and realize that somehow you still have more to give.”

“I know what you mean,” I said, looking at my watch.

“I know you do.” He smiled. “And she’s worth it too.”