Page 195 of Valor

“You mean by bringing them here?”

“Yes.”

“He was beating up on us long before Dr. Weiss’s family hid in our barn. None of this is about them.”

“You rile him.” She gripped the spoon and stirred the pot. “That’s dangerous.”

Fred closed his eyes and prayed for God to give him strength. He had no desire to quarrel with Mother.

“Now go and take care of your chores. Don’t give him another reason to get angry.”

“He said you should pack food for the family.”

Mother looked at him, disbelief in her eyes.

“Dr. Weiss paid him. Two ruby rings.”

She nodded.

“I will finish cooking the stew, then get everything ready.”

“He said to pack bread, four cooked eggs, cheese, and anything else you can spare from the pantry.” Fred silently prayed for God to forgive him for this lie.

Mother’s eyes grew wide.

“How does he think I have all that to give away.”

“I guess he likes the gold better than cheese.” Fred shrugged.

“Be gone.” she swatted a dish rag at him.

Fred rushed to the yard and got to work. He fed the hens, then went to the barn to muck the stalls, hoping Hedvika wouldn’t see him shoveling the manure. When he walked into the barn and stopped.Bleskwas gone.

“Dr. Weiss?” he whispered.

The dentist peered down from the loft.

“Where is the horse?”

“Your father took him. Close to an hour ago.”

Fred’s blood turned to ice. He dropped the shovel and ran to the house. Mother would know where Father went. Not wanting to frighten her, he slowed just before he entered the mill, then calmly walked in. His heart was still in his throat when he entered the kitchen.

“Is the stew ready?”

“Take a bowl,” Mother motioned to the kitchen hatch. “But keep in mind, this is all there is for today and tomorrow. There is a fresh loaf of bread on the table, so cut yourself a piece.”

“Thank you.” He cleared his throat. “Do you know where Father is?” He struggled to keep his voice calm.

“He will storm through the door any minute. His stomach is better than a cuckoo’s clock.” Her voice was so casual that Fred wondered if he had overreacted. He ladled a small serving of thin stew into a chipped dish. Perhaps he could sneak a bit to Hedvika later.

Living this far from town had its benefits. They kept livestock that the Germans didn’t know about, and having Fritz in the family prevented the searches so common in town. Food was getting scarce, and the rations had not been sufficient to keep the pantry stocked for all the days of the month. Having to share with five more people would be a burden. He understood Mother’s worry. Yet this was no act of charity on Father’s part.

The door flew open, and Father marched in.

“Is lunch ready?” he hollered and sat at the kitchen table. Would he check the bundle Mother was preparing in the pantry?

Fred quickly added another ladle to the bowl he was holding over the stove.

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