Chapter 33

Since the visit of Monika and Arek, all peace in our house has been disturbed. Together with Grandma and Monika, we constantly monitored the condition of the injured Arek and took care of him, and Mateusz has been disappearing for days in search of new fake documents. Not to mention Alex, who must have moved somewhere else, because for several days in a row he wasn't present in his apartment, and therefore I cleaned less often at his place. We were all one big bundle of nerves. There have been some complications with new documents for our guests. Also the patrols on the streets were walking more often questioning everyone. Each day was uncertain for us as it was only a matter of time before soldiers discover that we were hiding fugitives here, most likely prosecuted for active participation in the Polish Underground and a few other crimes that I preferred not to even think about.

However, the day came when we managed to get fake documents for siblings, and Arek was healed enough to be able to travel without staggering on his feet. We gave them some food, money, clothes and said a goodbye. When they were leaving, Arek suddenly kissed me in the cheek and  promised me that when everything calms down, he would come back for me. I was even called his "beloved", which Mateusz and Grandma burst out lwith laughter when they saw my red face.

After the farewell, the old order and harmony seemed to return but the case with the disappearing Alex was still unsolved. Mateusz was going upstairs every day to check whether he came back but he often returned after a few moments and announced that Alex was still absent. Then finally, Mateusz found him at home but Alex explained him that he is very busy and what he does is very important, which is why he is forced to sleep away from home so often.

Once, when was present and I was cleaning his apartment, I managed to talk to him while he was eating his breakfast. I told him about Monika and Arek but he didn't seem to listen to me. I guessed he had more important things on his mind than covering for fugitives or Arek saying goodbye to me, which I preferred not to mention. He seemed tired and sleepy, so I decided to come up with something to change the atmosphere.

"How is there in Germany?"I spoke suddenly and he looked at me surprised.

"In Germany?" He repeated my question slowly.  - It's pretty similar to Poland, I think. But there are more beautiful buildings. You would love them." He smiled for a short moment.

"At which part of Germany were you living at?"

"I'm from Berlin. Why are you asking me about that?" He got curious.

"Uhm... I don't know. I guess you're missing your home."

"Sometimes I do." He admitted. "But I like to be here. With you... and Mat, and Grandma. Besides, Poland is such beautiful country."

"What about your family?" When I asked this question, he nearly dropped the cup of coffee he was drinking but managed to quickly catch it.

"My family?" He made sure he understood correctly. After a short silence he answered my question. "My parents are dead... But my sister is still alive. She lives with her husband and kids in Liverpool. So she's safe and sound. Far away from this madness." He replied directly, and I was honestly surprised by this directness ...