CHAPTER 0: The New Born

20 April 1889

The sound of a newborn baby crying fills the room. The mother holds her newborn baby in her arms and calls to her husband.

"Alexander, what will you name our son?"

Alexander holds the baby in his arms.

"Hmm, let me think."

The baby stops crying, opens his eyes, and starts smiling.

"I found a good name for our beautiful baby," Alexander says.

"What is it?"

asks the mother.

"I will name him Karl, Karl Von. This is your name."

When I was still young, I asked my father a question that was important to me at that time: "Where can I meet your mother?"

He asked.

"Why are you suddenly asking this question?"

I was embarrassed at that time. I still remember my father's expression. He was smiling as if he was happy because I asked this question.

"I met your mother in the capital before we moved to a village."

I didn't know my father and mother had lived in the capital.

"Why didn't you stay in the capital? Isn't life better there?"

It was natural for me to ask a question like this because I thought living in the capital was better than in a village. That was my perspective at the time.

"I prefer to live here. I feel comfortable here, and your mother feels the same way."

"What about my grandfather Maximilian? Did he also live in the capital of the state of Hanover?" "No, your grandfather and grandmother lived here before she died."

On June 17, 1900, I was 11 years old. I remember very well at that time when I heard the sound of the church bell, I would stop doing anything and close my eyes. The sound of the bell brought a feeling of peace and tranquility.

"Karl, karl, kaaaaaaarl."

"Oh, yes, my grandfather."

"You are absent-minded again."

"Sorry, Grandfather."

"Never mind. Could you call your father? I need his help on the farm."

"Okay, Grandfather."

On my way home to call my father, I met some friends.

"Karl, where are you going?"

"To my home. Why do you ask?"

"We're going to play football. Are you coming?"

"Of course! I'll go home first, then come back to play with you all, friends."

"Alright, we'll see you near Uncle George's farm."

Football began to gain great popularity in the late 19th century and early 20th century. When I got home, the first person I met was my mother.

"Hello karl, you came home early today."

"Mom, have you seen my father? Grandfather needs him."

"He is in the basement."

"Thank you, Mom."

"Hey, boy! Don't run in the house."

My father owns many books in the basement. Most of the time, he goes to the basement just to read.

"Dad."

"Yes, my son."

"Grandfather wants you to help him on the farm."

"What? Again? I just started reading!"