Chapter Eight

Adeline escaped from the tedium after being home almost all day. She went through a little wood, cycling along the winding lanes. She headed for her favorite place where she could find peace. The stunning view of the lake was seen from a distance. Its bewitching blue water gave serenity to the soul. Green trees and flower meadow around the lake enhanced its natural beauty. She got off, pushed her bicycle and then put it in the shade of a tree. The birds had been singing for some time, perched high on a branch. She sat near the lake, looking at its clear water sparkling in the sunlight.

A figure etched in shadow against the sun-dappled leaves, emerged from the willow trees: Wilhelm. His well-trained companion, a black-and-tan dog padded silently at his heels. For a few days now he had had the regiment's Alsatian with him. The path led him toward the lake. He hummed some musical phrases under his breath. He spotted it first, a flash of black amidst the greenery – Adeline's bicycle, its basket empty. "Where was she?" He wondered. He and the dog continued walking, until they reached the lake. There, the water's edge, sat Adeline. He called her name softly. She started at the sound of his voice. She hadn't expected him here.

"I am sorry to disturb you. I saw your bicycle but I didn't see you. I thought something bad happened," Wilhelm said.

"I am alright. I am just sitting and enjoying the view. What are you doing here?"

"I am converting oxygen into carbon dioxide," he stifled his laugh, trying to make a joke.

She was dazed for a moment. She didn't get his joke right away. The war and hard times had affected the way she thought, she became a serious person. "What do you mean?"

"Oh you ruined the joke."

"What?" the expression in her eyes was confused.

"It means I am doing nothing. I am just breathing."

She began to understand his joke. The corners of her mouth curved up, shaping a smile that showed her dimples on her cheeks and laughed. "Oh Biology. Nice joke."

Adeline's eyes fell on the dog standing at Wilhelm's boots. A flicker of recognition crossed her face and she tilted her head slightly, as if trying to remember where she'd seen it before. Wilhelm sensed his confusion. He said to the dog, "You still remember stealing a hat from that beautiful lady, don't you? Don't try that again, alright?" Wilhelm chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes.

"What a child!" Adeline thought. But she couldn't help smiling.

Wilhelm and Adeline sat on the flower meadow, their backs to the shimmering lake. The air hummed with a sweet scent of wildflowers. The dog nudged Wilhelm's legs with its snout, barking excitedly and wagging its tail. The dog was begging for a game. "Not now, Heinrich," he said to the dog. "I am too tired." The dog snatched his Wehrmacht cap in its teeth. "Oh you are a hat stealer," he laughed. When he and the dog engaged in their playful tussle, Adeline's eyes sparkled with amusement. She watched with delight as the dog danced around him, dodging his attempts nimbly. Their laughter blended with the gentle rustle of the wind through the wildflowers. His persistence and playful determination paid off as he swiftly outmaneuvered the dog, finally retrieving his cap with a triumphant laugh.

"I am still halfway through reading your novel but I've already fallen in love with your writing. No wonder you received a prestigious award. You put many beautiful messages in it. There's a line that makes me impressed: From innumerable languages, only the language of kindness which can be understood by people around the world. Seriously, you must write more books. You're a professional writer," he said after a brief silence.

She felt a wave of happiness washing over her. His words of affirmation had increased her self-confidence. "Thank you for the encouragement. It means the world to me," she smiled with a warm glow in her eyes.

"Your village is very attractive. It's like a real-life history book. When I first came here, I felt like I was entering the medieval era. It's a pleasure to explore the cobblestone street, Colombage houses and a fortified gate with a high roof. It's different from Kittlitz, a village where I live."

"Tell me what it looks like?"

"Mostly, there's lush green field stretches alongside the road and there's a mountain upland moor that offers a unique natural spectacle. People go there every weekend." After thinking for a moment, he added, "There's also a lovely turquoise lake where my sister and I go to relax."

"Your sister, where is she?"

"She was assigned to Paris. She serves in the Military Women's Auxiliary Services as a typist. She was glad she didn't end up in a German weapons factory."

"Does she speak French well?"

"Yes, she does. I remember the first time she learnt French. She played Eva Busch's song multiple times to memorize its lyrics. Eva Busch brought her elegant Franco-German version of the hit song called Bel Ami. Have you listened to it?"

Adeline nodded, smiling.

Unexpected to Adeline, Wilhelm sang it in French version with his baritone voice:

Ton pouvoir est si grand, Bel Ami

Ton pouvoir est en riant Bel Ami

Ton doux charme a conquis

Tous les coeurs du grand Paris

Bel Amant, Bel Amour, Bel Ami

Wilhelm brought joy into Adeline's heart. His blissfulness had affected her emotionally. She let her melodious voice to sing with him in German version:

Du verliebst jeden Tag dich aufs neu

Alle küsst Du und bleibst keiner treu

Doch die Frau, die dich liebt

Machst du glücklich wie noch nie

Bel Ami, bel Amour, Bel Ami

As Adeline sang, her radiant smile and her sweet expression stole Wilhelm's breath. He was utterly captivated, his blue eyes mirroring the adoration he felt.

"I didn't know you had such a hidden talent," Wilhelm said, clapping his hands in glee.

Adeline's face lit up with happiness, her smile widening into a dazzling bloom.

The Lake shimmered like diamonds in the sunlight. The wildflowers brushed gently against their ankles as they walked along the edge of the lake. Their conversations flowed easily, punctuated by shared smiles and shared laughter that echoed softly in the tranquil air. Deep within their hearts, they felt as if their souls were strongly connected. Most exquisite of all was a sense of calm and peace when they were together.