Basel, September 1941.
— Did you sleep well?
— You could say that. And you? She says, still half asleep.
— Very well.
I don't know why, but I've felt a slight tension since I told her about Leïla's invitation. She must be jealous, I imagine. At least, I hope so.
Evening comes.
I simply put on a white shirt with dark gray pants. I think that'll do for this evening. It'll feel strange to leave the building, outside of the bakery and the bar, of course. I hope everything goes well. I finally leave the bedroom and arrive in the living room to grab my jacket, and there I see her.
She's wearing a dress that ends just above her ankles, a beige dress that makes her dark skin tone stand out even more, which makes her so sexy. I could tear it off her right this instant.
— I'm ready. Is everything alright? She asks.
— Uh, yes. I'm just speechless, you look so beautiful.
She doesn't thank me, but I saw her smile at my compliment, and that's perfectly fine with me.
The walk passes in silence. The city is very quiet, even though it's only 5 p.m., but given the times we're in, their reaction is completely understandable. We should even be the first ones to react this way, but without meaning to, we feel safe in this country despite the several problems that have occurred these past few months.
I begin to spot in the distance that famous green door. I admit I feel a little stressed about how the evening will go, and I hope this mysterious husband is friendly, because I really don't want to feel any tension throughout the whole dinner.
— Ruth, I'm sorry to ask you this now, but did you bring something to thank them? I completely forgot.
— Yes, I took an old bottle of wine that was lying around in the cabinet, but we'll say we bought it today, alright?
— Yes, don't worry.
Just before we reach the door, I grab her hand. She automatically pulls it away.
— I told Leïla we were together, so it's better to show them that.
She lets out a huff of annoyance, but it feels good to touch her, to hold her soft hand between my damaged fingers. I knock, and barely a minute passes before Leïla appears, all smiles in a black dress.
— You're here!
— Hi Leïla, how are you?
— Great! Nice to meet you, Ruth. It's a pleasure to meet you, I was wondering who had managed to win Heinrich's heart, because he's not easy.
— Yes, I know that well. I'm also delighted to meet you, Leïla. She says, laughing with my childhood friend.
We enter, give our jackets to Leïla, and while she puts them away in another room, we settle at the large table right in the center of the room. It's the first time since the start of the war that I've seen a table so well set, with so much porcelain.
— Darling, our guests are here. Leïla calls out.
— It smells really good, anyway. I can't wait to taste this delicious meal. Says my fiancée.
— I'm glad you like it. I was really hesitant about what to prepare, but I think I made the right choice. Besides, it's a dish that will remind us of our homeland.
— Ah, in that case, I'm even more eager to taste it. I say, happy to be able to remember good meals.
While Leïla serves us drinks, footsteps are heard, and the face of the mysterious husband finally appears. And then…
— Heinrich? What are you doing here?
— Oh damn, Ludwig, what are you doing here? I thought you were still in the army.
— So did I!
We hug each other. I can't believe it seeing him here. I never thought I'd see my old friends again. I feel such great joy that I completely ignore everything around us.
— Uh, boys — are you going to tell us? Leïla announces.
— Leïla, Ludwig and I have been great friends for years, and we hadn't seen each other since 1939. But he didn't tell you?
— Well, apparently not! She says, looking at Ludwig strangely.
— But Ruth, did you know Ludwig then? She adds, looking at her.
— Yes.
It's true that since Ludwig walked into the room, Ruth has been particularly quiet. And I wonder why, I actually thought she liked him. But I don't dwell on that thought any longer. We all decide to sit down and start eating. The meal passes with good memories from before. But I still notice that Ludwig and Ruth don't say a single word to each other. Ruth only speaks occasionally, and only to Leïla. And I find that really strange.
One hour later.
— Thank you so much, Leïla, for the invitation. Says Ruth.
— With great pleasure. We'll have to organize this again.
— Yes, of course.
— Hey Heinrich, it was a great pleasure to see you again.
— Yeah, I'm so happy to see you again, Ludwig. See you next time, friends.
We decide to leave. Ruth has gone silent again. I still don't know why. But I prefer not to ask her any questions. So we walk in silence back to our apartment.