V

Nothing dangerous or disturbing happened to me between Coburg and Berlin. I talked myself into believing that since I had come through alive and unharmed, except for a few cuts and bruises on my wrists, the same would be the fate of Martha. I could not believe otherwise or cope with the possibility that she was dead or that I would not see her again. Only twenty-four hours ago, we were walking hand in hand through the Tiergarten. I could feel the warmth of her flesh and hear the sound of her voice. During all the time I had known Martha, I could never answer the question of what she saw in me. She was brighter than I, certainly wittier, more alive in her response to every situation. Yet she had chosen me.