Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 14)

Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 14)

CHAPTER 14

Siberia 1 (part 2)

By the way, the stranger arrived safely at home. He told his wife that he had to work longer. For this he brought gifts to his two children. He is a caring family man and loves children more than anything!

Laughter came from the compartment when Alexander opened the door and entered with three glasses of tea. >> We are lucky, the train attendant brewed fresh tea! <<

>> Thank you for bringing me some too. <<

1 >> Marcel, they don't need to tell you. We already know each other by first name, so you'd be better off! << His friend nodded in agreement.

>> Yes, she, um, you mean you're right. Some people don't like that, so I'm always more careful. <<

"How far are you traveling?" Asked Alexander.

>> I don't know, I didn't plan anything big. A few more stops, then I get out and take a hike through the taiga that lasts several days. In any case, I will have a lot to tell when I get home. <<

>> Is the tea hot! <<, Jürgen said, but unfortunately too late, the tongue was already burned.

His friend had to laugh. >> I was about to say it. Now I can save it. <<

>> How funny, burn your tongue once. <<

>> You will hardly believe it, it has already happened to me, and not just once! <<

>> I'm going to leave! <<

>> You seem to get along well, you and Jürgen. <<

>> Yes, he is a nice person, and actually everyone can get along well with him. <<

>> I would like to believe you. What do you want to do in Siberia, if I may ask? <<

>> Jürgen wants to write his new book there. <<

>> Oh, Jürgen is a writer! <<

Alexander nodded. >> And one of my best friends. I only have him. Sergei is definitely dead. <<

>> Sergej? <<

>> Yes, a little boy. He was also a good friend and even saved my life once and now he is no longer there. You would like him, you just have to love him. <<

>> I'm right in my assumption. << Marcel paused a little, because he didn't like the question, nevertheless he wanted to know. >> So that you lived on the street before? <<

>> Yes, do you notice it to me? <<

>> No, but it was a gut feeling. It must be hard on the street. <<

>> It's not easy. You are often alone, sleeping in basements and in other dwellings that you certainly do not want to know. Sometimes you have money, sometimes you have none. Every day is a struggle. <<

>> Are you out of parents? <<

>> Most of the people who live on the streets have parents. Me too! But our parents are not as good as yours. They get drunk and when they get drunk they beat up their children. <<

>> But there are homes! <<

Alexander smiled. >> My friend Sergei can tell you a song about it. Most homes suck. That's why he ran away from there. <<

>> These are grievances in this country, terrible! I saw some street children in St.Petersburg. Maybe they were dirty. <<

>> Of course, if you live on the street and sleep in dirty old houses, then you will look like this. <<

>> With us in France that would be unimaginable and I also think in Jürgens Land. <<

>> It's normal here, nobody cares. Sometimes you get insulted and you can't go anywhere if you live on the street. There are some who join a group, that's the easiest, that's the best way to survive. Then there are others who alone try to survive the harder way. <<

>> I assume you were of the second kind! <<

>> Yes, until I met Sergei. We had a great time together until this raid. Then they caught my friend and took him to a home. I tried to get him out of there, but when I got there he wasn't there anymore. But he never showed up in Moscow. So I have to assume that he is no longer alive. <<

>> You can be glad to have met Jürgen. <<

>> That's right! He has no one and I have no one, so it fit! <<

Anton also brewed tea, not so much for himself, but much more for his visitor. The latter sat there and continued to stare at the wall. >> The tea will be ready soon! <<

>> Why did that happen to me? << asked his colleague.

>> It could have happened to anyone. Everyone, of course, wishes that it didn't hit him. <<

>> I braked too late. <<

>> Nonsense, how should you know that someone is standing there. <<

>> The boy was only sixteen and I killed him! <<

Anton was finished with his Latin. It had happened last night around ten o'clock. He then had to drive the locomotive to the next train station, his colleague was so shocked that he was unresponsive. That's why he let him sleep here tonight. It was not a good thing to be alone in such a situation. The kettle started to whistle. After the tea was brewed, he sat back down with his colleague.

>> I will never drive a locomotive again. <<

>> nonsense! Now let a few days pass, then you will get some distance. << Inside he knew that something like this could never be forgotten. Two of his colleagues gave up their job because of that. As an outsider it was easy to dismiss, but if you were affected yourself. He didn't know how he would react. >> I quickly go to the cellar and get a bottle of wine that I bought last week <<, my Anton and patted his colleague on the shoulder sympathetically. When he came back with the bottle his colleague was gone!

Jürgen was about to press the handle to the toilet when he heard voices. Nothing special in itself, only these voices spoke German. He looked through the window into the compartment, there were four teenagers. He opened the door carefully. >> Hello, it is nice to meet compatriots here. <<

The teenagers looked at him in surprise before greeting him too. >> Yes, but we're not here voluntarily. << The four giggled.

>> How much are you? <<

>> Seven people and the social worker. They sit one compartment ahead. <<

At the same moment someone came from the other compartment. A man with a beard, in his mid-thirties. "Are you having problems again?" He asked in broken Russian.

>> No, I only heard that they spoke German. I am also German, << replied the author in German.

The man held out his hand. >> Glad to meet you here! <<

>> Thank you, me too. The boys told me that they are not here voluntarily. <<

>> That's right, people from socially disadvantaged families. So far nothing has helped. The Siberia project is your last chance. If they don't make it, they'll probably be in jail more often than in freedom. <<

>> I understand! What kind of project is that? <<

>> The young people work here on a kind of farm. So they get to know a regulated life again. We have no experience so far, these are the first. <<

>> This is definitely a challenge for you. <<

The social worker nodded. >> It's not that easy with them. I noticed the worst cases right from the first pile. <<

>> Then you put a lot of trust in them. <<

The man smiled. >> Let's put it this way, they haven't found another stupid guy to do it. Are you sure you are here as a tourist? <<

>> No, I'm writing a new novel here. So far I have only missed the topic, but what are we talking about in the corridor, just come to our compartment if you can get it here. <<

>> Yes, I hope they don't do anything here. Gerald you take care that no shit is done here while I'm away! <<

>> Yes, master! <<

>> They don't really have respect! <<, Jürgen stated.

>> I've given up thinking about it. Unfortunately, they have no respect for anything. <<

This new leader was an asshole anyway. After reading the Levites for him, he left. Hopefully they would take better care of the little ones now. However, none of the gang could tell him anything about Alexander. His friend was gone. He was in the basement a lot more times, but for the first time alone. It was so quiet and there was no one to talk to. "Oh, my dear Alexander, where are you?" He sighed. This morning he was able to make some money from begging, of which he bought a roll and a tube of glue. Where his friend was still here, he never took the stuff, but it didn't matter now. He was just about to put glue in the bag when the door opened. A man entered the basement. Sergei quickly crawled into the far corner, accidentally stepping on a piece of glass. The man came closer and now he had spotted him! Without hesitation he grabbed his ears. >> Again this street pack in my basement. You must have been there a few weeks ago when the apples were stolen! <<

>> I never stole anything from them, and there were never apples in the basement. <<

>> Now you've betrayed yourself! <<

"Let me go, please!" Cried Sergei.

>> Of course I will let you go as soon as the militia is there! <<

Militia, he was just missing that. He kicked his knee as hard as he could. The man cried out and let go for a moment. Sergei used this and ran up the stairs. The key was from the outside. The little boy dropped the door and turned the key. A few seconds later the man started to roar. >> Let me out immediately! <<

>> I should be stupid! << said Sergei. Actually, he could walk now, but he liked to annoy the man a little. >> If you ask me nicely, maybe I could think it over. <<

There was a pause. The man hesitated, but then the request came. >> Would you please let me out? <<

>> No, not like that, you have to say, dear Sergei, would you please let me out! <<

The man would surely boil with anger. Nevertheless, he said the sentence he wanted.

>> Unfortunately, this is not possible! <<

>> Why? <<

>> The key has broken! <<, he lied.

That was too much. The man knocked furiously on the door and scolded him all.

>> I wish you a nice stay in your basement! << It was just stupid that the glue was in the basement. All he had to do was go on a begging tour again. When he came out of the house it started to rain.

Alexander was already wondering where Jürgen had stayed for so long. At that moment the sliding door opened. Jürgen and another man entered. >> There are still compatriots of mine on the train, that's .. << Now he noticed that he didn't even know his name.

>> You can call me Bernd! <<

>> My name is Jürgen, this is a friend, Alexander and this gentleman is Marcel, he is French. <<

Bernd shook hands with everyone while the author briefly summarized why Jürgen was here. The social worker sat next to Marcel. >> What are you writing, the topic? <<

>> About me and Alexander and about a street child. <<

>> But that's a very serious topic. The readership will be limited. <<

>> I'm sure you are right, but I think it is important to write about it once. Most of the country prefer to look away instead of doing something. <<

>> What do you think you should do? <<

>> I wonder that too? <<, Marcel now interfered in the conversation.

>> In any case, homes are not the solution. In addition, not possible at all with a million street children. If only a few would take in a child, the problem would be solved. <<

Unfortunately Alexander did not understand what they were talking about since they now spoke in English. Jürgen noticed his mistake now and translated from time to time.

>> Sergej was in the home, he told me that people only want babies, not older children! <<

>> We also have the problem in German homes. Nobody wants the older children, that's the problem, and now they come and tell everyone to take in a child. In addition, a street child who may have lived on the street for years, which can cause problems <<, Bernd pointed out.

>> But it is the best solution! <<

Marcel had to grin. >> You are probably not a realist. Nobody will take in such children, almost nobody. Maybe you and a few others, but that's about it. As Bernd said, these children also have problems. I admit I wouldn't take one and you Bernd? <<

The social worker thought for a moment. >> I have a lot of work to do with people like that, so I don't do that privately. <<

Marcel turned to Alexander. >> Would you include one. << But he could have saved this question, because the answer was already clear.

>> I would not only record one, but quite a few. I think what Jürgen said is correct. The suggestion is good, only the people are all too selfish. <<

>> Exactly, everyone finds a different excuse not to have to take one. One has too little time, the other does not know about children, yet another has a too small apartment. Excuses can be found quickly. I personally find it just sad. <<

Bernd intervened again. >> Do you think your book will change the situation or attitude of society? <<

Jürgen looked at him and became thoughtful. >> I know what they are aiming for, they are certainly right, nothing will change. Therefore I write it anyway. <<

"We'll be in Omsk soon!" Said Marcel. >> I will leave you two. But it was an interesting time with you. <<

Jürgen rose. >> I also have to get out, get a newspaper. You have to stay up to date. <<

>> How far do you go? <<

>> To Irkutsk Pass <<, answer Jürgen. >> Are you staying in Alexander? <<

>> No, I am pushing my feet a bit outside! <<

>> Then you are on the road for another day! <<

>> Yes, then get the equipment and continue. <<

Outside, Marcel quickly shook hands with both of them. >> So guys, I say goodbye for a moment, I hate goodbyes. Have a pleasant journey and good luck to you both with your book Jürgen! <<

>> Thanks, I can use that. << Actually, the author wanted to say more, but Marcel was already turning.

>> I'm going to get my newspaper now, we have a longer stay, so I don't have to hurry. Just don't run too far from the train, in twenty minutes you will continue! <<

>> No, I'm staying here <<

The front locomotive was disconnected. This was now driving on a siding. The rear cars were also detached. If the train continued afterwards, the locomotive would come back from the siding and continue with the remaining cars to Mongolia.

There were also a lot of women here who offered things. Alexander bought a couple of homemade cookies and a liter of milk, so he wanted to surprise Jürgen afterwards.

Towards evening and on the second day, they finally sat in the dining car for the first time. They had missed the first evening.

The dining car had been better attended, but since there were few tourists, the number of visitors was limited today. >> Choose what you want to eat. I just see on the menu that the schnitzel has it, I'll take it! <<

>> You can tell that you are German! <<, stated his friend.

Jürgen had to grin. >> And what are you taking? <<

>> I'm taking fish! <<

>> You can tell you're Russian! << Now they both had to laugh. The waitress came. At least you didn't have to wait long.

"Have you made up your mind yet?" She asked.

When she took her order, she ran to the next table.

>> For a long time this will probably be the last time that we eat so noble. <<

Alexander was almost embarrassed. >> I am glad that you are there and I do not value so much luxury. I just wanted to see what a dining car looks like. <<

>> Have you never been in one? <<

>> No, when I was little we never left and I couldn't with my grandma, she didn't have much money. Even train travel was a luxury. <<

>> By the way, your ticket was cheaper, I had to pay a tourist surcharge. They also take it from the living. <<

>> Thank you for paying mine! <<

>> I had to, otherwise you couldn't come. I also have no desire to spend the evenings in Siberia alone. <<

>> You don't have to anymore. I'm here! <<

>> When I think about my life, I was mostly alone most of the time. I've always told myself that it would be good as an author. But in reality I would have been happy to have some company. <<

>> I was always alone except for Sergej, even when I lived at home. My parents just drank, it wasn't nice there. <<

>> I can imagine that. Have you been hit often? <<

>> It went. If he drank too much it would happen. Then at some point I ran away. In my dreams I always imagined myself killing him. You can't imagine that now? <<

>> Then it must have been bad for you. <<

>> Yes, on the street at least I didn't have to be afraid of him anymore. But before other things. <<

>> We have a lot of time in Siberia and you will also learn a lot from me. In any case, we won't run out of topics to talk about so quickly. <<

At that moment the waitress came with the food.

>> That looks good! <<, Jürgen said. Then he looked at Alexander's plate. >> I think fish would have been better, it looks really delicious. <<

>> And I would rather have schnitzel! <<

>> That's a good thing, then we just swap! << Both had to laugh. So the plates wandered around. >> Did you actually know that everything was freshly prepared on this train. <<

>> Really, I didn't know that! <<

After dinner, Jürgen ordered two glasses of champagne. >> We can treat ourselves to celebrating the day! <<, he said.

>> Look outside! A beautiful sunset! <<

They were both fascinated. >> A beautiful landscape and this wonderful sunset that fits! Let and toast! <<

>> On what? <<

>> On you and me and on Siberia! <<

They were back in their compartment twenty minutes later.

>> Thanks again Jürgen for this nice evening! <<

>> Yes, we hope that we will also have many wonderful evenings in our new home. But I'm pretty sure about that! <<

>> I bought milk and cookies beforehand, as a snack for the night. <<

>> It was a good idea, but unfortunately I am not allowed to drink milk. Well, a glass, but nothing more. <<

>> Why? <<

>> Because otherwise I have to run to the toilet all the time! <<

>> Sorry, I didn't know that! <<

>> You don't have to thank and apologize all the time. What belongs to me belongs to you too. We just share everything. You couldn't know about the milk, so there's nothing to apologize for! <<

>> Unfortunately I have nothing that I can share with you. <<

>> Your company is worth to me as all the money in the world. <<

At that moment there was a knock and the train attendant handed over the nightwear. They hadn't used it yesterday, but today they would open the beds.

When Alexander was later in bed, he thought about many things. What would she expect in Siberia? What did your new home look like? It was all so exciting and new for him. Soon he would know more. But he didn't regret meeting Jürgen!

Sergei couldn't fall asleep. Somehow his head was still sniffing from the glue, he just wasn't used to it anymore. >> Alexander, are you asleep already? <<

Only now did he remember that he was alone. Maybe a miracle happened and he would still find his friend. One should never give up hope! It was so quiet, there was no sound. Someone else was awake too. It was this stray dog, he is doing his round again!

Continue Reading to The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 15) END