Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 12)

Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 12)

CHAPTER 12

The Trip

It was getting light. Where was he? He looked to the right, an empty hospital bed. So he could only be in the hospital! >> Crap! <<, berate Sergei. His hand reached up, a bandage was wrapped around his head, and the right foot was in plaster. An infusion needle hung in the left arm, the tube led up to a stand where a bag was filled with some transparent contents. Now the memory came back. The car that came up to him and then everything went black.

A door opened and a nurse came in. She looked over at him briefly before running out of the room. >> Doctor, he's awake! <<

What was so special about it? Sergei didn't understand that.

A man in a white coat, followed by the nurse, came in and came to his bed. "How are you, Sergei?" Asked the man.

>> Thank you. When can I get out, I have to go to Alexander? <<

The man waved it off. >> Everything with calm. First of all, the plaster must go down. You were very lucky. Skull base fracture and a complicated leg fracture. We had to operate on one leg. It's a little shorter now, which means you'll have small restrictions on running, but better than others where we had to lose all or part of it. You have been in a coma since you were admitted. But I think we can take off the plaster in a week and almost everything on the head has healed. As I said, you were very lucky. I'll be back tomorrow and we'll examine you one last time. << Then he turned to the nurse. >> You can take off the infusion tube, he can eat himself now. <<

As the doctor left the room, the woman removed the IV needle and dabbed some liquid on his arm. >> You were really lucky, next week we will notify the home that someone will come to pick you up. <<

>> Was Alexander there? <<, he wanted to know.

>> Who is Alexander? <<

>> He is taller than me and a little older, but very nice. <<

The sister had to smile. >> This is a good description! But as far as I know, nobody was here! <<

"Too bad!" Sighed the little one.

>> I'll bring you something to eat right away. <<

Sergei wondered if Alexander hadn't asked the home. Certainly! Maybe they lied to him there, so he didn't come. One thing was certain, he wouldn't wait for someone to come home. He had to be back in Moscow as soon as possible.

>> You are awake! <<

It was an old man a few beds away who was only now realizing it. They were the only two in the room, the other four beds were not occupied.

>> Yes, I was in a coma, the doctor told me. <<

>> And quite a long time, all of our tax money, for people like you! << The man took an apple. >> My wife brought it to me, she comes every day and visits me. <<

The sister came back into the room. In her hand a tray with a plate of soup. >> So here, so that you can regain your strength! << She put the tray down on the bedside table.

"You're going to be X-rayed right away!", She turned to the man.

>> I always have to take my wallet with me now. <<

"Can you eat alone?" She asked him.

Sergei nodded. >> It'll be fine! <<

When the man wanted to leave the room, my Sergei: >> I won't take anything from anyone!

>> If you know it, you can say a lot. <<

Asshole, thought the little one.

Alexander limped back into the kitchen. Fetched a loaf of bread from the small kitchen cupboard and covered the slices with butter and jam.

>> You are already awake? <<, wondered Jürgen, who stuck his head into the kitchen, drowsy.

>> I couldn't sleep anymore! The tea is ready right away! <<

>> Then I go to the bathroom and freshen up, somehow I don't really feel awake. <<

Alexander continued to spread bread while Jürgen shuffled into the bathroom. Nevertheless, his thoughts were back with his little friend Sergei. How he missed him. Sure, Jürgen was nice, but he was used to Sergei. For a moment he was close to tears again. How must his friend have died. Halt !, no! It was better not to know, otherwise his pain might be even greater than he already was.

The author only did a cat wash today. Two minutes of laundry to be precise. When he passed the kitchen he noticed Alexander's sadness. "Come into the room and let's talk!" He said.

Alexander came and took a seat on his regular sofa. Jürgen waited for him to tell what was troubling him, but he couldn't get a syllable out.

>> Is it because of your friend? <<

Alexander nodded. >> I always have to think of him. <<

>> I can understand that. You may have many friends in life, but you rarely have really good friends. <<

>> Do you have a good friend? <<

Jürgen was not prepared for the question. >> You know, I don't have much time for friendships. I work twelve hours and more every day. <<

>> I think everyone needs company. When I didn't know Sergei, I was always alone. In any case, it wasn't great. That's why I was happy when he was there. His simple manner. He always said, my dear Alexander. << Now he had to grin at it himself.

>> You know, life goes on even now that it's no longer there. <<

>> I know, but I still can't forget him. <<

>> I wanted to suggest something to you today because I'll move on tomorrow. <<

"Move on?" Repeated Alexander.

>> Yes, I want to go to Siberia. <<

It hit him like a blow now. Great, then he was back on the street. He definitely wanted to give him some money and feed him off like that. He ran out of the room angrily.

>> Wait, I wanted to ask you if you don't want to come with me? <<

Alexander already had the handle of the apartment door in his hand. Now he let go of her. >> You want me to come with you? <<

Jürgen was already in the hallway and was almost embarrassed. >> I would be very happy if you said yes. <<

>> If you would like to have me with you, I would like to come I have nothing to lose here. <<

>> I didn't want anyone to be there better than you! << There was a pause. >> I will delete the crap and write something completely different. <<

"What then?" Asked Alexander.

>> I will write a book about you and Sergei. <<

That surprised him now. >> About me and Sergej? <<

>> Exactly! What you have experienced. It will surely interest readers. <<

Jürgen looked around. >> Where can we find the clothing department here? <<

"On the second floor!" Replied Alexander.

>> Have you ever been here? <<

>> One time is good. I've been here quite often. Especially on cold winter days, because it is so nice and warm here. <<

He led the author unerringly to a stand on which jackets and coats hung.

>> Choose what you want, you need things to change. <<

Alexander looked at the floor, which was not what he wanted.

>> What is it? <<, Jürgen wondered.

>> I don't like that you are spending a lot of money on me now. I can never pay you back. <<

>> Do you want to freeze in winter? Now choose something! <<

>> Good, but only the cheapest! <<

The author wanted to say something, then preferred to leave it, otherwise the discussion would start over.

Anton opened the door. A note was on the floor. So Jürgen had left him a message.

We are shopping, could you come over to us tonight, we have something important to tell you. Thank you, Jürgen!

>> The two won't marry! << the train driver joked with himself. He couldn't think about anything else, because in half an hour he had shunting service.

Alexander tried on the new jeans. >> It looks nice! <<, he said when he looked in the mirror.

>> Our neighbor will be there soon. Then I have to finish the bread. << The author just covered the second slice of bread with butter. There would be some cheese and sausage bread, plus a pot of tea. At that moment the doorbell rang. >> Heaven, it will be and I'm not done yet! <<

Alexander opened the door. >> Come in! Jürgen quickly makes some bread. <<

>> He doesn't have to worry about me, I'm not that important. <<

So the two took a seat in the living room. >> What is so important now that you have to tell me? << asked Anton curiously.

At that moment Jürgen came in with a tray of bread and a pot of hot tea. >> So, help yourself! I'll make more bread afterwards! << Then he turned to Anton. >> We will travel to Siberia tomorrow. Today is our last evening here, so we are now saying goodbye. <<

Anton opened his mouth, but, utterly surprised, couldn't utter a word.

>> I know this is surprising, but I've had the plan for a long time. Can you do me one last favor? <<

>> Can I cut you off. << All three had to laugh.

>> Here in the envelope is the rent, you can give it to the landlord. I wanted to do that today, but she is with her sister for a week, at least that's what it says on the blackboard below. <<

>> Of course, I like to do that for you. <<

>> Before we leave tomorrow, I throw the keys in her mailbox. So I don't need to wake her up so early. There are some groceries in the fridge, I'll pack them up too, it would be a shame if they broke. <<

Anton was in a slightly sad mood now. >> It's a shame they go. I always enjoyed their evening conversations and got used to them. <<

>> Yes, I will also miss them. But it was always my dream to see Siberia. <<

>> I can understand that. Alexander, are you looking forward to it? <<

So far he had been silent and listened to the two of them carefully. Was he looking forward to it? Yes, he was no longer alone. It was someone in his life again that made sense. >> I am very happy to see something new. I am no longer alone, Jürgen is there. <<

Anton smiled. >> You see, that's what I meant then! <<

The author didn't quite understand. "What do you mean?" He asked as he poured himself again.

His neighbor grinned and looked at Alexander, then at him. >> It's a thing between the two of us, it was a personal conversation. <<

>> I understand! <<

So the three chatted all evening. It was the last evening in this house!

The bandage had been taken from him yesterday, and somebody should come and pick him up tomorrow. If they thought he was so stupid and would wait here, they'd been badly wrong.

It was the middle of the night when Sergei sneaked out of the room. The light was on in the hallway. He looked through the window, the sister who was on night duty sat there and left a novel. Sergei quickly ducked and crept past the window. In any case, he couldn't use the main entrance, it was always locked from eight o'clock. In addition, there was always someone at the front desk. There was an opportunity to investigate everything last night. The best way to get out of here was the small storage room, which was located on the ground floor. He quickly limped down the stairs. Fortunately, the room was right next to the stairs. The door was not locked. The room was used as a laundry room. Here doctors and nurses picked up their smocks and aprons. The little boy opened the window carefully. It was important not to make any noise. Only a few seconds, then he was outside. Relieved by the job, Sergei breathed in the fresh night air. Now it was time to get to the main road as quickly as possible!

Just like his friend, he now stood on the main road and waited for a driver to take him with him. Fortunately, Sergei didn't have to wait as long as his friend, a VW Golf, was holding. The little boy opened the door. >> Are you going to Moscow? <<

The young woman looked him up and down. "What are you doing on the street so late?" She wondered.

>> I have to go to Moscow! Are you going there? <<

>> Do your parents know what you are doing? <<, she asked a counter question.

>> I no longer have parents, just my good friend Alexander, and I want to go to that now! <<

>> And he lives in Moscow? <<

>> He lives there, he doesn't have an apartment. <<

>> Oh, you're street kids. <<

>> Yes, are you going there now? <<

The young woman nodded. >> Get on board, I can't leave you here! <<

>> Thank you, that's nice of you! <<, he thanked himself and took a seat in the passenger seat.

>> Please buckle up! <<

This woman was very certain, Sergei thought.

>> I'm driving at night now, only visited my parents. I have to be back at university tomorrow. <<

>> Oh! << said the little one. >> And there you study? <<

>> Yes exactly! <<

>> And what are you studying there? <<

>> Art history. <<

>> I don't know art history. It's definitely very boring. <<

The woman had to smile. >> Certainly for you! << She thought the little boy was just cute. >> Then what do you do all day? <<

>> It is different, mostly we talk. If we have money we always go to the cafe. If we don't have one, we search the containers and garbage cans for food. <<

The woman often saw such children in front of some food stalls and supermarkets in the city. But she had never thought about her before. They were just there. Most of them were also very dirty. Not a pretty sight.

>> And where do you sleep? <<

>> Is also different. Sometimes in basements or the sewage system when it is very cold, but it always stinks like that! <<

>> Oh god, in the sewers. I don't understand why the city doesn't do anything. Wouldn't you prefer to go to a home? <<

>> No, it sucks. Not nice there! <<

The car slowed. >> What's going on now? <<, the student wondered. A look at the fuel gauge gave her the answer. >> Crap, all the gasoline. I wanted to fill up this afternoon, then something came up. Stay in the car, I'm just putting up the warning triangle! <<

It was crap indeed, now he would arrive in Moscow later. His friend was certainly sad and had been looking for him everywhere. >> I'll be back with you soon, my dear Alexander! <<

>> Did you say anything? << The woman was back.

>> No, I was just thinking out loud. <<

>> The nearest gas station is ten kilometers from here. <<

>> We can stop someone who gives us gasoline. <<

>> If someone stops, but you see yourself, hardly anyone on the move, it is three in the morning. <<

So both left the car and made their way to the next gas station. Now the young woman noticed his limp too. >> How did that happen? <<

>> I was hit by a car. That's why I was here in the hospital. <<

The student wanted to know more. So little Sergei told her everything. How he got to know Alexander, from the gang, over Christmas and, and, and.

The petrol station was finally reached around five o'clock, but unfortunately closed!

The student ran behind the house. >> You, there is a bell, they have to live above the gas station. <<

>> But they won't be happy if they get them out of bed now. <<

>> We can't wait here forever, I have to be at a lecture at nine o'clock. <<

A man stuck his head out above. >> Know what time it is! <<

Sergei looked up. >> We run out of gas! <<

The woman was now at the front again. >> My car is on the main road! <<

The man really wasn't pleased. >> Well, I'm coming down! <<

However, it took five minutes before he stood in front of them dressed. >> Had to put something on me. I will drive her to her car when it is further. <<

>> Yes, ten kilometers from here. <<

Jürgen and Alexander got out of the taxi. The driver took her two small suitcases out of the trunk. Later they would pack all of that in backpacks and buy a tent. While Jürgen paid, Alexander took one of the suitcases. Since both looked the same, he didn't know if he had the right one now, but it didn't matter at the moment. >> I'm looking forward to the train journey. <<

>> Yes, the Trans-Siberian Express is very well known. Also the first time where I go with him. << So the two ran into the station hall.

A few seconds later a VW Golf stopped in front of the hall. Sergei got out. >> Thank you for taking it with you! <<

>> Not to thank, the student smiled. Take care of yourself! Do you know where your friend is? <<

>> No, but I will find him already! <<

>> Yes definitely! I wish you the best of luck and all the best! <<

The Trans-Siberian Express was already on the track when the two entered the platform. >> It's a good thing we did it. Better too early than too late. We'll be on the train for a few days, << said the author.

>> A few days? <<

"Yes, Siberia is a bit bigger than Moscow." He joked.

>> Hello you two! << The voice was that of his neighbor. Both beamed at him. >> I just wanted to say goodbye to you and wish you a good trip. <<

>> But that's nice. <<, said Jürgen.

>> Well, I owe it to my best neighbor. I think it's time! << He shook hands with both of them. >> I wish you all the luck in the world! <<

"So do we!" Replied Alexander.

"I almost forgot!" He rummaged in his coat pocket and took out a package. >> A small farewell gift from me, so that you don't forget me, but only open it on the train! <<

"Thank you!" Both replied at the same time and then went to the conductor. The latter checked their tickets and assigned them to the seats. Alexander looked at the window. >> See, your neighbor is still there! <<

>> Yes, he will wait until the train leaves. <<

Alexander opened the window. A locomotive passed them on the other track.

Anton screamed up at him. >> You get a second locomotive, the train is very long, therefore! <<

>> Aha! <<, he said only.

Jürgen, who had stowed the suitcases, now also looked out. The car shook briefly. Since they were in the first car, the engine could be heard with the window open. >> Let's see if the train is on time. <<

"Don't worry, he's always on time!" His neighbor roared up.

>> Another minute! <<, my Jürgen excited.

>> That you Germans always have to be so precise. <<

Jürgen smiled. >> We have that in our blood! <<

The hand of the station clock jumped on and the engine, the locomotive in front of them, started. The long train started a few seconds later.

>> I didn't say it! << Anton waved to them again.

Jürgen and Alexander also waved until they could no longer see Anton. And somewhere in Moscow a little boy was limping around desperately looking for his best friend.

Oh yes, it will be the last trip for Jürgen, but only a woman named Galina would know that in a few hours!

Continue Reading to The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 13)