Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 5)

Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 5)

 

Sergei

"Damn it!" Sergei swore. He was ankle deep in the snow. It was snowing all night long and there was no end to the snowfall in sight. He had to be careful, the paper bag shouldn't get wet. Inside were four rolls that he had bought a few minutes ago from a nearby bakery. In the supermarket the rolls were cheaper, but the nearest market was too far away. He hopped up to free his legs from the snow. If it didn't stop snowing soon, you wouldn't be able to get through. Another five meters, then it was finally done! Sergei paid every meter. "Five, four, three, two, one, done!" Again he looked up at the sky. "Snow, snow, snow and more snow," he muttered thoughtfully before disappearing into the house.

Alexander had just woken up. He was still tired rubbing the sand out of his eyes. Then he looked around. Where was he? The memory came back slowly. It was thanks to Sergei that he was still alive. But where was Sergei? Surely somewhere on the street again. Too bad he had at least been able to say goodbye to him. What time was it? A look at his watch not only revealed the time, but also reminded him of Igor. A crack now ran across the glass! That must have happened when that shit Igor kicked him. Everything still hurt. Fortunately there was no mirror here, he didn't want to know what he looked like now. What bad people there were. He was no longer rich either! These pigs took all the money from him.

At that moment the door opened. Alexander started briefly, then smiled across his face. It was Sergei!

>> Good morning! <<, said this friendly. >> Are you feeling better again? <<

"I'm a little freezing," said Alexander.

The little boy looked around. Unfortunately the room was completely empty. In some cellars there were sometimes old blankets. Here you searched in vain. >> Too bad we don't have a blanket. Did you like my coat? <<

>> No, let it go, it'll be fine! << Sergei lifted the paper bag up. >> Look, I bought bread! << With these words he sat down next to Alexander and handed him the tutel. The latter took out a bun and looked at it. >> They're fresh! << said the boy. >> If you wanted to go home you have to hurry, otherwise everything will be snowed over. <<

"Home," repeated Alexander thoughtfully. Then he looked at the little one. >> Unfortunately I have no home! No house, no apartment, no room! <<

Sergei also became thoughtful and put the bun aside. >> I don't have a home either! <<

Alexander remembered yesterday. >> You said yesterday that you made a decision. What did you mean by that? <<

>> I was looking for a nice person to stay with. And while I continued walking yesterday, I thought about it. So I chose you. You can't find someone dearer than you. So I ran back. << Alexander started to say something, but the little boy cut him off. >> It doesn't matter if you don't have an apartment, I don't mind. <<

>> If only it were that. Unfortunately I have no more money. These pigs took everything away from me yesterday. I'm practically a poor mouse. You should look for someone who has money and an apartment. Unfortunately I don't have both. <<

"I said I don't mind!" Replied Sergei. Then he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out the money. >> Take it here, I don't need it! <<

He shook his head. >> No, I gave it to you. Keep it! <<

The boy looked at him sadly and as he took Alexander's hand he asked. >> May I stay with you? <<

Alexander didn't know what to say now. Just send the boy away? No, he didn't have the heart. As he thought about it, the boy added something else. "And I have no one else." He felt Sergei's hand tighten.

1 >> Well, you can stay with me! But it won't be easy. <<

"We both can do it!" Said Sergei, smiling and patting him on the shoulder.

>> Where did you live before? <<

"In the home and in front of it with my grandma until she died.", The little boy replied and took the second bread roll.

"And you ran away from the home?" Unfortunately, Sergei couldn't answer because there was a quarter of the bun in his mouth, so he just nodded. >> I understand! How is it there in the home? , Alexander wanted to know. For the answer, however, he had to wait until Sergei had swallowed everything.

>> Not already. The older boys steal and beat up the younger children. Those who work there don't really care about you. They only do it because they get money for it. Sometimes parents came and chose a child. But they all just wanted babies. There are no new parents there. <<

Alexander suddenly trembled all over.

"What about you?" Asked Sergei worriedly and put his hand on his shoulder.

"I think I have chills," he replied in syllables. The little boy got up. >> Come on, lie down! <<

Sergei took off his coat and covered his new friend with it. Then he took Alexander's hat off and put it under his head. Beads of sweat ran down his forehead. The little boy took out a handkerchief and wiped it gently. Then he put his hand on his forehead, it felt hot. His whole body was still trembling. >> You have a fever! Shouldn't I better get a doctor? <<

>> No, I have no more money. <<

Sergei took out a bill. >> But I have some! <<

>> You shouldn't spend that on me. It's yours! <<

The boy waved it off. >> Nonsense! What belongs to me belongs to you too. We want to share everything with each other. <<

>> Wait a minute, it will be better soon. <<

So Sergei sat down again with his friend and stroked his head.

Suddenly he was torn from his thoughts. Alexander had straightened up and spoke. >> Yes, I'm coming soon! When is the food ready? Roast goose is good. << Sergei was startled and shook him. "What's going on?" He shouted. >> Alexander! Alexander! << This continued to talk confused stuff. He fantasized! Sergei panicked, what should he do? It didn't look good for his friend. He only came up with a solution, he urgently needed a doctor! So he had to go and get a doctor, otherwise his friend might die. He quickly took the coat and then turned to Alexander again. He was still babbling confused stuff. He shook it again. >> Listen, I'm going to get a doctor now, you have a severe fever. Don't go out for heaven's sake! Did you hear? << Alexander looked at him briefly, then continued talking. Sergei straightened up and took the money out of his coat. >> Hopefully that'll be enough. << At the door he turned again. >> I'll be back as soon as possible, please stay here! << With these last words he left the basement.

Snow was still falling. His footprints from this morning were long gone. Nevertheless, in some places where he had run it was not quite as high. He waded through the snow as fast as he could. Snow came through the boots, but he didn't care at that moment. He had to find a doctor as soon as possible. Hopefully Alexander wouldn't go outside? Another reason to hurry up. It was finally on the sidewalk. At least here was cleared. The piles of snow on the side increased. At the traffic lights there was a woman with a little girl. Sergei ran towards them. >> Excuse me, can you tell me where I can find a doctor here? << The woman pointed to the other side of the street. >> You see, this is Doctor Tamar, he's locking up. If you hurry you can still reach him! <<

"Thank you very much!" Replied Sergei gently. Now he had to wait until the traffic light switched. It came to him! He ran across the street as fast as he could.

Düssel? There was another year of work ahead of him! For the next winter vacation he would close his practice forever and retire. But now it was vacation. He wanted to spend the next three weeks with his wife on their little dacha, outside Moscow. The right key was finally found when a child's voice sounded behind him!

"Are they expensive?" Asked Sergei.

Doctor Tamar turned. "What do you mean?" He asked back gently.

"I don't have that much money." He pulled the money out of his coat pocket and held it out to him. >> Is that enough? <<

>> I'm sorry, but I've already closed! <<

>> But it's an emergency, my friend has a high fever. You have to come quickly! <<

>> Of course that's different. Put your money back in. Is it far from here? <<

>> Fifteen minutes on foot. <<

He pointed to the VW Golf. >> We take my car. Wait there, I'll just get my bag quickly. <<

They had arrived in front of the old demolition house four minutes later. Sergei pointed to the snowy back yard. >> Over there, we have to go through the snow! <<

Daniel Tamar scratched his head >> Oh dear, what you don't do for your patients. Then we want one! << Twice he slipped. He wasn't the youngest anymore, and not exactly someone you could call slim. This was also due to his wife Ludmilla, with her good cooking skills. The house was finally reached. He let the boy run in front of him, because he knew his way around better than he did. They walked slowly down the stairs. The little boy opened the door. Alexander was still sitting there, but was not talking. >> Before he fantasized. I brought a doctor with me! <<, he then turned to Alexander. But this did not respond. Doctor Tamar went up to him and felt his cheeks and forehead. Then he opened his bag and took out a thermometer.

>> He has bruises everywhere. How did that happen to them? <<

>> Yesterday, very bad people beat him up. Then I called the militia, << he replied.

>> Yes, it gets worse here every day. Sad that there are people like that. Your friend has a high fever, we have to get the fever down. Get out quickly and get some snow. Sergei just nodded and ran upstairs. He ran around the house looking for a suitable container. Fortunately, he quickly found what he was looking for. In a room that must have once served as a kitchen, he found an old iron bucket. He nodded contentedly, grabbed it and ran outside. He filled it with snow with both hands. After the bucket was half full, he nodded again. That was enough for now! With great strides he ran back down. His friend was back in the meantime. >> So young man, you are challenged tonight. Now and then rub his face with snow so that the fever goes down! << Then he took a box of tablets from his pocket. >> I'm going to give him two of those. I leave the rest here, give him two in the morning, at noon and in the evening. Until he feels better again. Do you have something to drink, I can hardly give him the pills? <<

>> No, unfortunately not, but I can get cups and something to drink quickly. <<

>> You certainly don't have a blanket either. Anyway, I don't see any here. <<

>> No, I've already looked around. Should I organize things quickly? <<

The doctor waved it off. >> No let it go. I'll come back later and bring you something to drink and some blankets. He can't lie here like this. <<

Sergei pulled out the money again. >> Here! <<

Daniel Tamar smiled and took Sergej's hands, which clutched the money. >> Let it go! Keep your money. I was no longer on duty, so the treatment is free and now take care of your friend! << The little boy went to Alexander and rubbed his forehead with some snow. Daniel watched for a moment, then went to the door. >> I'll be back in about an hour! Take care of him! << Sergei turned to him. >> I will definitely do that! <<

When Daniel was back in the car and started driving, he thought about the two of them. It was just touching how the little boy looked after his friend. They were poor people. Such people really didn't have much. He would never forgive himself for taking the money. But there were already colleagues who wouldn't raise a finger without money. He had arrived at his apartment a few minutes later.

His wife seems to be busy cooking in the kitchen. It smelled of roasts. When he entered he saw her sitting at the table and peeling potatoes.

>> Hello darling! <<, he greeted her.

>> Hello Daniel, you are only half an hour away from eating. My sister stopped me on the phone again. When she speaks you can no longer speak. She told me again for two hours. <<

"Oh dear, poor one!" He regretted her and sat down in the chair next to her.

"You can say that out loud and what was the last day like?" She asked, placing the peeled potatoes in a sieve.

>> Well, I almost said as usual. But just as I was about to lock up, one of these street kids came and said his friend was sick if I could help. He led me to a demolition house. His friend was in the basement with a high fever. In the end the little boy wanted to give me his last money to pay me. <<

His wife smiled at him. >> Let me guess, of course you didn't accept it. <<

>> No, I would never forgive myself for taking money from poor people. <<

Ludmilla kissed his forehead. >> You have a good heart and you are a fine person! That's why I married you forty years ago. <<

>> I have to go back again. They have neither something to drink, nor a blanket. <<

His wife got up and patted him on the shoulder. >> Wait, I'll see what I can do without. << With hasty steps she ran into the hall and opened the closet. She pulled out two blankets and looked at them. Yes, they were still good!

Meanwhile, Daniel looked for paper cups in the kitchen and took two bottles of cola and mineral water from the storage room. The cola was always there when his grandchildren came. He and his wife didn't drink anything like that. Then he got a small, blue plastic wash basket and put everything in it. Just as he was about to go to the door with the basket, Ludmilla stuck her head out of the kitchen. >> Wait, I baked a braid this morning. I cut a few slices and pack them up for the two. <<

>> You are lovely, thank you! <<

Sergei turned around, startled. It was Daniel Tamar! >> Oh sorry, I forgot to knock. <<

>> It's not bad. <<, the little one only means.

Daniel Tamar turned around and brought the basket in. >> So here I have two blankets. One for you and one for your friend! <<

Sergei grabbed one and covered his friend gently with it. >> Now he's at least warm already. <<

>> Here are two bottles of cola and a mineral water! My wife Ludmilla put in a few slices of her famous braid. Nobody does it better than them. <<

Sergei looked up at him. >> Thank you for everything! <<

>> Let's see how our friend is doing. <<, with these words he ran to Alexander's sleeping place. >> What is your friend's name? <<

>> Alexander and my name is Sergej! <<, answered the boy.

>> Hello Alexander, how are you now? <<

Sergei was afraid that his friend was going to rummage again. But this time reasonable answers came. "It could be better," he said softly.

Daniel took out the thermometer again. >> The temperature is a bit down, that doesn't look too bad. Give me the mineral water and a cup, Sergej! <<, he asked.

The latter pulled a paper cup from the basket, opened the bottle and poured the drink. Then he handed Daniel the mug.

>> Great boy, everything ready to go. You notice where it is missing. Alexander you can be proud to have such a good friend. << Alexander nodded and smiled at Sergei.

The latter smiled back. >> Everything will be fine, Alexander! <<

This wanted to say something, but it was difficult for him to speak. The doctor went on talking. >> Now please take two of the tablets. I told your friend when to take it. Here is another ointment for your face! Then it will heal better! << Alexander took the two tablets and washed them down with a sip of water. Then he lay down again.

The doctor looked at his pocket watch. >> So, I have to go now, my dear Ludmilla is waiting for me with dinner. I should already greet you from her! <<

>> Thank you, greet your wife from us too! << said Sergei. Then he took Daniel's hand and pressed it firmly. A tear ran down his cheek. >> You are a lovely person! Thank you for everything, God bless you. <<

Daniel Tamar smiled again and pulled out a card. >> You never know, maybe he will. Here is my card! When we are back from our dacha in three weeks, you are welcome to visit us. You are always welcome. Now I have to go! All the best to you both, may God always protect you! << With these last words he left the house on fourteenth street. But he was remembered for a long time.

After the doctor was gone, he looked at Alexander. He was already asleep. Little Sergei bent over him and stroked his hair lightly. >> Sleep well! << Then he went outside. It was no longer snowing. He looked up at the sky. There were no clouds in the sky anymore, but you could see the stars twinkling. "That's it, so many stars!" When it started to freeze, he went back into the house. He slowly groped his way down. There was no electricity at the top, only in the basement.

Sergei was now feeling slightly hungry. After all, breakfast was several hours ago. Then he remembered the braid again. Ludmilla had wrapped it in nice Christmas paper. She seemed like a nice woman. Then he took a mug and poured himself some mineral water. He actually would have preferred a Coke, but firstly the braid was certainly sweet and secondly he couldn't otherwise fall asleep. He carefully took a piece and divided it. Raisins were also baked. That looked delicious! He bit off just as carefully. Indeed, the yeast braid was delicious. The doctor was right, this Ludmilla made the best braid. Sometimes there was braid in the home, but it didn't taste particularly good. This one was ten times better. The ceiling fell into his perspective. Finally he could cover himself up! When he had finished eating, he wrapped the remaining slices back in the nice paper, ran to the door and turned the light switch to the right. The light went out. Sergei lay down next to Alexander and covered himself. Then he snuggled up close to his friend. "You'll be much better tomorrow." He whispered, stroking his hair again. At last he had found that dear person he always wanted. Now he would never part with him again. He fell asleep with a smile on his face. That night Sergei was the happiest person in town!

Continue Reading to The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 6)