Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 13)

Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 13)

 

CHAPTER 13

Siberia 1 (Part 1)

Alexander closed the window. Meanwhile, Jürgen looked at the schedule. >> We will be in Yaroslavl in four hours! <<

>> I'm so hungry, Jürgen! <<

>> There will certainly not be anything in the dining car yet. Normally, the train does not leave Moscow until half past three in the afternoon, but apparently there is some track work. <<

>> But here it smells like food! I'll have a look! <<

"All right, but remember the compartment, not to get out with the wrong one afterwards!" Grinned the author.

>> Ha, ha, that's good! << He quickly pushed the door open and ran down the hall. Always after the smell. It came from the compartment next to it and he couldn't believe his eyes. A woman had an alcohol stove and was just rolling out the dough. Next to it is a bag of minced meat. He quickly ran back. >> You have to see that! <<

The author started up, startled. >> Does it burn? <<

>> No, but come with me! <<

The woman was just about to cut the dough. To do this, she took a round glass. >> You see, she's cooking in the compartment! <<

>> Certainly they'll be Pelmeni, I've already eaten them, but I'm making them. These are sure to taste better! <<

>> I would like to ask if she sells us some. <<

Jürgen, who had already taken the train before, knew of course that some passengers brought their meals with them. >> You know, most of them are too expensive in the dining car, so they bring things with them or they cook it on the train. <<

Now the woman had noticed the two and opened the door. She was about thirty, slim, and had long black hair. >> Hello, I hope the smell doesn't bother you. <<, she said kindly.

Jürgen looked at the Pelmeni. >> No, but my friend here brought this to my attention. He is hungry, that's why. <<

>> Excuse me, where's the Russian hospitality, come in. Of course he gets some, in a few minutes they will be finished! You will of course not go empty-handed either! <<

>> I once had some, but they were finished, I'm sure your taste a lot better! <<

>> My father has never complained before, so they will definitely be good. Are they both tourists? <<

Alexander shook his head.

>> Your friend doesn't speak much? <<

>> My stomach is rumbling! <<

The woman had to laugh >> Just a few minutes, then he doesn't growl! <<

Jürgen tried to answer her question. >> I speak with a foreign accent, but we are not here as tourists. I am writing my new book in Siberia. <<

>> Oh, how interesting, a writer! From the accent they sound like they're German. <<

>> Indeed, that's me! <<

>> They speak Russian very well. <<

>> They embarrass me a bit, but I've been learning their language for a long time. It would be bad if nothing got stuck. <<

Jürgen's friend was amazed. She even pulled out two plates and there was also the matching cutlery.

>> I sell clothes, see them up there! << She pointed to the shelf. >> There are always a lot of tourists here. One or the other lady likes to buy something from me. Only today there are hardly any tourists on the train because it runs earlier than usual. <<

>> Yes, I know. But an advantage for us, then we'll be there earlier. <<

With a practiced hand and a fork, she took some pelmeni from the boiling water bath and put them on the plates.

>> Not so many! << complained Jürgen. >> We don't want to eat everything away from them. <<

>> They don't, I'll do some more afterwards. Your hungry friend gets the first plate! <<

The latter immediately thanked him and shoved the first mouth bag into his mouth to spit it out immediately. >> Sorry, they're hot! <<

The other two laughed.

"This is how it happens when you can't wait!" Said his friend, patting him on the shoulder. She handed the second plate to Jürgen. After a minute of impatient waiting, Alexander tried his luck again. This time, however, he went about his work more carefully, only to find that these pelmeni were excellent. Jürgen also praised her. >> As I thought, they are much better than those from the supermarket. <<

"Do they often sell clothes on this train?" Asked the author as a new dumpling disappeared into his mouth.

>> Three days a week. I have three children at home who want to eat, and everything in Russia is so expensive today. <<

>> Not only there! <<

>> My husband was unfortunately a drunkard, like so many here. He hit the children and me often. One day, when he was getting vodka, I took suitcases and children and moved to Buj, where my father lives. There has been enough space in his house since my mother died. <<

>> I understand, and he takes care of the children when they work! <<

>> Right, I have nobody else who could do that. <<

After dinner, the two said goodbye and went back to their compartment. When they lingered on their seats again, Jürgen warned him. >> Next time we have to be more careful not to let someone steal our things while we walk around in the opposite. <<

>> That's right! Her pelmeni were not bad and she was nice too. <<

>> Who, the Maultaschen or the woman? <<

Alexander grimaced. >> The Maultaschen of course! <<

>> Now you made the joke. <<

>> I can do that as well as you. <<

The author stroked his hair. >> Now you look much better! <<

The train was on time and arrived at Yaroslavlner Bahnhof at 2 p.m. Numerous people were already standing on the platform. Jürgen was dozing off and his friend was watching the goings-on out there. There were old and younger women selling things. He had to take a closer look at that. He was supposed to tell Jürgen, but he didn't want to wake him up now. No sooner had he reached the platform than the train attendant came up to him. >> But we only have a five-minute stay here! <<, she informed him. >> I'll be back on time on the train! <<

He ran to an old woman sitting on a folding chair. Next to it was a small handcart that was empty. The two empty wooden boxes and a board, which was now used as a table, had surely been on it before. There were several mason jars with jam and pears on it. The old woman realized that he was interested in it. >> This is good jam. Freshly canned and not expensive at all. You won't get such a good one in the city! <<

>> What does a glass cost? <<

>> Forty rubles. <<

Alexander rummaged in his new jeans. Before the trip, Jürgen had given him some money so that he didn't always have to ask if he wanted something. What the woman didn't know, he didn't buy the jam because he needed it. Rather, the woman reminded him of his grandmother, who also sold jam at the market. This peasant woman, or what she was, certainly didn't have much and would certainly only get a small pension. The only reason he bought the glass was to help her with the money.

>> Here please! <<

>> You will get ten rubles out. <<

>> No, that's right! <<, said Alexander only and wanted to turn away.

>> Wait, you forgot your glass! <<

>> Oh yes! Which is the best jam. <<

>> Take the one with oranges, it's very good! <<

What was there with oranges! >> I will definitely like it, all the best! <<

He got on the train not a minute early. The train attendant already wanted to close the doors. His friend was already coming to meet him in the hallway. >> Where have you been? <<

>> I was just looking around outside. <<

>> Looking around is good, I see you bought jam. <<

>> Yes! << He pointed outside.

The old woman was just putting the things back in her handcart.

>> I bought it there. <<

>> Do we need them so badly? <<, the author wondered.

>> No, but she reminded me of my grandma, you know. <<

>> I understand! You have a good heart, you should always keep that. <<

The engines roared and the train started again. The train driver, who had brought her all the way to Yaroslavl, stood outside and waved one last time.

The two made themselves comfortable in their compartment again. "We're lucky," said Jürgen. >> If there were more tourists here, we would not be sitting alone in this compartment. <<

>> Yes, that's right! <<

Outside, small villages with their wooden houses and wooden fences passed them. Large and small forests and even a team of horses could be seen in one of the fields. When the train went into a curve, you could only really see how long the train really was. It was all new to Alexander, and he was happy as a little child, but then it became thoughtful. >> Too bad that Sergei can no longer see it, it's all so beautiful! <<

>> Yes, your country is a little bigger than ours. That doesn't make governing easier. <<

>> We haven't been in the dining car yet, shall we go there afterwards? <<

>> Yes, why not, it will be dinner time soon. <<

Some children ran up and down the hall. >> They also like the trip! <<, said Jürgen.

Tired and exhausted, Sergei dropped onto a park bench. A woman with a stroller was walking past him. >> Excuse me, can you tell me what time it is? Unfortunately I don't have a watch. <<

The woman shook her head. >> I'm sorry boy, I don't have any with me, but I guess it will be two o'clock in the morning. <<

>> Thank you! << He had arrived here around nine o'clock and could do some calculations, at least if Sergei took his fingers to help. The result was seven hours in which he was now looking for his friend. His search began in the cafe, but he hadn't been seen in months. Nothing would have happened to him? Maybe he had gone to another city? A hat full of sleep would do him good now, but he didn't want to afford this luxury, because there was a place where he could also be. With Vladimir's gang in the sewers, so Sergei made his way there. He limped out of the park.

The train stopped. Jürgen looked at the timetable. The train stays here a little longer. << Then he looked at the window. Again a lot of women who sold all sorts of things. >> Alexander, I go outside and take a look around. <<

>> I'm coming! <<, maybe we will find someone who sells jam.

His friend laughed. >> I think a pot is enough for now. If we were to buy one at each station, it would come together quite nicely. <<

As soon as they were out of the car, a woman came up to them and wanted to turn apples to them. The author took two of them and gave one of them to Alexander. So during the stay in Danilov there was at least a small snack and fruit was not known to be unhealthy.

"What are you staring at the apple for?" Wondered his older friend.

>> It doesn't look as beautiful as the one in the supermarket. <<

He patted him on the shoulder. >> Comfort yourself, they are healthier because they are not injected! <<

What Jürgen knew. Sometimes he felt stupid compared to him. But that was clear, he had only been in four classes at school and there, too, he had shone more through his absence.

>> I've never seen that before! <<

Now Alexander also looked at the booth in front of him, but didn't notice anything. >> The woman had already sold everything. <<

Jürgen smiled, the woman doesn't sell fruit or anything. Look at the sign next to it. In fact, next to it was a handwritten cardboard sign on the stand: FOR TWENTY-FIVE RUBLES, GALINA ALSO TALES YOUR FUTURE!

Alexander became curious. >> It would be interesting to know what awaits us. <<

Jürgen shrugged his shoulders. >> I have to confess, I don't believe in something like that. No one can predict the future! But if you want we can go there. <<

>> No, I've told you before that you don't have to spend money on me. After all, that costs twenty-five rubles. <<

>> Oh nonsense! If you want to know, we'll go, money or not. <<

Before he could reply, the author pulled him with him.

The woman had been watching the two of them all along. Somehow, old Galina knew they would come to their table. Only she didn't know her future!

>> Hello, me and my friend would like to know our future! <<

>> They made a good choice, there are so many charlatans, but the old Galina has the third eye! That makes fifty rubles! <<

In the money, she sure seemed to have the third eye, Jürgen thought, and took a few bills out of his wallet. The fortune teller looked at Alexander. >> Please open the two chairs and take a seat << Carefully she stowed the money in her box. The chairs looked pretty battered. So the two of them sat down cautiously, for fear things might collapse under their burden. >> Please give me your hand! <<, she asked the author. This looked a little awkward at Alexander. Galina saw that he didn't believe divination, but said nothing. He now stretched it out carefully and could feel the wrinkled fingers of her hand, which now touched him. The whole process took about fifteen seconds. The woman's face became thoughtful. Then she took his friend's hand. Both were now eagerly awaiting the result. Galina got up and opened her box. Then she held out the banknotes to Jürgen. >> I'm very sorry, I don't see anything today! << The two friends gave each other a surprised look. >> Here you have your money again, if I don't see anything, of course it won't cost anything. <<

When the two were gone, she had to sit down again. Still, she didn't regret lying to them. Sometimes it was better that way!

As they got back on the train, Jürgen was so worried. >> You could have just said something and kept the money, strange the whole thing. <<

>> Maybe she really didn't see anything and is just being honest. But it may also be that she saw something bad. << Both stopped for a moment and looked at each other thoughtfully.

The next stop was Buj. >> The train only has a short stop here, so don't get off! <<, the author warns in advance. The black-haired woman ran past her door, who could make the delicious pelmeni. She struggled with two suitcases. The two immediately came out of their compartment to help her. >> But that's friendly! <<, she said happily when each of the two packed a suitcase.

>> That is also urgently necessary, << said Jürgen. >> The train has only two minutes in Buj! <<

Alexander handed her the last suitcase. >> Do it well! <<, he wished her.

>> You two too! << These were the last words, then the train started.

The train had already entered Danilov. But the two of them didn't notice anything, because they were in the realm of dreams, only when the door was opened were they torn from them. Both started up, startled.

>> Oh, excuse me! I was probably a little too loud! << Who said that, now entered the compartment. A backpack on his back and a guitar in his hand. The author estimated the man in his early twenties.

>> Sit down, we're happy about every company, aren't we Alexander! << He rubbed his eyes sleepily and only nodded briefly.

>> I'm happy! <<

Since Jürgen wrote books, he was naturally curious and liked to talk to other people, at least when he got the opportunity. Sometimes a story could be developed from it. >> You make music? <<

The young man laughed. >> How did you guess that! << Even his friend laughed.

Now he was embarrassed how he could make such a stupid remark. This had never happened to him before. That must have been due to the long train journey.

>> I play here and there. Mostly in hotels or restaurants, sometimes on the street. Of course, that's not my main job, I'm studying. But now I have a month's semester break, which I use to make my dream come true. To travel across Russia once. << When he said this sentence his eyes shone like those of a small child.

>> Yes, this Russia is huge. I myself come from Germany, you don't even know such large forests and lakes. <<

>> I'm French, we don't have that either. << With this statement, he reached out to Jürgen and Alexander. >> My name is Marcel! I'm happy to meet you both! <<

The two returned the handshake. >> My name is Jürgen and that is a good friend, Alexander! <<

When Sergei reached the district where Vladimir's gang lived and took prey, it was already dark. Under the light of a lantern, he saw someone he knew.

It was little Nikolas standing there. But not alone, a man was standing next to him. The stranger handed the boy a bag of sweets.

Little Sergei limped across the street as fast as he could with his broken leg. Just at the moment when the stranger wanted to take Nikolas by the hand, Sergei was with him. The man quickly pulled his hand back. >> You have a nice, little brother! << He ignored the guy, but took Nikolas by the hand. >> Come on, we have to go home, mom is waiting! <<

>> My mom doesn't wait! <<

Sergei didn't know what the man wanted, but certainly not a good thing. He stopped and leaned down to him. >> Little one, you have to be more careful, you hear! <<

>> But the man is very nice. Look what he gave me! << He held out the bag of gummy bears to Sergei. "Oh, Nikolas!" He sighed. Then he reached for the little boy's hand again and they both ran towards the manhole cover. <<

Somewhere in Russia, a train is now going through the night with three happy people in some compartment.

Somewhere in Russia someone is blaming the new leader of Vladimir's gang for not paying more attention to the little boy.

In the beginning little Bashi had hoped that someone would be interested in him and that he could live with the person and lead a happy life. Because his parents had lost any interest in him when the door closed.

On the third day on the street, he buried hope and inhaled glue instead. It was the only thing he had left. The passers-by walked past him carelessly, nobody noticed.

It was long dark and Bashi was still sitting on the sidewalk when an expensive car stopped. A man in a nice, fine suit got out. The boy was torn from his lethargy by a friendly hello. He looked up at the stranger and put his plastic bag aside.

"Poor you, are you all alone out here?" Bashi nodded. The man went to his car and came back with a bag of gummy bears. >> Here they are for you! <<

That was really nice, that's exactly what he wished for!

>> If you want you can live with me. I have a nice big house and you will have a good time with me! <<, he promised.

Little Bashi was close to tears. He couldn't believe it, his wish had been heard. >> Do you really mean that? <<

The man nodded and smiled, then took the child's hand and they went to his car. At that moment, Bashi was the happiest person. The first tears of joy rolled down his face. So the two drove away. What was left was a bag of glue and hope for a better life.

Oh something else!

In two hours a stray dog ​​will make its way around the edge of the forest and look forward to a opened bag of gummy bears. Only this dog will then know that the little person who once nibbled is one meter below. Somewhere in Russia !!!

Continue Reading to The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 14)