Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 15) END

Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 15)

CHAPTER 15

Jürgen looked around the compartment again. His friend also looked back. >> No, I don't think so, apart from the suitcases we didn't have anything with us. <<

The train arrived at the station. Jürgen got out first and Alexander handed him the suitcases.

So they were standing on the platform and the author wanted to leave it, but his friend held him by the arm. >> Can't we wait for the train to leave? We were in it for so many hours, I want to see him leave one last time. <<

Jürgen checked his watch. >> But it will be scarce. After all, the train has twenty minutes here. <<

>> Oh please, Jürgen! <<

>> It is my mistake that I can never say no on my own! <<

>> Thank you! <<

So they waited. Sacks and parcels were carried out of the mail van and new ones came in. The staff also changed. The locomotive engine buzzed again a minute before departure. "It might be on time if our trains in Germany were only halfway on time," said Alexander's friend.

The watch's hand jumped a minute further. The train started again. He would be on the road for four more days, and the trip would only end in Vladivostok.

>> It was a nice trip, thank you for that! <<

>> I am happy if you enjoyed the ride! <<

>> I'm almost a little sad that the trip is over now <<

>> I can understand that, but we will certainly have another opportunity to take the train. <<

>> That would be nice! <<

>> Next we have to go to the post office! <<

>> To the post office? << asked Alexander

Yes, pick up the boxes, there is everything we need. Tools, tent, medication. You never know, just in case. Lamps, canned food, spices and much more. You see, I thought of everything. Now we have to find a taxi first. I think we will have more chances in front of the building than here on the platform. <<

His friend grinned. >> You and your humor! <<

>> Do you think we're running from one store to another to get our stuff together. This is faster today thanks to the Internet. You know, we Germans are known to plan everything thoroughly, and I did that! <<

>> At least you could have told me beforehand. <<

>> Don't be angry, it should be a surprise. <<

Just as they were leaving the building, a taxi came and dropped two old women in front of the station. >> Are you still free? << asked the author.

>> Actually, I wanted to finish work, but get on board now!

"And where should I put the suitcases?" Asked Alexander.

>> Put them in the back seat! <<

>> Can't you open the trunk? <<

>> It's okay, they still have enough space to sit! <<

Maybe that was a lazy dog, he thought. He wanted to say it in his face, but that would only cause unnecessary arguments.

Jürgen was sitting in front of the driver and already buckled up.

>> Where do you want to go? << The passenger handed him a note. >> It's not far from here! <<

>> But you won't stay in the city. <<

"How do you figure that out?" Asked the author.

>> I have an eye for something like that. If you promote people for forty years, you can read a lot from the guests, understand them. <<

>> True, we are on the way to an abandoned village. <<

>> You will find some in the area. People all migrate. I've already thought of starting over somewhere else, but someone has to stay here. <<

It was actually only three minutes and they had already reached the post office. >> Can you wait a moment, we'll be right back? <<

>> Yes, but please do it quickly, my old woman always grumbles when I'm late for dinner. <<

So the two ran towards the entrance. Jürgen pushed the handle, but nothing worked. "Crap!" He swore. >> They are closed! It will be scarce tomorrow, the helicopter will be at ten o'clock

Alexander thought he had misunderstood. >> A helicopter! How did you find him? <<

The driver is already honking.

>> It wasn't that easy. The military cannot normally carry civilians. But for a thousand euros a pilot likes to overlook this and embark on a special tour. Do you think we're hauling the heavy stuff through the pampas. << The driver honked again.

>> Come on let's get in Alexander! His wife is waiting for dinner!

A few seconds later they were back in the taxi. >> Unfortunately, the post has already been closed! <<, said Jürgen.

>> I could have told them beforehand that this trip was unnecessary. <<

>> And why didn't they do it? <<

>> Two reasons, firstly they didn't ask me, secondly I earned something more. <<

>> Well, at least they're honest! We have to move on tomorrow. Can you drive me to the post office at seven o'clock? <<

>> I could do that, but so that the way is not in vain again, I would suggest at eight o'clock, because the post office opens only then. <<

Well, thanks for the hint. To the next hotel please! If it is not the most expensive! <<

>> There is a good pension here, it is not expensive and you get to eat there

also something! <<

>> Good idea, drive us there! <<

After ten minutes the taxi turned onto a side street and parked in front of a small house. >> Get out, we're here! <<

Alexander took the two suitcases and his friend was responsible. The taxi driver followed and rang the doorbell. >> It is very convenient, you will be satisfied! <

A woman, about the same age as the taxi driver, opened the door. She greeted them warmly.

>> May I introduce this is my wife! <<

>> Your wife? << asked Jürgen in surprise.

The man smiled. >> Yes, you own the pension! <<

Alexander and Jürgen looked at each other. This man was really business-minded, you had to give him that.

>> You come to the right place for dinner! << said his wife. >> You can unpack the suitcases later, otherwise I have to warm everything up again. <<

"What's going on?" Asked her husband.

>> Noodles and fine, fiery goulash! <<

The two visitors' mouths watered. When they entered the dining room, two place settings were already on the table. >> I did not expect my husband to bring guests, I will get two plates. Take a seat now and make yourself comfortable! <<

Five minutes later there were four of them at the table.

"Is that your son?" Asked the woman.

>> No, a very good friend, actually my best friend! << Actually, he would have to add that it is his only one, but he better left it out.

Alexander took a lookup. "You're going in today!" His friend said.

>> It just tastes great! <<, replied Alexander.

The food was really delicious and almost better than that in the dining car. Yes, these Russian housewives could cook, you had to give them that. Nevertheless, the author only took one plate.

>> Don't you want anything anymore? <<

Jürgen shook his head. >> It is really excellent, but a plate is enough, otherwise I cannot fall asleep tonight. <<

"I understand!" Laughed the taxi driver. >> Then I'll take something else. <<

The pension had only one double room. So the two had to share a bed, but this did not turn into a tragedy. Now they sat on the bed and gave advice.

"You hardly said anything at the table," said Jürgen.

>> The food was so good that I had to enjoy it. Who knows when I'll get something in my stomach again. <<

>> Now don't exaggerate, we have enough cans with us. A rifle is the only thing we still lack. But don't worry, I'll find that. So what is vital in this area! <<

"I can't shoot!" Said his friend.

>> Do you believe me. Someone will show us. Incidentally, this is the last night we spend in civilization. <<

>> Then I will enjoy civilization again, although I can shit on it because it was not necessarily good to me. <<

>> I can understand you, believe me, everything will be better now. Maybe we'll stay here, at least as long as we like it. <<

>> I can not say whether I will like it, but I think it can not be worse here than Moscow. <<

Sergei was on his feet earlier today than usual. However, he looked sleepy. He would soon take a stand on his favorite street and beg for what he could. But this time not for glue, today he wanted to treat himself once again to the luxury of a takeaway after dreaming of a sausage the night before. Now he wanted nothing more than a sausage with a lot of mustard. By now he had a lot of practice begging people. Sometimes he told a mendacious story that was worse than his real life. It's not easy to survive on the street, you had to be resourceful and lying. It wasn't okay, but otherwise you couldn't get a ruble. He certainly would not become a millionaire with this method, but it was enough for the most necessary. Just when he wanted to beg the first passer-by, he felt something on his leg. It was a dog who mistaken him for a lamppost. The lower part of his pants was now wet. >> Make sure you get away! It shouldn't be pissing on other people! << he scolded.

The dog was a mix between all sorts of things, Sergei could not determine that exactly. Since the animal was not wearing a collar, it was certainly a stray. There were several hundred, if not thousands, in the city, no one knew that exactly.

There was another passerby, a gentleman in a suit. He was definitely giving something. He quickly ran towards him. >> Excuse me, maybe you have a few rubles for me? I want to buy something to eat. <<

The man looked at him from top to bottom. "Is that your dog?" He asked. The little boy turned and again the dog stood behind him. Before he could answer, the man spoke again. >> Here, buy something decent to eat for you and your dog. It is a misery with Russia! <<

Sergei was amazed. That was nine hundred rubles. >> Thank you very much! <<

>> Alright little one, unfortunately I have to go on, do it well you two! <<

Sergei turned to the dog and stroked it. >> Now you get a sausage for that. If Sergei has money he is not stingy! <<

As if the dog understood it, he followed it. It may not have been a bad idea to keep the dog. If the man gave so much, others would surely give more.

There was little activity at the snack bar. Only a construction worker and a boy, a little older than he, stood at the booth. As the worker bit his sausage, the boy watched him. Sergei ran to him. >> I've never seen you here. Are you new here? << The boy looked at him but said nothing. >> I'm Sergei and I've been living on the street for a while. You look so clean, you can't be away from home for a long time. <<

> How do you know I left? << he wondered.

>> Now school is normal and you are not there. You also look like you're hungry. <<

>> Yes, but I have no money. Is that your dog? <<

>> Just bought a few minutes ago. Wait here! <<

He ordered three sausage rolls with a lot of mustard. He gave one to the boy. At that moment he remembered how Alexander gave him two buns at the time and he was close to tears again.

"Are you sad?" Asked the strange boy.

Sergei bowed his head. >> Somebody once did the same for me! That someone's name was Alexander. Not a day goes by when I don't think of him. <<

He almost forgot the dog. He leaned down and held out his hand with the bun. The dog gripped his mouth carefully. >> So now everyone got one and I'm broke again! <<

The boy who was about to bite hesitated. >> Do you want it again? <

>> No, I wanted a bun and I got it. I never expected that I could afford three. Thanks to the dog, I did it. That's why he got one. <<

>> Did your age beat you up too? <<

>> No, I only had one grandma, but she's dead. << He bowed his head. >> Now I have no one left, my good friend Alexander is also gone. << Then a brief smile crossed his lips. >> But I have a dog now and not everyone has that! <<

The boy hesitated for a moment. >> My age beat me again when he was drunk. << He pushed his shirt up. >> Look there! << There were numerous bruises.

>> What's his name? <<

>> I have to come up with a name, but I'll do that later. <<

>> Thanks again for the bun, you are very friendly! <<

Sergei waved it off. >> Alexander did that for me too. I also want to be as nice to others as he was to me. <<

>> I also wanted to have a dog once, but I never got one, that's probably better! <<

>> Should I show you some good sleeping places afterwards? <<

>> No, don't bother, I'm going back! Life on the street is not for me, I can't do it, and maybe he has improved now. <<

>> I wish you! <<

The boy wiped his mouth with his hand, then shook hands with Sergei. >> I'm going now, thanks again and take care of you! <<

>> You too! Farewell! <<

Sergei and his new dog watched him until he turned the corner. >> Hopefully his father is better with him now! Funny, now I'm even talking to the dog! <<

First they picked up the boxes from the post office - unfortunately it was not just one but six in number. Since the trunk turned out to be too small, the taxi driver quickly got a truck from a friend. It all took a lot of time and now the taxi driver raced towards the outskirts. It was almost ten o'clock!

>> See, now we have made it, but there is nothing to see from the helicopter anywhere! <<

Alexander pointed to the right side. >> Here he comes! <<

The taxi driver shook his head. >> What do you want to transport, these boxes or a tank? <<

Jürgen couldn't help but smile. >> I think for a thousand euros you can expect a bigger one. <<

>> You Jürgen, but it would have done something cheaper. <<

>> Don't chop everyone on me. I couldn't have known that such a monster was coming! <<

The taxi driver corrected him. >> This is not a monster but a TH98! <<

There was a meadow further ahead when the large transport helicopter landed. When the rotors were switched off, the truck drove up to the machine. The pilot greeted them warmly. >> You have to do it quickly, I only have one hour. My supervisor is not allowed to notice any of it, and our practice flights only last one hour

>> If you invite us to help, it will be faster! <<, Jürgen made the suggestion. The pilot nodded. The taxi driver also helped, it would surely improve his tip.

After five minutes everything was stowed away. Jürgen now paid the pilot and the taxi driver and thanked him for his help.

>> It wasn't worth mentioning. I have to bring the truck back now. Have fun in Siberia, you will see a huge country! <<

>> Thank you, we will have it, won't we Alexander? <<

>> If you have even more fun ideas like this helicopter, definitely! << 

Two minutes later they were already in the air, flying over a forest that seemed to never end. >> That is huge! <<, Alexander marveled.

>> Do you like the flight? << asked the pilot.

Alexander just nodded, he just didn't have the words. How beautiful the world could be. Already now he was sure they would have a good time here! A pack of running wolves came into view. He immediately nudged his friend. This was also enthusiastic about the sight. >> Normally they don't do anything to people. They are rather shy, so you don't have to be scared. <<

>> It's all so new and exciting for me, you know. <<

>> I am sure you will like it! <<

The pilot joined the conversation. >> We'll be there in ten minutes! <<

>> How far is it to the next inhabited place? <<, Jürgen wanted to know.

>> On foot in about twelve hours! <<

>> So you see Alexander, we are here all to ourselves. Nobody far and wide. So I will have enough opportunity to write my new novel. I do that at night, so we have the day to ourselves. Can hunt and fish and build up supplies for the winter. The winters here are very extreme, but that shouldn't put you off. You can also do a lot in the house, that's not how it is. There is also a small lake nearby. <<

>> Great, then we can go swimming. <<

>> Can you swim? <<

Alexander nodded. >> Yes, one of the few things I can do. <<

>> You shouldn't say something like that, you certainly have your talents and who knows, maybe you will become a writer later, like me! <<

>> I am happy that I am no longer alone and have a human being again. <<

>> I am also happy and you know, I wish everyone that he has someone. Nobody should be alone! <<

>> But you were alone all the time before! <<

>> Yes, that's right and it was only through you that I realized how lonely I was. Where did your decision come from to come back. <<

>> It was your neighbor's fault. <<

>> My neighbor? <<

>> Yes, he found me in the basement. Actually, I shouldn't tell you that now, but it's only thanks to him that I came back. He said you were very lonely and I would be too, so it would fit! <<

"Thank you Anton!" Said Jürgen to himself, although he knew that his neighbor couldn't hear it. >> He is a lovely person! <<

>> That's right <<

Sergei was sitting in a basement again, but this time not alone, but with his new dog! Now he was thinking about how to call the dog. >> Actually, I should call you lantern pisser, but that's bad for business. If my dear friend Alexander were here now, he would surely come up with a name. << At that moment the cellar door was opened and a man entered. For a brief moment the little boy was afraid that the militia would raid again, but the man did not look like a militia, more like a homeless man. He was wearing a worn long coat, and from the coat pocket one could see the bottle neck of a vodka bottle.

>> Hello little one! You don't mind if I take a rest here? <<

>> No, it's not my basement, I'm just a guest here myself. <<

The man pulled out the bottle and took a sip. Then he took a few rolls out of the other coat pocket. Unfortunately, not all people were as generous as he was, the man didn't offer him anything. When the dog came closer and started to beg, the man got angry and threatened to bottle it. He underlined this threat with the appropriate sentence. >> Go away you dog! <<

"Come here dog!" Ordered Sergei. In any case, one thing was certain: this was not a good person. He looked through the small window, it was raining heavily outside, so he had no choice but to stay here. Hopefully the man would leave him alone, but you couldn't be sure on the street.

>> Take better care of the creature. Do you have any money with you? <<

>> I have none left, the last money went for the three sausage rolls this morning. <<

>> Anyway, you won't get anything to eat from me. Nobody gives me anything. <<

>> I didn't ask for anything. <<

>> Don't get cheeky now, you hear! <<

There was little point in discussing with a drunk man, and the man could become violent. So you shouldn't irritate him, he knew that much himself. He didn't have the slightest chance against someone like that. That's why he preferred not to say anything anymore. The man took another sip. Soon he would be in a frenzy and Sergei was terrified of that. He glanced at the window again. It was still raining like buckets. Still, better wet than if the guy went nuts afterwards. Just as he was about to get up, the man got up at lightning speed and went to the door. >> You stay here please! <<, he shouted at him. Now he was in a mess! >> I want to talk to you. <<

I am not with you, Sergei thought, but he did not dare to say so. As I said, drunk people were quickly irritable, so a little something was often enough.

>> What's your name? <<

>> Sergei! <<

>> Why are you not at home with your parents? <<

>> I have no parents anymore. I had a grandmother, when she died I came into the home, from which I ran away. <<

>> Don't lie to me, friend! <<

>> It's true! <<

>> I used to be a rich man. A very rich man! <<

Sergei didn't believe that, but he let him talk. Surely he always lived on the street.

>> Unfortunately I lost everything, only the vodka, my best friend has remained to me! <<

The little boy had to grin. You make a lot of use of that, he thought to himself. The man noticed this too. >> What are you laughing at? <<

>> I'm not laughing at all! <<

The stranger raised his index finger. >> Be careful my friend, I'm warning you for the last time! << Then he sank down in front of the door. He took another sip from the bottle. Soon it would be empty and he would be full of hay!

>> I have a son too, he likes me very much. He knows what a good father I am. <<

Yes, drinking it in vodka is certainly you, Sergei thought.

How long did he have to listen to this crap. Why didn't he just leave him alone and drink his vodka. If only he had never come to this cellar!

The strange boy's wish was not fulfilled. That evening his father was drunk again and the drama was exactly the same as two nights earlier. However, this time, his son would never return!

Author : Günter Kienzle