IT TOOK SEVERAL MORE WEEKS to organize their transportation back home. While they waited for Joseph to arrive with the truck, Gabi spent the days walking in the fresh air. After being imprisoned indoors for so many months, she wanted to spend as much time in the outdoors as she possibly could. These days, her walks through the forest took place during the day. Now she could walk slowly, savoring each step, admiring the beauty of the mountains in the springtime.
On their very last day in the mountain village, Max joined Gabi on a walk into the woods. Without even thinking, their path led them close to the road that they had watched with Eva on their night walks, the road the Nazis had fought to complete for their last stand. How ironic that this very road was the one used by the Russian army to claim victory over the Nazis.
As they stood by the road, lost in their own thoughts, there was a sudden rustling in the leaves behind them. Gabi and Max whirled around, almost expecting Nazi soldiers. It was still hard to shake the need to hide. But on this warm day in May, it was not Nazi soldiers who emerged from the forest to greet Gabi and Max.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.” Dominik pushed the branches of a tree aside, stepped over a downed log, and joined Gabi and Max on the hill overlooking the road.
“We didn’t see you during the parade through the village,” Max said. He was relieved to see that Dominik was safe. “I looked everywhere for you.”
“I was back at the campsite, closing it down and collecting some gear. That’s why I came looking for you, today.” He glanced warmly at Gabi and Max. “I guess you’ll be going back home now.”
“I’m going back to Gabi’s home,” said Max, sadly looking down at the ground. Joseph had arrived the night before with heartbreaking news about Max’s family. The transport that had taken his parents and sister away had headed straight for Auschwitz. Max’s family had been killed, along with hundreds of thousands of Jewish prisoners. Max was returning home to live with Gabi and her mother. From now on, he really would be Gabi’s brother.
Dominik nodded with understanding, as Max explained. “Your parents would be proud of you, Max. I’m sure of it. And you’re lucky you’ve got family to live with.” Dominik reached out to put his arm on Max’s shoulder. Max sniffled, wiped his nose, and nodded.
“And what about you?” asked Gabi. “Where are you going?”
Dominik shrugged. “I’m staying with Vladimir. There’s still so much to do, rounding up Nazis who might now be hiding in the forest. I guess I’m not finished being a soldier yet.”
Max looked up at Dominik, once again admiring his strength and courage. Dominik had given Max such hope at a time when he had felt so hopeless. Max reached into his back pocket and pulled out his gun. Then he took a deep breath. “I want you to have this,” he said, holding it out to Dominik.
“But that’s yours, Max,” said Dominik. “I fixed it for you.”
Max shook his head. “No, I don’t think I want to be a soldier anymore. You might need it more than me.”
Dominik took the gun and reached out to shake Max’s hand. “You were a great soldier, Max. Never forget that.” Then he turned to Gabi. “You were a great soldier too. I’m glad I met you.”
Gabi stared at the hand that Dominik held out for her to shake. Then, she pushed it aside, reached over, and hugged him warmly. Their lives had come together at such an important time. Yet she knew that it was unlikely she would see him again. “Good luck, Dominik,” she whispered. Then she turned back to Max.
“Come on,” said Gabi, gently. “We don’t want to miss our ride home.” The two young people took one last look at Dominik, then turned and walked out of the woods and back to the farmhouse.
Mama stood outside, saying good-by to Mr. and Mrs. Kos. “I know how difficult this has been for you,” Mama said, looking directly at Mrs. Kos. “But please know that we are grateful to you for everything.” Mama reached forward and grasped Mrs. Kos’s hands.
Still Mrs. Kos could not look into Mama’s eyes. Her head darted nervously as she said, “We did the right thing by having you here. I… I never would have turned you in. You know that. I… I’m glad you’re safe.” It was the warmest statement that Mrs. Kos had spoken in the year and a half that Gabi and her family had been there.
Mama nodded with understanding as she shook Mrs. Kos’s hands. “I know you are a good person,” Mama said. Mrs. Kos managed a quick squeeze and then headed for the farmhouse, hands still wringing in despair. Then, Mr. Kos came forward to shake Mama’s hands.
“Thank you, Stephan,” said Mama. “Thank you for everything. We owe our lives to you.” Mr. Kos nodded and lowered his eyes. He could not bring himself to speak.
Father Lensky was there to see Gabi’s family off. He shook hands with each of them, wishing them well on their journey back home.
Finally, Gabi was left standing with Eva. Eva eyed Gabi curiously with her sharp blue eyes. It was that same inquisitive look that months earlier Gabi had found so uncomfortable. But now it was no longer intimidating.
“You must be glad to be leaving this place,” said Eva. Gabi paused. “I’m glad we don’t have to hide anymore. But I’ll miss you, Eva.”
Eva’s face brightened. “Will you?”
“Of course I will. You’re my friend.” Gabi spoke truthfully. “And besides, how could I ever forget what we’ve been through together.”
“Will I ever see you again?” asked Eva.
“I hope so,” Gabi replied.
Eva nodded. Who knew what would happen in the months and years to come. “Well, in case I don’t, I want you to have this. Don’t open it until you’re on your way.” Eva pushed an envelope into Gabi’s hands, and then threw her arms around Gabi’s neck. Gabi returned the hug, warmly. Then Eva turned to Max.
“Don’t get into any more trouble, Max,” she said, ruffling his hair. Max smiled and nodded.
Joseph stood watching and waiting, holding open the door to the truck. Gabi looked toward the truck unhappily. She didn’t want to sit in any more cramped places.
“Gabi,” said Joseph, as if reading her mind. “Will you sit up front with me? We can keep the windows open as wide as you like.”
Gabi smiled at Joseph and her mother. “I’d love that, Joseph.” They all piled into Joseph’s truck for the journey back home.
It was only when they were out of sight of the Kos farm and the village that Gabi finally looked down at the envelope in her hands. She turned it over once or twice and then opened it. Gabi stared down at the picture that fell out of the envelope. It was the photo Eva had taken of Gabi during their first week in hiding. The young girl stared back at her — terrified but strong — from the black and white picture. Gabi flipped the photo over and read the words that Eva had written on the back: “A souvenir for my friend.”