Paula said, ‘I promise you are not alone. I am here and I am not moving.’

Franzi took Paula’s hand, looked into her eyes, and said, ‘I know.’ They both nodded "Yes" and Franzi’s parents came back into the room.

Andreas humbled himself and shook Paula’s hand then said, ‘First, I would like to apologize for my wife.’

Paula said, ‘Don’t worry. I’ve heard worse in my life.’

Andreas said, ‘Still, there’s always room for decency.’

Paula agreed, ‘Of course.’ Paula showed them the chairs on the other side of Franzi’s bed and they sat down. Gertrud hadn’t said anything yet so nobody could interpret her feelings.

Paula asked, ‘Would you like some tea? A friend of ours is coming by with some. I’m sure we can brew some in the waiting room.’

Andreas answered, ‘I think that would be nice. But can Franzeska make it over there?’

Franzi said, ‘I’m supposed to be in a wheel chair while recovering but I’d be just fine waiting and getting out of this room.’

Paula asked, ‘Are you sure, sweetie?’ That got Gertrud’s attention. Franzi said, ‘Yeah’ and they made way to the dining hall. Paula called Daniel on the hospital pay phone and told him where they were so he wouldn’t walk into an empty room. When they founds a four-side table, each person sat at one side; Andreas next to Paula, Paula next to Franzi, and Franzi next to her mother.

Andreas asked, ‘Who is this friend you’re waiting for?’

Paula said, ‘His name is Daniel. He’s  a very close friend of ours.’

Franzi added, ‘In fact, he’s probably the most stable man I’ve ever known.’

Andreas asked, ‘What about me?’

Franzi knew he was teasing and said, ‘Doh okay. Second most stable.’

Paula said, ‘I’m glad to see your sense of humor is still good.’ Then she let out a small giggle and a smile. Gertrud, on the other hand, could still be counted on to drop a peddle in the pond.

‘So what exactly is going on here with this?’ This took Paula and Franzi off guard; which was probably what Gertrud wanted. After scratching her upper lip and her nose, Paula looked over to Franzi because she wasn’t sure how to respond.