Page 82 of All We Thought We Knew

“Colonel.”

“I hope I’m not interrupting,” he said.

Gunther took a step back, widening the space between us. “I was just telling Mrs. Delaney how I will miss working in the dispensary. Major Gridley has been very kind and taught me much.”

Colonel Foster gave a solemn nod. “He and I have both written letters to the camp commander at Fort Lincoln, recommending you be allowed to work in the hospital or clinic there.”

“I appreciate that, Colonel.”

Major Gridley joined them, as did other personnel from the hospital, each thanking Gunther for his work. I moved away, giving them more room. Every so often Gunther’s gaze found me, and I’d offer an encouraging smile or nod. It pleased me to see others value Gunther and his work, but I wished we could be alone one last time.

The evening went by all too quickly.

“This is the last dance, folks,” the soldier operating the Victrola announced.

The opening strains of Glenn Miller’s “Always in My Heart” filled the room. Couples moved onto the dance floor, swaying slowly to the sound of the orchestra.

My heart thrummed when I found Gunther’s gaze on me, despite the major speaking to him.

“Excuse me, gentlemen.” He stepped out of the circle of men. “Mrs. Delaney, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”

Although I knew Colonel Foster and the others watched, I nodded. “Yes, Mr. Schneider.”

He took my hand and led me onto the crowded floor, yet all I knew was the feel of his arm around my waist and my hand clutched in his as we began to move to the music. Soon, a man’s voice joined the instruments, telling a sad tale of being far away from the woman he loved, and reminding her of the songs of love they sang when they were together.

Gunther’s hand on the small of my back moved me closer to him, and I went willingly. I closed my eyes, memorizing the feel of him, the smell of soap clinging to his skin, his warm breath on my cheek.

The vocalist continued his story of love, promising that one day, even though the skies are gray, the sunwillbreak through, and he and his lover will meet again. Until then... “You are always in my heart.”

The music ended, yet Gunther didn’t release me.

“I will miss you, Ava,” he whispered close to my ear. “May I write to you?”

I gripped his fingers, fighting tears. “Yes.”

When we drew apart, his eyes shone with moisture. “Thank you. For everything.”

I nodded, not ready to say goodbye. “I’ll come to the train station tomorrow.”

“I would like that.”

Movement reminded us we weren’t alone. People began to leave the mess hall, offering good wishes to the internees as they departed. When I stepped away from Gunther, I found Colonel Foster’s gaze on us.

His frown eased when he approached and shook Gunther’s hand. “I appreciate your hard work over the past year, Mr. Schneider. You’ve been a fine addition to the dispensary staff. When the war ends, I hope you will resume your studies.”

“Thank you, sir,” Gunther said.

The colonel turned to me. “Let me walk you to your car, Mrs. Delaney. It’s dark out.”

I couldn’t refuse. “Thank you.” I turned to Gunther. “Good night, Mr. Schneider.”

“Good night,” he said, including the colonel in his farewell.

As I drove home, tears flowed down my cheeks, the feel of Gunther’s arm around me fresh and sweet.

I was in love with Gunther Schneider, I finally admitted. I think I had been since the day he saved the soldier’s life in the mess hall. But he was leaving for North Dakota tomorrow, his future uncertain.

My heart ached with a bitter truth.