Page 65 of Canyon of Deceit

SIXTY-FOUR

THERESE

Late afternoon, a knock at the adjoining door interrupted the two of us coloring flowers in a coloring book. Alina listened to Jurg’s voice and unbolted the door.

“It’s party time.” Jurg pushed a cart into the room, loaded with food under metal canopies, a birthday cake, an iced container that I assumed contained ice cream, and a dozen red roses. Even balloons decorated the cart.

“This is wonderful. Thank you.” I wanted to gag on the words.

“Birthdays are special,” he said. “Even in times of grave danger for my dear Alina, kindness must not pass our attention.” He smiled at the little girl. “I will call you Larisa until we are home, then we can call each other our correct names.”

Would his expression of kindness keep me alive? Doubtful.

“Can Therese come with us to Russia?” The innocence in her eyes reflected naivety.

“We’ll see.” He cupped her chin. “Thank you for thinking of our guest.”

“I made Therese something for her birthday.” Alina gathered up her handmade card from the desktop and handed it to him.

Jurg admired her colorful sketch of a mountain with lots of trees and flowers. She signed it, Love, Larisa .

How twisted were these people that their children easily accepted deceit?