"In a few hours. Please go home now, eat something and
get rest. You have spent all night at the hospital. Visiting
time is at four p.m. Goodbye."
John stood for a moment watching at the window and
pondered what the doctor had just said. He didn't want to
go home. He wanted to see Barbara and his newborn
daughter. They arrived at the hospital at 2 am. Barbara was
so weak, and in so much pain, yet he could not help her. He
was walking down the stairs, his right hand in his trouser
pocket and propping his leg. Since he could remember, that
was the easiest way for him to walk.
Outside, the sky was so blue. A promise for a beautiful day.
When John came to the main street the town hall bell was
just striking eight o'clock. He went to the church to thank
God for the happy delivery. At the bridge, he had to stop.
He was so tired. He watched a barge filled with coal pass
by, then he dropped by the store for milk. In the bakery
next door, he bought some fragrant, warm bread rolls. Very
slowly he climbed to the third floor. That was where their
nest was. He set the water for coffee, spread a roll with
some jam, and finally sat down in an armchair. The smell of
chicory coffee filled the entire flat.
He didn’t go to bed. He was in the chair and covered his
legs with a plaid throw. Fatigue reigned over his body. He
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