The Children’s Train

It was late summer, and the weather had grown warm and rainy in London.

One afternoon, there was a knock at the hostel door. Hans opened the door to see Stephen standing on the doorstep with a suitcase.

“Telegram for Hans Vogner!” Stephen pretended to read a telegram in front of him, as Hans stared. “Hitler’s a sissy boy. Stop. Must destroy. Stop. Send bombs. Stop.”

“Get in here, right now! We’ve been waiting for you. I’ve told everyone about you,” Hans said.

“I’m doomed, then,” Stephen said.

Hans pulled him in and hugged him. “What took you so long?”

“I couldn’t leave the horse meat sandwiches,” Stephen said, laughing.

That afternoon, the boys went down to the neighborhood swimming pool. They stood outside in their suits, holding their towels.

“You sure it’s okay?” Stephen asked.

“It’s England,” Hans said, nodding.

“When Hitler invades England, then where will we go swimming?” Stephen asked.

“If that happens, we’ll have bigger problems. Come on!” Hans snapped his towel at Stephen.