Here lies
Anne Marie Klink
1902 – 1973
and her loving husband
Wilhelm Klink
1900-1974
The sun shone during and after the funeral, an ironic symbol of happiness which none of the handful of guests felt. Each guest sat or stood silently, lost in their own private thoughts and memories. One large man sat alone, an old diary clutched in one hand and an envelope in the other. After a moment's hesitation, he opened the envelope.
My Dear Hans,
Since the end of the war you have been my closest friend. I still remember that conversation we had, finding out that we both used almost the same tactics to survive the war and upset the Nazi war effort. Both of us pretended to be incredibly unintelligent as a cover for our activities. You managed to save the lives of many Jewish people, and I "accidentally" sabotaged many Nazi plans. We both managed to upset a large amount of the Nazi army with our "stupidity." And we both managed to keep the prisoners as safe as was possible. Although I must admit, Hogan did manage to pull the wool over my eyes more than I would like – I was astounded at just how extensive his operation was.
I know, I'm rambling. I always do, and I seem to do it more as I get older. But it is because you are my closest friend in this world that I leave you the two dearest things in my life.
Firstly I leave my Belgian Shepherd, Monique. Ever since the war, when Hogan pointed out they make better guard dogs than German Shepherds, I have wanted one. So as you must remember, I finally bought Monique eight years ago. I have lived out all of my life's dreams since the war finished. I finally had a good holiday in France, I married Anne, I lived a comfortable, happy life, and eventually Anne encouraged me to buy Monique.
Monique is getting on now, so even thought she will tell you otherwise, she is only capable of short walks. She is very well trained, and would be happy to sleep inside at night – on your bed if you let her. She loves to sit by you when you read, and she will spend all day cuddling you if she can. Her favourite toy is that stuffed teddy you, Hans, gave her when I first got her. She will eat anything you feed her, and is great at getting rid of leftovers and "doing" the dishes. If you are reading this, Gabriel from next door is taking care of her until you can pick her up. Please take good care of her.
The other prized possession I leave you with is my diary, or memories. After Anne died I decided to write down what I could remember of my life from after the war – especially meeting Anne and getting married. Feel free to read it, otherwise please just keep it safe for me.
There is nothing else to say my friend, except farewell, and thank you for being the best friend I could ever have. Thank you.
Your friend,
Wilhelm.
By the time he had finished reading; Hans Schultz had covered the letter with tears, and was forced to put it down to blow his nose. He remained silent for a few minutes longer, lost in memories of himself and Wilhelm Klink during and after the war.
Eventually, he stood, picked up the letter and the diary, and left.
oOoOoOoOo
"Well Monique, welcome to your new home," announced Hans as he led the Belgian Shepherd through the door. Monique entered slowly, her tail drooping as if she understood that her beloved Wilhelm was truly gone and that her new life would be with this man, Hans. Hans seemed friendly enough, but it wouldn't be the same as living with Wilhelm and Anne. She explored the house carefully, before eventually settling down on a rug in front of the nice fire Hans had set up for her.
Hans scratched her behind the ears, placed her favourite teddy next to her and then sat down on the nearest couch. He picked up Wilhelm's diary.
"Let's see what your old dad got up to in his life, eh Monique?"
oOoOoOoOo
Author's Notes:
I know this might not seem fully in character, but I always imagined that Klink and Schultz were smarter than they acted, so I wanted to include that in the story. I also figured that both men would have changed after the war, and as they grew older.
Please leave a review to tell me what you think.
And to anyone who is wondering, I have not forgotten about my other story (One of Those Weeks), and I am currently working on that too.