Papa played the accordion while Liesel and Mama hummed. Max sang into the night. Daunting and frail his future seemed, but his spirit rose and lifted into the lonely roadways above, beyond the hard, cold walls.
To him, his fragility made the future so uncertain; yet, this moment so transcending, as a chord of joy struck from his heart, resounding and settling next to the child that had given him so precious a gift.
He tilted his head back and moved his eyes along the dreams that had revisited him night after night; yet, as Hans played carols on the accordian, they became translucent, melting away while the young German girl sat with her snowman unabated.
Even in the midst of so much uncertainty, he was no longer afraid, no longer consumed by fear, but alive; his soul melting like the dreams and his life rekindled. Shadows of the day's memories flickered from the candle's glow onto Liesel's face, as she hummed, unaware of the life she rekindled in the starving man. Their living quarters were transported to some far away land, some distant visage, of hearth and happiness and the secrecy of friendship.
She brought Max to life.
He felt it in his heart, his bones, and the starlight captivated him from the moment it entered the room - in the sparkling gift rolled into Liesel's hands - a remembrance of freedom. It culminated in the snow fight and the Christmas carols; becoming more real than the stars, furling into the basement and warming their souls. For the moment, their hearts were content and Max's at home. He smiled as Liesel whispered "this is the best Christmas ever."
Max grinned, "This is my first Christmas."
"Well" Papa said, eyes twinkling "now you know what you've been missing."
He smirked with a tired smile and shuffled the accordion to his side; his fibrous clothes draping over him amidst the cold, as he started upstairs.
"Liesel, to bed."
"Mama, nein."
"What did I say, saumensch?"
"She can stay a little." Papa cooed. Mama rolled her eyes "you're too soft on her."
Rosa climbed the stairs reluctantly and Max and Liesel sat together amidst the little warmth of the candle.
(To be continued...)
Dear Reader,
Thank you very much for reading this small piece. If you found anything intersting or intriguing in this, please take time to give helpful critiques. What you liked or didn't like. What you understood or didn't. I would feel the upmost appreciation. I usually wouldn't even request this, I believe that the story itself should be motivation for comments and not request of the author, however, I would love to hear feedback to improve my style and writing. I hope you enjoyed it!