The Return
John and Liesl arrived at her parent's home early the day of their travel. Louisa and Friedrich rode with them. Brigitta, Marta, Gretl and Joseph sat in the back of Georg's car. Georg and Maria listened to their comments.
From Brigitta it was. "I'm really excited about going home." And from Marta they heard. "I hope my friends are still there." Last was Gretl. She asked a question. "Will we be able to go to school?"
Georg answered her. "You will if the school buildings weren't damaged."
"I'm hoping they weren't."
"I'm hoping too." Maria told her.
Within in an hour they were near Lucerne. They once again saw the tourist's boats on the lake. Georg stopped at a restaurant for an early lunch. John and Liesl ate with them.
Soon both cars were back on the road for last part of their trip.
An American soldier was stationed at the border. He was there to keep looters from entering the city. Georg showed his passport and also told him. "The car behind is my daughter and her husband. And a small truck is coming to deliver our few pieces of furniture. He's also has things which he thinks the people can use."
"That's good sir. The people have very little. My government will help him find the needy families. We're hoping to bring back normalcy."
The soldier watched them drive away. He would later tell the American General who was in charge of the city.
Georg didn't drive very far when they caught a glimpse of the villa. "Father, who built the wall?"
"The Germans, children, very important German military men stayed there. I was told that the inside only has a few changes."
Georg parked the car. The children got out and were staring at the villa. Liesl, John and the others did the same. Suddenly the front door opened and a familiar face greeted them.
Franz spoke immediately. "Welcome home, General Clarke told me to expect you soon. Isabel and Katia are inside."
Maria and the ladies had a tearful reunion. Isabel noticed Joseph. "How old is he Maria?"
"This is Joseph, he's six. I became pregnant shortly after Georg and I married.
"He's tall for his age."
"Joseph, can you say hello?"
"Yes Mother." "Hello and what's your name?"
"You're brothers and sisters always called me Frau Schmidt but if it okay with your father you and your brothers and sisters can begin to call me Grandma Isabel."
The others were listening. Brigitta asked for them all. "May we Father?"
"Of course you may."
Isabel soon noticed Liesl with a young man she didn't recognize. Liesl smiled. "Grandma Isabel, please meet my husband John;"
"Hello John, how long have you been married?"
"Only a year. John wants to help the people of Salzburg start businesses."
While they were talking, Franz, Phillip and Stephan were taking all their bags inside. They left them in the hall for now. The children were still trying to comprehend they were really home.
