Chapter 29 - Compassion
Later that evening, Hogan strode into the hospital, showed his credentials to the night clerk and asked to see Dr. Hoffman. A nurse's aide hurried to the doctor's lounge to notify him he had a visitor. He had retired there to rest as well as to give Katrin some time alone with Newkirk.
"Herr Doctor, there is an officer from Luft Stalag 13 here to see you."
"An officer?" Manfred wasn't expecting anyone from the stalag, especially this late in the evening.
"Ja Herr Doctor, a Major Hoganmueller."
"Ah! Yes, he is probably checking on the progress of the English Corporal. I will go see him immediately. Danke."
Manfred saw the American Colonel pacing nervously in the reception area as he walked up. He extended his hand. "Herr Major! It is good to see you. Please come with me, I will update you on the patient's condition."
Hogan quietly accompanied Manfred to the hallway leading to Newkirk's room and spoke only when out of earshot of anyone else. He pulled up and took Manfred by the arm. "How is he doing doc?"
"Aside from the pain, he is fine. Katrin has been with him all evening. He responds extremely well to her presence."
"You're probably wondering why I'm here. I came to ask you if we could set up a schedule for us to sit with Peter during the night. I'd like to rotate myself and each of my men to stay overnight with him if you don't mind."
Manfred nodded his head as he listened to Hogan outline his request. "I do not mind in the least. I believe it would be very beneficial. Now that Peter has regained consciousness, I am sure that the matter of his sight will be preying on his mind. He will need the support and encouragement of his friends now more than ever." He looked Hogan in the eye. "I feel that somehow he is worried Colonel, about how his situation has affected you, your men and your operation."
Hogan sighed. "Yes, our Englishman is quite the worrier. He takes it as his personal responsibility to watch everyone's back but his own."
"He is a good man."
"One of my best."
"You and your men must reassure him that things are as going as well as they can in his absence, yet at the same time, let him know that he is still needed. He does not need to be in a stressful, worried state of mind over anything other than his health. That alone is difficult enough to deal with."
"You're right doc. But try convincing Peter of that! It's not easy. He never thinks of himself, especially when he needs to. We'll give it our best shot though." He put his hand on the doorknob to enter Newkirk's room.
Katrin had been softly talking to Newkirk and looked up at the sound of the door opening. Manfred moved to her side. "Katrin dear, would you excuse us for a moment? This officer has come to see Peter. You may return when he leaves."
She nodded and allowed Manfred to usher her out the door as Hogan approached the bedside. The Englishman appeared to be dozing.
"Peter, are you awake?" he asked as he put a gentle hand on his arm. He didn't really want to wake him if he was sleeping. "How's the pain?"
Newkirk turned his head towards the sound of Hogan's voice. "Gov? The pain's not too…bad at the moment. Aspirin's kicked in some. What…what're you doin' 'ere?"
Hogan smiled. "I came to see you, what else? I was told you were finally awake and I had to come see for myself."
"As you can see, it's all too true."
"Glad to hear it. We were wondering if you were ever going to wake up."
"Me too gov, me too." He gestured in Hogan's direction. "Tell the fellas thanks for the visit. I really enjoyed meself. Must say I never played cards like that before."
"And you still won!" They both laughed. "I told them you knew we were here."
"I tried to let ya know best I could." Hogan took his hand and chuckled when Newkirk gently squeezed it.
"We got the message, Peter. We got the message."
"So why else are ya 'ere sir?"
"I came to see you and to set up a schedule for one of us to stay with you during each night."
"Really sir? That'd be brilliant, that would!"
Hogan laughed to hear a bit of the old enthusiasm return to Newkirk's voice. That was the most important of the many reasons he had come back to the hospital. He knew his English Corporal needed cheering up.
"Peter? There's something I'd like to discuss with you while we're alone."
The Englishman cocked his head to the side. "Yes sir?"
"Well…" Hogan didn't quite know how to begin this conversation. "Katrin….she needs to know the truth about you Peter. It's not fair to her to let her continue thinking you're her son."
"Oh Colonel don't you think I know that! But it'd break 'er 'eart, I know it would!" cried Newkirk.
"I know. I know." He put a supportive hand on Newkirk's shoulder. "I didn't mean to upset you. I'm willing to tell her for you if you don't think you can."
"Colonel…I…just don't…know…" he sighed and turned his head away. "Can we give it a…little more time? Please?"
"Peter, I know she's been a great comfort to you during this time. I also know that you've been missing your own mother lately."
"Blimey, Carter!" muttered Newkirk.
"Yes, but don't be angry at Andrew. He didn't want to tell me. I asked him point blank."
Newkirk didn't answer.
"Peter…?"
"Colonel, give me a little more time…please? I need to be the one what tells 'er. Just not ready yet."
Hogan heard the pain in Newkirk's voice and decided to agree. "Okay Peter. Okay. I'll let it go for now."
"Thank you sir."
There was a soft knock at the door and Manfred's voice called, "May we come in?"
Hogan walked over and opened the door. "By all means!"
Manfred was apologetic, "I am sorry but Katrin wanted to say good night to Peter. Astrid will be taking her home."
Katrin sat beside Newkirk's bed and leaned down to kiss him on the cheek. "Petzi my dear son, I must go home with your sister. She insists I rest so I will not be able to stay with you tonight."
Newkirk grasped her arms and held her close, "Get some sleep mama. I am all right." He released her and she sat back, her hand on his face.
"Dear boy, I love you."
"I love you too." He took her hand and kissed it.
Hogan stood back and intently observed the interaction between the two. Peter isn't going to be able to tell Katrin the truth. He's too close to her. He doesn't see what he's doing. He's unconsciously seeing her as his mother. He certainly couldn't blame Newkirk. He supposed that he would take the same comfort from Katrin's presence if he was in Newkirk's place.
Katrin reluctantly stood up. "I do not want to leave you Petzi."
"I know mama. I know. Please, go home and rest. I will see you tomorrow."
"Very well. Good night my son."
"Good night mama."
Hogan gazed thoughtfully at Newkirk as Manfred accompanied Katrin out of the room.
"Gov? 'as she left?"
"Yes Peter. She has."
"D'ya see what I mean? 'ow can I break the news to 'er? 'ow?"
Yes Peter. I see what you mean. And I honestly don't know how to answer your question.
