Chapter 38 - Return

Klink sent Schultz to fetch Hogan to his office as soon as he finished his conversation with Manfred.

"You sent for me Kommandant?" He tossed off a serviceable salute in deference to the many allowances Klink had made for them since Newkirk's accident.

"Yes Hogan. I have just spoken to Dr. Hoffman. He tells me that Newkirk should be ready to return to camp tomorrow. However, he insists that he spend the first week in the infirmary."

Hogan managed to act surprised at the news. "Tomorrow? That's great Colonel! The guys will be very happy to hear that!" He sat in the chair in front of Klink's desk. "May I ask how Newkirk is coming back?"

Klink nodded. "Dr. Hoffman requested an ambulance and I granted his request." Klink anticipated Hogan's next question. "Colonel Hogan, I have given you and your men a great amount of liberty in this matter. You have not betrayed my trust and I am grateful for that. Thank you."

"You're welcome Kommandant."

"However..." Klink began.

Hogan didn't like the sound of what was coming. "However?"

"Yes, if I may be allowed to continue. However, as I am expecting General Burkhalter for an inspection tour tomorrow, it will not be possible for you or any of your men to go to the hospital to see Newkirk back. I will send Sergeant Wilson only, as it is his duty as the camp medic. Corporal Langenscheidt will accompany him as I need Schultz to remain here."

Hogan sighed. He was genuinely disappointed and knew that his men, especially a certain Andrew Carter, would be as well. He didn't want to rock the boat though, given that Burkhalter sometimes made his inspection tours accompanied by Major Hochstetter. And seeing as they were overdue for a visit from their favorite Gestapo officer, Hogan decided not to raise any objections to Klink's decision. He got up from the chair.

"Well sir, if that's your decision. The men will be very disappointed. I know I am."

"They will get over it, I'm sure Hogan. You and your men will be able to see Newkirk in the infirmary. That will have to do. Disss-misssed!"

"Yes sir." Hogan saluted and left. He headed to the barracks to let the men know Klink's decision.

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Manfred chuckled at the scene before him. Katrin lay curled up next to Peter, a small smile on her face; they were both asleep. He hated to disturb her but it was getting late.

"Katrin? Katrin? Wake up dear," Manfred whispered as he gently shook Katrin's shoulder. He tried to awaken her without disturbing Newkirk; unfortunately though, the Englishman awoke first. He sighed and opened his eyes, then quickly shut them before remembering he had fallen asleep with his specs on. Blimey! Forgot to take me specs off! Don't remember fallin' asleep. I was tryin' to console mama and...mama! He turned his head to find Katrin lying asleep next to him, her arms possessively wrapped around him. He looked over at Manfred and raised his eyebrows in a silent question.

Manfred smiled and inclined his head as he shrugged his shoulders. Newkirk nodded and gently cupped Katrin's face in his hand. "Mama, wake up. We both fell asleep." Katrin sighed and tightened her grip around him. Newkirk laughed and tapped her face very lightly. "Wake up mama! Please?" He waited a moment and again tapped her face lightly. "Mama?"

Katrin finally awakened, though reluctantly. "Oh! Peter? I do not remember falling asleep."

"Neither do I mama." He helped her up to a sitting position so Manfred could ease her off the bed and into the chair.

"Katrin dear, Astrid is here to take you home. It is getting late. Both you and Peter must rest and prepare for tomorrow."

Katrin's face clouded and she looked down. "Yes, tomorrow," she sadly whispered.

Newkirk shifted over to the edge of the bed, then reached over and gently brought Katrin's face close to touch his, forehead to forehead. He closed his eyes and spoke very softly, his voice quavering a bit as he tried to keep his emotions in check. "Mama, I want you to come visit as early as you can tomorrow morning, okay? We'll spend as much time as we possibly can together before I must leave. Now please go home and rest. I will see you in the morning."

Katrin remained motionless, silently communing with Peter. After a few minutes, she leaned back into the chair with a sigh. She looked up at Manfred with a pleading expression. "May I come early Manfred?"

Manfred took her by the shoulders and urged her up out of the chair. "Of course you can dear! I will make sure you are able to spend as much time as possible with Peter tomorrow. Now let us give both you and he time to rest up, ja?"

"Ja Manfred." Katrin seemed resolved to do as Newkirk asked. She leaned over and kissed him. "Good night my son. Rest well."

"Thank you mama. You too. Good night."

Manfred accompanied Katrin to the door. He ushered her out, then turned to address Newkirk. "Peter? Please do not go to sleep just yet. I would like to speak to you after I see Katrin out."

Newkirk nodded and lay back in the bed. No danger of that doc! I don't think I'm gonna get any sleep tonight. He laced his hands behind his head and gazed at the ceiling as he waited for Manfred to return. In a few moments, the door opened and Manfred entered. "I am sorry Peter, I simply wanted to know if you are all right emotionally speaking. Tomorrow will not be easy for any of us." He sat down. "Katrin held up well tonight did she not?"

"Yes sir, she did. I'm surprised I was able to get through without breaking down meself." Newkirk sighed and looked Manfred in the eyes. "Y'know doc, I'm really looking forward to being back with me mates at the stalag, but I really don't want to say good-bye to you, Astrid and mama."

"It will not be good-bye Peter. It is Auf Wiedersehen, ja?"

Newkirk cocked his head to the side and laughed softly. "Yes, I suppose you're right. Until we meet again then?"

Manfred gazed at Peter with a pensive expression on his face. "Do you know Peter, those were our dear Petzi's exact words when he left for the front? He said we would all meet again. Ironic is it not?" Manfred sighed deeply and stood up, slapping his hands against his thighs. "Well my boy, your physician's instructions tonight are for you to get some rest. Tomorrow will be a rather exhausting day for us all. Good night Peter."

"Good night doc." Newkirk settled down in the bed and pulled the specs off as Manfred turned the lights out before exiting. He lay back and closed his eyes, finally free to allow the tears to flow as he thought about the next day.

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Manfred was as good as his word. He brought Katrin and Astrid to Newkirk's room at 0700 hours the next morning. "Peter? Wake up son, the day has arrived."

"Ummmmm, what?" Newkirk initially had trouble waking, as he had gotten next to no sleep the previous night. He sat up slowly, keeping his eyes closed until he pulled on his specs, then looked around blearily. He yawned and greeted everyone in a tired voice. "Oh, hello, doc. Good morning mama, Astrid." He shook his head and tried to pull himself together. "Did you rest well mama?"

"Nein." She shook her head sadly, then reached over to place a gentle hand on his face. "I see I was not the only one who did not sleep well."

"Is it that obvious?" Newkirk grinned, trying to deflect their concern at his fatigue.

"I am afraid so Peter." Manfred stepped forward and began taking Newkirk's vitals. He stepped back and looked Newkirk in the eyes. "You could definitely use some more sleep."

Newkirk shook his head. "Not right now doc. I can sleep all I want when I get back to camp. I want to visit with all of you while I still can." He inclined his head and sniffed the air. "Right now I need to find out what that delicious smell is."

Katrin laughed and lifted the basket she carried onto the nightstand. "I brought breakfast. I wanted all of us to share breakfast together on this day."

"It smells wonderful! What did you bring us Katrin?" asked Manfred.

"Fresh leberkaese, with fried potatoes and eggs."

Newkirk made a comically exaggerated gesture, as if wiping drool off his lips. They all laughed and Katrin began plating the food. After they had all been served, she stood up. "I would like to offer thanks to God before we eat." She took Newkirk's hand in hers as she began. "Our heavenly father, we thank you for this food you have so generously provided and for this day of life. Thank you for the gracious gifts you have seen fit to shower us with, especially for the precious gift of our dear Peter. Thank you for the comfort you have given us in our time of greatest need. We thank you with our entire heart, soul and mind. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen."

They all thoughtfully echoed her amen and Newkirk gently squeezed Katrin's hand with a whispered, "Thank you mama." She smiled at him as she released his hand and gestured to them all.

"Let us eat ja?"

"You don't need to tell me twice!" Newkirk laughed as he dug into his food.

They all fell into an easy conversation as they ate. Manfred used the time to give Newkirk his discharge instructions, both verbally and in written form. "Please read and follow these instructions faithfully Peter, then pass them along to Sergeant Wilson."

Newkirk only nodded, as his mouth was full. He hurried to swallow and answered Manfred. "I will doc. I just hope Joe doesn't overdo it."

"There is no such thing when it comes to your recovery, Peter," chided Astrid.

"You don't know 'mother hen Joe Wilson' like I do Astrid!" retorted Newkirk.

Katrin laughed softly. "I am glad to hear there will be someone there to act in my stead."

Newkirk looked at her with mock indignation. "Mama…!" He softened his expression and spoke honestly. "I only wish I could spend the rest of my recovery time with you. I don't know what I'm going to do without you, mama."

"You will carry on my son. You will carry on. As will we. We will miss each other true, but we carry on with our hearts comforted by the knowledge that we now have each other, ja?" Katrin looked around at all of them. "Ja?"

Astrid nodded and whispered, "Ja, mama."

Manfred also nodded. "Ja, Katrin. What other course is there?"

Katrin turned back to gaze steadily at Newkirk. "Ja, Peter?"

He blinked back sudden tears at her unexpected strength and smiled. "Ja mama!" He reached out and took her hand. "Thank you. Thank you for everything, all of you. I can never repay your kindness."

Manfred looked over at Katrin. "Oh but you have, Peter. Trust me, you have."

Astrid nodded her agreement with her uncle's statement. Newkirk pursed his lips and looked down at his empty plate. He knew they were right, but felt that he owed them so much more than he could ever have repaid. "Thank you all," he whispered.

"Well!" Katrin took her hand from Peter's and began clearing up the dishes and food. "Has everyone had their fill?"

They all nodded vigorously. Astrid stepped over, "Let me help you mama."

"Danke my child." Katrin and Astrid made short work of clearing the plates, then they all sat down and talked and visited for several hours.

All too soon, it was time for Newkirk to prepare to leave. Manfred cleared his throat and stood up. "Katrin, Astrid, I am very sorry but the ambulance from Stalag 13 is scheduled to arrive shortly. I must get Peter ready to leave. Would you mind waiting out in the hallway?"

Astrid nodded and stood. Katrin also stood and she paused to gaze deep into Newkirk's eyes before leaning down to encircle him within her arms. He wrapped his arms around her and they held each other close, neither of them speaking. After several minutes, Newkirk pulled out of the embrace. He kissed Katrin and then nodded at Manfred. "I'm ready doc. Mama, I will see you in a few minutes." Katrin nodded mutely and allowed Astrid to guide her to the door. Newkirk followed them with his eyes until the door closed behind them, then he sighed heavily.

Manfred gently grasped his shoulder and Newkirk gave him a wan smile. "Thanks doc. Now what do I need to do?"

"Well Peter, as you did not have any clothes of your own, I must discharge you in your pajamas. It is just as well, as you are going straight to the camp infirmary. I have a robe for you to put on over them and a pair of slippers as well. Here, let me help you to sit up." Manfred slowly eased Newkirk up to a sitting position on the edge of the bed. His patient groaned as he did so. "What is wrong Peter?"

"Really...dizzy." He swayed as he tried to stay upright. Manfred steadied him with a hand on each shoulder.

"That is to be expected Peter. You must take it slow and easy. You have been abed for quite some time. The dizziness is part of the recovery process, as your equilibrium will not return to normal for a little while."

Newkirk groaned again at that news. "How long will it be doc?"

"I cannot say Peter. It varies with each patient. You must remember son, you are still recovering from a very serious surgery to your head!"

"Yes sir." He swallowed hard as he felt his stomach lurch. "Oh no, not that again!"

Manfred nodded solemnly. "I am sorry Peter. That too is natural for this stage of your recovery. It is a side effect of the imbalance in your equilibrium."

"Oh blimey!" Newkirk exclaimed. He sat still for a few minutes to wait for his stomach to settle. Manfred handed him the robe, then crouched down to put the slippers on Newkirk's feet. When he was finally ready, Manfred stepped outside the room to retrieve a wheelchair. He wheeled it in, followed by Astrid and Katrin.

Manfred wrapped his hands around Newkirk's forearms. "Up you go Peter!" Newkirk stumbled a bit but made it into the chair without incident. He looked over at Katrin and extended his hand. She came near and took it in her own.

"Are you ready mama?" His voice wavered a bit despite his determination not to break down.

"Yes my son. I am as ready as I shall be."

Manfred unlocked the wheels on the chair and stepped behind it. "Come then. Let us take Peter to the ambulance, ja?"

As Manfred wheeled Newkirk out to the ambulance, Katrin walked alongside, her hand still within Newkirk's. Astrid walked beside her mother, her hand on Katrin's other arm.

Manfred halted the wheelchair at the rear of the ambulance. "Peter, take care. I will contact Oberst Klink to request permission to come to the stalag regularly to examine you until I feel you are completely recovered."

Newkirk nodded. "I don't know 'ow to thank ya for all you've done for me doc."

"It was my pleasure. Continue to get better, ja?"

"Yes sir. Thanks again!"

Manfred walked over to confer with Wilson as Astrid and Katrin said their farewells.

Astrid leaned down and kissed him. "I am sorry all of this happened Peter. At the same time, I am so very thankful to you for helping mama the way you have. Take care, ja? We will see you in the future I am sure."

He nodded, taking Astrid's hands in his. "You've done so much for me Astrid. I can't begin to express my thanks. You be careful, okay? I don't want to 'ear of anythin' 'appening to you." He brought her hands up to his lips and then released them.

Astrid nodded, a small smile on her face. She stepped back so her mother could say good-bye.

Newkirk looked up at Katrin, noting the tears shining in her eyes. He felt his own eyes burning and was grateful for the shaded specs. "Mama? I will come to see you when I am better. I will write you until then. I thank you with all my heart." He reached out to her and she leaned into his embrace. "I love you," he whispered to her. He didn't want to let her go.

"I love you my son." She kissed him tenderly and the tears spilled down her face. "I will write you as well."

Wilson approached and cleared his throat, clearly embarrassed to have to intervene. 'I'm sorry folks but it's time. We've got to get him back to the stalag." Newkirk gently caressed Katrin's cheek in farewell before he let Wilson and Manfred help him out of the wheelchair. He looked back and blew a kiss to her, shaking his head sadly at the tears trailing down her cheeks. Katrin managed a small smile in spite of her tears. Newkirk leaned heavily on Wilson as he and Manfred helped him to lie down onto the stretcher in the back of the ambulance. "Easy does it Peter. Doc Hoffman here said your equilibrium would be off for a little while."

"And 'e wasn't kiddin' Joe. We tried this earlier and everythin's spinnin' again like before." He swallowed hard and closed his eyes. "I really don't wanta haveta puke in the back of a moving truck."

"Well if you have to, you have to. I'll be right here with a bucket. I came prepared."

"Thanks Joe. 'opefully we won't need it." He glanced around, then looked at Wilson with a disappointed expression. Wilson knew exactly what he was thinking and gently patted him on the shoulder.

"I'll fill you in on the way back. It's not what you think Peter. They really wanted to come."

"I know, Joe. Sorry." He turned to Manfred. "Doc, I really don't 'ave the words to thank you for all you've done. Please take care of yourself. Take good care of mama and Astrid. Tell them I'll be visitin' soon."

"I will son. Sergeant Wilson please take good care of our Peter for us." Manfred leaned down and gently squeezed Newkirk's shoulder. Newkirk smiled up at him and Manfred rose to turn to Wilson.

"Yes sir, we will. Doctor, I'd like to thank you as well for all your help. We'll never forget it."

Manfred nodded and shook Wilson's hand. "If you need me in future, please do not hesitate to call me. Auf Wiedersehen." Manfred stepped out of the ambulance and closed the doors.

Wilson got Newkirk settled and then called out to Langenscheidt, "We're ready, Corporal." The ambulance took off with a jerk and Newkirk closed his eyes again with a grimace.

"Joe….bleedin' 'ell. Got that…bucket…'andy?"

"That bad already, huh?" Wilson helped him turn onto his side and brought the bucket near.

Newkirk didn't answer. He was too busy heaving and shuddering over the bucket. He finally finished and lay back with a groan. Wilson helped him rinse his mouth and drink a bit of water. "Cor! I was 'opin' that wouldn't 'appen. And mama fixed me such a good breakfast too! What a waste!"

Wilson snickered. Only Newkirk would voice a regret like that. "Sorry about that Peter. Just lie back and try to keep as still as you can.

Newkirk nodded and tried unsuccessfully to hold in another groan. "Blimey! I feel terrible. Me stomach feels like it's climbin' up me throat!"

Wilson patted him on the shoulder. "That's to be expected old boy. Just try to stay still." The truck jolted suddenly as it hit a pothole. Newkirk covered his eyes with his hand and moaned. Wilson brought the bucket close again. "Well, try to be as still as possible, given the circumstances."

It proved a miserable trip; Newkirk was nauseated the entire time. Wilson had to ask Langenscheidt to pull over twice to give Newkirk a little snippet of relief. Wilson tried to distract the Englishman by telling him why the rest of his friends weren't there. Newkirk made a face at the mention of the Gestapo major.

"That's all I need Joe! It's not bad enough I'm puking me guts out, I may 'ave to face Hochstetter once I'm back at camp?"

"The Colonel didn't know for sure Peter. All we know is that Burkhalter will be there."

"That's bad enough, innit?" He trailed off into another groan. "Joe…."

"Go ahead. I'm ready." Newkirk retched over the bucket, mainly with dry heaves. The spasms finally seemed to ease up just as the truck passed through the gates of Stalag 13.

"Just in time Peter! Welcome home!" Wilson put the bucket under his bench seat.

Newkirk didn't answer at first; he was busy getting his breathing under control. He nodded wearily and lay back down. "I feel awful Joe."

"I know. You'll feel better once we get you into a nice warm cot in the infirmary."

"I 'ope so."

The truck came to a stop outside the infirmary and Langenscheidt came around to open the doors. Wilson jumped out. "Thanks Corporal!"

Langenscheidt dipped his head once. "You are welcome Sergeant. I am sorry for the bumpy ride."

"Don't worry about it. We've got our boy back home where he belongs." Wilson turned at the sound of a voice behind him.

"You've got that right!" Colonel Hogan approached, accompanied by Kinch, Carter and LeBeau. Wilson headed towards them, wanting to give them an overview of Newkirk's condition first.

"Colonel, fellas. Wait just a minute, okay? Peter's not feeling well at all. He spent the entire trip throwing up." Everyone's face changed from joy to intense concern at his words. "It's nothing to worry about. Trust me. His equilibrium is going to be off for a little while and he'll be subject to nausea and headaches as he recovers. It's completely normal. All I ask is that you keep it kinda quiet for now. Can do?"

All of the men nodded vigorously and Hogan put a hand on Wilson's arm. "Can do Joe. Please let us know what we need to do to help Peter."

"Right now, just talk very quietly and don't make any sudden moves. He's still nauseated from the ride so he probably won't be at his best right now. Plus he might fall asleep at any time; Dr. Hoffman told me he didn't get any sleep last night." Wilson gestured for them to follow him back to the ambulance. Once there, he climbed in and knelt beside Newkirk. "Peter?

"Yeah Joe?" whispered Newkirk, eyes clenched shut.

"The fellas are here to help you to the infirmary. Just a few more minutes and you'll be in a nice, warm, stationary bed, okay?"

Newkirk nodded slowly as Wilson moved to the head of the stretcher. He nodded to Kinch, who stationed himself at the foot of the stretcher. "Okay Kinch, on three. One, two, three!" They hefted the stretcher up as gently as they could and eased it out the back of the ambulance. It was only a few steps to the infirmary and Wilson soon had Newkirk settled in a cot.

Carter gently sat down on the edge of the cot and took Newkirk's hand. He spoke very quietly, mindful of Wilson's instructions. "Hey buddy. Joe told us you're not feeling too good so I won't stay too long. I just wanted to say welcome home."

Newkirk opened his eyes halfway. " 'ey Andrew. 'ey mates, gov. It's...good to be...'ome."

Hogan knelt beside the cot. "Peter, like Andrew said, we just wanted to welcome you back. We'll let you get some rest. Joe said the trip wasn't anything to write home about."

"You...can say that again, gov." He closed his eyes again just as LeBeau leaned in.

"Get some sleep mon ami. You look tired."

"I feel tired Louis. I feel like...like I've been 'it by a truck."

Kinch put a gentle hand on Newkirk's shoulder. "Then go to sleep Peter. We'll come back in the morning, okay?"

"Okay...Kinch. Thanks...mate..." he curled up on his side, softly moaning.

Hogan was alarmed. "Peter?" He turned to gesture to Wilson. "Joe?"

"Don't worry...sir...just me stomach...again..."

Wilson came close and nodded. "He's still nauseated fellas. It might be a good idea to go ahead and say good night for now."

Carter stood up and they all bid Newkirk good night. Wilson accompanied them to the door.

"Joe, you let us know if you need anything alright?" Hogan glanced back at Newkirk.

"You know I will Colonel." He followed Hogan's gaze. "He'll be fine Colonel. It'll take a little time, but he'll be fine."

Hogan nodded, but Wilson could still see the worry in his eyes. "Okay. Thanks Joe. Good night."

"Good night Colonel. Good night fellas. I'll take good care of him, don't worry!"

Carter was the last to leave. "We know you will Joe. We're just worried about him."

"I know Andrew, I know. I don't blame you for worrying. I'll let you know if anything changes."

"Thanks Joe. Good night."

Wilson shut the door and walked back over to Newkirk's cot. "Peter? Do you need anything?" There was no answer. "Peter?" He sat down beside the cot to find that his patient had fallen asleep. He removed Newkirk's specs, then sighed and sat back in the chair. "Get some rest Peter. I'll be right here."

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Katrin burst into uncontrollable sobs as soon as the ambulance doors closed. She had promised herself that she would be strong for Peter's sake, but as soon as the doors slammed shut an overwhelming, uncontrollable tide of sorrow welled up within her. Manfred took Katrin in his strong embrace. "Ja dear, ja. Grieve my dear. We will all miss him. But remember Katrin, we will see him again. He wants to come visit you when he has recovered."

"I know...he will...Manfred. I shall...miss him so...until then."

"You both promised to write each other ja?"

Katrin nodded pathetically. Astrid approached and put her arms around her mother within her uncle's embrace. "Uncle, why must we suffer so?"

Manfred included Astrid in his embrace as well. "It seems that is our lot in life does it not, Astrid? It will not always be so. Let us endure and take comfort from the fact that we now have Peter in our lives. If not for his unfortunate accident, we never would have met him. Let us be thankful."

Both Katrin and Astrid nodded. Manfred hugged them close. "Let us go home. Katrin must rest."

"Yes Manfred. I will rest, then I must write a letter to my dear Peter."