26: Lethargy
It was nice to just sit with a cup of hot chocolate in front of a crackling fire in a darkened room. Kielholz threw a blanket around Langenscheidt before sitting next to him. "It was nice of Tobias to have us over for Christmas," he said.
"At least he's feeling better," Langenscheidt replied.
"And at least he's home." Kielholz put a blanket around himself. "He can entertain the rest of the family while we're in here."
Langenscheidt nodded. "I'm exhausted anyway." He took a sip of his hot chocolate, then let out a sigh. "It has been a long and eventful year. I met you back in April, but it feels like I've known you forever now."
Kielholz grinned. "Same here."
"There were also the absurd ups and downs my health took."
Kielholz nodded. "Two surgeries, two stomach flus, a bout of pneumonia, allergies, your head injury, your back, and the list goes on."
"You were just as bad at times. You had your tonsils out. You made yourself sick worrying about me. You threw up when we were taking the prisoners back from a work detail, although you and you alone were responsible for that."
"That's still not nearly as bad as you."
"I'm aware. Even though you were quite… irritating at times, I'm still glad you were there every step of the way. Thank you."
Kielholz ruffled Langenscheidt's hair. "You had your fair share of taking care of me."
"I will pray for better luck next year. Maybe we can actually go to the lake without me having to lose my breakfast in a flower bush."
"I'm not sure about that. There are still the geese we have to worry about."
"Maybe the geese will move on to a different place next year."
"Let's hope so."
Langenscheidt set his cup on the table in front of the couch. "I know it's only seven PM, but I'm ready for bed."
"It's Christmas Eve, Karl, Tobias said he's going to let us open a present when everyone else leaves."
"I'll open it in the morning." Langenscheidt nestled down on a pillow. "How are you not tired, Erich?"
"I am tired, but I'm not ready for bed yet."
"Well, am I allowed to sleep?"
"Oh, alright." Kielholz sighed. He would go to bed eventually, but at the moment, he didn't want to. A glint of gold caught his eye, and he spotted a box of chocolates on one of the tables under a window facing Tobias's snow-covered garden. He stood and went to see what exactly was in the box. Cherry cordials. Wow, how did Tobias get these? Kielholz plucked one out and put it in his mouth, delighting in the chocolate-covered cherry melting in his mouth. He took a second one out and went back over to the couch. "Karl, I have something for you." Kielholz put the cordial next to Langenscheidt's mouth. "I have chocolate."
Langenscheidt's eyes opened, then took the cordial with his teeth.
Kielholz patted his head. "Now you can go to sleep. Merry Christmas."