2: Homesick

Why does Erich look so sad? Corporal Langenscheidt thought while observing Corporal Kielholz standing outside one of the prisoners' barracks. Kielholz had been looking distant and withdrawn for most of the day, and hadn't said much during breakfast. It was extremely unusual for someone who was typically active as soon as he rolled out of bed. Langenscheidt had even asked what was wrong and Kielholz didn't provide much of an answer, other than he wanted to be left alone for a little while.

It must be serious if he wants to be left alone. Langenscheidt was torn between going over to Kielholz and trying to talk, or respecting his friend's wishes and leaving him be. Not wanting to hurt Kielholz, Langenscheidt left him alone.

Kielholz's melancholic actions and expressions kept nagging at Langenscheidt over the next hour. He made his patrol rounds, mind wandering as he walked. Eventually, his curiosity got the better of him, and he cut across the compound, narrowly dodging some of the American prisoners playing baseball, and jogged up to Kielholz, who was standing near the mess hall. "Erich? Can I talk to you?"

"About what?" Kielholz asked, looking over his shoulder at Langenscheidt as he approached.

"Why do you look so upset? I know you said you want to be left alone, but I want to help."

Kielholz fell silent for a moment. He leaned against the mess hall. "It's my brother's birthday today, and… I woke up this morning wanting to run away from the camp and just go home. I didn't want to say anything because of how much it's been hurting. I didn't want to let it boil to the surface."

"I know you have a hard time controlling frustration sometimes, but I wish you had said something to me."

"Sorry. I just… didn't want to take it out on you, or anyone else."

"That is understandable, but you are clearly hurt inside. I would tell you if I was hurt."

Kielholz smirked a little. "You have hidden illnesses and injuries from me before."

"I am referring to the emotional kind."

"You had hidden that from me, too."

Langenscheidt couldn't argue with that. "Only because I did not want you worrying."

"I did not want you worrying about me today, but… I didn't exactly make that easy."

"You are very expressive. That is one of your biggest flaws."

"I'm working on it. Slowly." Kielholz's smile faded. "I should have considered my leave time more much carefully. Maybe not taken so many trips into Hammelburg with you. Then I would have had time to see Tobias. I had asked Klink a few days ago, and he said that I could not ask for leave for another two weeks."

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault." Kielholz looked up toward the sky. "I have only been here for three months and I already want to go home. I was in North Africa for far longer and never really felt this way. Probably because I was surrounded by friends. I was less alone." Absentmindedly, Kielholz rubbed his right shoulder. "All it took was one thing to go wrong. If I had been anywhere else, I wouldn't have been shot. I wouldn't have had my shoulder ripped up so badly it will never function properly again."

Langenscheidt nodded a little. "I was very homesick when I first came here as well. I was still dealing with it pretty badly when you came. I still am, but it has gotten better. You have helped considerably." There was silence for a moment, then Langenscheidt continued. "I guess it is my turn to help you."

"There really is not much you can do. Just let it be. I sent Tobias a letter this morning."

"Was there anything special you did for birthdays back home?"

"Mother would make their favorite meal and dessert. Tobias loves cinnamon buns. I have never been able to make them, because I have never had the chance. I wouldn't be very good anyway. That is Tobias's specialty."

"I cannot bake, either, unfortunately," Langenscheidt said. "There has to be something I can do to help."

Kielholz shook his head.

"Anything, Erich. Just so you don't look so sad anymore."

Kielholz let out a sigh of defeat. "Alright. There is one thing you can do."

"What?"

"I know Klink has a tin of hot cocoa mix in his quarters. Hot cocoa was another birthday staple, regardless of the time of year."

"Steal from Klink? I don't know, Erich."

"LeBeau and I took his oven mitts to make your soup when you sick a couple of weeks ago."

"Yes, and he was quite angry about that until they mysteriously turned up on his desk. I can't do it, Erich."

"You don't have to." Kielholz gestured toward Barracks Two.

"Oh, no, no, no, Erich—"

"You wanted to help."

Langenscheidt was about to argue again, but then gave a heavy sigh. "Fine, but if we are caught, I will tell Klink that you were involved."

"Well, at least you wouldn't be lying."

"I know, but if I am going down, you are coming with me."