Heidegger's Glasses: A Novel by Thaisa Frank Read Free Book Online Page A

crossing the border they took all my special papers and sent me to a pleasant place. And so I’m not traveling incognito anymore. It seems to be the general opinion that this is a good place and everyone should come, including you.

    All my love,

    Maurice
    Elie followed Mueller, who looked incongruous with his elegant tooled-leather case and beat-up duffel bag. Outside the shepherd’s hut there was a path of oval stones that led to the clearing. Mueller turned around when he heard Elie’s boots crack the ice.

    How lovely to see you, he said and took her arm.

    Elie held her arm at a distance and watched his elbow gesture toward the sky. It was a dazzling incandescent blue.

    If only we could be like the weather, said Mueller.

    Who says we can’t? said Elie.

    The war, he said. Rain means waiting to attack, sun means charging ahead, and winter means Stalingrad.

    But Stalingrad was last winter.

    And it changed winter forever, said Mueller.

    Elie tried to free her arm. Mueller pressed closer.

    Let me give you some advice, he said. Leave those orders alone.

    What orders?

    You know what orders. And you also know that if it weren’t for a certain officer, we’d have spent more time together.

    I’m not sure what you mean.

    Of course you do, said Mueller. He put down his bags and kissed Elie’s hand. She felt his moustache bristle her fingers and wished she’d worn gloves.

    You’re very kind, she said.

    You know I’m not kind at all.

    Well, I’m sure wherever you’re going, you’ll do good, she said. Gerhardt thinks so too.

    You’re lying, said Mueller. But you’ll do good. You always do. Except you’re too nice to those people down there.

    Everyone suffers in a war.

    But some people don’t deserve to suffer as much as others, said Mueller.

    They’d come to his Kübelwagen, and Mueller, who boasted about refusing a confiscated American jeep, patted a window, then bent close to Elie and spoke in a low voice.

    About those glasses, he said. I’d ignore everything. People aren’t themselves these days, and even a wild card like Heidegger isn’t a problem. Who cares if he doesn’t get his glasses? Nothing bends the will of the Reich. Not even the dead.

    Elie tried to look incredulous. Do you really think so?

    Of course, said Mueller. The Führer won’t leave his bunker, and Goebbels is always in that marketplace talking about the war. Who even knows if he even wrote those orders?

    I’m sure he didn’t, said Elie.

    I’m glad you agree.

    Mueller took off his gloves and patted Elie’s hand.

    I’ll miss you, he said.

    And I’ll miss you, she said, in a voice so distant it seemed to come from the forest.

    Would Obërst Lodenstein mind if I kissed you?

    Oh…you know…best not to disturb things.

    Of course, said Mueller. But if I can ever help you, let me know. Meanwhile, make sure those people answer letters. There are too many languages in that room. It’s the Tower of Babel if they don’t stay busy. And Stumpf should take his hands off Sonia Markova.

    You’re right about that, said Elie.

    Well, here’s a kiss anyway, said Mueller. And he pressed his lips against Elie’s—so tightly his medals pricked her chin.

    You have no idea how much regard I have for you, he said.

    And I for you, said Elie. But I’m freezing without a coat.

    She turned to leave, but Mueller pulled at her sleeve and handed her the ivory box. It’s a puzzle-box, he said. Try to open it.

    Elie worked the panels until the box flew open. There was a carving of a plum tree inside.

    To spring! said Mueller. To a whole new season!

    It’s lovely, said Elie, handing it back.

    It’s for you, said Mueller.

    But things get lost here.

    Or a certain Obërst gets jealous, said Mueller, pushing the box at her. Anyway, if you don’t take it, I’ll have to tell Goebbels a thing or two.

    He bowed with a flourish and drove away on the unpaved road. The wheels of his Kübelwagen broke the ice, reminding Elie of