Back to Heinrich and Rebekah

Waking up is a strange process where your memory switches from a subconscious dream-like state to one where reality edges in with stimuli until we see ourselves in the bed of our room. At times the dream is better than reality and we don’t want to wake up; at other times reality wins out; but always we must face where we are. Heinrich was half dreaming as he looked past the embroidered table cloth when the wind blew branches against the window, catching his attention. Then he remembered who was in the house: Rebekah, and she was better than a dream.  Downstairs was a beautiful woman who had captivated his heart and mind in a way that none other had ever done. But could all of that occur in just a few hours? Was he jumping to conclusions without basing it on reality? Yes, he had, which is why he needed to know more. He was glad for the first time that he was half Jewish; but was that enough to be accepted – was he enough to be accepted? What was he thinking? Was he going to drop everything he was doing and run off with a woman from Poland and leave his family behind? Ironically, it made him think of his mother, for she had done the same type of thing. And then he remembered that Rebekah was going to spend time with his mother today and he was supposed to see Luther. His mind was a whirlwind before he even got up to face the day.

On a normal day he would have just gone downstairs and out the back to the privy. But how would he look? He had a pitcher and a wash basin in his room, so he quickly doused his head with water and tried to look presentable as he got dressed. During all of this he did not hear any sounds downstairs, just the wind against the trees. He noticed too that it was quite cloudy; could there be a storm coming? He finally landed on the main floor, but was surprised to see that no one was there. His need to go to the privy was even more urgent, so he went out the back where he felt the wind’s effects and headed towards that most important structure when you need it and knocked on the door. Thankfully, it was open, so he went to relieve himself. It was then that he heard voices.

It was the voice of Mother talking with Rebekah and Sarah joining in; he could tell they were walking towards him on the street that led to town. He couldn’t make out their conversation but it sounded pleasant enough, with a few laughs thrown in. He finished his business and then came out. He saw them walking and headed in that direction, all the while wondering if it was wise for Rebekah to be seen in town. That’s when he noticed she was wearing a hat and carrying a bag that belonged to Sarah. By this time they saw him at the fence of their yard and he waited until they got to him. “Good morning ladies,” Heinrich said in a cheerful  tone, “I was wondering where everyone was.”

Mother spoke first, “I knew that we were low on some important things, so we went into town to buy them. “ Rebekah piped in, “Sarah and I waited in a park as your mother went into the shop.” Heinrich was amazed, for she read his mind! About all he could say was, “Well, I’m glad you’re back, because it looks like it might storm.” Mother said in a motherly way, “I checked in on you, but you were sound asleep. I thought it would be better if we bought our things before it got worse. Why don’t we go on in and get some eggs cooking and some bread browning.”

Later as they were taking their last bites of omelets and toast with butter and jam, Heinrich brought up the plan for the day. “I know that you (looking at Rebekah) and Mom were going to start investigating. I’d love to join in on that, but first I wanted to go see Martin and ask him a few questions. I should do that soon, before it starts to rain.” As Rebekah looked at Heinrich, their eyes locked and they were mesmerized until she broke the silence, “Yes, your Mother and I will start to see what we can find out. Take care of yourself and we’ll see you after.” Mother, taking it all in, said, “We’ll clean up – you should just head on out while you can.” Heinrich said feebly, “Alright.” He grabbed his hooded coat, said goodbye, and left out the front door.