The Wall

 It was a hot season, though it wasn’t as hot as a few weeks before. The city wasn’t quiet at that time. The men with weaponry were all around. You’re in a café – there they are, you’re in a shop – there they are again, you’re in a park – well, you’ve already guessed. Some people were worried by that fact. Some didn’t or just tried not to pay attention to it.

 Richard Schmidt was one of the last category. He was a cheerful young man. Rarely could he be seen not smiling. He was tall and slim. His skin was rather dark, eyes were pale grey, hair had a bronze shade and his face was thin. All the girls of the yard he was living in couldn’t help falling in love with Richard. The young man could fascinate female part of Berlin of all possible ages only by his smile. Schmidt always smiled, laughed and pulled someone’s leg. It seemed, he didn’t know what sadness and anger is. Yes, he was kind-hearted and sensitive too. Somebody could hurt him and then get in a trouble. Anyway, Richard always helped people even in such cases. The man lived with his friend Herd Schwarz in a tiny flat not far from Brandenburg gates in the Western Berlin. Herd was a tall thin man with pale skin, dark hair and brown eyes. He, vice versa, was more serious than his friend. Schwarz thought carefully before making up the final decision. While Richard, it seemed, didn’t think at all. Herd was worried about the situation that Berlin faced, while Richard tried not to pay much attention to it. The soldiers all around, the news, the weaponry didn’t frighten Schmidt, he didn’t notice it. Well, it seemed so. Herd was older. He had a wife, Greta. She was pregnant and waited for her kid to be born and her husband to be back to Leipzig. Herd had a job in Berlin. In Western Berlin. At the last time Herd worked more than usual to get more free days to see his family. Richard wasn’t unemployed too. He worked for Herd’s father in the same region. Herr Schwarz was a short but stout middle-aged man. He was a rather strict employer. Anyway, he remembered that Richard was his son’s best friend.

- How hot is it today… is there any water left?

- No water, Herr.

- Oh, that’s a pity.

- I can go and buy some.

- No, no breaks, Richard. Herr Schiller’s waiting for the work to be completed by five o’clock.

 That eve the work was completed successfully. Herr Schiller was satisfied. So, Richard could go home with no regrets. He had a yellow motorbike which he used as a transport, a way to have a holiday, an attraction… lots of variants. As Richard got to his yard, he put his motorbike in a garage and went straight to the entrance of the house he lived in. Suddenly there came a strange voice, as if someone broke a bench of a tree. The next moment lots of leaves fell down on Richard and then someone jumped on his back.

- Richard! Let’s go riding your motorbike! – A voice came.

- Uli? How… heavy you are! – Richard shouted, breathing heavily. – Indeed heavy! Show me yourself!

 Uli jumped onto the ground and stood in front of the man. A thin ginger girl wearing white shirt (it’s already got grey because of the dirt) and red trousers appeared in front of him.

- You’re so big! You grew up, I see! – Richard said being excited. – How are you? Tell me everything!

- No, Richard, I don’t grow up! – Uli exclaimed as if being offended. – Maybe, it’s you getting older and weaker! I can’t grow up. I’ll never grow up. I’ll be like Peter Pan.

- Peter Pen? Who’s that? – Richard asked trying to seem surprised (of course, he knew about Peter Pan).

- It’s a boy who will never become an adult. He lives on an island inhabited with undines, crocodiles and Indians. He also can fly. One day I’ll be able to fly too! – Uli explained with such an enthusiasm.

- But why don’t you want to be an adult? – Richard asked, having bent to the kid.

- You, adults, are boring. I don’t want to be boring like you, - the child showed a face of a bored person, but then smiled.

- Uli, am I boring? – Richard tried to seem offended.

- No, you’re an exception, - the kid laughed and hugged Richard strongly.

- Uli, I can’t breathe, stop it! You’ll break my ribs! – Richard laughed tickling his nephew. – Let’s go home.

- No, I’ve just been there! I’m bored! Let’s ride your motorbike, please! – Uli begged.

- Oh, alright…

 They explored, it seemed, all the streets of Western Berlin. Soon they explored the local villages and valleys. Very quickly it got darker. The days got shorter as the autumn came closer. Once they stopped at the edge of the city watching the soldiers transporting something. It attached Richard’s interest.

- What are they doing? – Uli asked.

- Transporting… kind of building materials? – Richard doubted.

- What are they going to build? How do you think? – Uli looked at uncle.

- Guess… - he thought and looked at Uli. – Guess it’s going to be an entertaining park for you with lots of attractions and toys.

- Soldiers can build such a thing? – Uli smiled and clapped.

- I think yes, - Richard smiled and looked at the soldiers again. The couple got back home late at night, as they moved too far away from their yard. Herd was worrying about them, so the first thing Richard heard entering the flat was:

- Don’t even try to make up a joke out of it!

 Richard still smiled, but kept silent. He silently went to Uli’s room.

- Read me it, - Uli gave Richard a book titled “Winnie the Pooh”. He read a chapter or two and the girl fell asleep. Then Richard quietly went out of the room having closed it and came to Herd. Schwarz was drinking tea in the kitchen. Richard silently sat in front of his friend.

- Never do it again, - Herd said strictly.

- What do you mean? – Richard’s smile disappeared.

- It’s too dangerous to ride with a little girl along the city full of soldiers, - Herd explained.

- Oh, relax…

- Relax? I can’t relax when men with weaponry are all around!

- I have a motorbike! – Richard laughed. Herd, it seemed, now hated his smile.

- You can be shot from different distances. Remember it.

- Herd, what’s wrong? You’ve been anxious at the last time, - Richard got a bit sad. – You can’t change all these things.

- Maybe, you’re right… - Herd looked at the window.

- How is Greta? Did she phone you? – Schmidt tried to change topics.

- Yes, she did. She’s fine. I hope I’ll be free to get to Leipzig and to support her at the most responsible moment, - Herd still was looking in the window.

- Herd, but, please, don’t exhaust yourself. You’ll get enough free days to go to Leipzig, - Richard advised. Herd looked at him and nodded. Though, it seemed, he didn’t even hear Schmidt, that he nodded only to pretend. Richard sighed and repeated the same thing.

- I’ve heard you, I’ll try to, - Herd said and put his cup among other dirty things. – It’s your turn to wash it.

 When Herd went to bed, Richard went out on the balcony. He looked at the lights of the city thinking. Richard was cheerful and smiling, but, anyway, it didn’t mean he couldn’t be serious too. And, in fact, he himself worried too. Just didn’t show it. Anyway, Richard used laughter as the best weaponry against worries. The next morning Uli tried to wake her uncle up. She ran inside his room, jumped on his bed… no, not on his bed, but on Richard himself and began to sing. Richard tried to hide his ears under the pillow, but Uli couldn’t stop singing and jumping on the bed.

- Alright! Alright! Let’s go somewhere! – Richard shouted and lightly heat Uli with his pillow. In one moment she sat down and became calm. Only laughed quietly. They used their motorbike and moved to a café. It was a good beginning of the day for Uli, Richard thought so. As they entered the café, they got pressed by the atmosphere – so many soldiers couldn’t be seen in one place before that day.

- Wow… - Richard muttered looking at that scene.

- Man, all the cafés are the same now, - said one of the visitors having noticed Richard’s reaction.

- Maybe, we’d better to go to a park? – Richard asked Uli.

- No, I want an ice cream, - said the girl.

- Alright, I’ll quickly buy an ice cream for you and we’ll go to a park, - the man suggested another variant.

- That’s fine! – smiled Uli. They joined the queue and waited. Suddenly Richard noticed one soldier talking to a slim blonde blue-eyed girl. She wasn’t pleased with such an attention, so Richard decided to interfere:

- Uli, wait here a bit, – and he came to that couple.

- Lady, don’t you understand how pretty you are? – the soldier touched the girl’s hands.

- Sounds pleasant, but I’m not in the right mood to talk to you, - she tried to push the man.

- Excuse me, - Richard interfered. – Leave her alone, please.

- Lady, let’s go together, - the man made a view he didn’t notice Richard.

- Leave me alone! – The girl exclaimed.

- Hey, can’t you hear?! – Richard put his hand on the man’s shoulder. The soldier looked back.

- So what? – he laughed. Richard answered:

- Aren’t you ashamed of the kids here? Leave the girl alone.

- Go away, boy, - the man pushed Richard. Uli watched them attentively while the seller was making an ice cream for her.

- What if it’s my girlfriend? - Richard said. The man laughed:

- So what?

- So then you’re an outlaw, - Richard said calmly. The soldier pulled out his gun.

- I am the law, - he said and pointed the gun at Richard.

- Complete outlaw, - Schmidt added laughing. Uli ran to her uncle shouting:

- No! Put it away! Don’t hurt my uncle!

- Kid, your uncle is so silly, - the soldier laughed hiding his gun.

- Never call my uncle this way! – Uli exclaimed and clutched to the girl’s hand. – Leave her alone!

 The soldier laughed and went away saying to the lady:

- Hope to see you soon, beauty.

 The girl sighed with relief and smiled at Richard. Then at Uli.

- Well, - Richard muttered smiling at her too, - maybe, you need a company?

- I think it’s a good idea, - the girl said. They chose a table and ordered drinks. Uli got her ice cream and silently ate it while watching the couple.

- Thank you very much for help. I frightened so much… - the girl began to talk.

- So, why did you come here? – Richard laughed.

- All the cafes are the same today! The same situation could happen in any of them… My name is Elsa. What’s your name? And what’s your nephew’s name?

- My name is Richard. And hers is Uli.

- Well… - Elsa thought a bit. – You have a nice nephew.

 Uli smiled at her again and concentrated on her ice cream then.

- Yes, she is, - Richard smiled too. After that they were just sitting and looking at each other trying to find a new topic on which to talk on.

- So, - Elsa talked first again, - tell me about yourself.

- I live in the Western part of Berlin and I work there.

- You don’t remind me a typical German man. Are you German?

- Yes, I understand what you mean – too dark skin… My mother is Italian. What about you?

- I am half Russian. I am from the Eastern part of Berlin. I am a secretary at one office. You know, I live in the Eastern part, near the Brandenburg gates, and work here, in the Western Berlin.

- Sounds great.

 And silence again. Then Elsa began to speak again:

- I think I have to go. My father’s so worried when I’m far away from home.

- Oh, of course… - Richard muttered. – Sure. It was nice to meet you.

- I was glad to meet you too. Thanks for help. Goodbye, - Elsa waved at Richard and Uli. Richard only smiled, Uli waved at her too. As the blonde beauty went out of the café Uli pushed Richard saying:

- Why didn’t you tell her you’re a billionaire?

- What? – Richard surprised.

- I thought you would like to be her boyfriend.

- Uli, it doesn’t mean that I have to lie if I want to be attractive to a girl.

- Well, my dad always does such a thing when he meets pretty women.

 Richard froze looking at Uli with surprise. Then he found what to say:

- I hope your mom doesn’t know about it…

- Sure she knows. She does the same, - Uli said as if it was a normal thing for her family. Richard looked in the window thinking about it properly, but then as usually smiled suggesting going to a doll theatre. Well, Uli preferred going to a bal. Richard refused, but agreed to play hockey on a grass: if Uli wins Richard takes her to that bal, if Richard wins they go to a doll theatre. That eve they found a field, took a can and two mops. They were ready to play a hockey match. While testing the mops Uli asked Richard:

- How old are you?

- I am twenty two, don’t you remember?

- Hm, no, I’m just thinking.

- Thinking about what? – Schmidt was intrigued. Uli then explained:

- About brothers and sisters.

 They played for half an hour. Richard was a leader. Then they had a break. Uli again spoke:

- Why don’t you have a wife? I want to have a brother or a sister.

- Ask your parents. You’re ten years old, I guess now they have enough time to have one more child, - Richard said after a few minutes thinking. Uli seemed to be worried by something. Schmidt decided to watch Uli more to be completely convinced. They played for another half an hour. Richard won. Uli then became quiet and silent. Richard understood she was upset – she lost the game and now had to go to a “dull and boring doll theatre”.

- Richard, but why don’t you have a wife? – asked Uli while riding back home. – So many girls like you.

- It’s a difficult question, - Richard couldn’t find right words for a ten-year-old girl on such a topic and chose these. Uli then said sadly:

- I asked, lots of times. I think they’re busy now, too busy. My dad’s having a science expedition with his student. My mom’s having a conference with her colleague. That’s why I’m here.

 Richard suddenly stopped looking at Uli with surprise.

- What? – Uli amazed. Richard looked somewhere and thought a bit. Then he looked at Uli saying:

- Aren’t they on holiday together?

 - No, I’ve told you, - Uli answered. Richard thought again.

- What’s up, Richard? – Uli began to worry. The man looked at her trying to smile and show happiness naturally saying:

- Everything’s fine.

- Richard, adults tell the same things when they want to hide something from me. Tell me the truth, - Uli got a bit angry.

- Sorry, but I’m not sure I’ve thought about the right things. Anyway, I guess I have to talk with your parents, - Richard sighed and set the engine on to continue moving. They moved back home. There Richard found no Herd, but then understood that his friend was staying at work to fulfill all his tasks to get to Leipzig as earlier as possible. Uli went to bed, Schmidt read another two or three chapters of “Winnie the Pooh” and went on the balcony. He has done the same thing every evening since Herd became anxious about the number of soldiers in the Western part of Berlin. Richard went on the balcony only before the sleep as if to convince that everything’s alright with the city. He was looking at the night Berlin and in the bottom of his heart he enjoyed that silence and quietness. However, sometimes that silence seemed to be suspicious. Something in it seemed to be so hideous… Suddenly, someone entered the flat. Richard went to the hall – it was Herd. The man looked exhausted, he said nothing, only stopped for a while looking at his friend. Richard read in his sight only one phrase: “I go to sleep, nothing else.” Herd took off his coat and at once fell on the sofa. Richard stood nearby, then found a sheet and covered his friend with it. After that Richard went to bed too.

 The next morning it was silent in the flat. How strange – it was eight o’clock and Uli hasn’t tried to wake up Richard up yet. By the way, it would have been very useful! Richard could be late at work today. Thanks to Herd for waking his friend up. Richard as a rocket washed up, changed his clothes and ran out of the flat to get to his motorbike as quick as possible. Fortunately, he wasn’t late at work and Herr Schwarz was in good mood during the whole working day. Schmidt tried to work faster than usual to complete the “program” by five o’clock as he promised Uli to go to a doll theatre with her. Before getting back home Richard bought a big chocolate bar for Uli. Though, it brought no happiness to a sad girl.

- What’s up? This bal is too expensive for us, you know. By the way, we had a hockey match. Are we going to stay at home? – Richard asked that thin freckled ginger girl sitting on her bed and looking down. – We can stay home if you want.

 Uli kept silence. She made a view she didn’t hear her uncle. Schmidt sighed and stood up. Suddenly Uli muttered:

- My father phoned me today.

 Richard looked back and sat on the bed again.

- My parents promised to take me to Africa as they are back to Bonn. And today my father told me they would be busy for more than a week, - she continued still looking down.

- So you’re going to stay here for more than a week? Why? – Richard surprised.

- My dad’s expedition will be longer than it had to be. My mom is busy too. She phoned me too, - Uli answered now looking at her uncle. Richard looked at the wall analyzing the information he’s got. Then he looked at Uli and smiled saying:

- You know, maybe, it would be better to go to a bal, just like you want. 

 Uli slightly smiled and hugged Richard. Anyway, she still had shades of sadness on her face.

- Anyway, I’ll certainly talk with your parents, - he added then. Suddenly someone entered the flat quickly and began to heat something. Richard and Uli ran to the hall and saw Herd throwing his papers and files into the wall. Then he heat the sofa by his leg, walked left-right for a few minutes and only after that looked at Richard and Uli. Herd looked so angry, that his face reminded tomato.

- What’s up? – Richard asked then.

- What’s up? What’s up?! I did only one mistake while writing a report… One mistake – two additional weeks of work! Brilliant! – Herd heat the sofa again, took off his coat and threw it on the floor. Uli decided to go back to her room. Richard came a bit closer to Herd asking:

- When your kid is going to be born approximately?

- In two weeks, - Herd sighed and sat down on the sofa. – I’m so much worried…

- Maybe, I could work instead of you? – Richard suggested.

- You? – Herd laughed. – Boy, you haven’t studied in university to work instead of me.

- Well, maybe, I could go to Leipzig instead of you and support Greta and your child? – Schmidt then proposed. Herd looked at him more seriously.

- I think your father will understand us and let me go, - Richard added. Herd stood up saying:

- This is my first child. I have to be there, nobody else.

 Herd walked left-right again and then said:

- I’ll leave my work and go to Leipzig.

 Schmidt was a bit shocked by these words. Though, he could understand his friend and, probably, would do the same being on his place.

- I’ll to Leipzig, then I’ll find another job… I think the money that have left now would be enough for our family, - Herd continued, putting on his coat. – See you later, I’m going to ask for freedom.

 Herd took his files and papers, put them in his bag and went out of the flat. Richard still was standing in the middle of the room. Uli came to him having waited for the end of the conversation. She took Richard’s hand asking:

- So, let’s go?

 At first they bought costumes as it was going to be a masquerade bal. Richard wore his official suit, Uli turned into a squirrel. The bal was set in a great beautiful hall decorated with hundreds of lights of different colors. There were a lot of people wearing different costumes beginning with animals and finishing with film heroes. Uli danced with other kids or played near a fountain. While Richard was walking all around examining people and their characters. An hour went by, another one then was gone too. Soon Richard became a bit bored, so he decided to go out – Uli played with kids, so she was safe. He was the only one standing between two lanterns on the dark street. It was empty and silent all around before one moment. As the soldiers appeared nearby, Richard decided to go back inside. He began to walk all around just like a few minutes before. In the end, Schmidt stopped near a castle made of clay. The castle was standing on a table among the dishes. It was made for deserts. So many marmalade and chocolate sweets decorated the castle together with the garlands. Suddenly a very familiar face appeared between two clay bridges. A pretty blonde girl with blue eyes…

- Elsa? Is it you? – Richard surprised. The girl came closer to Schmidt with a wide smile.

- Of course, it’s me! What are you doing here?? – she said.

- I’m here with my nephew, Uli wanted to go to this bal, - Richard explained. At the same time Uli appeared asking:

- Are you talking about me?

- Sure, -Richard said and took the girl. Uli yawned muttering:

- What time is it? I guess we have to go home…

- Sure we have to… - Richard told her and looked at Elsa. – Who are you today?

- I am Cinderella, - she answered. – It is very nice to meet you again!

- Maybe, you need a company? – asked Richard. Elsa came closer and began to whisper:

- I would be glad to communicate with you, but I have to go home now.

- Excuse me? – Richard misunderstood.

- Something’s happening in the city. There’re so many soldiers… I myself want to go home as soon as possible, but my boss asked me to be here at least until eight.

- That’s why I can’t let you go along the dark streets full of soldiers.

- Richard, - she continued, - I am afraid that I won’t be able to get home one day. Don’t worry, my father promised to take me back to the East.

- Uh, so then I can be calm, - Schmidt smiled.

- Richard, let’s go home. I’m so-o-o-o-o tired… - Uli muttered almost sleeping in Richard’s arms. Elsa laughed.

- Be careful, - Schmidt said.

- My father’s my hero, don’t worry, - Elsa smiled.

- Invite her to go to a cinema with you faster and go home… - Uli murmured angrily. Elsa got pinky shades on her cheeks. Richard laughed:

- Uh, Uli’s always the same when she wants to sleep. Good luck!

- Good night Uli and good luck to you too, - Elsa waved at them as they went out of the building. Richard tried to ride his motorbike not so fast, because of sleepy Uli... Richard hid his motorbike in garage, as usual, carried Uli and put her on her bed. Then went on the balcony – there was standing Herd. There was a small chair on the balcony, and on that chair the radio played. “Nuclear power”, “USSR”, “USA”, “Khrushchev” and other words repeated again and again. Herd had a habit to leave the radio turned on even while sleeping, while Richard, embarrassed and fed up with the same phrases, always turned it off. This time Schmidt turned the radio off again saying:

- I don’t know about you, but I’m totally fed up with all these things. Sometimes it seems to me that it doesn’t matter what happened – USSR, USA and nuclear weaponry are always in the center of attention… I begin to hate radio.

 Herd looked at his friend being amazed – Richard was angry, bed-tempered and there was no that cheerfulness in his eyes. Rarely could Herd see Schmidt be in such a mood.

- You know what I hate most of all? When they tell about Berlin. USSR did that, USA did that, war, war, war… And then Berlin. Western Germany does that, Eastern Germany does that, Berlin, Berlin, Berlin… - Richard raised his tone waving his hands in anger. – Enough.

- I’m going to Leipzig tomorrow, - Herd told him calmly as if he didn’t pay attention to Richard’s anger. – The flat is yours for the next two weeks.

 Richard kept silent thinking. The emotions he had been hiding all this time now needed freedom.

- Keep smiling, Richard, you do it very well, - Herd said and went away. Schmidt stayed for an hour. He was just standing and trying to tame all his feelings, all his negative ones. After that Richard went to the bathroom, washed up, brushed his teeth and looked in the mirror. Only after he smiled at his reflection, Schmidt went to bed. Although, he couldn’t sleep for two or three hours. Images of soldiers, tanks and explosions occurred to him… Anyway, he tried to fight these thoughts by his happy memories: Uli does her first step, Herd’s wedding, meeting with Elsa… By the way, how is Elsa now?

 The next morning was more cheerful. She woke Richard up and asked for a sandwich with milk. Herd woke up a bit later and at once began to prepare his bags for his trip. Only Richard looked tired and not as happy as usual.

- Richard, are you alright? You look a bit strange, - Uli noticed. Schmidt was frying eggs fro himself. He turned back to his nephew and smiled saying:

- I feel perfectly.

 As Richard finished cooking his dish, Herd was ready for his trip completely. Herd joined Schmidt family and had a breakfast. Uh, how could Herd forget about turning radio on? At first nothing unusual or gripping could be heard, but suddenly one phrase cut into the brain of each of the people having a meal here: “The boarders between the Western Germany and the Eastern Germany are closed.” At first Herd and Richard were looking at each other silently, but then Schmidt put his coat on and went out saying: “I’ll check it out.” Richard saw the crowds of the Eastern Germans, soldiers and weaponry, and, of course, suspicious Western Germans. Nobody could say for sure what the end of this “surprise” would be, but Richard knew one thing for sure – Herd had to use the last corridors as quick as possible. In addition, it wasn’t safe for Uli to stay here now.

 That day Herd hurried to one of the last eight corridors and, fortunately, got to the Eastern Germany. Richard stayed in Berlin trying to get through Uli’s parents. In one cases the connection was terrible because of the number of people calling each other all over the both parts of Germany. In other cases Uli’s parents, it seemed, ignored Richard’s calls. The girl was sitting in her room and reading her favorite fairytales. In one moment she went out and said:

 - I sometimes try to phone them. They rarely answer. I can talk to them only when they phone me, - Uli whispered. Richard then came to Uli and showed her his firm smile. Uli smiled too, though still she looked a bit worried. Late in the eve she again went out of her room and said:

- I’m scared and I can’t fall asleep.

 Richard went to Uli’s room, sat on her bed while she was lying in it. Schmidt smiled at her as usual asking:

- So, what are we going to read today?

- I don’t want to read today. I just want to talk, - Uli muttered looking at the ceiling sadly.

- To talk? About what? – Richard surprised.

- Tell me honestly, what’s going on? – she asked now looking at him. Richard sighed:

- I don’t know.

- Is it the Third world war? – Uli asked.

- No… no! There’s no war, - Richard laughed, but then got thoughtful again. – It isn’t war, it’s…

- How can you be sure that it’s not war, if you don’t know what’s going on? – Uli sat on her pillow getting offended. – Stop lying, Richard, or you’ll stop being an exception among the adults!

- Uli, I know what war is, - Richard suddenly got sad and… embarrassed. – I was born on the day when the Second world war began.

 Uli felt how sharp and painful was it for Richard to tell these words. She whispered:

- I’m so sorry.

- It’s in the past now, I can’t change that, - Richard said. Uli now got even more sad than before. She suddenly whispered:

- Richard, I don’t want to go to Bonn. I want to stay here, - the tears appeared on her bright green eyes. – I have no family, Richard.

 Schmidt hugged the girl saying:

- No, it’s not the right thing. Stop crying, Uli. Everything’s alright. You do have family, your parents are waiting for you, they’re worrying about you.

- Lying again! – Uli pushed Richard and put the pillow upon herself as if to hide from uncle. Schmidt was lost, now he tried only to understand what the girl was muttering:

- The last time we had a dinner together my dad threw a plate with salad into the wall while my mom was yelling. They said they hate each other… What a family can be when mom and dad hate each other? I have no family then…

 Uli suddenly began to heat Richard by her pillow crying:

- Go! Leave me alone!

 Richard ran out of the room and closed the door. Suddenly there came a phone call. Schmidt took it:

- Richard Schmidt is listening.

- Richard, it’s me, Greta, - there came a familiar voice.

- Hello, Greta. How are you? – the man sighed.

- I’m fine! What’s up with my husband? What’s going on in Berlin? Tell me the truth! Mind you, it’s harmful for me to worry! – In her voice Schmidt heard anger, worrying and embarrassment. Anyway, he tried to say something:

- Greta, everything is good. Herd couldn’t talk as he’s on his way to Leipzig. Please, don’t worry, I’m telling the truth…

- What’s up in Berlin?

- We don’t know for sure. The only thing that I can tell you is that it’s now more difficult tp the Eastern Germany now. Nothing else. The city is quiet… mostly.

 There came a sigh. Then Greta spoke:

- When did Herd go to Leipzig?

- At about ten o’clock in the morning. Maybe, earlier. Greta, he’ll soon be with you, don’t worry, - Schmidt said.

- I believe in the same thing, - she sighed. – Please, call me if something changes.

- Sure I’ll call you, don’t worry.

- Thank you very much, Richard. Goodbye.

- Goodbye, Greta, - Richard put the phone and sighed with relief. Schmidt then slightly opened the door of Uli’s room. The girl was sleeping. After that Richard went to bed himself. The next morning he woke up himself. Almost at once Schmidt went to check if Uli’s still was sleeping – she was. Richard prepared a breakfast for Uli and himself, took a shower, changed his clothes and went out to check what was going on near the Brandenburg gates. Again soldiers, again weaponry, again crowds of sad, angry and shocked Eastern Germans and suspicious and worried Western Germans. Nothing new. So, then he decided to visit Herr Schwarz. The man was amazed by the last events as well and he as well knew nothing about it. What a pity. So, Richard went back home. At that moment Uli was eating. At first she didn’t want to talk to her uncle. However, when Richard suggested her learning how to ride his bike Uli became more opened. The whole day long Richard was riding his motorbike near the Brandenburg gates and further, trying to get through Uli’s parents and, finally, listening to radio and watching TV. In the eve Richard was thinking of how to act. Uli’s father was in Dortmund and her mother was in Hamburg. Schmidt couldn’t leave Uli in Bonn alone or just no having spoken to her parents. At the same time Berlin was too dangerous now. So, he decided to stay in Bonn with Uli, while Herd would be in Leipzig. Richard called Herr Schwarz and told everything asking to let him go and to look after the flat here. Then the man took Uli to teach her how to ride his motorbike. They found a square, there Uli did her first exercises. She understood the technique quickly, so Richard was extremely glad that eve. In the end Richard decided to tell Uli about his plans for the next day:

- Uli, tomorrow we’ll go somewhere.

- Where? – Uli was so enthusiastic.

- We’ll go to Bonn and I’ll stay there with you until we contact your parents, - Schmidt answered sighing. Uli’s mood changed in a moment.

- I don’t want to Bonn… - she muttered looking down.

- Uli, I’ll be there with you, - Richard reminded her. Uli thought and sighed:

- How can I be sure that you tell it to me not to make me agree?

- Oh, I don’t lie to you, - Richard smiled at her kindly. – You can trust me.

 Uli was looking at him gloomily and suddenly she set the engine sharply.

- Don’t do that, Uli, - Richard said quietly, though rather strictly.

- Prove me you’ll be with me there, - Uli asked getting ready to move away as quick and suddenly as possible.

- How can I prove it to you? – Richard laughed. – Uli, where will you go when you’ll escape from me?

- Somewhere, - she muttered looking down.

- Uli, you don’t know Berlin. By the way, do you want to get to the soldiers? Some of them are like that man who glued to Elsa. So, where will you go? – Richard put his hands on the motorbike and turned the engine off.

- Alright, but if you lie to me, I’ll escape. Truly escape, with no warnings, - Uli then said and stood up from the motorbike.

- You won’t escape, because I don’t lie to you, - Richard smiled at her again. Uli still was thoughtful and gloomy.

- Hey, do you want an ice cream? I can buy, - Richard suggested looking at a shop nearby. Uli nodded. They ate an ice cream and went home. There Richard prepared everything for their trip and got a call from Herd. He was in Leipzig with his wife. Everything was fine. Richard was happy. Now there left only one problem – Uli’s parents, they still ignored Richard’s calls. However, late at night when Uli was sleeping, someone called Richard. Schmidt answered:

- Richard Schmidt is listening.

- Richard, is it you? It’s Hanes. Hello! How is Uli and how are all of you? I’ve heard that they closed the boarders, is it true? – A man’s voice came. Richard looked inside Uli’s room to convince that the girl didn’t hear them.

- Hanes, why didn’t you answer my phone calls? – Schmidt asked angrily. – Where are you? I want to take Uli to Bonn tomorrow…

- No, no, no, - Hanes interrupted. – No Bonn, Richard. Uli shouldn’t be here while…

- While what? – Richard got angrier.

- While we’ll be divorcing.

- What? – Richard tried not to speak loudly, but it was too hard now. – How?

- Richard, in fact, we’ve been thinking about for the last three years… Take Uli to another place, please, - Hanes said calmly as if he didn’t worry about Uli at all.

- Alright, - Richard kept all his anger inside. – I’ll do it.

- Thank you very much, brother! I’ll call you soon. By the way, how is she? – Hanes did worried about Uli. Richard cooled down:

- She’s fine. She’s sleeping at the moment. But, Hanes, I think it will influence Uli badly. Think about it before doing that. By the way, should I tell her about that?

- Sooner or later she will learn it out, so you’d better tell her, if we’ll be busy for too long, - Hanes said after a few minutes thinking.

- Alright, I’ll try to, - Richard sighed. – Though, I advise you not to do it. Uli’s too sensitive.

- Uli’s a big girl. Sooner or later she’ll learn out there’s no Peter Pan or talking toys like Winnie the Pooh. I’m sorry, but I have to go. Bye, Richard.

- Bye, - Schmidt put the phone down thinking about how to tell Uli about her parents’ divorce. He sighed and lied down on the sofa thinking: “I’m to tired to make up right decisions. I’d better sleep a bit.” And fell asleep. The next morning Richard called his mother Francesca asking to look after Uli. The woman at once agreed, so then Schmidt announced to Uli that “they were going to Italy”. That day there was a barbed wire instead of the crowds. Richard and Uli were having a breakfast at one café when the girl met Claus. It would be more correct to say that Richard was paying for their meal when Uli saw a boy behind the wire. In fact a lot of people of different ages communicated with those who were behind the wire.

- Hello! – Uli shouted to the sad blonde brown-eyed boy standing and looking at the wire.

- Hello, - the boy said. – How are you there?

- We’re alright. How are you? – Uli came closer to the wire.

- We’re fine, though I can’t find my uncle, - the boy looked around. – The last time I’ve seen him was yesterday’s eve.

- How odd, - Uli said thoughtfully and looked around too. – How does he look like?

- He’s a short thin man wearing old dirty clothing. And he drinks a lot, - the boy answered. – My name is Claus. What is your name?

- My name is Uli. I can tell me uncle and he’ll try to find yours. He always helps others, - the girl smiled nodding.

- You too live with your uncle? – Claus surprised.

- No, my parents sometimes send me to him. They live in Bonn and they’re very busy now, - Uli explained.

- My parents were from Berlin. After their death my uncle took care of me, but at the last time he got more and more busy drinking, - Claus sighed.

- That’s a pity… - Uli sighed.

- Please, help me to find my uncle. I ask others, but they refuse. I am afraid to stay alone, - Claus asked almost crying.

- Sure, we’ll help me. I’ll call my uncle! – she said and ran away. At that moment Richard was coming. Uli jumped in his arms hugging him. She then said:

- Richard, we need to help one person. There’s a boy, he lost his uncle and need someone’s help.

- Are you sure? – Richard surprised.

- I talked to him. He needs someone’s help right now! He’s alone and frightened! Let’s go and help him right now! – Uli exclaimed.

- Alright, show me that boy, - Richard said having thought a bit. Uli brought her uncle to the wire – Claus was still standing there. Schmidt got shocked by the picture and hardly could find words to say.

- Uli, it would be not so easy… - he muttered then. Uli looked at him sadly. Richard then thought again and talked to the boy:

- Hey, kid! Don’t worry, I’ll… I will… - and looked at one policeman walking nearby. Richard came to him and asked:

- Excuse me, can you help me?

- I’m listening to you, - the policeman looked at him.

- There’s a boy behind that wire, he lost his uncle and is left alone, - Richard said. The policeman looked at him with surprise and asked:

- Behind the wire?

- Yes… Behind the wire, - Richard repeated. The man sighed and said:

- I’m so sorry, but that boy has to wait for help among the citizens of the Eastern Germany.

- It’s not fair! Nobody wants to help him! Help him, please! – Uli exclaimed having come to Richard. The policeman smiled at Uli and sighed:

- Let me look at that boy at first.

 They came to the wire opposite Claus. The policeman talked to the boy:

- What’s your name?

- Claus, - the boy muttered.

- Claus, listen to me attentively, - the man asked. The boy nodded. Then the man continued:

- You should go the man standing near that tank and ask them for help. They are policemen and can help you indeed. I used to work with them once. They won’t do any harm to you. You should tell them about your problems in details. Don’t forget to tell your address, your name and surname, your uncle’s name and surname. You also should describe your uncle in details. Don’t forget to tell them the last time you’ve seen your uncle and give the details of your last meeting with him. You can trust those policemen, they’re good.

 The boy slightly smiled, nodded and ran away. The policeman looked at Richard and Uli:

- Anything else?

- No, thank you very much! – Uli hugged the man.

-Thanks, - Richard said and pulled Uli back to himself. – We have to go, don’t you remember?

 After that Uli and Richard went away. They spent about five days to get to granny Francesca. The old woman had a big farm. She always was a hard-working and active person. In fact Uli reminded Francesca in her childhood.

- Oh, when I’m with Uli, I come back to my childhood! – The woman liked to say. There lived horses, caws, goats, sheep, rabbits, hens and ducks. Also she had a lot of grape gardens. So, Uli wouldn’t be bored here. Granny Francesca would always find a work for her grandchild. Richard spent one day at his mom’s farm and then went back to Berlin. In one word, he was absent for eleven days.

- Call me as often as you can, son, - the woman asked him before he went away. 

 Berlin hadn’t changed a lot. However it didn’t mean there was no news. Well, they say “no news is good news”. Indeed, these words described the situation best of all. Unfortunately, there was some bad news and Richard would have been glad not to hear them on the first day of being in Berlin again.

- Herd and his family wanted to go West. They couldn’t get enough money there, so they needed to get to us somehow. Unfortunately, they couldn’t. The boarders are closed totally, - Herr Schwarz told Richard about Herd’s problems.

- So, what are they going to do? – Richard then asked being shocked.

- Herd tried to reach the wall. He got to the police station. Later he was free, found a job and now their family feels very well, - the man said.

- That’s good, - Richard sighed in relief. After that they didn’t speak. The man went away, having only reminded Richard about his working hours for the next week. Schmidt wanted to call Greta, but understood it would be useless and went to bed. Richard slept badly, so the next day he looked a bit tired. Schmidt worked hard trying to concentrate his attention and thoughts on his work only. Herr Schwarz decided not t turn on the radio or TV, not to call somebody. He only turned on his music. Brilliant, it made both Herr and Richard a bit more cheerful. Though, the working day had to be over sooner or later. Then the men were back to reality again.

 On his way home Richard thought of all the things he hadn’t thought of while working. He didn’t smile, he was as sad and reserved as never before. Suddenly one picture brought him back to reality again – Claus. Richard, having noticed the boy, moved his motorbike back. He stopped his transport, left it nearby and went closer to the wall. They began to make it stone as he noticed. Anyway, he still could see Claus and talk to him.

- Hey there, - Richard said – Claus? Is it you?

- Are you Uli’s uncle? – The boy asked.

- Yes, it’s me. My name is Richard. How are you? Why are you so sad? – the man came closer to the wall.

- The policemen haven’t found my uncle. I’ve been at the orphan house for a week already, - Claus explained.

- Oh, - Richard sighed. – So, do you like being there? Hope there’s everything alright.

- It’s very comfortable there to sleep, there’s very tasty food, the teachers are good, but… Some kids call me racist and do bad tricks on me, - Claus answered. Richard got more thoughtful than before. He then said:

- That’s not good. Hey, do they allow you to come here?

- They don’t know I’m here. I escape from that house not to be bullied by those who call me racist. They don’t even notice that I’m absent, - Claus smiled slightly, but then got serious again. – Why are you sad? Where’s Uli?

- My friends can’t get out of your part of Germany. That’s why I am sad. Uli… She’s in Italy, - Richard sighed and looked at the policemen walking further and further from them.

- That’s a pity, I wanted to be her friend. She’s beautiful. Why don’t you reach the wall, you, Western, can do it easily… - Claus muttered. Schmidt suddenly looked at him attentively and asked:

- What have you said?

 Claus got red, but said:

- She’s beautiful.

- No, not that, - Richard said. – You told me something about this wall.

- Uh, yes, sure, - Claus sighed. – You can easily reach it. It’s easier for you, Western, to do it. Some people from your side have already done it right here while the policemen went away, like they’re doing it now.

 Richard was looking at Claus with widely opened eyes. He then asked:

- Why is it so easy for us? What about you, Eastern?

- Oh, the main problem is that soldiers and policemen look at us only. They can’t even notice Western Germans reaching it. They look only at the Eastern, - Claus explained, having looked around.

- So, there’s no chance for the Eastern? – Richard got sad.

- No, there is, - Claus looked around again – the policemen were coming back. He began to speak quieter:

- Some of the Eastern use rivers. They also can use big cars to break the wall. I also heard that some of the Eastern paid money, so then the policemen and soldiers led them go to West.

 And ran away saying:

- It’s time to go back to my orphan house. Goodbye.

 Richard kept silent, only nodded. Then he made a few steps back and looked at the wall attentively. After that he took his motorbike and went home. The next day Schmidt went to work, as usual. Again cars, again gazes, again wall… Nothing new. No, this time there was something new. Schwarz got a new worker. Not it was Richard’s new colleague. His name was Sebastian. He was a short thin brown-haired man with brown eyes. He had his wrist broken and had a few scars on his face. Sebastian also had a look of an extremely tired man. Well, in fact, he was kind of addicted to alcohol. The new worker was silent on the first day of work. He said only “yes”, or “no”. So, Richard was as bored and concentrated on his work only as usual.

 In the end of the working day Richard was riding his motorbike along the wall. He was thinking about the things Claus told him and created a small plan. The same night he stole a ladder from the neighbor yard, put it on the wall while the policemen were away and reached the wall. It seemed that nobody noticed him at all. Well, it only seemed so. Even though Richard escaped from the Eastern policemen, he was quickly caught by Stasi the same night. The next morning Richard was questioned – no, he wasn’t a spy, so very quickly he was put back to the Western Berlin.

- How could you do such a silly thing, boy?! – Herr Schwarz exclaimed. Richard and Sebastian were working, as usual. Schwarz was angry at Richard and couldn’t stop criticizing him:

- Can’t you understand you could be hurt?! Or even killed!

 When Schwarz finished and went away, Sebastian suddenly began to laugh at Richard. Schmidt asked:

- What?

- Silly boy, - Sebastian laughed. – Even if you stayed there more than one night, what would you do?

- I would try to get to my friend and his family and make up a plan of how to put them back to West, - Richard said seriously. Sebastian began to laugh louder:

- Silly, silly, silly boy!

- Why? – Richard surprised. – If there’s so much difficult?

- Maybe, you thought that rivers and tunnels could help you? – The man laughed. – Sure, you could escape these ways, but…

- But what? – Schmidt asked.

- How would you stay free there while Stasi would be looking for you everywhere? What about money, transport, food, home? It is socialist country, but it doesn’t mean there’s everything could be got for free. And don’t forget about Stasi. You wouldn’t stay there for more than two days maximum, - Sebastian smiled, though spoke seriously.

- Hey, how do you know so many facts about the Eastern Germany? – Richard laughed.

- I’m from there, - Sebastian said not smiling. Richard thought a bit, then asked:

- So, how did you get here?

- Jumped out of the window, - Sebastian showed his broken wrist. After a short lection about living in the Western Germany Richard went walking along the wall and thinking about Herd. Schwarz couldn’t get through him as the connection was awful. In fact there was no connection. Richard was examining each centimeter of the wall before he noticed one familiar face between the wires. It was Claus.

- Hey, hi there! – Richard said happily. Claus smiled, though looked depressed. Richard came closer and noticed a plaster on Claus’s cheek.

- Something happened? – Richard asked.

- No, don’t mind that, - the boy said.

- Don’t lie to me. What’s up? – Richard said seriously. Claus sighed:

- They hurt me. They wanted to play with me, but they hurt me instead.

- Kids? – Richard surprised.

- Yes, - the boy muttered. – I want to escape from that house.

- Why don’t you tell adults about it?

- I told them, they punished these children… It didn’t work. This time they punished the kids again. I doubt it would work. I want to escape.

- So, where would you live then?

- On the street.

- If I were you I would just ignore someone’s suggestions to play.

- Well, when I ignore them they don’t touch me.

- Brilliant! Stay near the adults and keep away from those kids.

- I’ll try it, - the boy finally smiled. After that short talk Richard went home. On his way home Schmidt faced a very interesting accident. Richard was buying a newspaper when he noticed a cellar on the road moving. Schmidt got his newspaper and went closer to the cellar. A man soon climbed onto the road, dirty, tired and heavily breathing.

- Herr, can I help you? – Richard asked helping him to stand up.

- Man, I need water! Bring me some water! – The man shouted.

- I’ll bring you to hospital right now. Let’s go, - Richard said. On their way to hospital he bought a bottle of water and gave it to that man. Then they went to hospital. Richard at once noticed his pockets got empty, anyway, he left the man in hospital with no conflicts.

 That eve Richard tried to call Herd – indeed, there was no connection. Then he called Uli. The girl was so glad to hear her uncle. She told him about her holidays in details: working in the garden, horse riding, playing with a shepherd dog Tito, making up a present for parents out of clay. Yes, Uli wasn’t bored there. Richard was glad to know that. He didn’t want to break her happiness and didn’t tell her about divorce.

 The next day was Richard’s birthday and the first day of autumn. Frau Schwarz baked a cake for him. Richard, Sebastian and Herr Schwarz ate it while having a break.

- Richard, what’s up with you? Are you reading a newspaper? – Schwarz surprised.

- Imagine, - Schmidt laughed. - By the way, yesterday I met a man. He appeared out of the cellar. I’ll put him in the hospital… Did he escape from the East?

- Oh, they make up different variants of escape. Cellar is a kindergarten, - Sebastian said.

- Cellar is a kindergarten, indeed, - Schwarz then added examining new details for a car. – Yesterday I saw how an enormous car crashed into the wall… Everybody was alright. The driver was caught by the Eastern, anyway.  

 In the end of the working day Richard was walking along the wall again. He hoped to see Claus, but met someone familiar instead. It was Elsa. What a nice meeting!

- Hello! What are you doing here? – Richard surprised.

- Hello, I wanted to ask you the same question! – Elsa laughed.

- I’m just having a walk here, - Richard explained.

- The same thing. You’ve changed a bit since the last time we met, - Elsa noticed.

- Maybe, I’ve got older? – The man laughed.

- No, it’s not that thing, - the girl smiled.

- I thought I’ve got white hair finally!

- What do you mean?

- Today’s my birthday.

- Oh, my congratulations. How are you, in the whole?

 - I’m… a bit shocked by the latest changes. But, mostly, I’m the same.

- How is Uli?

- Uli? She’s in Italy. I decided to put her there – it’s more safe there, than here. As for other things, I’m still working in the Western Berlin. My best friend went to your side and, probably, will be back not very soon…

- Uh, I understand. A lot of my relatives stayed on your side. It’s a great pity they closed the last few corridors…

- I hope somebody would destroy this wall one day. The politics are not the stable thing.