The Lilac People

by Milo Todd

He did not want to say that even when wearing Gert’s clothes, Karl was not immediately convincing. His manner of speech, the way he carried himself, nothing seemed to be working for him. Before ’33, it would have been less of a problem. But these days, being unconvincing put all of them in danger, especially if what Karl was saying was right. Sofie glanced Bertie’s way. They seemed to have the same thought. “We can’t let anyone see you. Not yet.” “And perhaps when you’re rested,” Bertie said, “I can teach you how to transvest.” Karl placed the fork against his mouth, his bottom lip puffing slightly between the tines. He swallowed. “I am not a man exactly like that.” “I know, but being”—Bertie cast about for the proper word—“unassuming is our only choice.” “Or you could wear some of my things,” Sofie added gently. Karl put the fork back down on the plate, his eyes now to the table. “So we have to be who we’re not in order to be who we are.” “I’m afraid so, yes.” He knew Karl knew it was the truth, but also knew how much he did not want it to be true. “Even before, we only got what we got as long as we didn’t draw attention to ourselves. If we were respectable, if we behaved like them, then we were rewarded. It surely would’ve gotten better over time, and some strides were being made, but . . .” It was not necessary to finish his thought. “And if either of us were to be found out, it could put all of us in danger.”