The Ragged Edge of Night

by Olivia Hawker

Dear little brother, I was only too happy to meet your Elisabeth and the children when they came knocking on my door. She gave me your note. You mustn’t apologize for surprising me this way, and you mustn’t feel any guilt. Of course I will take your family in, Anton, and give them all the care and protection I am capable of giving. We make a tight bundle here—Elisabeth shares my bed, Albert has the sofa, while Paul and Maria sleep on the floor at night. But we are cozy, and no one is ever lonely. I think we can count that a great blessing in times like these. Your children are dear to me already; I love them as much as if I’d known them all their lives. I never looked to be an auntie, but now that I am one, I’m glad to be. Elisabeth means to write you, I know. But she has been so sad. She cries all the time—I don’t tell you this to hurt you, only so you will know how much she loves you. I will see to it that she writes you soon, so you will have some word directly from your wife. I know from your note, and from what little Elisabeth has told me, that there has been some fearful trouble. I don’t like to think of my baby brother in that sort of trouble. But whatever has happened, whatever you have done, I know you have done it with your whole heart, and with righteousness your aim. You mustn’t worry about your family, Anton, whatever may come. I will care for them and love them, even if there comes a day when you cannot. We will meet again, Brother, in this life or the next....