Otto & Maria

Hans continues with his impersonation act in SS Psychiatric Clinic in Giessen for a few weeks, and gradually shows an improvement in order to gain more freedom. The doctors are pleased with his rapid progress, and allow him to walk around the grounds with the healthier patients. Hans observes all of the staff and patients, and he slowly builds up their confidence in him. He’s punctual and correct, and develops set routines, which they get used to, and - when he catches the right moment - he disappears, and travels by night on a stolen Zündapp KS600 motorcycle to Otto and Maria Koch’s farm in Martinshöhe, which is situated between Saarbrücken and Kaiserslautern. When he arrives in their area he stays in a forest until morning and burns the bike, and hides the remains in the undergrowth.

Otto is working in the vicinity of the barn, when Hans approaches. He’s not sure who the stranger is.
“Good morning. Can I help you?”
Hans smiles.
“Hello, Otto. How is Maria? I’m Hans Koch from the orphanage in Oranienburg. It was a long time ago. You probably don’t remember me.”
“Of course I do, Hans. Wilkommen (welcome). I’m delighted to see you. Please come over to the house and meet Maria.”
Hans can see that they’re a lot older looking now. Otto’s face is wrinkled, and his hair has turned grey, but he still has the sparkle in his eyes. Maria is robust looking, and still has her warm welcoming smile. He feels happy and sad, and knows that they’re his only connection to his childhood, and part of his identity. That’s all he’s got.
“I’m delighted to see both of you. You bring back many happy memories for me. I wish I could turn the clock back. I’ve so much to tell you, but I don’t know where to start.”
Otto and Maria notice his dishevelled look, and are curious about his life since they last met over 20 years ago.
“Don’t worry, Hans. We’ve got all the time in the world, but first we’ll get you something to eat and organise a clean bed for you to lie on.”
Hans can see that they are kind, simple people, who live in their own uncomplicated world, and would never harm anyone. He feels ashamed, and knows that they’re too good for him.
“You’re the kindest people I’ve ever known. I’d forgotten that people like you still exist in this savage world. Maybe there’s still hope for civilisation.”
“Don’t mention it, Hans. What’s the point in living if you can’t help someone? That’s what life is for.”
Hans is embarrassed with their deep Christian values, and doesn’t want to infect them with his evil. He gives himself a much-needed scrub, and changes into some of Otto’s fresh clothes.

(to be continued)