Unseen and Unheard

Letter of 6 January, 1945

Names have been changed to preserve the anonymity of the persons concerned.

Erika to Franz

p. 68-71

NB: [Erika does sign most of her letters to Franz with her name, but with a word I read as “Stück”. Literally translated it means “piece”. I guess it was some nickname between them, like she calls him “My little bear”. In the translation, I am using her real name and add “Stück” in brackets, because “Stück” is indeed a very unusual term, even for a nickname; the translator]

My dear little bear!

Today was a big day for me! I went for a trip with my skier! Of course, the whole morning we had air raid alarm which changed the programme for the day. Still, I took off right after lunch into the forest. To be on the safe side, I went on my own to see how I manage. It went quite well considering it was the first time and I enjoyed very much. To be honest, our mountains do not pose any challenge like the ones in Tyrol. When I imagine sliding down a hill like in Bewang, my legs start shaking right away. Today I concentrated on walking, and I intend to learn a bit more each day, because first I should get used to the skiers. Since it turned dark early, I had to cut the trip short and returned after reaching the Chausseehaus via Kohlheck. Unfortunately, the last time it snowed was already a couple of days ago, so the snow was crusted over. The fresh air and the exercise do me good, especially since I was ‘locked in’ all week. Tomorrow I plan to spend the whole day on the skiers together with the son of Aunt Käthe. I am looking forward to it. It would be great to have some fresh snow tonight, this evening the weather looked promising. The air made me tired, a sign, that I am not used to spend time in fresh air and sunlight anymore. When I was on the skiers this afternoon on my own, I imagined how much nicer it would be if you were here and we could run together through the forest. Unfortunately, it is impossible, and I do not even know how you are. It is fourteen days ago that you called at Aunt Käthe, and since then I received your letter dated 18th December, which was outdated by your call. I gave up the hope that you will call again. I am convinced that you are forbidden to make a phone call. My misery got even worse when today someone told me that you will not be allowed to send a letter, maybe for months. That would be horrible. The past 14 days without any news from you seemed an eternity. I think, you too will not manage to wait much longer and one day you will turn up here. How much I would love that! In this case, I do not mind not receiving any mail. I am sure you are worried about us since the Rhein-Main area features frequently in the army reports. I hope you receive my letters, so you know what is going on. But do not worry, I take care of myself. Even if I do not receive any news, I will continue to write to you and keep you informed.

There are new ‘amenities’ at the office. Some pipes burst, and now the rain enters through the roof and the ceiling, so additionally to the cold we have to face the water as well. That’s something we really have been missing, an ‘apartment with pool’. It is great, what effect a single bomb can have.

Now I will put my tired body to rest and will surely sleep like a marmot.

Love and kisses

Your ‘girl on skis’!