Chapter 8

As requested, I was given a chain and I even promised that I would pay for it as soon as the war end and I find work somewhere. Grandma protested vigorously, saying that she did not need it anymore and that it was a gift from them.

I threaded the wedding ring through the gold chain and hung it around my neck. Thanks to this, I felt my mother's presence, as if she was watching me now and supporting me in all this.

Slowly, I rejoined the active life in the house of Grandma Pola and Mateusz. I started cleaning because it was the only thing that allowed me to relax. I was dusting the whole apartment (except for Mateusz's room, because he strictly forbade me to come in). Then I vacuumed and washed the floors. I made a revolution in the bathroom and after my "runs" it smelled wonderful. In the evening I started to clean the staircase, but Grandma Pola advised me against it, saying that it was already late and that I should rest, but I persisted.

I started from the very top. I was somewhere in the middle of sweeping the stairs when Alex came down, wearing his uniform, which terrified me. But this time I wasn't that scared. I had my mother by my side, not literally, but I felt that she was supporting me. I made an effort to have a gentle smile.

"How are you tonight, beautiful girl?" He asked in English with a happy smile, pausing.

" I'm good. Thank you ." I replied politely, going back to the interrupted activity. " What about you?"

"The same. Thanks."

"Are you going to ...?" I couldn't finish the sentence because I didn't really know where he could go.

"Yes, I'm going to work ." He helped me finish this sentence. " I'll be back in the morning... So you're cleaing the staircase?"

"Um, yes." I replied.

"Isn't it too late for that? " He asked worried. "You should have a rest."

"It's okay ." I assured. " It's the best way to not think about everything ... bad."

"I see. So good luck with that ." He smiled and went down the staircase.

"Thanks ." I thanked him and he left the tenement.

He is not so terrible, I thought, smiling to myself. I was proud of myself that I finally overcame my aversion to Alex because he was really nice and even charming in his own way.

Only one thought bothered me ... What was he doing in his "work"?