“They didn’t say anything. No stories. No information. Just warnings”

Felix shifts the baby from one shoulder to the other and prays that she will not start crying once again. He has been designated nursemaid by Emmy, who has taken Chasya along with her on her adventure.

How do these women do it? He has spent the last half hour looking down at the screaming red face, requesting in his most polite tone of voice, in a tone of voice that is entirely rational, and devoid of such emotion as frustration or helplessness, that the baby simply indicate what ails her.

He would be more than happy to supply it. He has milk in a bottle and a fresh change of clothes in case she is wet. He has a blanket if she is too cold, which he will remove if she is too warm. Really, he would be most happy to oblige as long as she would stop crying.

“It is a good thing babies grow up to be rational beings, otherwise there would be no hope,” he tells her. He lifts his gold watch and looks at the time. They have only been out an hour. Far too long. Though certainly not long enough for their liking.

One hour on a reconnaissance mission, as Emmy called it. It was odd to see her and Chasya waving goodbye, laughing between themselves. He had felt left out, somehow. But he was glad to see Emmy interested in something other than Perla. For really, if Wolf’s assessment is correct, that direction will lead only to disappointment and tragedy. He can feel it in his very unrational bones.

Leibele, at least had been loyal. “Can Felix not come with us?” he had asked, as they had stepped out the door together.

“No, no, not today.”

“So then let me stay with him. I shall help him care for the baby.”

Ah. Had he known. An hour older and rather wiser. Their plan was that Leibele would be a talking point, a conversation starter. Those women—if they can care for a baby surely they can manage an investigation alone. He should have insisted that Leibele take the role of secondary nursemaid (or primary nursemaid, for that matter). Next time.

He looks down. The baby has quieted. She has found a finger and is sucking enthusiastically. Just as she is closing her eyes the front door clicks open.

So much noise! How much noise can be made by two ladies and a little boy as they clatter through the door. Do they not understand what it takes for a baby to finally, finally fall asleep?

“Hellooooo!”

Bless Emmy.

Felix groans.

The baby whimpers. She opens her eyes, the smooth peace slips off her face, she begins to wail, and it is as if the entire work of an hour and a half is for nothing. Almost as bad as his abandoned dissertation.