Adam and Thomas

Chapter 18

They couldn’t believe how much their lives had changed. Adam washed Miro, filled his palm with water, and put it to his mouth. Miro was thirsty and drank till the last drop.

“Thomas and I live in the forest now. I haven’t heard from Mom since we parted. I assume she’s hiding along with my grandparents. You certainly know more than I do.”

Miro looked at him with his big eyes, let out a few soft barks, and Adam sensed that Miro was moved by their meeting and it was hard for him to talk now.

Miro was a smart dog. He knew what was happening in the house, who was sad and who was sick. If one of Adam’s grandparents were sick, he would sit by the bed and sympathize with his pain. On holidays he rejoiced with everyone.

“What happened to you, Miro, since I left you?”

Thomas asked cautiously, “Can I pet Miro?”

“Certainly. Now he belongs to both of us.” Thomas bent down on his knees and stroked Miro. Miro looked at him as if to say, I’m Adam’s friend. I can’t be your friend, too.

Even though Thomas didn’t understand the language of animals, he understood that Miro was entirely devoted to Adam now. There was no room in his soul for another boy.

Adam noticed that Thomas’s feelings were hurt, and he said, “Don’t worry. He’ll be your friend, too.”

“I’m deaf and dumb with animals,” said Thomas.

“You’re wrong, Thomas. In a little while you’ll be talking to him the way I do.”

Adam carried Miro up into the nest, and that night all three of them slept there. They had a feeling that Miro brought a message from home with him. But for now he hadn’t found the right little barks to express his message.

The next day Adam sensed that Miro was ready to tell him something. Miro raced from place to place restlessly, whining with little barks. Adam hugged him and whispered in his ears, “Tell me, dear, what you want to say to me. I’m listening.”

At last Miro pulled at his collar with his hind leg again and again with nervous movements that Adam had never seen him make.

Adam took the collar off Miro’s neck, and he found a letter folded up inside it.

Adam dear, pardon me. I couldn’t come to you as I had promised. If you haven’t gotten to Diana’s yet, don’t delay. Go to her. Give her the gold jewelry I sewed in your coat and tell her that I’ll come soon and give her more. You know Diana. She’s got a temper, but she’s not a bad woman. I believe she’ll hide you. But if for some reason she refuses to hide you, go to her cousin, Christina. She’s a widow who lives near that poplar grove, and I’m sure she’ll hide you.

I couldn’t find a hiding place for your grandparents. I can’t leave your grandparents on their own. Everyone says the war is nearly over. I pray that until then God will preserve you. You’re a smart boy, and I count on your ability to make your way. Forgive your mother who loves you very much.

Adam read the letter again and again, and tears filled his eyes.

“What did your mother write to you?” Thomas approached Adam.

“Sorry, Thomas. It’s hard for me to talk now,” said Adam and pressed Miro against his body.