Chapter 10 Chapter nine

one Winter is over.Jadwija ​​ran around with her big belly.Tamara has reserved a bed for her in the hospital and talks to her every day on the phone in Polish.Neighbors often come to her place.Vojtus chirped and sang from morning to night.Mariana laid a small egg.Although Jadwija ​​was advised not to do too much physical work, she continued to sweep and scrub.The floors gleamed.She bought paint and, with the help of a neighbor who worked as a painter in Europe, repainted the walls.Martha and Shifra.Puhe joyfully shared a Passover Seder meal with the elderly and infirm at the rabbi's nursing home in New Jersey.Tamara helps Jadwija ​​get ready for the holidays.

Neighbors were told that Tamara and Hermann were cousins.Now they had something new to chew on; but if a man was willing to be a bum and found a woman who tolerated his behaviour, there was nothing to say.The older tenants were eager to chat with Tamara and ask her about the concentration camps. Before Passover, the whole building was filled with the smell of matzah and borscht made by the housewives themselves, of rum, horseradish and other foods that had come from their old land, but now It smells of the bay and the sea. Herman could hardly believe the situation, but Tamara had found him a job.Rib.Abraham.Neeson.Yaroslav and his wife had decided for a long time to go to Israel.Rib.Abraham.Neeson even hinted that he could sell textbooks.

Herman used to lie to Jadwija, he went to sell books, and now it's a reality.One morning, he took Yadwija ​​to the downtown area to look at bookstores.Later Tamara took her home because she was still afraid of taking the subway alone, especially now that she was going into labor. How strange it was to sit at Seid's table with Tamara and Jadwija, to silently recite the Hurghada with them.They insisted that he wear a cap, and there was a whole ceremony of reciting blessings over wine, symbolically eating parsley and applesauce mixed with nuts, cinnamon, eggs, and brine.Tamara asked four questions.For him, and probably for Tamara, it was all a game, an act of nostalgia.But then again, which one is not a game?He couldn't find the real thing anywhere, not even in the so-called exact sciences.

According to Hermann's personal philosophy, survival itself is cunning.From microorganisms to humans, life has quietly avoided all kinds of envious destructive forces, and has continued from generation to generation.Such was the case with Zivkov's smugglers in the First World War, who stuffed tobacco in their boots and coats, concealed all kinds of contraband all over their bodies, smuggled across borders, violated the law, and bribed officials for every protoplasm, or protoplast conglomerate This is how it is passed down from generation to generation.This has been the case since the first bacteria appeared in the black mud of the sea; when the sun turns to ashes and the last living thing on earth freezes to death, or dies in any way, it's up to the last drama of the living thing, This is still the case.Animals have accepted this insecurity of existence, the necessity of flight and surreptitious activities; only man seeks inevitability, and instead of finding it, he perishes.Jews have always managed to sneak their way through crime and madness.They sneaked into Canaan and into Egypt.Abraham falsely claimed that Sarah was his sister.The wandering life for two thousand years started from Alexandria, Babylon, and Rome to Warsaw and Lodz [Note: The third largest city in Poland, located in central Poland. ], Wilno [Note: A province during the Second Polish Republic, located in the northeast of the country. ] was a great smuggling operation up to the Jewish ghetto. The Bible, the Talmud, and the Commentary teach the Jews a strategy: avoid crime, avoid danger, avoid showdown, and give the raging cosmic forces as wide a leeway as possible.When the army was fighting in the street outside, the Jews never looked sideways at deserters who sneaked into cellars or attics.

Hermann, the modern Jew, has taken this principle one step further: he no longer even believes that the Torah can be regarded as faith.He was not only deceiving Abimelech, but Sarah and Hagar as well.Hermann did not make a covenant with God, nor did he need Him.He doesn't want his offspring to reproduce like the sand on a beach.His whole life had been a game of stealth, writing sermons to Rabbi Lambert, selling books to rabbis and Talmud boys, agreeing to Jadwiga's conversion to Judaism, accepting Tamara's help to her. Herman read Hurghada and yawned.He raised his goblet and poured out ten drops, representing the ten plagues that befell Pharaoh.Tamara praised Jadwija ​​for the gnocchi.A fish in the Hudson or some other lake gave its life to remind Herman, Tamara, and Jadwija ​​of the miracle of the Exodus.A chicken sacrificed its neck in honor of the Holy Communion of Passover.

In Germany, and even in the United States, new Nazi parties are being organized.In Munich taverns, murderers who had toyed with children's skulls drank beer from tall glasses and sang hymns in churches.truth?Not in this jungle, not on earth sitting on fiery lava.God?whose god?Jewish?Or Pharaoh? Both Hermann and Jadwiga sincerely begged Tamara to stay overnight, but she insisted on going back, promising to come back the next morning to help prepare a second Seid meal.She and Jadwija ​​do the dishes.She wished Hermann and Jadwija ​​a happy holiday and went home. Herman went into the bedroom and lay down on the bed.He did not wish to think of Martha, but his thoughts kept turning to her.what is she doingDoes she miss him?

The phone rang, and Hermann ran to pick up the receiver, hoping it was Martha, and fearing that Martha would change her mind.He almost ran over, gasped and shouted into the microphone: Hello. No one answered. Hello!Hello!Hello! It was Martha's old trick: to hang up and not say a word.Maybe she just wanted to hear his voice. Don't be silly, talk!He said. Still no sound. It was you who left, not me, he found himself talking. No one answered.He waited a moment, and then said: I am unlucky, and you cannot make me more unlucky. two Weeks passed.Hermann fell asleep and dreamed of Martha.The phone rang, and he threw off the blanket and jumped out of bed.Yadwija ​​was still snoring.He ran down the corridor, his knees bruised in the dark.He picked up the receiver and called hello, but no one answered.

If you don't answer, I'll hang up, he said. etc!This is Martha talking.Her voice sounded choked and her words were slurred.After a while, the voice became clear.I'm in Coney Island, she said. What are you doing in Coney Island?Where are you? At the Manhattan Beach Hotel.I've been thinking of you all night long.Where are you?I decided to try again, but then I fell asleep. What are you doing at the Manhattan Beach Hotel?You are a human? Myself.I am coming back to you. where is your mother In a nursing home in New Jersey. I don't know. I've made arrangements to keep her there.The rabbi might have given her a living stipend.I told him everything I couldn't live without you; the only obstacle was my mother.The rabbi tried to dissuade me from this, but logic was useless.

You know Jadwiga is going to give birth. The rabbi will take care of her too.He's a great guy, albeit a little crazy.The little bit of kindness under his fingernails exceeds the kindness in your whole body.How I wish I could love him!But, I can't do it.Whenever he touches me, I tremble with disgust.He will talk to you personally.He wants you to finish the work you've started for him.He loves me and will divorce his wife if I agree to marry him, but he understands my feelings.I never believed he had such a good heart. Hermann waited a moment before speaking. You could call me up in New Jersey and tell me these things, he said tremulously.

If you don't want me, I won't force you.I swear, if you send me away this time, I'll never see you again.Everything has come to an end.This is the last time, I want to know, do you agree or not? You quit your job? I gave up everything, I took only a suitcase, and I came back to you. How is that apartment of yours doing?Did you give up too? We're going to get rid of everything.I don't want to live in New York anymore.Lampert Rabbi gave me an excellent introduction and I found work anywhere.The people in the nursing home are very fond of me.I did bring them back to life.The rabbi has a nursing home in Florida, and if I'd work for him there, I'd get a hundred dollars a week to start with.If Florida isn't your thing, he also has a nursing home in California.You can also work for him.He is as good as an angel from heaven.

I cannot leave Jadwiga now.She could give birth at any time. When she has a baby, you'll have other reasons.I have made up my mind.Tomorrow I'm flying to California and you'll never hear from me again.I swear on the name of my dead father. Wait a moment! Why?Looking for a new excuse?I'll give you an hour to pack up and come to me.Lampert Rabbi will pay your countryman for the hospital bill and take care of everything else.He is the chairman of a maternity hospital I forgot the name of that hospital.I told him everything.He was taken aback, but he understood.He may be vulgar, but he's still a saint.Or have you found a new lover? I don't have any new lovers, but I do have a bookstore. What?Do you have a shop? Hermann told her the situation briefly. You went back to Tamara again? of course not.But she is also an angel. Introduce her to the rabbi.Two angels may give birth to a new God.We are both devils, we only hurt each other. In the middle of the night, I couldn't get my hands on things. Don't take anything.Besides, what do you have?According to my work, the rabbi gave me a loan, or an advance payment.Leave everything behind, like the slave in the Bible. What slave?This will kill her. She is a strong country girl.She'll find someone else and be happy.She can give the child up for adoption.The rabbi was also connected with a referral agency.He has a share in everything.We can have a baby if you want.The time for conversation has come.If Abraham could sacrifice Isaac, you can sacrifice Esau.Maybe we can bring her baby to live with us later.What on earth do you say? What on earth do you want me to do? Get dressed and come to me.This is the kind of thing you do every day. I am afraid of God. If you're scared, stay with her.farewell! Wait, Martha, wait! To come or not to come? Come. I'll tell you my room number. Herman hung up the phone.He listens attentively.Yadwija ​​was still snoring.He stays by the phone.He hadn't realized how much he longed to be with Martha.He stood in the dark, a man who forsook his will and silently obeyed.It was a while before he could act.He remembered a flashlight somewhere in a drawer, and when he found it, he turned it on and shone it on the phone so he could make a call.He had to speak to Tamara.He dialed Rib.Abraham.Neeson's phone number.The phone rang for several minutes before he finally heard Tamara's sleepy voice. Forgive me, Tamara, he said, this is Hermann. Well, Hermann, what's the matter? I'm leaving Jadwiga.I'm leaving with Martha. Tamara was silent for a moment.Do you know what you are doing?she finally asked. I know, I'm doing it. A woman who demands such a sacrifice does not deserve it for her.I don't think you've completely lost control of yourself. This is a fact. What about the bookstore? That is entirely in your hands.The rabbi I used to work for wanted to do something for Jadwiga.I'll tell you his address and phone number, and get in touch with him. Wait a minute, I'll get a pen and paper. He waited with the receiver in his hand, and there was no sound around him.Yadwija's snoring stopped. What time is it now, Hermann thought.Usually he is extremely sensitive to time.He can often guess exactly what time, or even how many points.But now, this ability seems to have disappeared.He was sinning against the teachings of God, but he begged that God not to wake Jadwija. What's the number? Herman gave her Lamper Rabbi's name and phone number. Can you at least wait until she has a baby? I can't wait. Herman, you hold the key to the bookstore.Could you open the store in the morning?I will be there at ten o'clock. I will go then. Well, you made your own bed and you have to sleep by yourself, Tamara said and hung up the phone. He stood in the dark, listening to the depths of his heart.Then he went to the kitchen and looked at the clock.He was surprised to find that it was only 2:15, and he had only slept for an hour, although he felt as if he had slept all night.He found a suitcase for some shirts and underwear.He carefully opened the drawer and took out several shirts, underwear and pajamas.He sensed that Jadwija ​​was awake, just pretending to be asleep.Who knows?Might she want to get rid of him?Maybe she's tired of all this?Or it might take until the last moment for her to make a fuss.As he stuffed the clothes into his suitcase, he thought of the rabbi's manuscript.Where is the manuscript?He heard Yadwija ​​get up. what happened?she says. I have to go out. where to?Ah, as you please.Jadwiga lay down again.He heard the bed creaking. He dressed in the dark, sweating despite the cold.Some change fell out of a trouser pocket.From time to time he bumped against the furniture. The phone rang, and he hurried over to answer it.Martha again.Are you coming or not? Come.You don't let me choose. three Hermann worried that Jadwija ​​might change his mind and hold him back, but she lay still.She was awake all the time he was tidying up.Why didn't she say anything?For the first time since he had known her, her behavior was elusive.She seemed to have been part of a plot against him, and knew something he didn't.Or had she really reached the final stage of silent endurance?The fact was incomprehensible, and he was troubled by it.She probably didn't lunge at him until the last moment, knife in hand.Before leaving, he walked into the bedroom and said: Yadwija, I'm leaving. She said nothing. He tried to close the door softly, but it slammed shut.In order not to wake the neighbors, he tiptoed down the stairs.He crossed Mermaid Avenue and walked along Wave Avenue.How still and dark Coney Island was at this early morning hour!Entertainment venues were closed and pitch black.The avenue that stretched before him was as deserted as a country lane.He could hear the crashing waves coming from behind the boardwalk.The air is filled with the smell of fish and other sea life.Hermann could make out some of the stars in the sky.He saw a taxi and stopped it.He had only ten dollars on him.He opened a window of the car to let the smoke from the cigarettes inside the car escape.A breeze was blowing, but his forehead was still dripping with sweat.He took a deep breath.Despite the chilly nights, there are already signs of a warm day ahead in broad daylight.A thought flashed through his mind: a murderer who was about to kill someone must be like this.She is my friend!My enemy!He muttered, pointing to Martha.He had the uncanny feeling that he'd been through something like this before.But when?Maybe in a dream?He had a strong feeling of longing. Could it be that he was longing for Martha? The taxi pulled up in front of the Manhattan Beach Hotel.Herman worried that the driver might not be able to find change for the ten-yuan bill, but the driver silently counted the money to him.The hall is quiet, the bellboy is dozing in front of the key box, behind the counter.Hermann was sure the elevator operator would ask him where he was going at such a time, but the man took him to the floor where he was going to stop without a word.Hermann found the room in a few moments.He knocked on the door, and Martha opened it immediately.She was wearing a long nightgown and slippers.There was only a little light in the room from a street lamp.They threw themselves into each other's arms, hugged each other wordlessly, and twisted together silently.Hermann hardly noticed that the sun had risen.Martha broke free from his embrace and went to draw down the curtains. They fell asleep almost without speaking.He slept deeply and woke up filled with new desires and fears, the result of a forgotten dream.All he could remember was confusion, screaming, and something ridiculous.Even this muddled memory is quickly forgotten.Martha opened her eyes.what time is it?She asked, and fell asleep again. He woke her up and told her he had to go to the bookstore at ten o'clock.They went into the bathroom to freshen up.Martha spoke.The first thing we have to do is go to my apartment, I still have stuff in there, I have to seal the house up.My mother won't go back there. That will take several days. No, just a few hours.We can't stay here any longer. Although he had just been satisfied with her body, he couldn't imagine how he could bear such a long separation.In the past few weeks, she had grown plumper and appeared younger. Did your redneck make a scene?she asked. No, she didn't say a word. They got dressed quickly, and Martha settled the hotel accounts.They walked to the subway station in Sheepshead Bay.The bay was sunny and packed with boats, many returning from early morning voyages.Fish that had been in the water a few hours ago now lay on deck with glassy eyes, bruised mouths and bloodstained scales.Fishermen and wealthy anglers are sizing up fish and bragging about their catches.Hermann saw the killing of animals and fish and often had the same thought: Judging by what people did to creatures, they were all Nazis.With other species, man can do whatever he pleases with glee, which exemplifies the most extreme theory of racism, the principle that might makes right.Hermann had repeatedly resolved to become a vegetarian in the past, but Jadwiga disagreed.They had had enough in the village and later in the concentration camp.They didn't come to rich America to starve.Neighbors told Yadwija ​​that ritual sacrifice and observance of Jewish dietary regulations are fundamental to Judaism.It is admirable to send the chicken to the ritual slaughterer, who recites a blessing before slitting the chicken's throat. Hermann and Martha went into a cafeteria for breakfast.He explained again that he couldn't go directly to the Bronx with her because he had to meet Tamara and give her the key to the bookstore.Martha listened to him suspiciously. She'll talk you out of it. Then you go with me.I handed her the key and we went home together. I'm not up for it.It's been a rough few weeks in the nursing home.My mother nagged every day that she wanted to go back to the Bronx, even though she had a comfortable room, nurses, a doctor, and everything a patient needed.There was a synagogue where men and women prayed.Every time the rabbi came to visit, he brought her a gift.She is no better than this even in heaven.But she kept berating me all the time, saying that I drove her into a nursing home.It didn't take long for the other old people to understand that there was no way to make her happy.There was a garden in the nursing home where everyone would sit and read the newspaper or play cards, but she locked herself in her room.Those old people feel sorry for me.It's true what I told you about the rabbi: he offered to divorce his wife for my sake.Just wait for me to speak. Once on the subway train, Martha fell silent again.She sat with her eyes closed.Hermann said something to her, and she was startled as if she had just been awakened from sleep.Her face, which had looked so plump and youthful that morning, now looked bitter again.Herman saw a white hair on her head.Martha finally brought their drama to a climax.Things always get weird and wild and dramatic with her.Hermann kept looking at his watch.He was supposed to meet Tamara at the bookstore at ten, but now it was twenty minutes past ten, and the train was still far from his destination.At last the train reached Canal Street, and Herman stood up immediately.He promised to call Martha and get back to the Bronx as soon as possible.He took two steps at a time and ran up the steps.He rushed to the bookstore, but Tamara wasn't there.She must have gone home.He unlocked the door, went into the shop and called Tamara to tell her he was here.He dialed the number, but no one answered the phone. Herman thought that Martha would probably be home by this time, so he called her.The phone rang several times, but no one answered.Then he called again and was about to hang up when he heard Martha's voice.She cried so loudly that at first Hermann couldn't make out what she was saying.Later he heard her crying and saying: I was robbed!All our things have been taken away!Nothing remains but bare walls! When did it happen? who knows?Oh God, why wasn't I burned like the rest of the Jews?She was crying hysterically. Did you call the police? What will the police do?They are thieves themselves!Martha hung up the phone.It seemed to Hermann that he could still hear Martha crying. Four Where is Tamara?Why didn't she wait a while?He called her again and again.Hermann opened a book to calm his anxiety.It was The Sacredness of Leary, and he read it: the fact is that all the angels and animals of God trembled on the Last Judgment Day.For man, every wicked man dreads this day of retribution. The door opened and Tamara walked into the bookstore.She was wearing a coat that was too big and too long for her.She looked pale and haggard.She spoke in a hoarse voice, and could hardly help howling.where have you beenI waited from ten o'clock until half past ten.There was a customer who wanted to buy a set of Mishna, but I couldn't open the door.I called Jadwiga for you, but no one answered.She may have committed suicide. Tamara, I can't help myself. Well, you're digging your own grave.That Martha is worse than you.She couldn't take a man away from a woman who was about to give birth.She must be a bad woman for that. She was no more in control of her actions than I was. You always talk about free choice.I read your book for the rabbis and every other word seems to me like free choice. I will give him as much freedom of choice as he commands. do not talk!You make yourself worse than you really are.A woman can drive a man crazy.Around the time we escaped from the Nazis, a prominent figure in the Jewish Socialist Labor Party hooked up with his best friend's wife.Later, we were forced to sleep in one room, about thirty of us, and she had the audacity to sleep with her lover, while her husband slept two steps away from her.All three of them are dead.where are you goingAfter all that destruction, is it not enough for God to give you a child? Tamara, this talk is useless.I couldn't live without Martha, and I didn't have the guts to kill myself. You don't have to kill yourself at all.We can bring up our kids.The rabbi will help, and I'm not entirely useless.As long as I live, I will be the second mother to my child.You may be out of money? I don't want to take any more money from you. Don't go away in such a hurry.Since she has waited for you so long, she will wait another ten minutes.What are you going to do? We haven't decided yet.The rabbi promised to find her a job in Miami or California.I will also find a job.I will send money to the children. That's not a problem.I could move in with Yadwija, but it would be farther away from the bookstore.Maybe I'll take her here to live with me.Letters from my uncle and aunt were so enthusiastic that I doubted they would ever return.They have visited all the holy cemeteries.Had Rachel been attractive to God, she would have interceded for them.Where does your Martha live? I told you she lives in the East Bronx.Her home has just been robbed.It's all gone. New York City is full of thieves, but I don't have to worry about bookstores.A few days ago, while I was locking the door, the neighbor who owned the yarn store asked me if I was afraid of thieves, and I told him that my only fear was that some Yiddish writer might break in in the middle of the night and leave more books in the bookstore. Tamara, I have to go.let me kiss you.Tamara, this is my end. Hermann grabbed his duffel bag and hurried out of the bookstore.At this time of day, there are hardly any passengers on the subway trains.He got off at the station he was going to and walked towards a side street where Martha lived.He still has the keys to Martha's house.He opened the door and saw Martha standing in the middle of the room.She seemed to have calmed down.All the cabinets were open and the dresser drawers were pulled out.It looks like it's moving house, personal things have been taken care of, just waiting to move the furniture.Herman noticed that the thieves even screwed out the light bulbs. Martha closed the door behind Hermann to keep the neighbors out.She went into the room where Hermann lived and sat down on the bed.Pillows and sheets were stolen.She lights a cigarette. what did you say to your motherHermann asked. Tell her the truth. What did she say? It's the same old saying: I feel bad.You'll leave me and the rest.If you're going to leave me, you're going to leave me.Only the present is important to me.This robbery was unusual.This is a sign that we can no longer live here. The Bible says: I came from my mother's womb naked, and I will return naked.Why go back there?We do not go back into the womb. The earth is mother. yes.But before we go back to her, let us try to live.Right now, we have to decide where to go, whether to go to California or Florida.We can go by train or bus.It's cheaper to take the bus, but it takes a week to get to California, and getting there is exhausting.I think we should go to Miami.I could be working in a nursing home right away.It's low season and everything is half price.It's hot out there, but like my mother said: it's hotter in hell. What time does the bus leave? I'll just call and ask.They haven't stolen the phone yet.There was also an old travel bag, which was all we needed.That's how we wandered across Europe.At that time, I didn't even have a travel bag, only a package.Don't look so sad!You will find work in Florida.If you don't want to write a book for a rabbi, you can teach.Older people need someone who can help them study the Pentateuch and some Commentaries.I'm sure you can make at least forty dollars a week, and with the hundred dollars I make, we can live like kings. Well, then it's decided. Anyway, I wouldn't have taken all the junk with me.Maybe our being robbed this time is a blessing in disguise! Martha laughed, with a look of joy in her eyes.The sun shone down on her head, and her hair turned fiery red.Outside, the tree that had been covered in snow all winter now had glossy leaves.Hermann stared at it in great bewilderment.Every winter, Herman always thought that the tree standing among the garbage and tin cans had finally withered and died.Some branches will be broken by the wind.Stray dogs pee on tree trunks that seem to grow thinner and knotted as they age.Neighborhood children have carved their initials, hearts and even obscene words into the bark of the tree.However, when summer comes, it becomes lush again.Birds were singing in the bushes.The tree had served its purpose, and there was no fear that a saw, an ax, or the burning cigarette butt that Martha had a habit of throwing out the window might end its life. Maybe the rabbi has a nursing home in Mexico?Hermann asked Martha. Why in Mexico?You wait here, I'll be right back.I sent some clothes to the dry cleaning before I left last time, and I sent some of your clothes to the laundry.I still have some money in the bank, and I want to withdraw it.It takes about half an hour. Martha is gone.Hermann heard her close the door.He began to go over his books and found a dictionary that he would need if he was to continue his work for the rabbi.In one drawer he found various notebooks and even a fountain pen that the thief had inadvertently left behind.Hermann opened his travel bag, stuffed the book in it, and the travel bag wouldn't close.He wanted to call Jadwija, but he knew it was meaningless.He lay sprawled on the bare bed, fell asleep and dreamed.When he woke up, Martha hadn't come back.The sun had disappeared and the room was dark.Suddenly, Hermann heard noises, footsteps, and shouts outside the door.It sounded like it was dragging something heavy.He stood up, opened the door outside, and a man and a woman supported Shifra.Puer, half lifting and half dragging her.She was pale and disfigured.The man said loudly: She passed out in my taxi, are you her son? where is marthathe woman asked.Hermann recognized her as a neighbor. She was not at home. Go get a doctor! Hermann ran down a few steps to Shifra.Puer's side.He gave her a hand, but she stared at him sternly. Should I call a doctor?he asks. Shifra.Puer shook his head.Hermann went back into the room.The taxi driver took Shifra.Puel's wallet and excursion bag were handed to Hermann, who hadn't noticed them just now.Hermann took out his own money and paid the fare.They took Shifra.Puer sent into the dark bedroom.Herman flicked the light switch, but here too the lightbulb was stolen by the thief.The taxi driver asked why no one was turning on the lights, and the woman went out to get a light bulb from her own house.Shifra.Puer sobbed, why is it so dark in here?where is marthaAh, how wretched my unhappy life is! Herman took Shifra.Puu's arm rested on her shoulder.At this time, the neighbor woman came back and screwed on the light bulb.Shifra.Puu looked at her bed.Where did the things on the bed go?she asked in an almost healthy voice. I went to get her a pillow and a quilt, and the neighbor said, just lie down like this now. Herman took Shifra.Puer took it to the bed.He could feel her body trembling.She clung to him as he picked her up and put her on the mattress.Shifra.Pue moaned, her face shriveled even more.The neighbor woman came into the house with pillows and sheets.We must call an ambulance immediately. Footsteps were heard on the stairs again, and Martha came in.She held a hanger with clothes in one hand and a bag of laundry in the other.Before she entered the room, Hermann said to her through the open door: Your mother is here! Martha stopped in her tracks.She escaped back, didn't she? she is sick. Martha handed the clothes and packages to Hermann, who put them on the kitchen table.He heard Martha shouting angrily at her mother.He knew he should call a doctor, but he didn't know whom.The neighbor came out of the bedroom and held out his hands in a questioning gesture.Hermann went back to his own room, and he heard the neighbor complaining to someone else on the phone. a policeman?Where can I go to the police?During this time, the woman may die. doctor!doctor!She is going to die!Martha screamed.She committed suicide, this bad woman, just because of her resentment! Martha cried out, the same cry she had heard a few hours earlier when she had told him on the phone that the house had been robbed, and it didn't sound like Martha's meowing, and it was wild.Her face contorted, she pulled her hair, stamped her feet, and jumped at Hermann as if to attack him.The neighbor held the phone receiver to his chest, petrified. Martha screamed: This is what you want?enemy!Horrible enemy! Panting heavily, she bent down.As if she was about to fall to the ground.The neighbor put down the receiver and grabbed Martha by the shoulder.She shook Martha like one would do to rescue a choked child. Murderers!