“We’ve been learning about Berlin today at school,”
said Leo. “Our teacher said there are lots of interesting buildings in Berlin.”
“She did, did she?” said Clara. “And do you think
she’s right?”
Leo shrugged. “Berlin is Berlin,” he said.
“Oh it is, is it?” Clara could not believe that her son was
so blinkered. This big vibrant city still fascinated her. Mecklenburg was big
by some standards but Berlin. Berlin was Berlin. Leo was right there. But
Berlin was a miracle and he couldn’t see that?
Clara looked at the clock. It was not quite four. It would
be light for a while yet. Imelda was busy in the kitchen. Käthe was still
asleep. She could ask the maid to keep an eye on the child. They could be back
in time for supper.
“Go to the lavatory and don’t forget to wash your hands,”
she said to her son. “I’m just going to have a word with Imelda. Get your coat
on. We’re going out. ”
“Mutti?”
“Go on. Do as I say,” said Clara.
“Frau Lehrs, I’m very busy today,” said Imelda. “I don’t
know that I’ll have time.”
“Look, we won’t be long. Fräulein Lehrs is still asleep.
Rudi’s out with Nanny. Just look on her now and then. And if she wakes up,
she’ll probably come and find you anyway.”
“Yes, ma’am. It’s just that…”
“Yes. I know. She can be difficult. Look, we’ll give you a
bonus this week. And you can have an extra hour off on Sunday. Will that do?”
“Yes, ma’am. Very well, ma’am.”
It was clear that the young woman would do anything for more
cash. Well, good. Käthe would be fine. She liked Imelda. And so what if supper
was a bit late. Ernst wouldn’t mind. Not if his son was being educated
properly.
“Why are we going out?” asked Leo.
“We’re going on an adventure,” said Clara. “And how would
you like to go on one of the new electric trams? We’re going to ride the tram.
We are from another planet and we’ve just arrived on Earth. And we’re going to
see this beautiful city called Berlin.”
Leo clapped his hands. He had never been on a tram before.
He walked to school. They walked to most places in fact but if they ever needed
to go further afield Ernst would hire a carriage. Clara felt as excited as
their little boy looked. She pulled her cloak over her shoulders and they were
off.
It was a short walk to the Kurfürstendamm and there was
already a tram at the nearest stop.
“Here we go then,” said Clara, holding Leo’s hand as they
both climbed on.
“We want to go to the terminus,” said Clara as the conductor
came for the fare. “Return, please.”
The young man nodded and gave Clara two tickets. A
middle-aged man gave her his seat and Clara sat down, pulling Leo on to her
lap.
The first thing she noticed was the smell. Unwashed bodies,
she suspected.
“Mutti, what’s that funny sm—?” Leo began to say.
“Look,” said Clara, distracting him. She pointed to a tram
going the other way. “Isn’t it amazing that these carriages go on their own
with no horse to pull them? And do you know what makes them work?”
“Lectricy,” said Leo.
“And what is that, young man?” asked Clara.
Leo shrugged.
She wasn’t sure either. They’d just have to ask Ernst that
evening.
“Oh and look,” said Clara. She pointed up at the building
they were passing. “Aren’t they tall? And look at how the glass shines in the
windows. Oh, and all those elegant ladies and gentlemen walking along the
streets. Look we’re going faster than the carriages pulled by horses.”
“How old is he?” said a young woman who had sat down next to
them.
“Six. He’s just six.”
“Well he is so interested in everything, bless him. I wish
my young’uns would appreciate half as much in the world. You’ve got a good’un
there missus. What’s your name, young man?”
Leo shied away from the woman.
“Leo. His name’s Leo,” said Clara.
“Well, Master Leo,” said the woman. “I hope you enjoy the
rest of your tram ride. I’ll have to love you and leave you. This is my stop
coming up. Good evening to you.”
“Say goodbye to the lady,” whispered Clara, kissing Leo’s
head.
Leo half smiled and waved shyly at the woman. She winked
back.
Gradually more and more people left the tram. Finally they
were the only passengers. The tram made a last stop.
“We have to get off here,” said Clara.
“Why?” said Leo.
“It’s the terminus.”
“What’s that?”
“Where the rails end. Look. Watch what happens.”
The driver got out of the tram and moved to the other end.
The conductor made his way along tilting the backs of the seats so that they
faced the other way.
“Oh,” said Leo. “He’s changed them round.”
“Yes. So that people can see where they’re going. We’ll get
back on in a minute and go all the way back home.”
Ten minutes later the tram was taking them back towards
their home. There weren’t so many people on now and Leo had a seat all to
himself. He pressed his nose up against the window. It was beginning to get
dark and the windows in the buildings that lined the wide street were lit up
but the shutters had not yet been put into place. They could see right into the
apartments and offices.
“Can’t you see what a beautiful city we live in?” said
Clara.
Leo nodded.
“Good,” said Clara. “You can tell your teacher all about
that tomorrow.”
Ernst had already arrived home when they got back.
“Vati, we’ve been on a tram,” said Leo. “All along the
Ku’damm.”
“A tram?” said Ernst. “All along the Ku’damm. My goodness we
do have some style these days.” He raised his eyebrows and looked at Clara. But
there was a twinkle in his eyes.
Clara shrugged. “He needed to get to know the city. It was
the quickest way.”
“I should think so too. A truly splendid idea. You should
make a habit of it.”
“Why can’t I go on a tram?” Käthe was scowling at them.
Clara laughed and bent down to kiss her little daughter on
the head. “You shall, my love. Once you are six as well and you don’t need your
afternoon nap.”
“It’s not fair. Leo gets all the fun.”
“Oh Käthe, you must be patient,” said Ernst. He bent down
and picked her up. “You’ll grow up soon enough.”
