I notice amid the jollity that there are more pictures on the wall than last time. Heinrich, Wilhelm and Sigmund won't be coming back this time by the look of it, but in a sense, they are now always here.
But life is for the living and next is Lehmann clapping me on the shoulder in delight, perhaps the boat with the most distinguished service in the flotilla. He was sinking ships when I was just a pup. We embrace warmly and more champagne. Another profitable patrol off Northern Ireland I gather. He wants to hear all about our stupid spy mission, and I have to save it for another time, because I've just spotted a flash of blond hair over his shoulder.
At the back of the room, my uncontrollable torpedo man, Dieter, has hoisted Heidi onto his shoulders and is whirling her around to her mixed cries of fear and delight.
Josie is up on Schillens's back too, rising up and down and pretending to be a periscope.
"The Boss is coming in a minute, my friend. But for now I need to be over there..."
And with that, I brushed past all my other comrades and headed towards the girl I love.
LS
Last edited by Laughing Swordfish; 02-13-10 at 02:12 PM.
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