Chapter 460: Such a Thing Exists
The Ghent Train Station.
The air was filled with the acrid smell of burning coal. Travelers bustled about, some lining up for tickets, others dragging heavy luggage. Men and women of all ages were present, their faces lit with excitement and joy as they anticipated returning home. Some passengers, upon alighting from the train, raised their hands in jubilation.
These were the people who had fled Ghent before the German occupation.
They thought they might never see their hometown again. But one day, they woke to the news that the Germans had surrendered, and Charles had reclaimed the land.
Now, they could return to the place they had yearned for.
...
Lucia struggled with her suitcase as she exited the station. Standing at the entrance, she paused, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. A smile of relief and anticipation appeared on her face before she quickened her steps toward the taxis waiting outside.
Lucia had taken leave to come here. Although the distance of over 300 kilometers wasn't far, for someone like her, reliant on trains, the journey took more than ten hours.
Even so, Lucia felt it was worth the trip.
After all, it was a rare blessing that she and her family could once again reunite on Belgian soil, alive and as Belgians.
The taxi stopped on Felderstraat. Lucia stepped out with her suitcase, barely steadying herself before several people rushed out of a Gothic-style house on the street.
Tears streamed down her face as Lucia embraced them one by one, exclaiming, “Mother! Father! It’s so good to see you. And Steijn—you’ve grown so much!”
As usual, Lucia affectionately reached out to ruffle her younger brother’s hair, but Steijn brushed her hand away.
“Hey, Lucia,” Steijn protested. “Like you said, I’ve grown up—I’m not a child anymore!”
Lucia was puzzled. “But you’re only seventeen, Steijn!”
“Don’t mind him,” Mrs. Gerard said through joyful tears, linking arms with Lucia and guiding her inside. “He’s obsessed with Charles and wants to emulate him.”
Lucia paused mid-step.
Mrs. Gerard noticed. “What’s the matter?” she asked.
“Oh, it’s nothing,” Lucia replied quickly, forcing a smile. “Charles is... a fine role model.”
Steijn lit up. “See? Lucia supports me—”
“No one’s denying Charles is an excellent role model,” Mr. Gerard interrupted, carrying Lucia’s suitcase. “But that doesn’t mean you should lie about your age to enlist.”
Lucia turned to Steijn, aghast. “You lied about your age to enlist? Are you out of your mind?”
“Charles enlisted at seventeen,” Steijn shot back defiantly. “He’s only eighteen now, and he’s already a brigadier general!”
“But he’s a genius, Steijn,” Lucia argued. “You can’t expect—”
“How will I know I’m not a genius unless I try?” Steijn interrupted without hesitation.
Lucia was at a loss and turned to her mother for help.
Mrs. Gerard shrugged helplessly. She’d tried talking sense into Steijn multiple times but had gotten nowhere.
...
Inside, Lucia and Mr. Gerard quickly formed an alliance to reason with the “stubborn” Steijn. Meanwhile, Mrs. Gerard went out to buy groceries. She planned to make Lucia’s favorite pan-fried sole.
Though their budget was tight, Mrs. Gerard felt the day deserved a celebration.
On her way back with a basket of groceries, she encountered their neighbor, Mrs. Felix, who was also carrying a basket.
“Mrs. Gerard!” Mrs. Felix greeted her with a smile and a respectful nod.
This surprised Mrs. Gerard. The two had always been at odds, often seeing each other as adversaries. Today, however, Mrs. Felix’s demeanor was unexpectedly deferential.
Mrs. Gerard snorted, not intending to engage. It had to be an act.
Mrs. Felix seemed to glance at the fish in Mrs. Gerard’s basket and followed her for a few steps before asking warmly, “Having something special for dinner, Mrs. Gerard?”
Politeness won out. Mrs. Gerard nodded. “Yes, Lucia’s come home.”
She thought this would end the conversation, but Mrs. Felix gasped. “Oh my! Lucia’s back? Then... Charles—has he come too?”
“What?” Mrs. Gerard stopped in her tracks, puzzled. “Charles? Why would he be here? Are you joking?”
“No, of course not,” Mrs. Felix said hastily, her smile now awkward. “It’s just a misunderstanding, Mrs. Gerard. I merely assumed Charles might...”
Realizing something, Mrs. Felix faltered. “You don’t know? Oh, dear—please forgive my indiscretion. I’ve said too much. My apologies, Mrs. Gerard!”
With that, she turned and tried to leave.
Mrs. Gerard wasn’t about to let her go so easily. Taking a few quick strides, she blocked Mrs. Felix’s path. “What is it that I don’t know? Or are you just playing games?”
“No, no,” Mrs. Felix stammered, flustered. “Please forgive me, Mrs. Gerard. I-I sincerely apologize for my past rudeness toward you.”
Mrs. Gerard’s suspicion deepened. She scrutinized Mrs. Felix, who didn’t seem to be pretending. Tears welled up in Mrs. Felix’s eyes, and she looked genuinely alarmed.
Mrs. Gerard hesitated. Finally, she said, “If you tell me the truth, Mrs. Felix, I’ll forgive you.”
“Really?” Mrs. Felix’s eyes brightened. “You’d truly forgive me?”
Mrs. Gerard nodded firmly. “Of course. I mean what I say.”
Relieved, Mrs. Felix took a deep breath before hesitantly saying, “This... this might be a secret, Mrs. Gerard. I’m not sure if I should tell you, but...”
Seeing the resolute look in Mrs. Gerard’s eyes, Mrs. Felix mustered her courage and confessed, “It’s about Lucia. She’s Charles’s girlfriend. They’re in a relationship.”
Mrs. Gerard froze, then burst out laughing. “You’re mad! Lucia and Charles? Dating? Good heavens, you must be joking!”
“It’s true, Mrs. Gerard,” Mrs. Felix insisted. “Proto returned yesterday—he works in Paris too—and he says everyone in Paris knows. He even said he’s proud of Lucia!”
The smile faded from Mrs. Gerard’s face. She recalled Lucia’s odd expression and hesitant demeanor earlier when Charles’s name was mentioned. Gradually, she started to believe it.
“Good Lord, such a thing!” Mrs. Gerard stood in stunned silence for a moment before abruptly running home like a madwoman.