Chapter 12: Traumfeuer

As the Great Depression wears on, it is becoming increasingly obvious that raising four boys will prove to be difficult, even for the Master Butcher. Tante wants to take them all back to Germany where they will be cared for by the grandmother, and where she will be able to feel more comfortable with her new reputation as a seamstress/carer for children. But as Delphine stands in the kitchen with Markus one day, she realizes that she cannot bear to part with him. He is too special to her, because he is the closest one spiritually to Eva. He talks about everything with Delphine, especially his mother, which is good for both of them and allows them to heal. She decides that no matter what, Markus is not going to leave her, and that she will never allow it to happen; Markus decides exactly the same thing in his head after their talk. However, Delphine knows that if they stay, they will be very poor and perhaps in Germany they will enjoy themselves and stay out of trouble. Although, there is the impending war to think of and rise of Nazi Germany. Will the boys be able to ever come back, and if so, who will they be when they do? Fidelis believes that the Nazis are going to steer the country toward peace, but even he does not guess at the terrible war that is going to change all of their lives very soon.