The sixth day
At three 0'clock in the morning Alex got up from the bed and looked out of the window. Olivia opened her eyes. 'Are you ... Are you leaving now?' she asked.
'Yes,' Alex said. 'I can't stay longer. Perhaps the police are out there now. They're watching all our friends' houses. Pauli told me.' He put on his shoes and coat, then looked at his wife.
'Olivia. Listen. Be very careful and live very quietly. The police are going to watch you for leave the country secretly. Our friends can help you. Find a new home in a new country and make a new life.'
Olivia began to cry. 'But Alex! You're going to be there with us.'
Alex smiled. 'Yes. Perhaps.' He took his wife's face in his hands and looked into her unhappy eyes. 'Don't cry, my love,' he said quietly. 'Give me a smile before I go.'
'Oh Alex! I'm afraid!' Olivia could not stop crying. 'I love you, I love you,' she whispered. 'Go quickly. And be careful. Please.'
Alex smiled sadly. 'Goodbye, my love.'
He left the house quickly and went out into the dark night. He waited for ten minutes at the door and listened, but he heard nothing and saw nothing. He came out into the road very carefully. Again he waited. From an upstairs window in his house, a white face watched him.