The Wooden Chair Read Online Free Page B

glasses. She removed them to wipe them with the hem of her dress. Without the glasses everything was hazy, and she didn’t see Grandpa until she heard him. With the glasses on again, she saw Grandma Britta was with him.
    He lifted her in his arms and hugged her close to his chest. “There’s my little princess.” He perched her on his arm. “Whose favorite little girl are you?”
    “Grandpa’s.” She hugged him around his neck and pressed her face to his cheek that was cool and perfumed from sweet lavender. “And Grandma Britta’s, too.” A hiccup got away from her as she bent low to exchange kisses and rub noses with her grandma, the way they always did whenever they met. Leini’s heart beat fast and happiness purred inside. Grandma Britta pulled a hankie from her coat pocket and wiped Leini’s cheeks.
    She held the hankie to Leini’s nose. “Blow! No need to cry, my little dove.”
    Leini swallowed a sob and smiled, feeling light from relief.
    “I’m going to set you down,” said Grandpa. “We need to see about getting all this luggage on board. The train leaves soon.” From the pocket of his vest he took out a watch, held it close to Leini’s nose and pushed a small button to spring open the lid, which snapped against her nose. As always, the game amused her. She threw her head back and laughed.
    It was a peal of laughter—like silver bells—so joyous and free, those who heard it smiled in spite of the serious moment they were all caught in.
    Leini tugged at Grandpa’s coat. “What about Papi?” Determined not to cry, she swallowed. “Will Papi find us?”
    Grandpa smiled into her upturned face and gently touched his fingers to the corners of her mouth that threatened to pull down. “Of course he will, my princess.”
    With a suitcase in each hand he grunted as he swung them on board the train. Cartons followed. He lifted Leini by the waist. “Your turn now. Hold on to the rail once you’re on board so you don’t fall if the train should lurch.”
    “Benjamin. Wait, Benjamin, Leini!”
    Over Grandpa’s shoulder Leini saw a tall man, the gray uniform coat flapping below his knees as he ran to catch up with them, each footfall of the black boots a loud slap against the cobblestones.
    Grandpa stood Leini on her feet on the platform. “Karl. Glad you made it.” The two men embraced and slapped each other’s backs. “And not a minute too soon. The train is about to leave.”
    Karl leaned over Leini to caress her cheek with the back of his hand. “My little girl. I’m so happy I got here in time; I couldn’t let you go away without saying good-bye. And I wanted to give you a present. Here.” He handed her a square packet wrapped in white paper, tied with a string. “It’s something to help you pass the time on the train.” His coal-black eyes, so like Mamma’s, searched the crowd. “Where’s Mamma?”
    “I’m here, Karl.” Mamma took the steps from the train so fast she stumbled.
    Karl caught her around the waist and hugged her to him.
    “Oh, Karl, this war is a terrible thing. Everybody’s gone. First my husband, now you.” She sniffled and pressed a white hankie to her eyes.
    “Take it easy, Mira. You’re no exception. The war is tough on everybody. You’re lucky to have your daughter.” He stroked a hand over Leini’s hair, fondling her neck with the tips of his fingers, sending pleasure tickling down her spine. “Grandpa and Grandma Britta are with you, too. That’s more than a lot of folks have these days.”
    Leini peered at her. Did she forget I told her she has me?
    Grandpa touched Karl’s arm. “I wish you could come with us. Helsinki isn’t a safe place now.”
    “I know, but I have my job at the military hospital, and the antique business is brisk. People need money for food, so they’re forced to sell family heirlooms. I don’t like taking advantage of their difficulties, but…” He spread his hands. “By buying their goods I’m helping them and I