March 15, ’44: Gabriel’s house. Gabriel is a bigger than life kind of guy and a big guy. He lives life large, large laugh, much eating, much drinking. Amazing talent has to quietly maneuver between the Germans, the Maquis, and the citizens of Nerac.
He brings his vegetables 2 market every Saturday. He meets with other Maquis at another’s house. Another member has the radio for outside communications. That guy brings to Gabriel at the Saturday market, the week’s messages. He sells flowers in his stall right next to Gabriel’s.
March 16, ’44: Boredom intermixed with moments of heightened alertness when I hear strange sounds. I venture a little closer to the road – watch the passersby from under the shade of the tree, think about my next move. How am I going to get back to the Americans or Allies and on combat? What is going on with the war?
Gabriel calls me inside. They are expecting visitors. I am to keep quiet. He will tell them I am a deaf mute – or at least a mute. Two young people about my age or a little younger come by – a brother and sister by the looks of them. The sister looks interested in me. I do as Gabriel tells me but she’s quite attractive….and it’s been a long time…
c. GCYI