Evelyn had never been so grateful for rough woolen blankets and a wood stove in all her life. Erik had kept up a grueling pace, stopping only when absolutely necessary. By the time they came upon this farm, she was convinced that she couldn’t go another step. She had been completely exhausted, and so cold that her limbs had ceased to have any feeling in them. Once she and Anna were huddled together beneath the blankets near the stove, the feeling had slowly returned to her legs and feet. And so had excruciating pain. Her feet, raw from hiking in loafers not meant for rough terrain, had swelled as soon as she removed the shoes. This morning she had fished in her suitcase for thicker socks and resolutely put the loafers back on, ignoring the pain. There was nothing else she could do.
“Grrrrgh, that’s cold!” Anna gasped, splashing water on her face.
“Anna!” Erik called from behind them.
They turned to find him standing near the shed with a plump, older woman dressed in a long skirt with an apron tied around her. He motioned for them to come and Anna looked at Evelyn.
“That must be the farmer’s wife,” she said, standing. She picked up her suitcase beside her. “Come on. Let’s go see what’s going on.”
Evelyn stood up, grimacing again as she picked up her bag and began walking back towards Erik and the older woman.
“Are you all right?” Anna asked, catching the expression.
“I’m fine.”
Anna looked skeptical but remained silent.
“Anna, this is Mrs. Hansen,” Erik said as they approached. “Mrs. Hansen, this is my sister, Anna, and her friend, Marlene.”
“Good morning,” the woman said with a smile and a nod. “My husband just told me you were part of the group that took shelter in our shed.”
“Thank you for allowing us to camp in there,” Anna said with a smile. “The stove and blankets were very much appreciated.”
“Yes, it was very kind,” Evelyn agreed. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I came out to ask if you would like to wash up in the house? That stream is freezing and you’ll catch cold. Come. We have hot water and a tub where you can wash properly.”
Anna looked at Erik and he nodded.
“Go. We will wait. Just don’t take too long.”
“Oh, that would be lovely!” Evelyn exclaimed. “Are you sure you don’t mind?” she asked the woman.
“Yes, yes, come!” She turned to lead the way to the farmhouse some distance away. “It is no trouble.”
“Thank you again,” Anna said.
“Please. These are frightening days. If we don’t help each other, then we’re no better than the Germans,” Mrs. Hansen said. “How do you come to be with your brother’s unit?”
“I’m from Oslo and we fled when the German ships were coming into the fjord. We worked at an embassy there. We didn’t really know where to go, so we just went north. When our car broke down near Grindal, Erik found us.”
“Oslo!” She looked surprised. “You don’t sound like you’re from the city.” She looked at Evelyn. “You do,” she added with a nod, “but you don’t.”
“I grew up near Trollheiman,” Anna said.
“Ah! That explains it.” Mrs. Hansen beamed. “Are your parents still there?”
“Yes.”
They came to the back of the house and Mrs. Hansen led them inside. They stepped into a narrow corridor that led into a large and sunny kitchen. The smell of coffee filled the air, and Evelyn’s stomach rumbled in response.
“Please. Sit down,” Mrs. Hansen said, motioning to a round wooden table. “The tub is in the back room, through there. Mr. Hansen is filling it with hot water now. It’s not much, but it is better than an icy stream, no?”
“Heaps better!” Anna agreed, sinking into a chair at the table.
“You can take turns once he’s finished.” Mrs. Hansen turned to the counter. “And while you’re waiting, you will have some breakfast.”
“Oh no!” Evelyn protested despite the growling in her stomach. “We couldn’t impose on you any further.”
The woman waved her protest away and turned to set two steaming cups of coffee before them.
“Don’t be silly,” she said briskly. “You will eat something before you start off again.”
“The water’s ready.” Mr. Hansen emerged from the door at the back of the kitchen, nodding to the women at the table. “Good morning. I hope you slept all right out there.”
“We did. Thank you for allowing us to use the shed.”
“Now, there is a stack of clean towels next to the tub,” Mrs. Hansen said, “and soap is on the shelf.”
Anna looked at Evelyn.
“Would you like to go, or shall I?”
“You go first,” Evelyn said, picking up her coffee. “I’ll enjoy my coffee.”
Anna grinned and got up, picking up her case and turning towards the door. “I’ll be quick,” she promised over her shoulder.
She disappeared into the room and closed the door, leaving Evelyn alone with Mr. and Mrs. Hansen.
“I’ll take coffee to the men outside,” Mr. Hansen said.
“I’ve put it all on that tray there,” Mrs. Hansen said, motioning to a square, handled tray. “Be careful.”
He nodded and picked up the tray, turning to go out of the kitchen. Mrs. Hansen watched him go, then carried a thick brown
