Archive of Our Own ^beta

Hermann waits in the dining room for Mrs Schroeter to return with Father.

After an eternity, they appear; Mrs Schroeter's eyes fiery and Father's lips pressed thin.

Hermann shrinks, focuses on his hands, balled in his lap.

They sit in the chairs across the table from his.

Even without looking, he can feel Father's glare on him.

„Your son, Doctor Gottlieb,“ snaps Mrs Schroeter, „is completely out of control. He speaks out of turn, does not listen properly, and even corrects me.“ She huffs. „He is the most difficult child with whom I have worked in thirty years.“

„I see,“ says Father, voice low and seething.

„Were I the type to use such language, I would call him a monster.“

Hermann barely controls a flinch, digs his fingernails into his palms.

„Please, accept my apologies for his behaviour. I will do my best to correct it.“

Mrs Schroeter sniffs.

Father sighs. „He has been impossible these last months. Since his mother ....“

Hermann risks lifting his head.

Mrs Schroeter pats Father's hand—

His eyes flick to the spot.

—says, „Such a tragedy. It cannot be easy raising four children as a single father.“

Father shrugs. „I make do.“

„That is very brave of you, but I wonder if, perhaps, a boarding school for this one might ease your burden.“

„It's doubtful an outside school would improve Hermann's attitude. If he behaves this way in my home, I can hardly imagine what he'd get up to elsewhere.“

„True, true,“ she murmurs. „There are so many rules restricting discipline these days.“

Hermann's stomach drops and his side aches.

Father inclines his head.

„Well, I am certain you'll find a way to manage him, Doctor Gottlieb.“

„I assure you I will.“

Hermann digs his nails deeper.

„Good, good.“ Mrs Schroeter stands. „Hopefully the next one will not be as troublesome.“

„I share that hope.“ Father pushes up. „Please, allow me to accompany you to your car.“

„Certainly, Doctor.“

As they head to the doorway, Father scowls over his shoulder at Hermann before vanishing around a corner.

Hermann swallows, carefully flattens his palms against his trousers, and waits.