The String Diaries Part 44

The String Diaries Part 44

Its what we thought. No, its what we knew. A hundred times over. I cant explain it; I cant explain you. None of us can. You shouldnt exist, Hannah, and yet you do. He laughed sheepishly. Were calling you a miracle.


Im no miracle, she said. But its given you hope, hasnt it? Its given you all a shred of hope. For a future, I mean.


Gabriel was silent for a while. Quietly, he said, That depends on you.


She didnt know what to say to that. So she squeezed his hand instead.


You havent told me what you learned from Seb, he said.



Hannah shrugged. He says my father worked it out. From the diaries. Dont ask me how. Do you remember I told you about Albert and Anna? My great-grandfather and great-grandmother? They lived in Sop.r.o.n, fled to Germany when Jakab tracked them down. For a time, while he was preparing to kill Albert, Jakab supplanted him. Just like he supplanted my father. And when Anna fell pregnant, it was Jakabs baby growing in her belly.


Which means Jakab was your ancestor. Your great-grandfather, in fact. Do you think he knew?


No. And I dont think it would have made much difference if he had. He was too corrupted by that point. Too insane. She shuddered. Come on. I dont want to hear his name any more. Hes dead. Gone. Out of our lives forever. Wheres Leah? Have you seen her?


From the trees, Hannah heard a rustle of movement.


Im here.


Have you been sitting there all along?


Mostly.


Come over here, scamp.


The aroma of toffee and chocolate. Of salty skin.


What have you been doing?


Starting a diary, the girl replied. One of my own.


end.