Konrad and Alexandra (pdf) - Rolf Gross

to the Pacific Provinces. A few risked their lives and escaped across the Black Sea to Bulgaria
and Greece.
Alexandra slowly and systematically gave away clothes and household items to the
refugees and homeless. She told Elisabeth that she was free to stay in their apartment or to go
home, they would not be able to take her along on their escape. In tears Elisabeth left for the
Baltics by the end of March.
One night Helena appeared with Alexeev. They announced that they had decided to get
married. Alexandra was overwhelmed by the news. Helena had kept her growing relationship
with Vitali very quiet. Alexeev joked that they had even planned their honeymoon. They would
seek temporary refuge at the estate of relatives of Helena’s in eastern Russia before trying to
reach America by way of the Far East. Together they emptied Konrad’s last bottle of Georgian
cognac.
By April Alexandra, her family, and Vladimir were the only ones left among their close
friends anxiously waiting for the Caucasian passes to open.
In mid-April an unseasonable hot spell baked the South. Vladimir, restless and worried
about Tamara and little Asmat, arrived at their apartment one night to say good-bye. He would
take the train south early in the morning. God willing, they would meet in Tiflis. He crossed
himself three times.
God had long ago abandoned his creation, this was the last time they saw Vladimir.
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