Diaries from a crypt
the jump: a capsule and the last bullet. They could not be caught. They could not be taken alive at any cost. Except that meant suicide, and suicide was a sin. A deadly sin. Valčík tried to be a good soldier and a good Catholic, but it wasn’t easy. He sometimes wondered what hell was like. He had asked himself that even as a little boy. All he knew was that it was definitely horrible. And yet, here he was, walking a thin line, and hell was so close. Should he hold a gun to his head and protect his fellow fighters, the resistance and his family? He spoke to the priest for hours. It was more of a discussion than a confession. ‘Son, trust in God. Trust that he trusts in you, and that you are doing the right thing for your country. Fighting evil is not always easy. He understands you, whatever you do. But as long as you have the opportunity to fight, then fight. When the time comes, you will know what to do. Without hesitation. You would never take your own life because you wanted to end it. You want to live, Josef, and that is right. If you die at your own hands, it will be because you want to protect others.’ Valčík didn´t stay at home. It wasn’t for the first time. Neither had he in May, when he last traveled from Prague and back. He didn’t even reach for his gun. In the train, he read a pocket novel he had borrowed from Jenda – he hadn’t even had time to ask permission. On the last page was the address of some girl – Marie Žilanová. Pilsen. He frowned, and then laughed. Yes, that was the pretty girl who had helped them light a fire in April, when the Allies were bombing the arms factory. She was a real fighter, young, cheerful and unrestrained. It’s true; she had a lot in common with Jenda. 99
Ukázka elektronické knihy, UID: KOS262675