Wald’s Life After Mija

This thread follows Wald from a grief concealed by talk into a more vulnerable bond with Shmuel.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Talking Invalid

Wit as a Defense Performance Gershom Wald greets Shmuel with jokes, arguments, biblical quotations, and biting judgments. Hidden Sorrow His lively voice contrasts with eyes clouded by grief and a body increasingly dependent on his arms. Speech fills the room but does not yet reveal what he cannot bear to say.

The Son’s Death

A Father’s Loss Mija’s Choice Wald’s disabled son joins the fighting despite pleas that he remain away from the war. The Fatal Convoy Mija is left behind after the battle near Bab al-Wad and dies alone. Wald believes his own nationalist teaching helped send his son to his death.

The Fever Confession

Speech Breaks Through Illness A severe winter flu confines Wald to bed, and Shmuel tends to him in the private bedroom. Confession Wald explains how he trained Mija for war and calls himself a man who is no longer alive. Illness loosens the defenses that routine and talk had maintained.

A New Listener

Silence Between Arguments Changed Conversation Wald speaks less and sometimes sits reading beside Shmuel rather than dominating the room. Shared Care He permits Shmuel to steady him and arrange his cushions. The change suggests a relationship built not only on debate but also on mutual trust.

The Forehead Kiss

A Reluctant Blessing Recognition Wald finds Shmuel packing and admits that he has already lost one son. Farewell He kisses Shmuel on the forehead and lets him go. The gesture briefly gives both men a language of affection that their debates had not supplied.

When Shmuel first meets him

April 2, 1948, recalled in the winter

Midwinter 1959–1960

After Wald recovers

Shmuel’s last day in the house