The rainbow never sets

experienced real starvation, at a time when we would have needed all the nourishment to keep our minds alert for the exams ahead. We tried to study hard, and we did, but our minds would often wander.

It didn't take long before Frau Starck found out about my relationship with Thea. She started to tease me abominably. Although it was done in a nice way, I felt somehow restricted. I had come to Halberstadt mainly to study, and not to spend all my time with Thea. How could I justify the expenses my parents paid for my full board, if I didn't take my studies seriously? I was in a dilemma. The times we saw each other were precious. We went for long walks, holding hands, and I felt really happy. But it was not to last for long. Pressures of study and sickness intervened.

Onkel Helmut, who had polio when only twelve, has been severely handicapped since then. He managed to get around with his stick, limping heavily. He was always cheerful and full of jokes. Mutter had promised her mother on her death bed, that she would always look after Onkel Helmut. After settling in with us, Vater secured him the job of looking after the farm's quite substantial chicken yard. In May of 1947 he came down with hepatitis.

As I shared a room with him when I was at home, a fortnight later I had a severe attack of pain in my liver region, just at the time when our class was inspecting a power plant in Halberstadt. I could hardly move and I don't remember how I got home that day. I was terribly tired, had this terrific pain, and all I could think of was lying down. The doctor diagnosed hepatitis for me too, and ordered strict bed-rest for four weeks.

"Four weeks! I can't do that! My written exams for the leaving certificate are due to start in two weeks time."

"I can give you a medical certificate?" "I'm sorry, but that won't do. I have to go." "If you are very sensible and adhere to a strict diet, we might get you there."

"I'll do anything you say, Doctor." "First of all, total rest. Absolutely no getting up, is that clear?" "Okay."

"Then a strictly fat-free diet, no alcohol for at least six months, and no eggs, meat, or milk for six weeks."

"There go my celebrations after the leaving certificate." "Yes, you can forget about that completely."

Mutter was worried what she could cook for me. All I was allowed to eat were cereals, potatoes and vegetables, all cooked in water only. But at first I had no appetite whatsoever, and those terrific pains stayed with me for a few days. Gradually the pains subsided, and adhering strictly to the diet, I did get better gradually. I was still extremely tired, though, and I could see the doctor's wisdom in keeping me in bed. All day I lay there, thinking about the forthcoming exams, but I couldn't do any studying. That was too strenuous. On Friday before the exams were to start, the Doctor came

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