The Magician's Elephant

Peter interrupts Leo Matienne and Gloria at their dinner to ask Leo to take him to the prison to see the magician. Gloria is aghast at Peter’s request and alarmed at how skinny he is. Although Peter insists that he is in a hurry, Leo urges him to come inside to talk and eat. When Peter tastes the warm, rich stew Gloria gives him, he begins to cry, remembering his family and everything he has lost. Leo comforts him, and though overwhelmed by tears again, Peter manages to eat.

Peter tells Leo and Gloria everything. Vilna Lutz was a friend of Peter’s father and fought with him in a war. When Vilna Lutz told Peter’s mother about her husband’s death, she went into labor and died, although Adele lived. A midwife took Adele, and Vilna Lutz took Peter to train as a soldier, lying about Adele. Gloria is furious at Vilna Lutz. Peter explains about the fortuneteller and the elephant and the need for the magician to send the elephant home. Leo Matienne asks, “What if?” but Gloria tells him to stop. Peter also asks, “What if?” Leo believes they must question things if they want to effect change.