Once I realize that, I move on. I’ve just entered the next room when my phone rings, earning me dirty looks from everyone else already inside this gallery. I struggle to pull it out of the snug athletic shorts I’m wearing, and the sound grows even more obnoxious when it’s free from the spandex. It’s Hallie.

I end the call, only for it to ring again immediately.

The middle-aged woman standing closest to me mutters something in German that sounds decidedly unpleasant. Then again, I’ve yet to hear anything said in German sound pleasant. Any term of endearment might as well be a scolding.

I duck out into the hallway and answer my phone with a whispered “Hello?”

“Why are you talking so quietly?” Hallie shouts. And I mean shouts. Her voice is audible enough to catch the attention of the security guard strolling about, making certain none of us attempt a heist. He gives me a stern look and points to the door marked Ausgang.

I sigh and follow his silent command, pushing through the door that exits into a sculpture garden.

Immediately, I mourn the loss of air conditioning. “Why are you screaming? You just got me kicked out of the museum. It’s sweltering out.”

“Museum? You’re at a museum?”

“Uh-huh,” I reply, taking a seat on one of the cement benches and kicking at the pebbled path. “I can’t play.” The words taste bitter on my tongue. “Figured I might as well explore Kluvberg.”

“That’s awesome. Good for you.”

I roll my eyes. I should have known. Hallie’s always been disturbed by my focus on soccer. Me attending a soccer camp and instead expanding my cultural horizons is practically her dream come true.

“Are you settling in okay?” she asks, raising her voice to a bellow at the end.

I pull the phone away from my ear. “Why are you yelling again?”

“Sorry,” Hallie replies at a normal volume. “We’re at the park. They’re mowing one of the soccer fields and I can barely hear when they pass by.”

I remember those soccer fields, but I don’t voice the memory. Instead, I ask, “Why are you calling me if you’re at the park? Isn’t it still super early there?”

“Yes.” Hallie sighs. “Guess that’s why they’re mowing. Matthew wouldn’t sleep and Matt has an important meeting this morning. I needed to get out of the house.”

“Huh,” I reply. Hallie’s always been selfless, whereas I don’t even remember what Matt does for work. Something in finance?

“So, are you settled?”

“Yes.” If you count the suitcase I unzipped.

“We’re going to Dad’s for dinner tonight,” Hallie says without preamble.

“Have fun.” I trace the patterns carved into the bench’s surface with my free hand.