The Flat

Helmuth first resides in a small flat with Mutti and his brothers in Hamburg, Germany. The flat is located directly next to his grandparents, who check in on the boys often, while their single mother works nights. The flat represents a safe haven for Helmuth. He’s protected from the outside world, can speak freely about whatever is on his mind, and his family enjoys sweet, innocent times there. Helmuth often reflects on the crowded yet comforting bed he shares with his older brothers. Even during his last moments of life, he fondly remembers the feeling of being snuggled in the middle of his brothers, safe from all, calm and “floating”. When his mother marries Hugo Hubener, and they move to a larger flat away from his grandparents, the move seems to shatter Helmuth’s feeling of security. His safe haven is disrupted, and he...