Freefall: Chapter 36

Annie thought about Moe’s recent letter describing his brief encounter with the orphans: I saw the children for a short while. They are certainly interesting. The little girl Malka is a dear likes to read is very polite and ladylike — Annie she reminds me of you. But the boy! Apparently he keeps running away won’t say a word to anyone doesn’t listen to adults. Hey he reminds me of… me! (Ha ha!) Good luck to you Sis. I think your posting in this war may be harder than mine!

She shrugged away Moe’s warnings as she took a final look at the children’s room. Naturally the boy was upset — his mother dead his father a soldier at war. But in a new place making new friends surrounded by warmth and comfort the memories of that terrible night would fade.

Your memory of Mamma never faded. Ever.

Of course she didn’t expect the children to forget their loving mother. No one could take a mother’s place; she knew that better than anyone. But with all the care they would get from the boarders and Papa and herself they’d be fine.

For days the hotel had been bustling with preparations for the “yesoimim.” The boarders their energies fueled by their frustration at the many setbacks in the war against the Nazis — the reshaim who’d turned them into penniless refugees and who were reportedly perpetrating horrifying crimes against beloved family members who hadn’t escaped — had done all they could to make the two orphaned children happy. They’d lovingly set up a bright and airy bedroom for them.