I remember a carefree time living in Poland when I was a child about the age of twelve. The phrase ‘ignorance is bliss’ applied in this case because all that mattered was playing and laughing with my friends. My father would spoil me. Oh, how I wish those days would return , but like every childhood mine came to an end. Mine ended on September 1, 1939. Or as most call it ‘the invasion of Poland’. Weeks before the invasion the polish army was defending Warsaw form Germany. Of course being a young, naïve ten year-old girl I only new that there was the sound of gun shouts all day long. Then finally I thought that all was well again on the 27th of September when I woke up to a silent morning. Because I was a ten year-old I didn’t under stand that this was because Warsaw Poland was now under the Nazi party.
It was going to be a normal day at school. My mother had dressed me in my uniform, braided my hair and I eat all of breakfast. I was about to leave and then my mother gave me my bag and straitened my bow on my shirt. I then open the door, but when I did so, my mother grabbed my arm. I looked up to see what she was doing. I saw mother looking around in total shock. I then looked to see what she was staring at, and I saw red long flags hanging everywhere. The flags had a white circle with a strange black symbol in it. I also saw all these people standing with their arms stretched out, and cheering as a man standing a car went by. I remember asking my mother,
“what are they doing?” My mother than yanked my inside the house, and yelled
“Arthur close the windows, lock the doors!” my father then came rushing.
“Bethany, what is going on?” my father look so scared.
“Oh God help us!” my mother was so scared that she began to cry. My mother had always been a strong woman so I was in stock to see her cry.
“What happened?“, my father grabbed mothers shoulders.
“The Germans; It finally happened. They won! what are we going to do? you've heard the stories about how much their leaders hates Jews and anyone who looks like one. We can't let them hurt her!” my mother then pointed at me. I was confused and did not understand what was going on
“They won’t hurt her.” My father wrapped his arms around her my mother then calmed down. She then walked over to me and told me,
“You can’t go to school today,” even though I was only twelve, I knew that something was wrong and it was going to get much worse.
Two years have passed since then and I am now 14 years-old. Ever since the Germans have arrived I have learned words like Nazi, Hitler youth, Jews, ethnic, Adolf Hitler, and swastika. I had even learned the entire language of German. Despite the war, I never lost sight of my goal, to be an Olympic runner.
One day as I was training, I passed some Nazi soldiers. Whenever I was training, I tried not to draw attention. When I got home my Mother walked out of the kitchen and said
“There she is! Poland’s future gold medalist, Allison Dubowsky!” my mother had always supported my dream of being a runner. The phone began to ring and my mother answered it
“Hello, Bethany Smith speaking; how my I help you?” she had always answered in a formal and professional way. After all she was my fathers secretary many years back.
“Yes, she is quite the runner.” when I heard this I began to take an interest.
“Oh my goodness. That would be wonderful thank you. I’ll tell her.” my mother then hung up and looked at me.
“Ally.” my mother looked so exited.
“Yes?” I answered in a suspicious tone.
“You’re going to be in the six mile race!” when I heard her say that we both squealed with joy.
“Wait there’s more.” she looked like she was about to burst.
“How could there be more good news? This is incredible.” This was what I needed to help me to be a runner.
* Zloty is polish money, 1420 zlotys is equal to 431 U.S.A dollars today

.

“The grand prize is 1420 *Zlotys!” she was sure I would win. All I needed to do was to win.
"Well, when is it?" I had to now so I could trane twice as hard.
“Next month." mother then walked away.
She went into the cabinet, and pulled out a present.
"Knowing you, you'll train five times harder...so I think this will help." she handed me the present. I was in shock when I opened it. Inside the box was a new sport-siut.
It was a sleeveless V-neck top light blue and had my name embroidered on the back. The bottoms were the same color and knee length.
The day of the race arrived and I had been training for five days. I woke up like any other day. I told my mother and father to take the car. For I could not, due of my appearance.However they refused to do so. My mother and father had blond hair and blue eyes, and as for me, I had long brown hair, brown eyes, and a large nose. Which I looked just like my mother how was Hebrew. I had no issues with Jews or Hebrews; I had many friends that were Jewish. I just did not enjoy being called Jewish or being discriminated for my looks. I understand that my mother was Jewish, but I do not participate in the religion despite my looks. My parents adopted me when my late mother died so that is why they are not Jewish.
I ran as fast as I could to the race. My parents laughed as I ran ahead of them. My long hair was in a bun and I could feel the wind blowing past my face. I stopped in my tracks only to see a heart-breaking scene. The Nazi soldiers were at the gate of the arena to check passport. They did this so that Jews who did not wear the armband with the Star of David on their arm would be identified because your passport would say if you were Jewish. Jews were not allowed to participate in sporting events.
My heart almost stopped when I realized that I did not bring my passport. Just then, I felt my mothers hand on my shoulder.
"Is everything alright?" She asked me. I shook my head.
"I forgot my passport." I told her. She looked over to my father,
"Then we shall go back for it." He said. My eyes widened and I turned around to face him.
"No! There is not enough time for that!" It was true. it had taken us almost an hour to walk and the race was in fifteen minuets.
"Then what will you do?" My father asked in a challenging voice. I looked eyes with him and gave him a look of determination. I reached into my bag that I had on my shoulder, and pulled out my knitted cap and sweater. I put them on to hide my brown hair hoping I would be let through.
"I shall do what the other do. Walk by." I told him. He smiled and patted me on the back. My father walk closely in front of me. I gripped his long coat in my fist. My mother tried to his my from the soldiers view as her and my father proudly displayed their golden hair. As we passed him I slammed my eyes shut and prayed. Suddenly his arm shot in front of my father and stopped him.
"Passport." He told my father they both showed him their passports. His eyes locked with mine and he lowered him self to my eye level. I tried to hide my face in my fathers coat.
"Fräulein, you must show your passport." the solder was an elderly man. He had gray hair and frown wrinkles. He was the most terrifying man I had ever seen in my life.
"I...um ...forgot it." I tried not to look him in the eyes. He then ripped me from my parent and shoved me away.
"No Jews aloud." He gave me a sharp glare after he said that, but I was not ready to turn away.
"I’m not Jewish I’m a runner!" I could not let him judge me. My father stood in front of me in a protective manor. He glared at the man and said,
"Enough of this, Officer. I can assure you, my daughter is not lying." I couldn't help but to fell smug at that comment.
"She looks nothing like you. How do I know your telling the truth?" The solider asked my father. It was then that my stepped forward with a photo of me in my younger years. He snatched the photo from her hands and studied it. He then looked down at me with a scowl.
"Very well then, give me your name." the man pulled out his clip bored that had names of the runners listed. I lifted my head and looked him in the eyes
"Allison Dubowsky,” I stated strongly. The man flipped through the pages and saw my name.
"Yes , you are listed here, but Dubowsky is a Jewish name." he glared at me one more time.
"But I’m not!" I yield at him. I rushed towards the gate but my father pulled me back. He held me back as my arms flared at the man with frustration and anger in my eyes. I admit it. This was not appropriate to act this why, but how was I expected to?
"Do you dare lie to me? If you come back you will be charged." I had broken free from my fathers grasp and ran towards the gate. The man caought my shoulder roughly and gripped it tightly. He then threw me to the ground. The people around me all gasp. Some even laughed. As I was sitting on the ground, looking up at him, he look down at and spit on me then said,
"Jüdische Ratte!" which meant Jewish rat. My mother rushed towards me and whipped my tears from my face. My father walked up to the man befor walking to us and said,
"How dare you? She is only a child." He then walked over to us and wrapped his arms around us.. My mother hugged me tightly and pressed my head to her chest as she tried to sooth me as she said,
"Ssh, ssh, It's okay. It's okay. There will be other races." I got up of the floor and walked away with a feeling as if I had been blamed innocently.
"Let's go home." My father said. I shook my head at him.
"No. I'd prefer to take a walk." I told them. My mother smiled and nodded and understood. My parents turned and walk away.
I looked over my shoulder and I hear the gunfire that started the race. I saw my good friend Maggie run into first places the racers ran out of the arena and past me.They then ran around the corner and out of site. As they did so, I felt as if my dream and my chance ran away as well.
I walked home slowly with the man's cruel words echoing in my head. It was at that point that I leaned against a building and slid down. As I sat there, I wondered what I did to earn this and the only answer that came to mind was.… I was born. I sat there weeping for quite some time.
"My dear, what are you doing?" I heard a voice call. I looked up to see a frail old woman standing in her doorway. I leaped up.
"I’m so sorry to disturb you miss." I said as I stood and brushed my self off.
"Would you please tell me what's wrong?" The woman said.
I turned around to look at her. I walk to her door.
"You must be cold. Please come in." she put her arm around my shoulder and led me in side.
The woman’s name was Judith King she lived alone and I told her what had happened.
We talked for about an hour. It was pleasant to have someone to tell what I want and will listen. She was a sweat old woman. She looked at me with glassy eyes that look very lonely.
"The Germans took my son,” she told me.
"Did they arrest him?" I wanted to know if they arrested people constantly.
"No... He was killed." she then looked down at her tea.
"I’m so sorry I asked."
"No no it's not your fault, but they tried to arrest you, right?" for some reason she changed the subject quickly.
"Yes, I didn't bring my passport."
"It’s such a foolish rule. Is it not?", Mrs. King asked.
"I agree." I then looked at the clock. It was almost six ‘o clock.
"Oh, my I should be going." I stood up and then thanked her and left.
I begin to run to my house. I needed to be home by eight P.M, because of the curfew. The Germans forced us to be in our homes by eight so that no Jews could leave the country under the night fog.
I arrived at my house. I went up to the balcony I watched the sun set slowly. As it set I felt lonely. I then heard the Nazi's cruel words echo. 'Jewish rat, Jewish rat.' those words I have heard almost my whole life. It felt as if that was what the world thought of me. It is as if people look at me and think that. I knew that is not true but it is so hard not to think that when those words are almost a second name.
The cold February air blow over me I griped my blanket that was draped around me I pulled it closer. I could see my frozen breath in front of me. The city of Warsaw looked sad and hellish. I could see Nazi troops at every corner. Graffiti very where you looked the snow was no longer white. Red banners on every block. It was a bitter site; I could not look at it any longer. I went inside. As I passed the mirror in the hallway, I looked at my reflection. I wondered what if I was born to the parents that I live with. I looked at my wavy dark brown hair I ran my fingers through my hair. I noticed that I had a hallow stair on my face, I tried to smile but the smile faded. I did not want to wear a hallow smile that made me seem as if I did not care. I did care that people were suffering, that Poland had fallen to the Germans that my life would never be at peace. It seemed that no matter where I went the fact I was living in times of war followed.
I heard my parents unlock the door. I whipped around on my heals and looked at them. My mother looked and me and ran to wrapped her arms around me.
"I'm so sorry. I should have registered her under our name." She said.
"No. I did not bring my passport. It was a simple task but I neglected it."
My mother and father had a different last name as me. Their last name was 'Smith'. I was taken in by them when I was four because my mother had a rare illness. They were a good family friend. My mother last wish was that I had her last name. I vaguely remember her. My last memory of her was me at the foot of her deathbed.
"Beth, the meeting will start soon we should go." my father told my mother. As they turned to leave I yelled after them,
"Can I go with this time?" I asked them.
"It is now place for a child ,Allison." My father said. I looked at the floor in shame.
"Yes, Papa." I said.
"Good girl." I heard him say before I heard the door shut and lock.
My parents always left for meetings one hour before eight and return at six in the morning for reasons unknown. It drove me mad with curiosity! They then left and I was alone once again. I went up to my room and went to bed.


Chapter 2: nightmare of the past

I laid my head down and feel asleep hoping for a fairytale like dream to let me escape this war for the night.
My dream began.
* * *
The doctors were in the room around the bed, and I was sitting on a chest at the foot of the bed. I looked like I was three. three doctors rushed around the room. One doctor kneeled down to look me in the eyes. He whipped my tears and told me my mommy was going somewhere that I cannot see her.
“what are you talking about she's right there" the little me was confused. I pointed to my mother. My mother reached her hand out to me.
“Elly’" she called. (My mother calling me 'Elly' often it was her nickname for me.) The doctor lifted on to the floor. With my teady bear in my arms, I ran over to her.
"Mama, he said you’re going somewhere I can't find you." my mother patted me on the head and held my hand. Her brown eyes where watery. She stared to tear up.
“I’m not leaving yet." she lied. I turned to the doctor.
"I told you." I said. I knew my mother was dying, but being so small I did not want her to leave me.
Her hands then got very cold. I griped her hand tighter and started to cry.
“Mama?" I asked, she put my hair behind my ear. I started to cry harder to where I could hardly speak.
"What's going to happen?"I asked her with hopeful eyes. her hand got colder and heaver. She then looked at me one more time.
"I’m so sorry, be a good girl." she said. Cold as ice, she then closed her eyes and was now at peace. I stared to shack her hand.
"Mama? Mama!" the doctor lifted me up and walked me out of the room. I was calling to my dead mother.
Another doctor handed Mrs. Smith a letter from my mother. The door closed and the hallway grew longer and longer.
I was then in a little black dress and had my bear and a daisy in my hand. I ran down the hallway, and opened the door to see a chapel. In the front, there was a black coffin. I walked down the aisle. When I opened the coffin, I say my mother. I rubbed my eyes and opened them to see my foster family, Arthur and Beth Smith. I was then fourteen again. I was horrified. I turned around, and was frightened to see my three parents’ graves with daises around them. I ran away from the graves, and I ended up in town. I saw a store and walked up to the window. I saw a newspaper I looked at the headlines. I saw the first one, which read, "rebel troop executed by gun fire" the other one was "couple is missing" I looked at the photo of the couple, and all my fears were right there. The couple missing was my parents.
* * *

"MOM!”, I yield. I then realized it was a dream and relief washed over me. I sat up in my bed. I realized that I had woken up. I grabbed the back of my neck and looked around me room. It was 6:15 in the morning. I saw the bear I had in my dream on the floor. I picked it up and looked at it. I have not had that dream for months. I looked over to my bookshelf and saw the photo of my birth mother and me at the fair.
I got up out of bed and walked over to pick it. I whipped of the dust and studied it hard. The photo was taken before she got sick, I t was me up on her shoulders at the fair, it was the day I got my bear . I looked at the back of it and it read 'in memory of Mary Dubowsky, April/15/1907- June/04/1930'.
My mother and father came bursting into my room.
"What’s wrong? We head a scream!" my mother asked.
"I’m fine. I had a bad dream and I woke up screaming." I told them.
"the dream again." my father said. I nodded my head. I crossed my arms.
" Mama, could I see the letter my real mom gave me."
" I knew you would want to see it someday."

CHAPTER 3: The hidden letter

My mother handed me the letter. I opened it to read it.

* * *
Dear, Bethany
As I lay here in my bed writing this, I look out the window thanking God for this life, but in a way, it is like a curse because I will not live to see Elly grow. Therefore, I ask you to do so, do what I cannot, and make her world brighter. For no child should go through what she is going though. At all means, needed keep her safe.
Elly talks about how we will go to the park when I‘m better, but sadly the disease is winning the battle. I cry every night, for I only have days left. I also smile because I will die with no regrets. The only regret is that I will not be there on her first day of school, her graduations, and her wedding. That is my one thing I will never have, so raise her as me.
As for my last wish, I wish that you gave her my last name. If you are unable to care for her any more, then please send her to my mother, Edna Dubowsky, she lives in Italy.
So now, I leave you everything to my name : my daughter, my money , and my home. The one thing I will not give to you is my unfinished life. That I leave in a happier time.

Your dearest,
Mary
* * *

I closed the letter and put it in my dresser. I wanted to keep it to remind me that I was her all. As I looked at the photo of use, I saw something behind it. I took the photo out of the frame, and remaining in the frame was a letter. I took the letter out ant on the envelope I said ‘only open in times of sorrow’. I then put the letter also in the dresser.
I walked out into the living room, and saw Mama and Papa sitting reading the paper and drinking tea.
“Um….do you thing we could go to the park today.” I asked
“Well, I don’t see why not,” Mama, told me.

We spent the day near the river and bird watching. We laughed and told stories. It was as if I returned to the time before the war. Papa splashed me with water a few times. We even we chased by ducks. I also discovered a meadow with daisies growing. I picked a bouquet of them. Sadly, at seven o’ clock we had to head home. I saw a man walking and asked him to take our photo. I gave him my twin lenses camera and asked a man walking by to take our picture. After he did so, we left for home. I went to bed and mama and papa went to their meeting.
I woke up the next morning. When I opened my eyes it seemed like the letter, and the nightmare was just a dream. I wanted to believe they were , because although the nightmare was a dream It bothered me quite a bit. I kept thinking of when I saw my parent's tombstone, and them missing. I felt like it meant that something horrid and life changing was going to happen. Sadly, whenever I had this feeling to expect something I was usually correct.
I tried to shake this horrid thought from my head. I took a deep breath and got out of my bed. I walked into the front room to fix myself breakfast. I looked all over our kitchen and only found bread ,butter , and fruit. It was not much but it was healthy and filling. as I ate my breakfast, I noticed that the house was strangely quiet. I was pleasant yet at the same time, it felt empty. after I finished I grabbed my trench coat and walked out on to the balcony.
It was very cold that day as well. I stood there in a state of thought. I thought about many things, the race , Mrs. king, mother , father, and myself. I looked out into the city. It was dark and cold. I could hear people yelling and laughing. I heard cars. I peered of the brick wall down into the alley. The alley was about 12 feet across. It was a painful site. If I had looked down there about four years ago I would have seen something that resembled a small park. There would still be children playing, woman talking to each other through their window , and maybe miss. Taylor would have been tending her small garden.
I had not seen Miss. Taylor for such a long time. Miss Taylor was a young woman who was tall and thin. she had long curly brown hair, and brown eyes. No, her eyes were a very light brown, they had blue ring around the pupils. Although I was so young, I remembered her dutiful eyes. She was such a kind woman. She owned a small bakery that now only sells flat breads.
at that thought, I remembered that we were low on bread. So I walked back inside and went into my room I went into my dresser and found 39 zlotys
Just then, my parents came home.
"I thought you two were sleeping." I told them.
"Yes, well we had to go while you were sleeping," my father told me. He seemed angry. as he walked past me, I smelt smoke or something close to smoke. In addition, as they walked away black dust fell off their clothes.
"Where were you?" I asked. My mother had black dust on her rosy cheeks.
“shopping." my mother answered. I knew she was lying. My father sat in his chair.
"Mama, how could you get that dirty shopping?" I did not believe there story.
"Allison, leave it alone." My father said. I listened to him and backed out of the apartment.
I started to walk to miss Taylor’s bakery. As I walk down the road, I heard two women talking.
"Did you hear about those horrid rebels?"
"No I did not. What happened?"
“They bombed a Nazi supplies train.”
“Oh dear!”
“It's somewhat good news,”
“oh yes! I agree!” I passed the two women. I arrived at Miss. Taylor’s bakery. I opened the heavy glass door, and saw Miss. Patty behind the counter.
“Hi there, Ally. And what can I get you today?” Miss patty leaned on the counter.
“Hi miss. Patty.” I smiled and replied.
“Ally, don’t call me ‘miss’. It makes me feel old.” She gave me a crooked smile. I looked at her green eyes and laughed,
“Yes Patty. By the way could I please have one loaf of the ‘apple nut’ bread?” I asked. She looked down at the shelf and said sadly,
“Sorry Ally, but we only have, flat bread, sour dough, wheat, and challah bread. No apple nut,” she popped her head back up over the counter.
“That’s okay. By the way where’s Miss Taylor?” I asked. I was concerned because Miss. Taylor always worked on the weekends.
After I said, this Patty looks as if she was going to cry. She struggled to force the word out of her mouth,
“She was taken.” I could tell that it pained her to say it.
“By who? Who could dare to do something so awful?” I was in shock. Miss. Taylor was the kindest woman I had ever met. Patty put her hand over her mouth and replied,
“The Germans,” she said. She started to cry but she kept telling me about what happened.
“They came in and asked her questions. She answered them truthfully, and they took her! They just took her without telling me where she was going!” she collapsed on the floor and cry for a minute or two. I went behind the counter and sat next to her on the floor. She sat with her knees up and her arms wrapped around them.
“why did they take her if she’s not Jewish?” I asked. Patty looked at me,
“Ally they don’t just target Jewish people. They also target Muslims, Africans, Mormons, Jehovah witnesses, Catholics, homosexuals, mentally ill, disabled, criminals, and so many more.” She looked at me as if she could not list any more.
“What does that have to do with Miss. Taylor?” I asked. Patty looked at me with a broken stare. When she looked like that, I felt like I could cry as well.
“She was Catholic.” After she said that, she put her head against the wall.
“It’s not fair.” She cried out. I got up and looked down at her. I got up of the floor and replayed
“I agree. ´ reached out my hand to her. She grabbed my hand and pulled herself up.
Got up of the floor as well and exclaimed,
“God! I must look pathetic!” I laughed and jokingly said
“You do.” We laughed for a bit and then she gave me a loaf of challah bread, and I gave her 35 zlotys. I then smiled, thanked her, and then left. I ran towards Miss. Kings house, I ran down an alleyway towards her house. The narrow path was damp and rocky. I tripped over several rocks and fell in puddles many times. Right before I left the alley, I fell into a puddle with a thud. The brown water splashed me and my stockings were soaked. The hem of my tan coat was now brown and muddy. I unwrapped the bread and was relieved to see that the bread was unharmed. I got up and walk carefully to the end of the alley. As I emerged I saw Mrs. Kings house across the road. I ran across the street and walked up to her front door. I knocked on the door. Mrs. Kings opened the door.
“Ally, What are you doing?” she was shocked to see me.
“I bought some bread and wanted to know if you wanted some.” I told her. She smiled and laughed,
“That’s very sweet. Will you please come in?” she seemed pleased that I came. I walked in a set the loaf on the counter. I slowly unwrapped it and cut it in half. We sat down at the table with cups of coffee.
“Were did you find this? I haven’t seen challah bread in so long!” Mrs. Kings asked.
“ At the ‘Taylor’s bakery’ down the road.” I told her.
“oh, how is Taylor?” she looked t me with wide eyes in hopes of hearing good news. I only hung my head trying holding back the tears. I looked up at her with a heavy heart. I looked at her cheerful look of that of a child’s on their birth day sitting in front of large cake and a mountain of gifts. I took a breath
“She was taken by the Germans.” I managed to force a smile that quickly faded and turned in to a troubled frown. Mrs. kings was in pure shock.
“Were did they take her?” She asked.
“Only God knows”
“This is mutiny”
“It’s absolutely unfair”
“She’ll be back when the war is over.” Mrs. Kings put her old wrinkled hand on my knee and gave me a warm assuring smile.
“She simple has to. I don’t know what I would do if she doesn’t come back.” I stared down at my bread and tea. Mrs. Kings sat up strait and looked up at the photo on her wall.
“I would constantly babysit Taylor when she was young.” She then pointed up at a photo. I got up to look at the photo.
I saw A woman in her late 30’s or early 40’s with her hands on the shoulders of two small children that looked about three. There was a small girl pouting sitting on the floor. She had curly blond hair. I assumed that that was Miss. Taylor. I also saw a boy playing with a wooden car. He was smiling and laughing at miss. Taylor. I pointed at the woman.
“ is that you?” I asked Mrs. Kings.
“Yes it is. And the little girl is Mrs. Taylor.” She told me. I looked back at the small boy in the photo.
“And the small boy?” I asked. I looked at Mrs. Kings.
“That’s my son, Ben, him and Taylor where best friends.” I looked at the photo next to it was a photo of a young man in a polish forces uniform.
“That’s the most resent photo of Ben. He fought in the army when Poland was invaded by the Germans. That was the last time I saw him. The most painful thing on this earth is a man on your front porch telling you your son is dead.”
“I’m so sorry I asked.”
“it was not your fault . Anyway it’s almost curfew.” I glanced up at the clock
“Oh my god! It’s almost eight!” I hugged and thanked Mrs. Kings. for the tea. Before I closed the heavy wooden door I looked back at her lonely gaze in her eyes. My hear grew heavy knowing that I was leaving her alone. I then smiled and shut the door. I walked down the damp street to my apartment. I looked up at the sun set and saw the rain clouds rolling away. Even the dark clouds captured the pink and violet light.
I saw the entrance to my apartment building, but to my displeasure I saw a Soldier standing and questioning people. I did not feel like being asked ‘may I see your passport?’ or ‘why aren’t your studying?’, today. I saw the fire escape on the side of the building. I walked over to the alley that the high ladder hug over. I got a running start and grabbed on to the ladder. I then quickly slid down and I climbed each ladder till I reached the sixth floor. I opened the window and walked down the hallway to our apartment. I unlocked the door and rushed to my balcony. I looked down into the alley and saw two Nazi soldiers yelling at each other most likely about the noise the ladder made when it slid down. I sat on my balcony laughing at the state of panic they were in. I did this almost daily because they would stop me on my way home and question me, and when it was past curfew they would say I have broken the law. (When really it was their fault.)
I then realized that mama and papa were gone. I figured that they left early. I went to me evening routine of cooking, doing homework, cleaning the house, and checking the news about the war, and then go to bed.
I woke up the next morning at six o’clock for school. I opened my wardrobe and found my heavy dark gray wool blazer. I then found my white cotton shirt and my red and black plaid skirt. I looked in my drawer for my black beret and dark grey thigh-high socks. After I was done getting dressed, I braided my hair, tied matching red ribbons in my two braids, and pinned my beret in place. With my fingertips, I swept my bangs to the side of my face. I looked in the mirror of my large wooden vanity and smiled.
I walked out of my room and shut the door quietly. I listened to the sounds in the house and realized that I was alone. I crept to my parents room and opened their door. When I opened the door I saw that their bed was not slept in. I looked at the empty room and could feel a tear build. I closed the door and ate bread and milk for breakfast once again. Before I left I laid my school bag on the counter and packed my bag. I then tided my black ankle boots. I looked back at my small empty home,
“I’m leaving, now.” I called. I did not expect an answer, yet I still felt abandoned.


chapter 4: Gone

As I walked to school I couldn’t wait to see Maggie and tell her about my weekend. I also couldn’t wait to race her. Just by thinking of it I found myself running . To me running was the greatest thing to me. I ran so fast that my braids did not even touch my shoulders and the rugged brick road felt like velvet. I didn’t mind the people around me snickering at me when I jumped over an obstacle. I could my mode lighten just by running , but the worst feeling was coming to a stop when I arrived at school.
I looked around for the other 6th graders. I then saw my three friends Manya, Maggie, and Hattie. I rushed over to them,
“Hello everyone, and how was your weekends?” I asked with a large smile.
“I practiced Tennis all weekend,” Manya said.
“I babysat Edwin.” Hattie answered
“I ran in the big race ,and came in 5th place.” Maggie said with a curious look.
“By the way I didn’t see you at the race , Ally. Why is that?” Maggie seemed disappointed.
“I was stopped at the gate by a German,” I said with an annoyed tone.
“I wish you were there, An old man won the grand prize. He was as fast as train-” Maggie was interrupted by Hattie.
“If he was as fast as a train then you could have beaten him easy.” Hattie had always been proud of my speed. I could see Silvia March walk over to us.
“That was my uncle who won the race. Ha! You could never beat him.” Silvia was a tall blue eyed blond who’s parents were supporters of Adolf Hitler, and has mocked my for my looks ever since the war started. Before the war, we were good friends.
“Well I guess we will never know will we,” I said. Silvia snickered,
“We wouldn’t have won any way! You couldn’t even get through the gate!”
“And why do you care?” Manya was starting to get restless.
“Well in my opinion it was a good thing , after all ‘anyone who looks like a Jew is a Jew’ so you should be treated like one as well. You rat.”Silvia had always mad rude comments like this.
“Are you saying I’m a flig! Don’t lump me in with you!” I yield at her.
“I never said I was Jewish,” She said.
“Oh go twirl your hair , you Nazi kisser!” Manya yield. Silvia glared at use and walked away.
“Don’t be a bitch!” I called to Silvia. My friends looked at me.
“Why did you call her a female dog?” Hattie asked.
“Have you ever seen her on all fours looking for her earring? And with all those boys around her you might mistake her as one.” I jokingly expanded.
“You’re absolutely write” Maggie laughed. The four of us looked at Silvia from far away.
“Nothing would please me more then to kick her teeth in.” Maggie said
“But then you’ll have to run laps for punishment,” said Hattie said
“That’s sounds fun.” I said. My friends all laughed. The day went by quickly. Maggie and I raced and once again, I won. The day ended peacefully.
I skipped home hoping that Mama and Papa would be home. As I passed a store I saw a news paper in the window that read ‘rebel army defeated by Germany and captured’ I did not know why but I felt like this concerned me. I then ran from the shop and rushed home. I needed to see my parents. I felt like something was wrong. I was scared. I then went in to the alleyway to use the fire escape. I took a few steps back, ran up, and grabbed the ladder. The ladder fell down with a thud. I quickly ran up the fire escape. I rushed down the hallway and struggled to unlock the door. When I finally did I opened the door, but only to an empty home. I slowly walked to the sofa and began to cry. I then had to face the reality that my parents were missing. I must have cried for an hour or so before I walked into my parent’s room and lay on their bed. I did not want to be alone.
I woke up the next morning to the sound of the rain. I did not change out of my uniform I only took out my braids. I put my trench coat and a scarf around my neck. With an umbrella, I walked to the police station. I felt lost. I felt like I was in a fog. I could barely see through the thick heavy rain, cars would splash water on me when they drove by. I was terrified, wet, and cold. By the time I reached the police station, it looked as though I did not even use the umbrella. The sheriff walked out of his office.
“Allison, what are you doing here?” all I could do was give him a bewildered stare.
“I’d like to file a missing peoples report,” I said. The sheriff looked around the room
“It would be best if we talked in my office.” The two of use walked into his office and sat down at his desk, he then pulled out a file folder.
“Who is missing?” he asked
“My parents.” After I said this, he looked up at me in shock.
“Arthur and Beth?” he seemed to be in disbelief. I softly nodded my head.
“How long have they been missing?”
“Two days.”
“Do you have any living relatives?”
“Yes, My grandmother in Italy.”
“Normally, I would ask you to stay in country, but because you’re a minor I’ll allow you leave the country and we will inform you with information. Do you have any of contact information for your grandmother?” He asked. I pulled out an envelope out of my pocket that my parents gave to me if anything happened to them. I handed it to the sheriff. He opened it and there on piece of paper was my grandmother’s information, her address, phone number, and a photo. He left the room and dialed her phone number. I did not pay attention to the conversation. Instead, I stared at the floor praying that they were alive. I thought of my mother. I could see her bright smile, and her sapphire blue eyes, and then my father, how when he came home from work he would lift me up and smile. They were the closest thing to a family I had ever had.
Sheriff came into the room,
“I talked to your grandmother; you will be living with her until your parents are found. And I will get permission for you to leave the country.Until then you should notify your school and pack you things.” I looked up at him in shock.
“How am I supposed to do that alone?”
“I will explain your situation to the head master.” He sighed
“Mistress. Head mistress.” I corrected him.
“ anyway, I will meet you at your school to talk to your head mistress about your disenrollment.” After that, I thanked him for time and walk out into the rain once again. I walked down the side walk and as I passed Mrs. Kings’ street I thought I should inform her that I would be leaving. I walked down the wide rugged stone road. I knock on her front door.
“ Ally! Are alright?” she lead me inside and sat me on the sofa.
“ did something happen?” She asked.
“ my parents are missing, so I’m leaving the country.” I said. I spent the next hour or so explaining every detail. The entire time Mrs. Kings had the same bewildered stare I and this morning. Mrs. Kings look down, and sighed. She then looked up with a painfully sad expression.
“well I will miss you.” She whipped a building tear from her eyes.
“Does Patty know of this?”
“No. No..I haven’t told her.” I tried to smile.
“well you should go tell her.” Mrs. Kings struggled up out of her chair and guided me to the door. She opened the door and looked at me. When I looked up at her I tears running down her old rosy cheeks. I hugged her, and tried to hold back my tears.
“I’ll be back. I swear.” I could hear my breath stutter. We then said our final goodbyes. After I walked down door step, I turned and waved. I saw trying to smile as she waved back. As she closed the door I could see her begin to cry. I felt as if I had broken her hear. I then walked down the rugged stone road once again. I took one last look and the home of Mrs. Kings.
I walk through the bakery door. Patty rushed out from the kitchen covered in flower.
“Ally, are you out of bread again? Wait…why aren’t you at school ?” Her expression changed from cheerful to worried in a heartbeat.
“I don’t go to that school anymore.” I said sadly
“Well…Why not?”
“My parents are missing so… so I’m going to Italy soon to stay with my grandmother until they’re found.”
“I see. So how long do you think you’ll be gone?”
“Maybe a year or two,” Patty ran up and hugged me, and then she began to cry,
“What will I do without you?”
“I’ll be fine Mrs. Patty.” Patty pulled away and went into the kitchen. I did not see what she was doing , but all I heard was the crashing of pans. She rushed out of the kitchen with more flower in her hair then before, with something raped in cloth tucked under her arm.
“here, this is for you.” She handed it to me. I unfolded it to see a beautiful, fresh braided , loaf of bread with the sweet aroma of fresh apples and cinnamon.
“ It’s cinnamon apple, I made it today.” I looked down at the bread in shock.
“Miss. Patty , I can’t accept this - did you say it was cinnamon?” cinnamon was very rare and when you did find it, it was as expensive as a pair of shoes.
“ No, I want you to have it. I made it for you. After all cinnamon apple is your favorite.” She covered the bread with the cloth and pushed it towards me gently.
“Thank you.” We hugged goodbye once more , as I walked down the road I waved to Patty with a smile.
“write to me soon!” she called. It was nice to see her saying goodbye with a smile.
I walked down the long road, which quickly became running. As I ran down the road two Nazi soldiers shouted at me,
“Hey, young girl! Stop!” they shouted. I eminently came to a stop. The two soldiers ran up to me
“Why aren’t you in school?” the young soldier asked.
“We were let out early.” I lied. The older soldier glared at me,
“Then why do we not see any other children?” I was caught.
“where do you live. We will have to report you to your parents.” The young soldier grabbed my shoulder. I looked up at him and grinned.
“I’ll show you.” I brushed his hand off my shoulder. I slowly walked forward. I knew that I had to be cautious because if I did not do this right I would be shot on the spot. I could not lead them to my home! I had heard stories that children who do this first lead them to their home, then the Nazis decided if the child is Jewish, if they are the child and their parents are forced into the ghetto, if they are not the Nazis will raid your neighbors home .I took a deep breath and made my speed increase. I kept quit a distance from them; I then sprinted with my umbrella and loaf of bread in my arms. I could hear them shouting at me, but I did not dare to look back. I could hear their boots on the bricks of the road. I knew they were fast. This was one of the most terrifying moments of my life. I could hear my heart pounding in my chest. I could see my building. I slipped my wrist thought the leather strap of my umbrella. As I turned the corner I heard a gunshot, the bullet grazed a brick building I ran for the fire escape, and while one handed I jumped onto the ladder and had no time to wait for it to slid down. I started climbing the many ladders one handed. I got to the fourth floor safely and took the stairs from there. I ran down the hallway and bust through the front door of my apartment building. I was safe. I walked to the terrace and peered over the side. The two Nazis had just walked into the alley and were confused.
“Where did she go?”
“You should not have let go of her!”
“I didn’t think she could run that fast!” I giggled listening to their argument. I then went inside to change my clothes. I brushed my hair and put it into a bun. I changed into a long blue skirt with polka dots, and a white shirt. I put on my coat once again and took my umbrella with me.
I walked to my school to meet Sheriff Mark. I covered my face with my umbrella . I arrived at the school right when the bell rang. I saw Sheriff Mark standing at the gate. I walked over to him.
“ Did you bring that envelope?” he asked
“ yes sir.” We started walking to the office when Hattie, Maggie, and Manya saw me.
“ Ally! Where were you?” Maggie asked. I looked up at the Sherriff , he smiled down and patted my shoulder, I handed him the envelop.
“I won’t be coming to this school anymore.” I said
“well, why not?” Hattie asked
“ My parents disappeared, so I’ll be leaving for Italy soon.”
“Italy? Are you mad?” I could see Manya getting frustrated.
“well, yes. I’ll be living there with my grandmother until they find my parents.”
“Ally, it’s not your fault. I hope we see you soon.” Maggie smiled.
“Yes! Of course well see you again when your back, right” Hattie had always been the one who never lacked hope.
“Of course we well.” I told them. I looked over at Manya who had her arms crossed.
“Manya?” I felt as if she now hated me.
“you better write letters.” Manya smiled and her green eyes light up and her porcelain face softened. The three of us talked for the next fifteen minutes about what it would be like when we see each other again. Out of the corner of my eye I say a golden blur moving towards us. I turned to see Silvia.
“I heard about your parents ,Allison .” Silvia stood tall with her arms crossed.
“beat it! You Nazi kisser!” Manya told her.
“ Maybe , you deserved it,”
“stop it, Silvia!” Maggie warned. I was reaching my boiling point.
“Or, maybe they abandoned you.” I clenched my fist and tightened my jaw .
I mean look at you! If you were shoved in the ghetto then they would be to so it’s only natural they would say themselves-” Before she could go any further I had punched her in the stomach as hard as I could. She feel to the ground with a thud.
“You flig!” she growled.
“Get up!” I shouted. Silvia got up slowly and staggered while holding her stomach.
“ You’re an orphan! That’s all you’ll ever be! Your parents are dead!” she told me with her left arm she tried to slap me , but I caught her hand. I punched her face. I could see blood dripping from her nose. She snatched her hand back.
“Don’t ever call me that!” I warned her. I looked and saw a crowd forming around us while my friends were standing in horror. Silvia curled her lips back.
“Or-ph-an,” She snarled. I snapped, I pushed her to the ground and started to pulverize her. Mark came rushing and pulled me off her. He walked me out of the schoolyard with his hand on my shoulder. I stared at Silvia who was still on the ground.
“Goodbye, Silvia.” I said. I saw my friends waving, and then the head Mistress came.
“Get up!” she yield down at Silvia. When Silvia got up, she slapped her on her cheek.
“This is the last time, Silvia!” she told her.
Mark sat me on a bench, and looked down at me.
“what did she say?” he asked. I broke into tears and forced myself to tell him.
“She said that they abandoned me, and that I’ll always be an orphan!” Mark kneeled down on one knee and whipped my tears off my face.
“You did well.” He told me.
“What?” I was confused. Do adults usually tell children they did well by beating up another child? He pulled my arm and took me to my home. He walked me to my front door.
“I talked to your apartment manager, she said that she would not evict you while you’re in Italy. I want you to stay inside and I will come tell you when you will be leaving.
Two weeks passed quickly and no word from the sheriff. It seemed like a blur. Every day I would lie in bed wondering when I would be leaving.
It was now February 6, 1941. I was sitting on the sofa listening to the radio. When I heard a knock on the door, I opened It up to see Sheriff Mark. He barged into the apartment,
“Good news.” He said
“What the good news.”
“You have been give permission to go to Italy! I called your grandmother, and I have the train ticket!” although Mark was an overweight bald man that was forty-five years old, he was jumping with joy.
“When am I leaving?”
“Three days.” He said.
“Three days hu….” I had been waiting for this, but after it happened, I was disappointed I was finally going to leave Poland.
Those three days passed quickly. I sat on my bed staring at the two large empty suitcases. I had never packed a suitcase by myself. I got up and decided to pack my favorite clothes in one and items in the other. I spent two hours packing and getting ready for the long train ride. I put my hair in a braided bun and tide my headscarf tight. I decided to wear a white floral knee length skirt with a yellow large buttoned cardigan sweater. I looked in the mirror of my vanity and took a deep breath ‘I can do this.’ I thought to myself. I slipped on my light brown penny loafers and looked back at my empty home. I shut the heavy oak door behind me.


Chapter 5: the Fairytale Village

I looked around the train station and felt empty I did not want to leave Poland. I wanted anything but that. I could not bear the thought of leaving my friends behind. I thought of Patty, Hattie, Manya, Maggie, and Mrs. Kings. I could feel a tear run down my cheek, I quickly whipped it away. The whistle blew and that meant it was time to board the train. I looked around and saw people being hugged good-bye by their loved ones. I looked around for someone to say good-bye to as well, and then I remembered I had no one. I boarded the train and took a deep breath I was scared about what living in Italy would bring me. The train left the station. The train went through a dark tunnel and the emerged in to the sun. As the sun peered through the window, I tried to cover my eyes. I then saw a large field of daisies. As I watched, the fields of daisies grow smaller as the train paced the field. I felt at ease because I remembered Mama telling me that daisies will grow no matter where in the world you are. It made it seem like although I am leaving my only home, I can always return, and one day I will do just that. Before I knew it, the fields of flowers were gone and so was Warsaw. The train ride was long and dreary. The only thing I could think of was Italy. What would my grandmother be like, will my new school life be pleasant, what will the other kids be like, and will I be accepted? An uneasy feeling hung over my head. The thing that frightened me the most was isolation. I could picture Florence; I could see a peaceful city. I wanted more than anything to arrive quickly. I closed my eyes in hopes of arriving shortly.
I then woke up to a loud whistle that told passengers that it was time to leave the train. I grabbed my luggage and got off board. I had arrived at the Firenze Santa Maria Railway center. I looked around blindly. I had no idea where to go. I was then when I saw a woman with a sign in her hands that read “Ally .D” I figured this was my grandmother. I walked up to her
“Are you Edna Dubowsky?” I asked the woman. She was overjoyed when I asked.
“Are you Ally?” she asked. I nodded my head. The elder woman smiled and hugged my tightly.
“I’m so glad you arrived safely!” She exclaimed. I only smiled because she was almost a stranger to me.
“Anyway, Let me help you with your luggage,” she then picked up one of my heavy suitcases,and led me out of the station. I looked up at her to see that her eyes were shining like a child’s on Christmas morning. I saw a sixty-two year-old woman who was just happy to have family again. As I looked at her I felt the same way. Both of us were not alone anymore.
We walked about a block away to her car. The car was a small convertible, that sat two people, it was teal ,and looked almost new. Grandma unlocked the trunk for me ,and I placed my two large suitcases in the trunk. We got in the car and left. We drove past many sculptures and public art pieces. I was amazed that such a city existed. I looked over my shoulder and saw a large bridge with buildings hanging of the side of the large stone bridge it. It was like a small town flouting above water. I pressed my forehead against the window so I could see. It was incredible to see. I had never in my life seen anything like it living in Poland.
Grandma taped my shoulder,
“That’s the ‘Ponte Vecchio’ we’ll go there tomorrow.” She told me.
“What will we be going there for?” I was confused. Grandma looked at me and laughed.
“Shopping of course.”
“They have shops there?” I was in amazement.
“Yes. What else would they have?” my grandma asked.
We then pulled up to an old apartment building. I got out of the car and looked up at the tall building. The building was a faded yellow, with many widows, fire escapes on every floor, and each apartment had a balcony. We walked into the lobby with marble floors ,gold hand rails, fresh flowers on every table in the room, and an elevator .
My grandma began to speak a strange language, most likely Italian.
“buon giorno ,Margret” my grandma said.
“buon giorno a voi troppo ,Edna” the woman said. She had blond hair that was pinned up , she had blue eyes, and wore a white dress with red flowers, and peal earings. The woman glanced at me for a minuet and looked back at my grandma,
“E chi è la ragazza giovane?” she asked. My grandmother grabed my shoulder and said
“Questa è la mia figlia grand. Lei sarà alloggiato con me per il momento.” She then smiled and looked down at me. I had know idea what they were saying. The woman smiled
“Ahh... bene, allora vi do il benvenuto.” She told me. I only looked at her with a confused blank look.
“si prega di perdonare lei. Lei non parla italiano” grandma told her. We then left and walked up the stairs.
“that was Margret, she is our doorwoman.” We walked up the stairs to the third floor. As we walk in I was amazed at how simple the apartment was. Back in Poland all our furniture were antiques , but in Florence every thing was simple , there was no wooden carved furniture , no silk tapestries, or lace table cloths, not even a flowers in the vases. I walked in to the living room and saw that the room had wooden floor board , tan walls ,the floral sofa, a small round wooden table with four whicker chairs, a radio, an old white fernis, and one small window with matching curtains. The only source of light was a tall lamp in the corner. The kitchen was in the same room but with white tiles.
“Your room is this way.” My grand mother lead me down the hall in to a large room. The room had a twin size bed, wooden floors, a large carved antique wardrobe, and white walls. The room had a balcony with a view of the city. I turned around to see a small light blue desk with flowers painted on it. I then saw a large wall painting of an Oak tree ,near a river, with a horse standing in a field of wild flower, with the sun in the corner.
“This was your mothers room.” Grandma was leaning in the doorway.
“Did you paint that?” I pointed to the painting.
“Oh no, Not me! Mary painted that,” She laughed.
“I can barely hold a paint brush correctly, but Mary, she could paint all day. Well any way, you should unpack.” She then slowly walked out of the room.
I unpacked my clothing and hung it in my new wardrobe. I placed my five pairs of shoes in the large drawer at the bottom of the wardrobe. I took out my navy blue sneakers with white laces, slippers, laced up black ankle boots, tan penny loafer, and red flats with a small bow. I then unpacked my other suitcase that was field with my favorite books, magazines, my hair brush, hair ribbons and head bands, a music box field with bracelets and necklaces, a photo album, the photo of my mother and I, my first running medal , and my favorite bear.
I placed the music box on my side table . I lade down on the bed and opened the box. I watched the small girl dance as the melody played. I remember receiving the box when I was five. My father had given it to me when he returned home from Switzerland. The box was in the of a golden grand piano with a white, red, green flower painted on the top. The keys of the piano was a compartment for rings. The interior was lined with smooth satin. The ballerina was a young girl with brown hair wearing a green ,red , and gold costume while she is performing a pirouette.
“Ally, did you unpack your stuff yet?” grandma called from the kitchen. I stood up and poked my head out into the hallway
“Yes ma’am I’m all done,” I called..” She called back. I walked down the hallway into the bathroom. As I washed my hands I noticed in the corner of the there was as a small item that resembled a sink, but had no faucet and had two drains. Out of my curiosity I reached down and turned the handle a, and suddenly out of one of the drains shot out water. The squirted my face and I struggled to block the water as I fought to turn the water off. After quiet some time off spitting out water and blindly search the surface of the short for the handle, I finale managed to turn the high pressured water off. I glanced down at my clothes and saw that I was soaked to the bone. I got up and rushed out of the bathroom to see my grandmother sitting in the living room reading a book. She turned to look at me started to laugh.
“Dear, what happened to you?” she asked.
“I was spat on by a foot sink!” I told her. She stared laughing once again and after she had calmed down, she looked up at me in amusement.
“Allison, that foot sink is called a bidet. It is used to wash your hind side. Don’t you have those in Warsaw?” She asked.
“No, we don’t!” I said.
“Well go change and hang your damp clothes on clothes line, and come eat.” I sighed and went into the bathroom and grabbed at towel and headed back to my room. After I changed , dried my hair, cleaned up the water on the floor, and hung up everything wet I was finely able to eat supper. I looked done at the food on my plate it was one type of pasta that I had never seen before, the pasta resembled a green ring but was fat in the middle and smelled like garlic mushrooms.
"what is this?" I pointed down at my plate with curiosity, not meaning to be rude. My Grandmother laughed,
"It's spinach tortellini stuffed with mushroom with garlic sauce on top." I inhaled the aroma of he food and eminently started to drool. I sat down quickly and started to eat. As I scarfed down my food I looked up at my grandmother with a piece of tortellini hanging out of my mouth. She had her arms crossed


---utill next update: sammy & emma.

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Tag der Veröffentlichung: 22.06.2010

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