Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
Germany - Autumn 1933
Huge mountains of black clouds had hung over Wittburg for two days now. They threatened great booms of thunder all day, and then changed to a haze at dusk, then back the next morning as black as ever. The people stayed inside their houses, unless forced out on some important errand, then rushed along the sidewalks with mumbled curses, knowing sure as God was up there that now they were out it would definitely start to rain. But it didnt. And on the second day, the housewives peeked from behind their shutters and debated whether they should go ahead and hang the laundry after all. Or scrub the sidewalk. Or weed the lawn.
Most were still arguing with themselves when the third morning came, and with it a peek of light in the east. By midday, the sun had finally elbowed its way through.
Elsa Bauer had been working her straw broom over the walk when the shadows suddenly vanished. She brimmed her eyes with her palm and squinted up at the glare. Well, she nodded, thank you, God.
The shutters next door swung open and Etta Rosen stuck her head out. Elsa shook her broom at her. Ha! You see? You have too little faith!
Etta waved her away. So maybe Im not as smart as you. I cannot tell what He is going to do. Come on, you want coffee?
Come over here. Well drink it outside. Its too nice a day. Elsa stood her broom against the doorway and sat down on the stoop. She hiked her dress to her knees and carefully massaged her calves. Only half the work done and already they were killing her. Damn it, she had best face it. Age was getting the upper hand. Fifty-two she was, fifty-two and been working everyday since she was twelve. Twice as hard since she married Albert. A gentle kaleidoscope of memories started turning in her head. She smiled. Not a day would she trade.
Etta sat the steaming cups on the stoop. Whats the matter, Elsa? You getting too old you cant walk over to my place anymore?
Elsa pulled down her dress defensively. Who are you calling old, you -- broken-down Jew! I can out-walk those lumpy spindles of yours any day!
Now see her getting her German up! So be quiet and drink. Today I made it with hickory nuts.
Elsa sipped the brew with a questioning frown. Then her eyebrows rose. It is hickory! she said in soft surprise. Where did you get them?
My secret, Etta said smugly. But yours to enjoy.
Black market?
|