Chapter 16 Section 16

Just to be on the safe side, Haim looked at the document again, "Yes, it is clearly written on it. You will be assembled in Krakow and then taken to the resettlement camp, just like us." "Like you? But you're Jewish." Mom couldn't hide her disbelief. Haim didn't mind his mother's remarks, he replied: "I think this is just a temporary means, to give us a way to work and provide for our families until the end of the war. I believe people are being sent to all over Europe now." Such a camp, Jew and Gentile alike. Anyway, we'll be on this journey together. Won't you sit with us anyway?"

"Come here, Mom, there are still many seats here." I beckoned for Mom to come too, but she refused.But Nicholas ran over without hesitation and sat down next to the little girl.They played together immediately, as if they had been best friends since childhood.The man's wife, Golda, again earnestly invited Mom, who reluctantly joined us. In this way, we all became friends, and the long journey became much more enjoyable.Whenever the train stopped to replenish fuel and water, or entered the station, our two families would quickly separate without any prior notice or explanation, just worried that someone else would walk into this compartment.And when the train started again we would sit back together quickly, and an unlikely bond of friendship was formed.

The family was more prepared than we were, and they brought snacks with them, and they did not hesitate to share them with us, although only little Nikolai, who was not bound by the norms of etiquette, could wholeheartedly enjoy their kindness.Because we have nothing to give back. As night fell and the train rumbled through the silent countryside, our two families gradually became more and more open, and eventually even Mom could relax with each other.