Chapter 18 Section 18

Bucharest's station is much larger than Megidia's, and the whole building is made up of tall and imposing railings, columns and canopy, which seems to be able to keep out the worst of the weather while effectively dispelling those who come and go under its huge canopy. Steam and smoke from locomotives.But even so, the smell of creosote and motor oil mingled, almost overwhelming my sense of smell. The guard finally got to our car, walked up to the Jewish family first, and let them get off to a building on the far side of the station, where other Jews were also assembled.They followed his instructions obediently, only little Yiluo glanced back in our direction before her mother grabbed her arm and pulled the bewildered daughter to her side.

The guard turned to us again. I didn't pay attention to what he and my mother said. I just looked at the Jewish family, because I couldn't understand why their destination was the same as ours, but they were separated here. I heard my mother raise her voice, questioning the guard's instructions. "All night? Are you sure you're right? I have two kids with me." "terribly sorry." "No, it's unacceptable. Why didn't you tell us in advance?" The guard lowered his voice, "Please, for the children's sake, don't make a scene and attract attention."

"But it can't be true," Mom insisted, "Why are even the Jews taken to their comfort zone, it can't be..." "Be quiet, ma'am!" the guard cut her sharply. "I don't make the rules. Why don't you go to the Gestapo and talk about your problems?" Under this naked threat, my mother's anger could no longer flare up.I hugged my mother's arm tightly, looked directly at the guard, and said, "Sorry, my mother is so tired, she didn't mean to offend you. Did she, mother?" I shook my mother's hand and begged her quietly Stop venting your dissatisfaction.A Gestapo has already watched from a distance.Mother must have noticed too, so she nodded and hugged Nikolai tightly to her side.

"You're very clever, boy," said the guard. "Try to sleep now, the night will be over soon. You will receive further instructions at dawn." We had to accept our fate, try to make ourselves as comfortable as possible, and now we are doubly grateful that my mother allowed us to share their meal with the Jewish family on the way. Luckily, we were all too tired from the journey, and Nikolay was initially curious about the busyness at the station and brooding over the departure of his new friends, but nevertheless he quickly fell asleep comfortably , head resting on mother's lap.

I took out my coat and used it as a blanket for him, preparing to shiver through the night in the freezing cold of the car, while convincing my mother that I was comfortable, because I was afraid she would insist on giving me hers. Although the narrow wooden stool made me uncomfortable, I finally fell asleep, and then everything changed, and the pleasant memories of the past filled my dreams.

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