Chapter 47 Section 47

Outside the window came the roar of Henrik's truck, heralding dawn. When the regular sound of engine chatter faded into the distance, I knew we were the only ones left in the house.After I washed up, I prepared a simple breakfast for the three of us, put them on the dining table, and then went to wake up the two children. Nicholas had a good night's sleep last night, woke up refreshed, and ate his breakfast contentedly, but Ilo was listlessly picking out her food. I asked, "Ilo, are you feeling well? Do you have no appetite?" She didn't look up at me, but said, "What does Henrik mean, Anka? Why are there no Jews in Krakow?"

My appetite also disappeared in an instant, and I came to her and said, "Ilo, I didn't know you heard us. I'm really, really sorry." "I didn't mean to eavesdrop, I just couldn't sleep, the walls were so thin, and the night was quiet. But I really don't understand, Anka. How come there are no Jews anymore? It's such a big city. What the hell is he talking about?" What's the meaning?" I can't explain it to her, I can only comfort her with good words.By now I had my suspicions, but hadn't proven them, and I was determined not to let her be alarmed by my immature thoughts.

So I just said, "We don't know, Illo, we don't know. Maybe he means that the Jews are being transferred to the labor camps he's talking about." It seems certain, but I'm not so sure He added: "It's for their good, to give them hope, to let them work until the war is over." "Yi Luo, why are you crying?" This is what Nicholas asked, he sat opposite Yi Luo, and I stood behind her, with my arms around her shoulders.I reached down and picked up a napkin and wiped her tears away. "Don't cry, dear Ilo." I whispered in a voice that Nicholas couldn't hear. "Please, Ilo, don't cry in front of Nicholas. He respects you so much."

After listening to my words, Yiluo held back tears and squeezed out a brave smile.But she couldn't resist asking one last question.She took my hand lightly and said quietly, "Anka, will I see Mom and Dad again?" What answer can I give her?There is only one. "I don't know, Ilo. I really don't." I felt her fingers close to mine, preparing to face her grief, but once again this child defied my expectations.She let go of my hand, turned to my brother, and said, "Nikolai, while Anka tidies the kitchen, let's play in the back room, or we'll only get in her way."

They leave together, Nicholas elated, and Iloh showing off her acting skills once again, yelling happily with him.However, when she turned her head at the door and looked back at me, those big eyes with tears revealed her true mood. As the door closed behind them, I said softly, "You will never get in my way, Ilo. Neither you nor Nikolai will ever get in my way."