Survival: A Story of Friendship – Part 2

By Alice Weil

Survival: A Story of Friendship – Part 2 is about the voyage Freddy and his mother, Helene, take to escape Europe and the ravages of World War II. After promising Sigmund on his deathbed that they would reunite the family in a peaceful and friendly country, they make their way via ship to Colombia, the country Nellie had made her home just as the Nazi movement in Germany was gaining momentum. After their safe arrival, Freddy is forced to look for work in order to support his mother and himself while adjusting to new surroundings at the same time. After some fortuitous, work-related encounters, Freddy decides to not only run his own lingerie business but produce the raw materials he needs himself.
This is the story of how someone who was unable to complete school or go to university, due to strictly unfortunate circumstances, had the vision and skills to found a company that would provide jobs and well-being. Thus giving back to the country that granted him what the German Nazi government had taken away from him: his nationality.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Jan 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9781398416949

Alice Weil

Alice Weil is half-American and half-German. She grew up in Colombia and attended French and German schools, therefore, becoming fluent in four languages. She has three children and seven grandchildren. After having travelled all over the world, she immersed herself in the spiritual teachings of India, and lives by these teachings, which have enabled her to serve others, thus living her dharma or life’s purpose. This is her fourth book.

Book preview

About the Author

Alice Weil is half-American and half-German. She grew up in Colombia and attended French and German schools, therefore, becoming fluent in four languages. She has three children and seven grandchildren. After having travelled all over the world, she immersed herself in the spiritual teachings of India, and lives by these teachings, which have enabled her to serve others, thus living her dharma or life’s purpose. This is her fourth book.

Dedication

I dedicate this novel to my father.

Copyright Information ©

Alice Weil 2022

The right of Alice Weil to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781398416925 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781398416949 (ePub e-book)

ISBN 9781398416932 (Audiobook)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2022

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

1 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5AA

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank my family and friends for encouraging me to write part two of the novel.

Chapter 1

Another Farewell

Helene and Freddy stood on board the main deck watching the European coastline slowly disappear from sight. Helene could only utter the words, … and only Sigmund stayed behind.

So many emotions rose up inside her. In just a few brief moments, she relived everything she had been through with him, the happy times as well as the sad. Blinded by his love of the fatherland, he paid for it dearly through the separation from his beloved daughter Nellie, Helene’s stepdaughter and Freddy’s half-sister.

Things could have been so different had he listened to Abraham and mustered the courage to invest in the beer project with him in Bogotá, Colombia. Unfortunately, he had been unable to free himself from the chains binding him to his beloved Germany, whereas Nellie, with her open mind and free spirit, had been delighted at the idea of traveling to a new continent. She had no qualms about leaving her family behind and left for Colombia long before Hitler became Chancellor.

It had been understood that she wouldn’t stay there forever, but as it sometimes happens in life, things don’t always turn out the way one plans. Sigmund and his family sought refuge in France due to the events in Germany while Nellie remained in Bogotá. Having been forced to flee France after the Nazi invasion and division of the country, Nellie was now able to make Sigmund’s wish of reuniting the family come true and had played a very important role in obtaining their Columbian visas. A deep sense of gratitude invaded Helene’s senses, and she was thankful that Sigmund hadn’t lived to see the Nazis walking down the Champs-Élysées and their plight in having to leave France.

She looked around her. All the other passengers had left the upper deck and only she and Freddy remained. Shooting a glance at him, she wondered what he was thinking, although she could surely guess. Freddy was thinking about Myriam, the love he had left behind, but was full of hope that Mr Cohen would be successful in getting her family the visa for Mexico they so desperately needed to escape the horrors that were sure to befall them in the South of France. There was no doubt in his mind that the German government would take control of the entire country.

Freddy then thought about his childhood friends, Helmut and George, the ones who had played such an important role in his life, having looked after his mother while he was in a forced labour camp. Would he ever see them again? He turned his mind to the present and thought of Nellie, the one who had made this trip possible. She was much older than he, and he admired her courage and joy of life, which shone through her letters to his mother and himself. Her journey with Abraham and his family from the port of Rotterdam had inspired him as he and his mother were boarding at the port of Lisbon.

The ship began swaying from side to side as it departed the sheltered waters, and it became difficult for him to keep his balance. He looked over at his mother and could tell she was not feeling well, so he took her by her arm and led her to their cabin.

The cabin was exactly as Nellie had described. It wasn’t very big, just a bunk bed and a porthole from which to look out, so Helene suggested they unpack what they would need for the voyage then stow the two medium-sized cases under the bunk.

During their absence, someone had entered the cabin and placed a leaflet on one of the bunks. Freddy picked it up and began to read the program for ‘Embarkation Day’ aloud but was suddenly interrupted by a voice coming over the loudspeaker, announcing an emergency drill and asking all passengers to bring their lifejackets to the main deck. Helene and Freddy did as they were told, and when the drill was over, they returned to their cabin.

Freddy picked up the sheet of paper again. Dinner will be served in ten minutes, he told his mother.

That is excellent news, Helene replied. I am sure to feel better once I’ve eaten something. What about you, Freddy?

I, too, could do with some food. Although I hope we don’t have rough seas. If I remember correctly, Nellie wrote that their journey had been bumpy all the way.

Well, my dear, it’s going to be what it’s going to be, and we can’t change nature. Luckily, we have our bunk beds, and all we can do is try to sleep through it.

They left the cabin and headed for the dining room, which was located at the bow of the ship. It was not very big, and each of the tables were round and set for six. As they made their way to the only empty table, Freddy looked around. There were people of all ages and quite a few children. How he wished his beloved and her family could have been there with him. Life is so unfair, he thought, and felt guilty at first about being so lucky, but as time passed, the feeling gave way to profound gratitude, even excitement. He and his mother were out of harm’s way, and as his father had told him in a letter, in a couple of weeks, they would be reunited with Nellie in a safe and peaceful country.

Nellie herself was extremely excited. Having been woken up by the sound of the doorbell, she quickly put on her bathrobe and went to see who it could be at such an early hour. A young man was holding a telegram in his hands. It can only be one thing, she thought to herself then signed for it and hastily ripped open the envelope. It read:

Both passengers safely on board the ship.

She read it one more time and said aloud, Finally, they are on their way.

It was a very long journey, and she would have to be patient. The ship wouldn’t be arriving at the port of Barranquilla until three or four weeks’ time. She called Abraham to share the good news with him.

I am delighted to hear they are safe. I must admit, Nellie, I was really very worried.

Why? Nellie asked.

The number of Jews being kidnapped in that city has been on the rise as it is the only European port from which one can still leave the continent.

The Nazis are kidnapping Jews?

Yes, replied Abraham.

Nellie placed the phone back in its cradle as her thoughts drifted back in time. She saw herself saying goodbye to her family at the Frankfurt railway station, her father holding on to her so very tightly. She had no idea it would be the last time she saw him. Tears welled up in her eyes. They were very close, and though he’d remarried and given her a stepmother, he was always there for her. She’d had her struggles with Helene, of course, but Freddy’s birth brought them closer, and they soon found common ground.

Nellie wondered what it would be like having her family close again. She had lived with Abraham and his family at first, but as soon as she found a job, with Abraham’s help, she moved into her own apartment. Looking around, she thought that although it wasn’t very big, it was home, and it was very cosy. She then thought of her own first day on board the ship and wondered how Helene and Freddy were faring.

Freddy and Helene were joined at their table by two other couples. Everyone was quite shy initially, but the first glass of wine loosened their tongues, and soon they were sharing their adventures with each other. One couple was from Portugal, and their destination was Brazil. The other was a Jewish couple from Frankfurt.

What a coincidence! Helene exclaimed.

I don’t believe in coincidences, said the Portuguese lady with a smile, introducing herself as Beatrice. It must be fate.

The couple from Portugal explained that they had family in Brazil, and after the events in Spain, they decided to leave the continent for a better life in Rio de Janeiro. They’d heard that the city was a haven of good weather and beautiful beaches, and it was a country they looked very much forward to exploring.

Freddy and Helene looked at each other but did not say a word.

The German couple were a lot more reserved and had a sadness about them. They had made an almost last-minute decision to leave and had lived through weeks of uncertainty, not knowing whether they would make it to safety or not. They were exhausted and despondent. Once they had decided to leave, however, they were forced to keep it a secret lest someone get wind of their plan and turn them in. They felt very badly for the rest of their family and friends whom they had left behind. God only knew what fate awaited them, but it was ‘now or never’ and they leapt at the opportunity.

Helene nodded, reminded of the time many, many years ago when she had left Frankfurt in the wee hours never to return, and decided that regardless of the specific circumstances of each passenger, there was a permeating feeling of gratitude in all of them. This was expressed openly when a stranger stood up and, raising his wine glass, toasted his fellow passengers, all of those who had played a part in them being on this journey together toward freedom. This was the beginning of a lively conversation which ended as soon as dinner was over, for everyone was tired after a long and exhausting day.

While Freddy and Helene got ready for bed, the rocking of the ship increased.

It seems, Helene began, that the sea is getting rougher, which has nothing to do with the glass of wine I drank.

The captain’s voice over the intercom confirmed her suspicions as he announced: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. As we sail towards our next port of call, the Azores Islands, we are going to run into some bad weather. I strongly advise those passengers who are beginning to feel unwell to take their seasick pills now. I would also like to ask all passengers to please hold onto the railings while walking around the ship and to place all fragile items on the cabin floor so as to prevent any damage. He concluded his warning by adding, and remember: one hand for you, one hand for the ship.

Well, said Freddy, we are certainly in for an adventure.

I don’t know about that, Freddy; it might turn out to be a nightmare!

Nellie and the others were sick the entire crossing. I hope we will be able to go ashore at the next port of call, which should help.

Helene didn’t reply, and when he looked over at her, he saw she had fallen fast asleep, smiling broadly. She must be dreaming about something nice, Freddy thought as he took out his book, happy for the quiet moment. He soon changed his mind, however, as the motion of the ship began rocking him to sleep. He turned out the little light above his head and was soon fast asleep.

Chapter 2

The Missing Couple

They both woke up very late the next morning, and the waves were still tossing the ship around.

What do you reckon? Is it time for breakfast or lunch? Freddy asked.

Helene gave him a look. I’m afraid you will be disappointed, but for me, it shall be neither one nor the other. I am not feeling at all well and the thought of food—

Freddy finished her sentence: Makes you want to throw up? Well, I, for one, am not going on a hunger strike."

And you don’t have to, his mother replied, beginning to lose her temper slightly. Just don’t bring any food back to the cabin. Do I make myself clear?

Freddy tried hard to keep a straight face. Yes, ma’am. I hear you loud and clear. I’ll see you later, he said, closing the cabin door behind him.

He went up to the main deck and walked outside into the fresh air. There was no land in sight, just the vast ocean with huge, intermittent waves that broke onto the bow of the vessel as it moaned and groaned. He gazed at the waves that were so big and powerful and felt the cold wind on his face, there and then deciding to go back indoors where he ran into the Portuguese couple. They greeted him with a smile.

Did you sleep well? Beatrice asked and, without waiting for a reply, inquired about his mother.

I slept well, thank you, but my mother isn’t doing too well at the moment. She’s determined to stay in her bunk until the sea calms down or we’ve reached wherever we are headed.

A passing crew member overheard the last part of Freddy’s comment and said, The wind is supposed to die down by this afternoon, and tomorrow we should be coming into the port of Ponta Delgada, the capital city of the archipelago of the Azores, which is made up of nine main islands.

Thank you for that information. I’ll let my mother know, Freddy said as the crew member excused himself, saying his presence was required on the bridge.

Freddy was beaming. He had been on trains and ridden in cars before, but he had never left Europe, and he suddenly realised that after all the hardships he had been through, this was turning out to be a vacation as well as an adventure. He remembered the first letter Nellie had written, where she had mentioned only the voyage, how long it was and how everyone was seasick, and he quietly thanked her for not having given any further details.

Freddy went back to the cabin after lunch, and Helene opened her eyes. Any news?

Lots! Freddy said excitedly and shared with her what he had learned. Just as the crew member predicted, the wind indeed died down in the afternoon and the ship came alive. All the passengers who had been holed up in their cabins came out and onto the decks. One could see some of the Azores Islands in the distance. They appeared so close, yet so far away.

Looking down at the water, Freddy noticed a pod of dolphins following the ship, jumping out of the water, then diving in again; some were even surfing on the waves. Soon nobody was speaking; they were too mesmerised by nature’s show. The dolphins looked so friendly and happy. What an experience it would be if one could swim alongside them! He shared his thought with Helene.

Well, Helene said with a smile, if you have the blubber or fat the dolphins are covered in to keep them warm in these freezing waters, let me see.

Freddy laughed out loud, and his giggling was so contagious, his fellow travellers soon joined in. The dolphins kept them entertained for a long time, and just as suddenly as they had appeared, they disappeared again from sight.

Night was falling and starting to turn cold. Freddy and Helene returned to their cabin. Helene had not had a bite to eat all day and felt hungry, so she asked Freddy to accompany her to the dining room. Freddy had eaten a huge lunch and was just getting immersed in his book, having looked forward to the calm seas so he could finish it, but he did as she asked and reluctantly put it down to escort his mother.

Evidently, she wasn’t the only one who hadn’t eaten all day, and the dining room was packed. Helene spotted a table hidden away in a corner and made a dash for it. It was a set menu, and after taking a look at it, she decided on just having some tea and a couple of slices of toast. Freddy shot her a worried glance.

Now, don’t you worry, she said. I’ll be fine, it’s just that nothing appeals to me on the menu. I mean, the mere thought of eating rabbit—

Freddy started laughing. I hadn’t read the menu; was there rabbit on it? he asked as soon as he was able to speak.

Indeed, there was, replied his mother.

When we left Sausset-les-Pins in France, you said you would never—

Want to take care of rabbits again, let alone cook or eat them!

Never say never, Freddy said, grinning.

Just as they were finishing their meal, the Portuguese couple approached and invited them to join in a card game. Helene readily accepted, although, Freddy would have rather gone back to the cabin and his book. But he had no way out; card games were a waste of time in his mind, but a foursome was needed, and there was no one to take his place. After a couple of rounds, and much to Freddy’s relief, they decided to call it a night.

On their bunks lay the program for the following day. Freddy took a quick look at it and saw that they would be sailing into the port of Punta Delgada on the island of San Miguel around six in the morning.

I want to be up early and see the ship dock, Helene said.

We can go together, Freddy offered.

The noise of the crew woke them up, and they arrived on the main deck just in time. They could just make out the island looking like a small speck lost in the Atlantic Ocean. As they came closer, however, they could see that it was long and narrow.

Isn’t wonderful to see land again? Helene asked. All those days surrounded by only water. So monotonous, and except for the foam of the waves and the swell of the ocean, there really isn’t much to see. But here, there are all these different colours and shapes. I think that land is so much more exciting.

Freddy nodded in agreement, and they watched in silence as the ship gracefully sailed into port and, through the capable hands of the crew, was moored and berthed alongside the quay.

Freddy looked at his watch. 6 a.m., he said out loud.

Let’s hope they’ll be able to stick to their schedule, said Helene." I don’t want to spend one more day on board than I have to.

But Mama, said Freddy, you can’t possibly be bored already. The journey just started!

I realise that, Freddy. I have been counting the days, and I will not elaborate further.

Freddy wisely let the matter rest, and they joined the other passengers in the dining room where a lively discussion was taking place about the possibility of going ashore. As a few of the passengers speculated whether or not they would be allowed off the ship, the sound of the captain’s voice over the loudspeaker silenced them. His message was short and to the point.

Whoever wants to go on shore is welcome to do so… at his or her own risk. The ship will continue its journey at twelve o’clock sharp, and everyone will have to be on board by 11:30. After waiting a moment to let the message sink in, he added: We will not be picking up any passengers here, just provisions and water for the long journey to Bermuda which will be our next stop.

Everyone started talking at once. Freddy overheard some passengers say they thought it would be better to stay on board while another couple pointed out they were still in Europe and there was no reason whatsoever to leave the safety of the ship. Freddy was very eager to go ashore and explore, but a look to his mother told him that she was not going to set one foot on the island, so he suggested they return to their cabin. Helene agreed immediately; she was tired and looking forward to a nap.

Curious about the island and willing to take a risk, Freddy told her he would leave her to it and go ashore, but Helene was adamant that he should stay on board and spoke to him in a very strict voice:

We have taken many risks leaving France and coming aboard this ship. True, we have left the continent behind, but as we heard on deck, this island is still in Europe, and we have no idea what murky types may be hanging around the port of call. We were warned about Lisbon, and I believe that warning is also valid for the Azores. You can do all the exploring you like once we have arrived at our destination.

Freddy knew she was right and getting into an argument with her would achieve nothing. He picked up his book and, saying he would be reading in the lounge, left the cabin and closed the door gently behind him.

All the passengers remained on board with the exception of the couple from Lisbon. The morning went by quickly, and just before the ship was set to sail, Freddy returned to the cabin where he found Helene sound asleep. The noise of the motor roaring into life and the shouting of the crew woke her up. They walked up to the main deck, and together with the other passengers, they watched as the ship slowly left its berth and headed out into the North Atlantic.

Helene turned to Freddy and said, barely audible, This is our final farewell from Europe. She added, tearfully, Who knows if we will ever return.

It’s just a farewell for me, Mama, for I am sure I will return one day.

Why would you want to come back? Helene asked, incredulous. I, for one, have no reason to, she said sadly.

I am going to return so that I can see my friends, was Freddy’s determined reply.

At dinner, Helene pointed out to Freddy that the couple from Lisbon, the only ones who had gone ashore, were nowhere to be seen. This had not gone unnoticed by the other passengers, and everyone began to speculate in hushed tones as to what might have befallen them.

Helene started to say something to Freddy, but he stopped her and said, It’s all right, Mama, you don’t have to say, ‘I told you so.’ You were right, and I am glad I listened to you.

At breakfast the following morning, the captain, who had gotten wind of all the rumours, decided to put an end to them and announced that the Portuguese couple were actually German spies and had been captured as soon as they went ashore where they would be sent back to Lisbon. He did not elaborate further. And with that, they put the matter to rest, Helene smiling happily to herself. She now felt safe and secure, knowing they were now in international waters and leaving the continent further behind with every passing hour.

Chapter 3

Nellie

Nellie had left Germany long before her parents were forced to seek refuge in France. She was a lot older than Freddy and, due to the circumstances, had unfortunately not spent much time with him. She was, however, very fond and very caring of him even though, having been an only child, she had no previous contact with infants.

Life had not been easy for Nellie. Her mother passed away when she was three years old, and her mother’s parents looked after her. Being an officer in the Prussian army, her father had very little free time, but she adored him, and on the occasions when he was home, she bent over backwards to do things that would please him. She cherished their time together even though Sigmund paid little attention to her, being more interested in his books and newspapers than in entertaining and interacting with her. She came to realise this as she grew older, but when she felt herself getting upset and mad, she would invariably make up an excuse for him with which to appease her anger.

When he was finally discharged from the military, she was overjoyed, having dreamt of the day they could move in together and make a home. But most importantly, she would have a father who was present all the time, not one who came home occasionally for a visit. Her classmates used to tease her, saying her father was surely a ghost for they had never seen him.

Her happiness at her father’s homecoming was short-lived. Soon thereafter, he met Helene and fell madly in love, married her, and gave Nellie a stepmother. Sigmund would never realise how badly he had hurt her and how very much let down Nellie felt, all her dreams shattered.

Her grandmother, who loved her dearly and could feel her pain, stood by her. They had long conversations where she would try and make her see the positive side of things. The body can heal itself, but an aching heart takes longer, and the scars that come with it will never disappear.

Nellie resented her stepmother terribly. Helene, who was a great deal younger than Sigmund, had never been married nor had children and also resented Nellie. Sigmund always was very mindful of his daughter’s opinion, although she was blind to it. It was Nellie to whom he’d ask to choose the restaurant or the movie, etc., which, in turn, enraged Helene. One could say it was not a happy household and each one of them waited for the explosion.

But the situation abruptly changed one day when Helene announced she was pregnant. Nellie was overjoyed at the prospects of being able to tend to a brother or a sister, and Helene heeded Sigmund’s advice by including Nellie in all the preparations. And so, Nellie devoted her time to Freddy, and he, in turn, worshipped his sister.

Now, as she anxiously awaited their arrival, Nellie looked back on her life in Germany and became aware of the different circumstances she’d had, the ones she had chosen to ignore until that moment. One of them had been her father’s lack of understanding and compassion after that dreadful poster the Nazi student union leader had pasted on one of the columns at the tram stop, the young man who had tried dating her. Her father hadn’t even bothered going and looking at it; instead, he insisted she carry on going to work as usual, which meant taking the tram and getting on and off at that same stop, a constant reminder of her pain and humiliation.

Abraham, on the other hand, had been much more sensitive to her plight. He was never a soldier, and the fact that he had two daughters and a wife probably made him more aware of the feminine emotions that lay beneath the surface. Indeed, it was he who suggested she come to Colombia with him and his family, and she felt extreme gratitude towards him.

She’d heard so much about South America during her job as an imports assistant for a very well-known company, especially Colombia, which awakened her desire to travel and experience the country for herself. So Sigmund suggested she leave with Abraham and his family, but stressed the point that it was her choice. Well, she had chosen and felt very happy and excited at the prospect of leaving and discovering a whole new world. They agreed she would be gone for six months, a year at the most.

Now, she had been in Colombia for several years, and as she mulled over the past, she realised just how unpredictable life was. One could or should never plan ahead, but instead live in the present moment for it is true that all circumstances were meant to change; it was in their nature to. Her father had been trapped in Germany by the love of his fatherland, and later on, he had been trapped in Paris because of his fear of travelling, then later on by his financial situation. The only communication available had been by post which was very slow. In an emergency, there was, of course, the telegram service, but this was very expensive.

When she received Sigmund’s letter apprising her of his illness, she considered flying back to be by his side, but the plane tickets were not only very expensive but scarce, and who knows if she would even have arrived in time. Much to her regret, she heeded Abraham’s advice and decided to remain in Bogotá, a decision that pained her greatly; and she wept a lot, imagining the suffering her father was enduring and also his longing for her. During that time, however, she remained a perpetual optimist and imagined time and time again that even if he were not completely cured, he might be well enough to travel.

Eventually, though, correspondence from Freddy put an end to her dreams. Enclosed was a letter from Sigmund that he had left on his desk, addressed to her. It was his farewell letter, and as he accurately noted, by the time she received it, he would have long departed this planet.

It was a beautiful letter, describing a dream he’d had in which he bid her farewell as they stood in a beautiful valley by a stream on a beautiful summer day. She read and reread it and drew a lot of comfort from it. Whenever she felt sad or unhappy, she would read it and a smile would invariably light up her face.

Yes, they had both been trapped. She wondered what Freddy would be like. Even though