Can This Be Fixed?: 4 Short Stories

By Nancy Stateler

AT A GLANCE
Four realistic adventures create page turning interest. Temptations, Dangers, Loss, Regret, Fulfillment.

• Tragedy-Devastation-Hope
Zeke is confident of his family's safety in their Paris home. Claudia, his ten year old daughter does not share her father’s confidence. She has fears she cannot control. How much terror can one so young endure? Unimaginable tragedy destroys the family’s peaceful existence while robbing Claudia of all hope to survive.

• When Things are Better
Ellie and Tom have great plans for a life of freedom and adventure after their two children are grown and out of the house. When they have more time and money to spend on their desires and dreams, nurtured through the years, the couple find themselves faced with problems they never expected. Tom harbors a generous, passionate and romantic love for Ellie. He plans to show his deep commitment to her on a very special occasion. With this deep love, what can possibly go wrong?

• Kindness & Betrayal
An act of kindness results in suspicion of murder and betrayal that stuns family as well as police.

• Anguish-Heartache-Despair
Chuck and Cora, popular high school sweethearts have an amazing talent. Keeping friends as far back as high school active and engaged in a group referred to as the Ragtags.

Through years of turbulence and growing pains, loyalty endures in the large brood of dedicated friends.
Loss and searing heartache befalls the group, dashing dreams, changing lives.

Sex trafficking may be the reason for, anguish, heartache and despair.

After years and years of living as close and as dedicated, to each other, as family. Which year will the Ragtags remember to be their favorite year? And why?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798823001052

Nancy Stateler

To those who open these pages. The joy of writing is a recent discovery for me. After enjoying my two Children who gave me six grandchildren, I completed a forty-year career in the cosmetic industry. My six beautiful grandchildren blessed me with fourteen great-grandchildren. Including three sets of twins. Thus far. Reading is a release and adventure, making it possible to travel the world. Characters we meet, generously share their lives in every phase of life’s journey. I hope you join us there. Nancy

Book preview

2023 Nancy Stateler. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 02/16/2023

ISBN: 979-8-8230-0104-5 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-8230-0103-8 (hc)

ISBN: 979-8-8230-0105-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023902494

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

DEDICATION

TRAGEDY

DEVASTATION HOPE

CAST OFF CHARACTERS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT

WHEN THINGS ARE BETTER

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE

CHAPTER FORTY

CHAPTER FORTY ONE

CHAPTER FORTY TWO

CHAPTER FORTY THREE

CHAPTER FORTY FOUR

CHAPTER FORTY FIVE

CHAPTER FORTY SIX

EPILOGUE

THINGS ARE BETTER

KINDNESS & BETRAYAL

INDEX OF CHARACTERS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

ANGUISH HEARTACHE DESPAIR

PART ONE

INDEX OF CHARACTERS * RAGTAGS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

ANGUISH HEARTACHE-DESPAIR

PART TWO

INDEX OF CHARACTERS * RAGTAGS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

ANGUISH HEARTACHE-DESPAIR

PART THREE

INDEX OF CHARACTERS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DEDICATION

Dear Reader,

Thank you for opening my book of short stories. Your journey through the pages will take you to places where pleasures abound and hopes are sometimes dashed.

Unfortunate circumstances capture the attention of siblings and create situations demanding immediate intervention.

These families will draw you into their world as you turn the pages and join them solving pressing developments each day.

Tragedy and loss claims the peace they treasure. Through love and dedication for each other, they strive to restore contentment and pleasure necessary for peaceful existence.

Strong bonds of family can endure and survive most anything.

Nancy

TRAGEDY

DEVASTATION HOPE

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

By

Nancy Clyde Houston Stateler

CAST OFF CHARACTERS

TRAGEDY-DEVASTATION-HOPE

Ravkind Family

Otis Graham: Attorney where Sarah worked

Roth Fair: Banker in Germany

Sergeant: Moody: Claudia’s escort to America

Rabbi Cohen:

Levy Family: Brothers: Jacob: or Jake: Wife: Leah: Son: Peter

Joshua: or Josh: Wife: Anna: Son: Eddie

Eli: Claudy’s date for prom

Pamela Purser: Office Assistant

Art Sims: Insurance Agent

Joffrey Daniels: Hotel Manager in Bavaria

Alfred & Dorothy or Al & Dot: Dance Patrons

Veronica: Vocalist

Walt: Bar manager at ‘Let’s Dance

Mrs. Doyle: Tutor

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CHAPTER ONE

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T

he Melnick family is preparing for a weekend away at Bath. It is late spring. School is almost out and Claudia and Morty, the children, grow more anxious each day, especially Claudia. Not about school, but the war. The sounds of Hitler’s bombs disturb the peace they are accustomed to.

The family longs for summer. During the school year they live in Paris, to be close to the children’s schools and Ezechiel’s work. When school is out they move to their summer home in Bavaria.

Roselyn and Ezechiel were married almost fifteen years ago. They enjoy a life of comfort with their two children in their large, modern Paris home, surrounded by pristine gardens and pools. Many of their friends are in France and they enjoy entertaining here during the holidays.

The well established, handsome German couple dote on their beautiful, fair haired children. Claudia, their daughter, almost ten, is a responsible girl, and very protective of her brother Morty, who is six. Their father’s every decision and plan is to keep his family safe from the war, growing ever closer.

Rosie and Zech, as their friends refer to them, are partial to their summer home in Bavaria. It is large and palatial with a private lake, big enough to accommodate pleasure boats. A winding sandy beach encompasses the protected shoreline nearest the large home, a playground for children.

Their friends and many relatives visit the Bavarian home often in the summer. Welcomed by the friendly adoring family. Their German good looks of searching blue eyes and bountiful blonde hair magnifies their warm hospitality.

The spacious home, in Bavaria, is a favorite place for their many friends and relatives, during a long leisurely summer. Roselyn inherited the property from her mother.

Zech owns another magnificent home in Berlin. Larger and more luxurious than the town home in Paris or the favored summer home in Bavaria. The Berlin property has been handed down through Zech’s family for more than two hundred years. It is furnished with priceless antiques and many of Claude Monet’s famous works of Water Lilies.

Zech’s great grandmother Edith, who raised her family in the Berlin home, was a close friend of the Monets’. One of Edith’s daughters dated Claude Monet’s son, Michel. They were schoolmates and favored friends.

Picasso’s art is also displayed in the house. Zech always liked telling this story, Grandmother called Picasso’s work a brand of idiocy. Never making sense. Since he was her husband’s favorite artist she allowed some of it in the house. Many of Picasso’s paintings and the Monets are still there.

Zech takes his family to the Berlin house at least twice each year. He wants them to be familiar with the home’s ancestral legacy.

Zech tells his children Claudia and Morty, As a boy I spent many summers with my great grandparents in the grande, old but lovely, Berlin home. Stories they told in the evening captured my imagination and fueled my interest in the subjects as well as the arts.. Stories often repeated were many of my favorites.

At times now, when the family travels by car to Bath, for the weekend, Zech tells them stories about growing up and visiting his grandparents in Berlin. Stories they know well, they’ve heard them so many times.

Today they are almost there. Bath, France is a favorite weekend destination. Just a few hours from the city. The drive out through the countryside is pretty. They pass small, thatch roof homes and farms, plus Stonehenge. The mysterious huge stone circle is always good for conversation, a prehistoric mystery.

The weekend will provide Rosy and Zech time to relax, with friends, and hopefully renew their confidence about their safety from Hitler’s war.

They are fond of the warm baths and there is plenty for the children to do. Rosy and especially Zech spend time sharing war news with friends who may have more information about pending invasions.

The natural hot springs are a phenomenon. Many pools are within a large rectangular setting. Almost the size of a football field. The pools vary in temperature and size. Restaurants and retail shops are housed in the surrounding buildings. Every amenity is available to ensure the comfort of the privileged guests. Trained staff is on hand to satisfy every wish, and pamper the elite.

Upon arriving Claudia admonishes Morty, Please be careful and stay close to me. Always looking after her brother. They soon find friends and they’re off for a fun afternoon. Claudia can’t help overhearing talk about Hitler and the war, growing ever closer to them. Her friends are also talking about their fears. Sounds of war can be heard growing ever closer.

Claudia shares with her friends what her father tells her, We are safe, Hitler will never invade Paris. But like Claudia, they are not convinced. The children hear the constant, serious talk among adults. Even when it is sometimes whispered. Making it more troubling.

Too soon the fun afternoon comes to a halt. The children are called in to clean up for dinner. Afterward they are shuffled off to bed while the adults gather to continue their assessment of the war and what Hitler will do.

The next morning a fabulous breakfast is served and everyone prepares to return to their homes. Echos of bombs can be heard and German planes are seen throughout the day. Patrolling the skies.

At home in Paris, word begins to circulate that Hitler is getting closer. News of camps being constructed to confine civilian prisoners travels through France. Places called Auschwitz, Bergen and many more, labeled p.o.w. camps. Prisoners of war camps. Claudia wonders and worries about the rumors.

Devastating news is heard that all German Jews are being taken prisoners. Taken from their homes and put in the camps. How can that be?

Claudia, about to turn ten, is afraid for her family. Her father, an important business man, continues to calm her by saying, They will never come into the city and bother us. We are no threat to them.

Sounds of bombs are never ending and the sounds grow louder. Soldiers can be seen now. Marching in the streets and searching buildings.

Claudia and her brother finished the school year amid turmoil in the city. She often overhears her parents talking about where they would be safe. When she approaches them about what is happening. The answer is always the same. We are safe here, don’t worry. We will stay here for now. It is not safe to travel to Berlin. We will go to the summer house in Bavaria later.

Deep inside Claudia’s mind and heart, dark fear resides. A feeling of impending doom hangs heavy in her chest.

Sounds of war continue, night and day. Sometimes she thinks about hiding her little brother, to keep him safe. He does not seem to worry as his sister does.

She and Morty play school and if they are careful they are allowed to play hide and seek in the house.

Claudia likes to read to her little brother, during their quiet time in the afternoon. She feels grown up when she chooses Aesop’s Fables. Thinking, Morty will go to sleep when I read to him.

His sister continues to read, every afternoon, enjoying the adventures found in books. The fun stories make Claudia feel safe.

One of her favorites is, ‘The Tortoise and the Hare.’ She likes turtles. Morty’s favorite is, ’The Boy who cried Wolf.’

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CHAPTER TWO

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C laudia plays her father’s words over and over in her mind night and day as she hears bombs getting closer. She fears for her little brother. Wondering how she can keep him safe if the war comes to their home.

The positive words of her parents fail to comfort Claudia. A different kind of traffic is seen in the streets. The sounds of bombs rattle the windows.

Even though her parents try to make every day normal. Nothing seems normal to Claudia. She and Morty are not allowed to go outside without one of her parents. There is one newscast each day, in the evening. She and her brother are not allowed to listen. The days grow long as the summer wears on.

She and Morty play board games and sometimes her parents join them. Their effort to make things seem normal, actually makes things worse. Nothing in their world is normal. They do not shop anymore, the maid is sent out for necessary items.

Sometime that summer, in the middle of the night, the house is suddenly full of soldiers, shouting, Be ready to leave in fifteen minutes. Take with you only what you can carry, in your hands. Don’t try to hide or hide anyone. Those not obeying orders will be shot. Shouts and orders were repeated, over and over.

The fifteen minutes barely gave them time to get dressed. They were ordered out the door, to join a parade of their friends being forced to walk, they know not where, through the darkness as sounds of crying fill the air.

It seemed to Claudia they walked for hours. Day was breaking as they came to a train yard. Train engines were loud and steam was flowing into the morning light. Mother kept saying, Hold hands, so we will not be separated.

Claudia recalled, If we were not standing where a soldier wanted us, they pushed and shoved us into place. Often hitting us with a stick, without a reason.

The family stood in place, watching as a loaded train pulled out of the station. They were forced to stand for hours waiting for another train. Then watching again, as the next train was loaded. People were shoved into cattle or box cars. Loaded shoulder to shoulder. Room only to stand. When that train was loaded and gone, another took its place.

Too soon it was time for the Melnicks to get on a train, their mother said over and over, Stand close, hold hands, stay close together. Being careful not to be separated.

The train Claudy and her family were on, chugged along for most of the day. Finally, near sunset, the train stopped and a barrel of water was put in each car with one tin cup. Everyone was thirsty.

Her father called out, Please let all the children drink first. Amazingly that happened. So many were in shock and disbelief.

When the train started again everyone managed to sit down, shoulder to shoulder and back to back, leaning from exhaustion, on each other. With children on their laps. The train roared on through the night. Sounds of crying and whispered fear never ceased. The crowded conditions were miserable, even painful.

In the early morning hours of the next day, the train screeched to a halt. Tired families managed to get to their feet. Babies and the elderly and sick were left seated until the doors were finally opened. The fresh air was a blessed relief. At last a breath of clean air could fill their lungs.

Occupants of the train, all wealthy, educated German Jews, had never imagined such cruelty. Little did they know, the worst was yet to come. Life as they know it has ended, gone. Misery and fear fills the stale air.

Claudia cannot remember how many days they were on the train.

Sometimes people would start singing. Perhaps to calm the babies and entertain the children. At times everyone would sing, ‘There’ll Always Be An England.’ A patriotic song. Claudia liked hearing that. Also, the National Anthem of France ‘La Marseillaise’. Literally a fight song.

Translation:

To arms citizens, Form your battalion, Let’s march, let’s march, That their impure blood, Should water our fields.

Claudy tried to sleep, her tired eyes refused to close. Little brother Morty was curled up in his mother’s lap sleeping. He is still the family’s baby.

Claudia now sees fear in her father’s eyes. He whispers to his wife. They stare longingly at each other, holding their children.

The stench is almost unbearable. These independent proud people suffer humiliation and despair. They are in a state of disbelief. A few hours ago they were in comfortable homes. Children were at play and nutritious dinners were being prepared. These gentle folks know nothing but civilized, acceptable behavior.

The only life they ever knew, abruptly ended in a matter of minutes. Fear dwells in their hearts and minds, as the train continues on. Taking them, they know not where.

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CHAPTER THREE

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A lways, when the train stops, they are ordered to remain on the train. With a warning, Anyone getting off will be shot. Evidently some either fell off or were pushed. Shots were heard, along with cries of pain and despair.

Finally, what seemed like days later, when the train stopped, soldiers appeared at the door. They ordered the tired and weak, from hunger, off the train and made them form lines. Men and boys in line together, women in another line, girls in a separate line.

The family was separated. What was feared by Claudia, but unknown at the time. She would never see a member of her family again.

The line of women and girls were made to march toward the building where the men and boys were told to wait. After a while the doors of the building opened. The only thing visible inside the building was fire. Blazing from floor to ceiling. The men and boys were forced by gunfire to march into the flames. If they fell or were shot, they were thrown in.

The women and girls were made to listen and watch as their husbands, sons, brothers and fathers were forced into the incinerator.

Others were forced into smaller buildings. Claudia later learned those buildings were gas chambers. Outside the gas chambers bodies were piled up like logs before being shoved into huge trenches, called mass graves.

All of the devastation could be witnessed from the yard. Where the women and girls were forced to watch.

Wails of suffering and pain could be heard from every group of women and girls. All men and boys were killed. They no longer had to wonder about their fate. It could not get worse.

Claudia managed to survive at Auschwitz, enduring the cruelty, pain and suffering for more than two years.

One glorious, unforgettable day, Allied troops came and rescued the survivors at the end of World War Two. Claudia was twelve years old. The surviving girls, soon learned, they had been placed for adoption. Most of their families had been anilalated, slaughtered by Hitler’s heartless regime. Many were placed for adoption, with Jewish families in America.

The United States Immigration Board, teamed with the Jewish Federation of the United States, arranged for the children to be offered and made available to families belonging to Jewish organizations and Synagogues.

The reason being, the surviving children needed familiar traditions and lifestyles to help them adjust. That is, if they could ever completely overcome the cruelty of the camps and the ravages of Hitler’s unmerciful treatment.

During Claudia’s stay at Auschwitz, she was unable to sleep. Closing her eyes she could hear the screams of her little brother. As a ten year old girl, being made to watch as her father and little brother were forced into the fiery, blazing furnace was almost too much to bear. The screams seemed to penetrate her body, playing over and over in her mind. Like a song sometime did when she was at home in Paris.

Roselyn, Claudia’s mother, was forced into a separate line. from her daughter. They never saw each other again. When Claudia was outside, she searched every face. Always hoping, looking, always disappointed.

For over two years, in the camp, Claudia survived by her imagination. Finding the darkest corner, wherever she was being held, she pretended to be in her pretty room at home. Pretending to pick up her favorite things and smell the comforting fragrance of her room, in Paris. Sometimes daydreams let her spend the day at her school. Watching her teacher, write a lesson on the board. Other times she would pretend to be outdoors, playing with her friends or Morty, her little brother.

Then at night, she could feel herself sliding between the fresh, cool sheets on her bed, placing her head on her sweet, soft pillow. Waiting for her parents to come in and tell her goodnight. Aways, too soon she must face reality, lying on the cold, hard packed dirt floor of the miserable prison.

But then, always, whatever the day or the hour, her mind’s eye took her back to where she could see her mother, being taken away by the cruel soldiers. And the screams of her father, and her little brother Morty, growing louder. The fear was most overwhelming when she could not recall their faces.

There were days when she could remember the stories her father told about spending time with Great Grandmother Edith, in the Berlin house.

She could imagine being there. Being cared for and loved by people who loved her. Waiting for the sugar cookies to come out of the oven.

She pretended to have delicious after school snacks. If she could hold the thought long enough, she could see and smell the food on their table, at her home, in Paris.

In the camps they were mostly starved. There was a barrel with smelly water and a tin cup. She managed to drink just enough to survive. When she became thirsty enough, she could swallow a few sips.

Often her thoughts were interrupted by the cruel, mean soldiers. They would come in, shouting orders, and take some of the girls away and the girls were never seen again.

At other times the soldiers made them dig more trenches, used for toilets in the building where they lived. They threw fresh dirt into the used trenches but the stench could never be eliminated.

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CHAPTER FOUR

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C laudia learned to be careful, never making noise to draw attention to herself. If they were inside it was always dark and she could curl up in a corner, hopefully unseen. When they were outside she made herself stay in a group.

She recalled, The day when the kind soldiers came, they brought large trucks. Everyone was told to get in the trucks. There was no shouting, no hitting or shoving. The trucks were clean and there was no one yelling at us. Flags on the trucks were red, white and blue, None of us could identify the flags. They were different from the German flags flying where we were.

All of the prisoners are so thin we can count our bones. We had lost most of our hair. We were filthy, wearing the same clothes we were captured in. On rare occasions, in the camp, when we were let outside, high powered water hoses were turned on us. We could not escape the blasts of cold water. Anyone trying to avoid the water was made to endure it longer.

When a truck was loaded it left Auschwitz. To Claudia’s amazement, the truck she was in had bench seats around the sides. There was room for everyone to sit. In the camps there was no place to sit, except the dirt floor.

The ride was long. A few hours into the trip they stopped and everyone was given water and a sandwich. Before the truck resumed their journey, the girls were offered a toilet if needed. Everyone accepted that offer. At Auschwitz, they used only the trenches dug in the floor of the buildings where they lived.

Back in the truck and traveling again, many were so relieved and comfortable they stretched out on the floor to sleep. At Auschwitz they slept on dirty floors. The truck floor was clean and the hum of the truck’s engine and the motion, lulled them into peaceful sleep. Not being hungry, plus their treatment so far, by the kind soldiers, caused a sense of comfort and relief.

We had no idea where we were going. About mid afternoon the truck stopped and we were allowed to get out for another toilet break.

While the truck was being refueled the nice soldiers gave us fruit and we were soon on our way again. We traveled long into the night, stopping regularly for breaks, where food was always offered.

Late into the night, the truck traveled many hours without stopping. No one seemed to mind. They were treated well, and for the first time, since being forced to leave their homes, more than two years ago, they were not hungry.

The next day, what Claudia thought was near noon, the truck stopped again. Everyone was soon out of the truck. They could see huge tents. Set up in an organized fashion. The red, white and blue flags were flying over the tents. Each tent was numbered and everyone was given a number. They were instructed to find the tent matching their number.

The girls were happy to obey orders. In the tents they were assigned a cot. The first bed of any kind they had seen since being captured. They also had a pillow and a blanket. With cover, the feeling of security was overwhelming. With a soft pillow for her head and the soft, clean blanket for cover, Claudia felt she could happily stay here forever.

The next pleasant surprise was a shower and new clothes. The girls could not get over the feel of their clean skin and the feel and looks of the new clothes. The smell, of the wonderful fragrance, of the soap stayed with them and for the first time since their capture they were feeling good again.

None of the girls could imagine what would be next. They were being identified by name. They had not heard their name in over two years. The five numbers, boldly tattooed, in black, on the inside of their right wrist was their identification. Their names were never used at Auschwitz. The nice soldiers talked to each girl and identified her. They were told if a relative could be found, at Auschwitz or another camp, they would be united with them. Everyone received individual attention. Only a very few girls were placed with a relative. Claudia knew her family was gone.

If no relatives could be found, the girls were placed for adoption. Fear of the unknown is palatable once again.

Claudia was devastated. No family, now twelve. Skin and bones with very little hair on her head, thought, Who would want me? The tent was now her home. She pleaded, Please, may I please stay here. No one could possibly want to adopt me. She was told everyone was being adopted. She cried, How can that be? Adopted by whom? The girls were leaving, one at a time.

As night fell, Claudia lay her head on the soft pillow. Covering with the clean, sweet smelling blanket. Enjoying a comfort unknown to her for almost three years. She slept through the night in a deep peaceful sleep.

The next day a woman soldier came for Claudia. Hello Claudia, I’m Sergeant Moody. You and I are going to America. Three more girls, from here, are going with us. We will fly on a military plane and have the company of several girls, who are also going to the United States.

Sergeant Moody and Claudia picked up the three other girls on the way to what looked to Claudia like a military base. Then she realized the flags flying are American. The same flags that were on the trucks bringing them here from Auschwitz. Soldiers were at the gate and Sergeant Moody stopped and gave them some information before the gate was opened.

The sergeant took them to a place where airplanes were in a long line. For the first time since leaving Auschwitz, Claudia could see many more girls she had never seen before. Beside all the planes she could see emaciated people. Obviously prisoners of the camps. A group waiting to board the plane nearest them was a group of about twenty. Soon, Sergeant Moody told everyone in our group, Line up near the door of this plane. Everyone was so thin and malnourished Claudia could not tell ages. She did feel, all were teenagers, or younger.

As they boarded the plane, an identification tag on a chain was placed around the neck of each girl, with instructions, Please do not remove the identification from your neck. The girls were eager to obey, their treatment was, so much, improved. Most could not remember the last time they heard the word please.

When all were on board Sergeant Moody took a microphone and greeted everyone. Hello again, as you know I’m Sergeant Moody. I will fly to America with you. The flight will take fourteen hours. During the flight you will be free to visit with each other. We have some games on board and you will have snacks and drinks. We will land once to refuel, at that time we will stay on board. While we are on the ground please go to the galley at the rear of the plane and get a sandwich and something to drink.

It is almost eleven o’clock local time. There are two lavatories, one in front and one toward the back of the plane. Dinner this evening will be around six p.m.. We will be together for several hours so let’s have fun and enjoy the flight.

Sargent Moody continued, I have important information for each of you. Everyone has been adopted by someone in America. You have a family. American families chose you because they wanted another daughter or in some cases, a daughter. The only thing they know about you, is that you have no living relatives. And, that you have been a prisoner of war for many months.

All of you are survivors of a German Jewish family. The families adopting you are of that religious order. Please be ready to become a part of your new family. It will be different for a while, but please never forget, your new family has invested time and resources to get you to America. To become part of their family. They are anxiously awaiting your arrival.

We will land at more than one military base in the United States. When you reach your destination, your new family will have a tag that matches the one you have around your neck. I will take your tag and theirs and the record will show you’ve been connected with your new family.

Now, it is time to relax and have fun. Get acquainted with each other. Enjoy the fact that you are no longer at the mercy of Hitler, the enemy. You are free and on your way to a wonderful new life in America.

Claudia tried to envision a new home and a new family. Even with the newly found comforts and kind treatment, she longed for her parents and her little brother Morty.

The Sargent spoke again, I would like to add, we, the military, and your new family, in America, know how much you’ve lost. The pain you’ve endured, the cruelty forced on you. We all realize it will take time to erase the ravages of the camps.

You will learn to tolerate the horrific memories. You may have difficulty forgetting the horrors. Your new families will help you. Please try to remember your new families are your rescuers. They’re your safety net. They’re waiting for you. As you make your way to them and your new home. They are very eager for you to be part of their family.

The long flight was without incident. The girls were enjoying clean clothes. And a toiletry bag with a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant and sweet smelling soap and a comb and hairbrush. The bag was waiting for them on their cot in the tent. Once, they took these daily necessities for granted, now they view them as luxuries. Their first since being captured.

The sergeant noticed a familiar bond between the girls. They had never seen each other before today. Yet they appeared to be comfortable with each other. The common link, as far as she could tell, were the bold black, block numbers on the inside of their right wrist. And unseen, were the scars of tragedy, devastation and cruelty emblazoned in their minds.

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CHAPTER FIVE

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T he plane landed three times, dropping two or more girls at each location, before it was Claudia’s turn, to leave the plane. When Sergeant Moody told her she would be one of the next to get off, she felt a wave of fear. The plane had become a safe and friendly place. She realized getting off the plane would create another strange experience for her.

When the time came she brushed her thin blonde hair, told the few girls left on the plane goodbye and hugged Sergeant Moody. Her only security, and physical attachment since she was separated from her parents.

Clutching her new toiletry bag to her chest she walked slowly down the stairs, to the tarmac. She was surprised to see a man and woman with a girl holding a large sign with CLAUDIA, highlighted in red. The line under her name read, Welcome to America and underlined in red, white and blue.

She and the sergeant approached the Ravkind family. Sergeant Moody collected the tags from them, and removed Ciaudia’s from her neck. She said a quick goodbye, then went on to greet other families.

The Ravkinds dropped the signs and took turns embracing Claudia. The woman, whom Claudia assumed was the mother said, My name is Etta and pointing to the man, said this is Adam. Then putting her arm around the girl, this is your sister, Sarah.

Claudia managed a quiet hello, looking them over. The mother Etta was a pretty woman with long blonde hair. It was styled in what Claudia knew as a page boy. Her mother had worn her hair that way. The father was professional looking. He also had blonde hair a little bit darker than his wife’s. Sarah, the girl, was about her height, not nearly as skinny, pretty, with long blonde braids. They all had friendly blue eyes and a warmth that was at once, visible to Claudia. This was the first family she had seen in, soon to be, three years. They looked like a family. They embraced each other with gentle actions, speaking kindly.

The father said, Come Claudia, let’s go home. We have a dog and a cat who can’t wait to meet you.

In the parking lot, the family led her to a car like she had never seen before. It was a big car with what looked to be wood on it. She later heard it referred to as a station wagon. They were in the car less than an hour before reaching home.

She and Sarah did not talk much during the ride to their house but Claudia felt Sarah was friendly and wanted her with them.

To Claudia, the driveway to the house seemed short compared to her family’s drive in Paris. They drove into a garage. Getting out, the father, Adam, put his arm around Claudia’s shoulders and said, My girl, we’re home. This is your home now. They went inside and took Claudia on a tour of the house.

The home had lots of rooms and everything was nice, there was a game room with a door going out to a pretty pool and deck. The garden was small but very well groomed. Next they went upstairs, telling her, your room is next to Sarah’s.

The mother, Etta, went into the room with Claudia. She asked Claudia to sit on the pretty window seat with her. She took Claudia’s hand saying, We let Sarah redecorate her room for her twelfth birthday. We want you to do the same. There are magazines for you to examine and we can go shopping for more ideas.

This was a guest room before we knew about you. Now it‘s yours. Make it yours, so that you love to come in and claim your space. Claudia looked around, thanking the mother. The room was comfortable, with colors of mauves and soft greens. She loved the deep window seats with cushions to match the drapes and bedspread,

Next they went into Sarah’s room. The mother said, This is your sister’s room, I hope the two of you spend lots of time together. If you have any questions about your room, or the house, your sister will help you,

Etta left the girls alone, giving them time to get acquainted. Sarah wanted to tell Claudia something she hoped would be okay with her new sister. She started by saying, Claudia, Mother and I had no information about clothes you would like, so let me tell you what we decided. Not knowing your size we thought it best if we waited until you were here and go shopping together. You can choose things you like and they will fit properly. Until then, and it will be soon, please come in here and look through my closet and choose anything you want to wear. Now this is the best part, maybe in the future we can borrow each other’s clothes.

Claudia was beginning to believe she was safe and wanted here. Like her new sister Sarah, she never had a sister. Only a brother and she still yearned for him. Wondering if she and Sarah could ever love each other as she and Morty had.

Having a sister to share with sounded like fun. For now it was hard to imagine anything being fun. For so long she had been interested only in surviving each day. She was even feeling guilty, surviving when her brother and parents didn’t.

Her life had changed so rapidly in the past. Could that happen again? She wasn’t sure. Could what she was experiencing now suddenly go away?

Being clean and not hungry and the absence of screams and cries was such a relief. This family was kind and welcoming. But they were not her family. Oh how she wished they were. As hard as she tried she could not remember the face of her mother or father, only little Morty’s face and she missed him constantly.

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CHAPTER SIX

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T he girls soon found clothes to be a quick connection. They talked about favorite styles and colors. Sarah described what the kids were wearing at school. This was so new to Claudia, she had always worn uniforms to school in Paris. Being absent from the world for so long, she had no clue about what was happening. Years had passed since she had a clue about fashion.

Her memories, before Auschwitz, were about being afraid of Hitler. With memories of her father saying, Don’t worry, Hitler will never invade Paris.

Maybe he did not take the city but he captured every German Jew and slaughtered or imprisoned them. She had just turned ten when she was made an orphan at Auschwitz.

She knew about fashion, because her mother took her shopping. She and her brother Morty had the very best of everything they needed or wanted. That time seemed so long ago.

Sarah, please forgive me, my mind goes back to the way it was before Auschwitz. I would like to look at magazines and go shopping. It’s been almost three years since I’ve had anything at all that was mine, or that fit me. Also, thank you for sharing your clothes, I will never take anything of yours without asking.

Claudy, may I call you Claudy? Please come in and take what you like. I have waited for a sister for so long. My parents promised me one years ago. Later they found they could not have a baby, but you are so much better than a baby.

Yes, you may call me Claudy. I have almost forgotten I have a name. Until a few days ago I had not been called by my name in almost three years.

The girls were getting along famously. Clothes and decorating a room and special sister talk was breaking the ice. It helped that both Sarah and Claudia were natural conversationalists. Claudia had lived in silence so long, Sarah was ahead of her in the linguistics department. But she was not shy about using the languages she knew.

Before Auschwitz, she was comfortable with French and English. They spoke both in her home, and school in Paris. Their friends in London preferred English and they visited regularly before the war.

She was familiar and well spoken in English, and loved German.

The mother called to them saying, Girls, Dad has dinner ready.

Downstairs, Claudia noticed a large dining room but the table in the kitchen was set. The father was waiting for the girls. He said as he held a chair, Claudia this is your place. He then held Sarah’s chair. Saying, We’re seldom this polite, but I want you to claim your place in this house. It is now your home, your place at the table, your room and we are your family.

The father had grilled sausage and the mother had prepared vegetables. Dinner was delicious. Claudia could eat very little. She had lived on next to nothing the last thirty months. They had an ice cream desert and that seemed to agree with Claudia’s digestion.

The next day after breakfast Etta and Adam sat down with the girls to let them know of some things planned for the next few days.

"Okay girls, we’ve several things to do and appointments have been made for a few of the most pressing items. First at the beginning of next week both of you will see Dr. Nesbit, the pediatrician, for a check up.

Dr. Kirby, the dentist is next. Claudia, these activities are annual and Sarah asked to wait so the two of you could go together. We scheduled the doctor and dentist first, everything else is fun."

After those two activities are out of the way you will need to make appointments with the hairdresser. For a special treat you may also get a manicure and pedicure. All important shopping trips can be your choice.

For the next thing, we need your help Claudia. We have an appointment with a counselor at school. They’ve agreed to make tests available to see where you can be placed when school starts. You have missed two, maybe three years of classes.

"Will you tell us about your last school year and any academics you prefer?

We know that the French grading system is different from ours in this country."

Claudia was pleased to tell about her school in Paris. She began enthusiastically, Oh, I loved my school in Paris. We lived just two blocks away. My brother Morty and I could walk when the weather was nice. Our grade scores determined which classes we would take. We studied French and English and used both languages. At home we spoke French and German. Most often when we were out we spoke English. Many of our friends were from London and preferred English.

I know I’ve missed so much. Our school had just let out for the summer when we were forced to leave our home and the City. We were making plans to go to our summer home in Bavaria, before the soldiers took our house in Paris and made us leave.

Adam, the father, was impressed with how Claudia was able to recount the routine of her life, before the holocaust. Claudia, your knowledge and recall of your life is very impressive and I believe you to be mature enough to understand the circumstances of why and how we were able to bring you to America and our family.

We would like to hear from you, everything in your past that you can remember. There are many times and events in our life, before you came to be with us, that you may be interested in knowing. If you ever have a question or any curiosity about anything, please ask. With you, it is different. You may find happenings in your life too painful to talk about and we’ll always honor that boundary. We’re interested and want to know all about you and your biological family, when you’re ready to tell us.

Since Sarah learned to talk she’s asked for a sister. We promised and tried and failed. One of the Rabbi’s at the Synagogue told us about the orphaned children in the prisoner of war camps. We were immediately interested. The only thing we knew about you, was your approximate age. And you were a girl. We found a sister for Sarah.

We hope you’ll tell us more one day about your life before the devastating holocaust. For now, relax and recover. Get familiar with America. We are ready to help, any way we can.

I see that Missy, our Collie, likes you. She seems to find you, wherever you go. Too bad, Samson the cat is not so friendly. He doesn’t always like us.

Oh, I love the pets. Missy does seem to like me. I hope so anyway.

Morty and I always wanted a dog,

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CHAPTER SEVEN

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T he visit to Dr. Nesbit, the pediatrician, was much like the doctor’s visits when Claudia visited her doctor in Paris. The exception, she did not get a glowing report of good health as Sarah, her new sister did. After a lengthy exam and some tests, the results were: severely underweight, deficient in almost every vitamin and a bone condition called Rickets.

The doctor said, With a proper diet these conditions should improve rapidly. Claudia, you have been deprived of food for so long you may not feel hungry or crave food. Try to eat a normal diet. With the vitamins I’ve prescribed and the help of your parents you will soon be healthy again.

The visit to the dentist was much worse. Dr. Kirby took x rays, her twelve year molars were not in and she had six cavities. The cavities would be filled over two visits and the doctor said, You should be cutting those molars soon and like your sister, I believe both of you will avoid braces.

Now for the fun part, next was the hairdresser. Sarah wore pretty long braids. After her shampoo she had the ends of her hair trimmed. The hairdresser then French Braided her long blonde tresses and it looked so pretty, with golden, natural highlights glistening when touched by the sun.

Like Sarah, Claudia got a shampoo and it felt fabulous.