Sentimental Journey

Early 1934

[Anneliese's story is semi-based on a real thing in history. I'm not sure how many disabled people got out of Nazi Germany before the war, hence why it's semi based on real events, but disabled people, Jews and those unfit for the Aryan race, were marginalized and looked down upon. And tragically, things often did not end up well for them.]

Anneliese woke to someone shaking her and saw her mother standing next to her bed, a candle in hand.

Her mother set the candle down on the nightstand next to her bed. 'Komm, Lisie. Wir müssen gehen.'

(Come, Lisie. We must leave.)

'Warum?'

(Why)

'Hier ist es für Sie nicht sicher.'

(It is not safe for you here.)

'Mama, ich verstehe nicht. Warum sollte es für mich nicht sicher sein?'

(Mama, I don't understand. Why would it not be safe for me?)

'Ihre Behinderung hat Ihr Leben in Gefahr gebracht.'

(Your disability has put your life in jeopardy.)

Anneliese frowned as she pulled off the covers and threw on some clothes behind the curtain. She stepped out, still with the frown. 'Du hast immer gesagt, ich sei etwas Besonderes. Warum bringt mich meine Behinderung jetzt in Gefahr?'

(You always said I was special. Why does my disability now bring me peril?)

'Weil Sie in den Augen unseres Anführers für ein perfektes Rennen ungeeignet sind. Jetzt schnell.'

(Because you are unfit of a perfect race in our leader's eyes. Quickly now.)

'Wohin gehen wir?'

(Where are we going?)

'Wir nicht, Liebling. Nur du. Sie werden mit Ihrer Tante und Ihrem Onkel in New York leben.'

(Not we, darling. Just you. You will be living with your aunt and uncle in New York.)

'New York?! Das ist so weit! Ich will dich und Papa nicht verlassen!'

(New York?! That's so far! I don't want to leave you or Papa!)

'Es ist nur für kurze Zeit, meine Liebe. Ich würde lieber für eine Saison getrennt sein und wissen, dass Sie sicher sind, als zusammen zu sein und zu sehen, wie Sie wegen etwas außerhalb Ihrer Kontrolle verletzt werden.' She smiled sadly and kissed her daughter's forehead. 'Gott wird mit dir sein, meine Liebe, und ich werde jeden Tag beten, dass er dich beschützt.'

(It's only for a short while, my love. I would rather be separate for a season and know you are safe rather than be together and see you harmed for something out of your control. God will be with you, my dear, and I'll pray every day that He keeps you safe.)

'Ich auch, Mama. Ich liebe dich.'

(As will I, Mama. I love you.)

'Ich liebe dich auch, meine Anneliese. Ich bete, dass wir uns bald sehen.'

(I love you, my Anneliese. I pray I'll see you soon.)

'Ich bete auch dafür, Mama.'

(I pray for that too, Mama.)

With those final words, Anneliese made her way to the train station and was able to safety secure passage from train to boat, and began her travels to the United States.

Thankfully, she would have a small advantage, as she knew some English. Her parents were great proponents of education and language, and she knew several, all in sign. She did have a tendency to mix things up, but she could communicate with people whether it be through word or sign, though she did tend to prefer the latter.

And the first person she would meet, apart from those she already knew, would prove such.