We Were Given A Miracle

Chapter 4

I walked to school, ready to be greeted by Chloe and Averie. But when I reached the schoolyard, I didn't get such a warm welcome.

A boy spat at me. "Scram, Jew."

Another girl said, "Yeah, nobody wants you here." I looked over at Chloe and Averie, who were at the far end of the schoolyard. Their heads were down. They didn't want to look at me. Were they ashamed to be friends with me? I thought.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and swiveled around. It was Miss Lavigne. She bent down and whispered to me. "Go home, Gisele. It's not safe for you to be here." I nodded sadly, but at least my own teacher hadn't become anti-semitic.

I walked home with my head down, not with my usual cheer. But when I reached home, I saw that Papa was at home. Again. Déjà vu.

Before I could ask, Papa said, "The Nazis have taken away our business too. They're now using the shoe shop to provide shoes for all their local soldiers. Honte à eux, shame on them. The school closed for Jewish children, too?" I nodded, not wanting to think about it.

"Well, we still have to keep your studies up. Make sure you don't lag behind," Maman said. "We'll do lessons after chores."

"Yes, Maman," I said. I knew I was lucky to still be able to learn, an opportunity which many kids didn't have, but it wouldn't be the same.

That night after dinner, we all slept without a word, not even Phillipe.