My shoulder has been feeling worse and worse. It's constantly cramping and aching, but we still haven't managed to dig out the bullet that has embedded itself just below my scapula*. Lifting and moving things has become difficult and strenuous. I've had to stay inside all the time and have someone with me every moment. What makes matters worse? Food is practically non-existent and bronchitis** is spreading rapidly.
The trains keep pulling in and each time it smells horrid, like blood, sweat, and urine. This has really put a damper on the idea of going to a better place. And though people are being taken away, more are being brought in and we're running out of space. We have decided not to let anyone in, just in case they're sick or specifically sought after by the government.
Right now, Filip is playing with the other children and mother tries to find something, anything to eat while Kohn is watching over me. With a piece of string, we make a cat's cradle with several variations. My fingers get tangled again and I just giggle. "Come on, if I just thread my fingers through here and... slip your pointer finger out of here and... there!" Kohn's hands replace mine as he frees me. As they brush against each other, my face heats up and our eyes meet. "U-Um, what do I do next?" "There, in that triangle on the edge near my left ring finger, wind the string around your thumb here, and replace my right hand." I do as he tells me and the string snaps into the perfect cradle formation. Smiles spread across both of our faces.
Just then, a scream emits from an alleyway near our building. "No, please! I-I have two children! Please don't hurt me! I won't be able to help my daughter! She's been shot just below her shoulder!" The boy in front of me helps me unravel from our game and grabs my good arm, pulling me from the safety of our room.
*The technical term for shoulder blade
**Inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs
YOU ARE READING
Warsaw (On Hold)
General Fiction"Eli Eli Lema Sabachtani!" I cry out, crystal tears washing the grime from my pale cheeks. My eyes ache and my throat is raw from crying and screaming. My head lulls to my bare shoulder as it gets harder to keep my eyes open. ~~~~~ This book is...
