The War

Chapter 1

"World War II, also known as the Second World War, was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. The vast majority of the world's countries - including all the great powers - eventually formed two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. A state of total war emerged, directly involving more than 100 million people from over 30 countries. World War II was the deadliest conflict in human history, marked by 50 to 85 million fatalities, many of whom were civilians." (Retrieved from Wikipedia)

---

Isle Klix

Germany, September 3rd, 1939

Britain and France have declared war on Germany. Adolf Hitler, the Führer, and his Nazi Party have been in power since 1933, slowly poisoning our country to make way for his perfect Aryan race by blaming Jews and Marxists for Germany's problems. He tells us that the unemployment, the hunger, the rampant inflation and economic stagnation will continue unless the Jews and communists are driven from the nation. The hatred that he has created towards the Jewish communities in Germany is gut-wrenching.

My family and I lived in Berlin when the Nazi Party came into power. The Führer, as he became to be known as, promised glorious life for post-war Germany - stating that he would singlehandedly make Germany great again. I remember how satisfying his promises seemed, and how many followers they gained him. But his hatred towards the Jews never sat well with many, including my family, though, we were the minority and it was deadly to speak against Nazi ideals. 

My family were well-to-do Germans. My Papa was lucky to have a job that was highly praised by Hitler and brought in a generous income. He worked for the weapons plant of Deutsche Waffen und Munitionfabriken (DWM) in Berlin. Though it paid him well and looked after our family, knowing that he was unintentionally helping the Nazi Regime did not agree with him, and he soon resigned from his job when war was declared on Germany. A foolish move that could put him and our family in danger.

"Isle," Papa calls to me as he walks into the house from his last day at work. "Isle, where is Mama?"

I look away from the book in my hands to see him walking through the door, taking his work coat off and hanging it on the hook on the door frame.

"She is in the kitchen," I reply, focusing again on my book.

I hear him striding into the kitchen, catching Mama while she is preparing supper. They begin talking, quietly as to not be heard by myself or my younger sister, Hilde, who is sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace.

It is the beginning of Autumn, not quite yet cold enough to have the fire going in the house as Mama prefers only to use it when blankets are not enough to keep us warm. She likes to conserve our winter stocks incase we have heavy snowfall and can't replenish what we have. 

"You what?" I hear her say from in the kitchen. Their conversation now a little more louder, but still muffled by the walls between us. "What will we do now Fredrick? I can't support us all!" 

I look away from my book as Mama's voice becomes louder and see Hilde also listening in. I know we should not eavesdrop so I nod to her for us to go to our bedroom to do some drawing. Hilde is only six years old, twelve years younger than myself. My parents had trouble while trying to have children, hence the large age gap. I help look after Hilde when Mama is busy. She is an art school teacher at one of the local primary schools and is often working during the week now that the Nazi belief is being taught to students. 

We go to our room and set out a full set of coloured drawing pencils - a luxury during this time. I grab a few pieces of old newspaper that Hilde can scribble on while I hand her the pencils that she wants. She sits on her legs while she draws, mumbling a song to herself that I don't quite understand. Hilde is the perfect Aryan specimen taking after Mama, blonde hair with striking blue eyes to complement her fair skin. Myself on the other hand, I take after Papa, with dark locks and blue eyes. Not perfect in the Führer's mind, but tolerable. Still a little too "Jew looking". 

Papa gently knocks on the door, calling me to come out to talk.

"Yes Papa?" I ask inquisitively.

"I don't know how much you heard, but I am no longer working at the DWM and Mama needs help to keep us going. Can you go to work with her tomorrow and help her? You will get some money for doing so," he looks at me with pleading eyes. "Please Isle, it's important that we do what we can until I find another job."

I nod without saying anything, not quite sure how to respond. I had never wanted to be a school teacher since I found out that teachers were required to teach the Nazi belief to students, and Hitler's "Mein Kampf". My worry is that I could not play the part of a genuine Nazi follower, attracting unwanted attention to myself. 

Many Germans knew that the Gestapo were in search of non-conforming individuals and families, taking them some place where no one returns. We believe they are taken to camps, much like the Jews, if not the same places. No one really knows for sure. All we know is that is is bad.