Before The War Starts (FrUK)

Chapter ten

November 11, 1938
"Nazi-led mobs engage in a night of terror against Nazi Germany's and Austria's Jewish population, destroying more than 1,000 shops and synagogues, arresting 30,000, and killing nearly 40.  I repeat A wave of violence targeting Jews occurred throughout Germany and Austria in retaliation for the assassination of Ernst vom Rath. Nazi authorities did not interfere as Jewish shops and synagogues were burned and looted, but 20,000 Jews were arrested. The vast amounts of broken glass littering the streets outside the Jewish shops gave the night its name. And now today German Interior Minister Wilhelm Frick passed a decree prohibiting Jews from possessing weapon..."

"Arthur please come lay with me," Francis called from the bed. "Yes I know, I just can not believe what has been happening. Will all of it ever stop?" I shook my head, turning the radio off. I quickly took a peak out of the room to ensure everything was off in the bakery. It looked fine and locked up. "Hey, maybe we should get a door for the room, I think it would make me feel safer if we locked it at night" I looked to Francis who sat up on the bed.

He didn't have a shirt on, and all I saw was his bare chest; that was nice, if I do say so myself. "Yeah, I guess that is actually a good idea; we would not want anyone coming into our room at night and killing us," Francis laughed which made me serious. "Oh, I am joking! I will shop for a door tomorrow; it is Saturday anyway," he shrugged. "I guess I will have to go with you?" I asked. He nodded his head happily like a puppy about to get some treats. He was so cute.

I walked over to the bed and lay on the covers beside him. I really could not sleep tonight. It was definitely late out, but I just could not manage to sleep. "Francis, are you awake?" I ask. I heard a small chuckle as he wrapped his arm around me. "No, I am asleep," he laughed in a joking way. "Oh dear, we can do well without the sass mouth, sir" I pushed him away. He was always so affectionate at night. "You are so cute, Arthur; what would it take for you to stay with me forever?"

"Calm yourself; you act like I am leaving tomorrow," I looked at him, then turned around. "Of course not," he laughed. He wrapped his arms around me, and for some reason, it helped me relax more. I had to admit that every time he touched my body, I was in bliss. I was stress-free, and I could sleep easier at night. "Goodnight, Arthur," Francis said, kissing my cheek. He acts as if loving each other is easy; when it is not, it is hard when everyone hates the idea of your love. Maybe I am dramatic, but I want more than that.

November 12, 1938
"The Decree on the Exclusion of Jews from German Economic Life closed all Jewish-owned businesses in Germany. All of Germany's Jews were ordered to pay a collective fine of 1 billion Reichsmarks for the murder of Ernst vom Rath. Each Jew in possession of property over 50,000 RM was required to pay 20 percent of its value...."

I stopped by some television sets at the shop. They showed pictures of events in Germany. All those people suddenly losing their things. It was not very good, and I am sure there will eventually be a revolt.

"Look at this door," Francis called me over, and I looked at the beautifully detailed door. "Wow, I like it," I smiled. "Is there anything I can help you two with?" Someone came up to us. It was a worker. "We are looking at a new door for our house," Francis said. I soon felt my heart drop. Why would he say that? "Oh ... I see, and you two live together? Brothers? Family?" The man asked with an ugly face. Francis caught on and kept a straight face. "Yes, family. You see, my cousin here was born in England with my aunt. He came down for a tour of the city and vacation. So he is staying with me. You know how it is," Francis laughed while rolling his eyes.

It was a good lie, and that worker bought into it. " yes, I get it; my step sister came last month and hasn't left from visiting," he laughed, shaking his head. "I think we will take this one, how much?.." Francis started to talk to the man, but I noticed something odd. Everyone had gathered around the television. I walked over to where they gathered and looked at the television.

They were pictures moving of what was currently happening in Germany. All the damage that was done. It was chaos. "Alright folks, do not get too worked up," a worker came turning the tele off. I turned around, and Francis curiously looked at me. I just need not worry, and I will be fine. I smiled at Francis and soon walked toward him. "This is technically our first purchase together as a couple; I am so happy," he whispered like a child. I laughed at his behavior and nodded. "Me too"

~
Once we arrived home, Francis started immediately making the door out that night. "You look uneasy," he pointed out. "I guess everything going on has made me uneasy, it will go away soon, I promise," I looked to Francis with a smile.  Germany hasn't done anything too severe yet, so I guess it will be okay. England has not decided to act on anything, so that must be a good sign. I am sure keeping the peace is all they care about right now. Nothing was directed at us, so I suppose people are waiting it out. I just hope that is the case.

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