Behind Enemy Lines

First Entry

December 13, 1942

I watched as my brother packed his duffle bag with his belongings, his breath labored with cold air of December.

My brother was leaving us for America. I didn't want him to leave.

I begged him for weeks to stay but papa spanked me and told me not to instigate my brother. Nicolai had to leave because somebody had to start a new life in America for us.

Nicolai was the oldest of three kids. Nicolai was twenty eight, my older sister, Druka, was twenty three and I was the youngest being seventeen.

"Hand me my shoes Mika." My brother requested.

I walked over to his closet, it was empty expect for a pair of old, tattered shoes. They were hand me downs, papa wore them and now Nicolai wears them.

I handed my brother his shoes and watched as he carefully laced them tight. Nicolai taught me how to tie my shoes like he does. Nicolai taught me a lot about life. He was my inspiration, he was everything to me.

Nicolai walked over to his mirror and examined himself. I too watched him and admired his beauty. Nicolai was fair skinned; he had the skin of an angel, light and creamy but with a touch of bronze. My brother was tall, six one to be exact. He was only six inches taller than me. He had light brown hair and hazel-green eyes. Some would call him the beauty among Jews. Mainly a joke he and friends would make up at bar.

"Mika come here." He said as he adjusted his jacket.

I did as told and stood next to him. He grabbed my arm and pulled me in front of him so I could look at myself in the mirror. I was the exact opposite of my brother.

I was shorter than him, with black hair instead of brown. My eyes were a sad shade of black, and my skin was sickly, vainy but healthy no doubt.

"Mika what do you see?" My brother asked.

"I see you and me." I answered. My bother nudged my shoulder and made me look harder.

"No Mika, I see two strong men. I see two strong men who can overcome any obstacle in their path. I see strong men who are brothers." He said.

I turned around and looked up at him. "Nicolai, I don't want you to go." I said as I hugged him. Nicolai returned the hug and patted the small of my back, burying his face into my hair.

"I want to stay too Mika but I have to go. I have to do this for our family. Promise me you'll take care of mama, papa, and Druka." He whispered.

I nodded slightly, my tears waiting to emerge. "Nicolai I promise to write to you everyday." I said with a small smile.

"I know and I'll promise to read your letters when I can." He said.

"Nicolai it's time to go!" I heard my father's voice from downstairs. I held onto Nicolai tighter, even when we both ventured down stairs I never let him go.

"Promise me you'll take care of everyone." He whispered as he pried my hands off his arm. "And I promise I'll find a way to bring you all to America." He added as he looked over to my mother and sister.

Druka and Mama were crying; they too wanted Nicolai to stay. Papa remained quiet, even after Nicolai grabbed his belongings and left he remained quite.

I watched as Nicolai entered his car and drove off. His car grew smaller and smaller until there was nothing left of it.

I quickly ran up to my room and took out a paper and a pen and began to write.

I wrote and wrote until I couldn't write anymore.

My hand writing was sloppy, sad actually.

I shall mail the letter in the morning and after that I'll write another.

Promise me Nicolai that you'll come back for us.

Promise me you'll read my letter.