Light Falls When Night Falls

Claire

The truck ride continued. People started to get antsy. Occasionally, the truck would stop, along with the other trucks in front of and behind us, to raid other Jewish neighborhoods. Another family was crammed into our vehicle. Passengers were reluctant to make room for newcomers.

Of course I had to study this new family to pass the time. A young girl, probably 12 years old. She had mousey colored hair and green eyes; historian. A middle aged man-- her father. He was tall and lanky, with dark hair and brown eyes; doctor. A woman, maybe a few years younger than the man-- the girl's mother. Silky, long, brown hair and green eyes. She looked so elegant; college professor. 

The couple was seated next to my mother and father. I motioned for the girl to come sit in the floor with me, as she looked petrified. 

"Hi, dear. What is your name?"

"um...C-Claire. Whats y-your name?"

"Lisianna. I'm 16 years old. How old are you?"

"I'm 11."

Ah, I was one year off. 

"Well, Claire, would you like to play a game with me?"

"uh, what kind of game?"

"Okay, look around the vehicle and study the looks of the other passengers. When you're done, take a guess at what job you think they have, or might have in the future."

"Okay, that sounds fun. Look at that man," she said pointing to a short man with circular glasses resting on his nose, "I bet he's a librarian!"

"Don't point, silly. That's rude. But great guess, I think he is too!"

"Oh, sorry... I didn't know. I want to try another. Look at her," she tipped her head toward my beautiful mother, "She's pretty! I bet she does something fancy, like writing books!"

"She is very pretty. That's my mother. She's a school teacher. She teaches literature and language, though she has written two books about her life as a teacher. She really loves her job."

"Wow. I want to be like her some day!" Claire looked at me with soft, pleading eyes, "Did you maybe bring any toys or things to play with? I only brought this rubber ball and there's no place to bounce it."

"Sweet girl, I don't play with toys anymore, but i did bring a journal and a pen you could use to draw."

"Really, can I?" Claire asked eagerly. 

I opened my bag and took out my journal and fountain pen. Normally I wouldn't let a single soul touch my precious pen, but I knew I had to serve others during this confusing time. I tore 3 pieces out from my journal and handed the girl my pen and the paper. 

"Thank you, Lisianna!" She gave me a tight hug.

I kept the little girl occupied, with my little brother and sister heavy on my mind. They both loved to draw and create their own picture books. Watching Claire's heavy strokes reminded me of how much I missed them. Maybe this was a sign that they were okay.

As I watched Claire draw, I overheard my parents talking to her parents. 

"What is happening?" my mother quietly asked.

"They are everywhere. They've occupied France for almost two years now. I don't think they will stop until they've got every country in the world." the pretty woman exclaimed quietly. 

"Where are the allies?" asked my father, intently.

"The American radio stations said to be hopeful. I think they are planning a sort of attack on the axis powers. Maybe they can get us out of this mess and end the war for good." said the lanky man, without emotion.

"Ah, what a dream," whispered my father.

The ride stayed steady, bumping, knocking, pulling us around the cart, with the occasional stop to pick up more passengers. More conversations were held with newcomers, each one having a better understanding of recent events. Suggestions and long talks swirled around the small room.

"The Rosenburg family was taken last week. I heard they were being transported to Poland," a red haired woman shared.

"Poland. I bet they have a whole new set-up in Poland since the invasion. God only knows what is happening in Poland," stated a robust, wrinkly, elderly man. 

"SHH! Be careful what you say! They might hear you!" 

There he was, in all his glory. The farmer boy with copper eyes, telling the aggravated passengers to quiet their opinions. 

Just to have the opportunity to speak with him, and because I was furious at the thought of our rights being stripped away more than they already were, I replied, "So, just because we are captured, and because we are Jewish, we're not allowed to think anymore. I guess that makes sense."

"Lisi, manners!" my mother smacked my hand, "He is right! We cannot speak too loudly. Anything heard by the Germans puts our lives at risk." 

"But mother, we should have open discussions with our peers to piece together our whereabouts." 

"Lisianna, we will know soon enough. We can only focus on the present. Focus on the current moment. Understood? No more political talk." 

"Yes, Ma-ma. Understood." 

The boy looked at me with beady eyes and smirked. 

Once again, my mother interfered with my chance of interaction with the beautiful boy.