Broken Wings

Star of David

Else Schüffen- Munich, Germany 1942

Nobody had even tried to put out the fire. When the first sliver of light appeared, little flames still flickered on the floor of Brandenburg Shoes.

They've found him.

"Where is he? Mama!"

"Else, I don't know. I don't know, honey."

She crouched in a corner, staring at the textured, dusty walls. Walls can be quite fascinating. Especially in times of turmoil, for who will they tell?

They've found him.

Why?

Why him? Why, of all people, Maximilian?

We can ask questions all day, but without answers, it's never going to get us anywhere.

❀❀❀

"I have to see him, Mama. Please," Else begged, teary-eyed.

"Else, we don't know where he is. Rosalinde said he was fine, and that you can see him soon. For now, you must go to school."

Defeated, Else grasped her bag and trudged out the door. The sky was most certainly cheery and bright, so why couldn't the rest of the world be?

"Hallo, Else." Myna stood right before her, smiling cheerfully, as if nothing happened last night.

"I'm going to our secret place after school. I need a place to think," Else muttered.

"Okay. I'll come with you." Myna shrugged, quickening her pace in order to get to school in time.

One wouldn't want to be late to school, after all, or risk getting a good beating. Though neither were all too happy to be standing in front of the school yard, waiting for it to start. The school yard, after all, can be a dangerous place.

For if you are small, timid, or weak, you are sure to be a target for school bullies. If you also happened to be emotionally unstable, that would put you higher up on the list of victims.

Else was all of those.

"Come on, Else, let's wait by the door."

No. A rising dread of panic rose in her chest. They were too late.

Typically, if boys are coming your way, interested in talking to you, there is a reason behind it other than friendliness.

They either see you as a target to practice their bullying techniques, or they take an interest in you. For Else, it was usually not the latter.

"Hallo, Jew."

Else stood silently, staring into the eyes of the blonde speaker.

"Has your brother died yet?" one snickered. There were three of them in total. Three tormentors. Three people to escape from.

"Filthy animals. Hitler will get rid of all those Jews. You'll see."

Still silent.

Seeing that their victim was no fun, the three tormentors sauntered away, snickering. Yet the damage was already done. Else shuddered, scars forming on her heart.

"Myna?"

"Ja?"

"I don't think I can go to school today."

❀❀❀

It was much more difficult to get to their secret place in the winter months. The trek took about twice as long, and was much colder and wetter. By the time they reached the intimidating brick wall, Else's skirt was dripping wet.