Oh, Anna,” Madeline whispered. “Your family will never go at a baseball game.”
“It’s killing me,” I said. “She’s so happy right now. She’s got no clue.”
“She’s got some clue,” Madeline pointed out. “Remember when she had that bad feeling? That dream or whatever.”
“Do you think that was because her family was being transferred to that transit camp?” I took out the paper with the summary from Yad Vashem and skimmed it. “The dates kind of match up.”
“I don’t know.” Madeline laid her elbow on the table and her head on her hand. “I mean, it’s not like this is a sci-fi novel, and Anna’s got supernatural powers. This all really happened.”
“You’re right,” I said. “As usual.”
“Of course. What would you do without me?”
I knew she was waiting for a clever comeback, but I wasn’t in the mood. Anna’s happiness was making me miserable.
Wednesday, 8 October 1941
Oh Belle, I am bursting with happy! The owner loved the coat, and he ordered 6 for his store! SIX! He was not friendly, he did not even said his name. But he did say, “It’s beautiful, just like this young model.” My cheeks got terrific hot, I tried to hide them in the collar of the coat. But oh! Can you imagine? I want to dance for joy!
The good news continues . . . I got a job at the factory! Here’s how: When Walter and the store owner left, Max placed 5 dollar bills in my hand. “For modeling,” he said. The uncles protested in Yiddish, and Max argued, calmly, right back. I’m glad he won the argument, because I need that money. You see, I was planning to ask Max for a job in the factory, to save money to bring all of you here. I was so very nervous to ask, but this money gave me courage. I didn’t do it very gracefully or surely . . . but I did said to Max, “I want to work. I can sew, I will learn fast. I will work every day.” Mamelikanner, it is good I was not asking for a job to give speeches. I did say the most important thing though, and I tried to say it loud enough so the uncles would hear, if they could understand. I said, “I want to save money to help my family come.”
Max looked sad for a moment, but then he resumed a normal look and rubbed his chin. First he said they will need me to model some more, and for me to help with the sizing of the 6 new coats . . . they will pay me for that time. Then he began talking to the uncles in Yiddish. They seemed to be coming to his side. Finally, Max gave the answer. “No sewing, but you can do odd jobs. Sweeping, running errands, answering the door . . .”
How perfect, n’est-ce pas? “I will come every day,” I promised.
He added, “After school.” (I was to begin school this week, but because Sukkot was yesterday and with the coat so important, I begin next week instead.)
Now it is set. One dollar each day. After school, I will take the subway for Manhattan to work at the factory, then come home with Max. It will be tired making, yes, but I will be helping, and saving money for you.
Uncle Egg opened a closet I have not noticed before, and he took out a broom. He held out it to me and said, “Nu?”
My job started right then! I used a big magnet to pick up nails from the floor (they call the magnet “the nail getter”), piled up the scraps of fur, and learned to work the door buzz. I can picture the big stack of Reichsmarks that Mama gave to the passeur. That was only enough for one, and the price is most surely more by now. I haven’t a clue how many dollars or cents it takes to make one Reichsmark, but no doubt it will take a long time for me to save enough. I am happy, though, because I will be one dollar closer every day.
Thursday, 9 October 1941
Oh Belle, another splendid day! To celebrate the coat, Hannah and Max took me to the cinema! Max wanted to see a picture called “Citizen Kane,” but Hannah wanted something light and fun, so she pointed to “Fantasia” . . . she said is so good it have been showing at the Broadway for 1 whole year. They gave me the final decision, and I choosed “Fantasia.” Maybe it is made for younger children (like Oliver or Greta . . . it has Mickey Mouse) but I thought it was wonderful.
Oh, I almost forgot. The World Series is over. The Dodgers lost. Freddy wears black every day. “I’m in mourning,” he said. “This is the worst week of my life.”
You would slap him. I wanted to, but I tightened my fists and just walked away.