The Forgiving Heart (The Heart of Minnesota Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

We never felt secure, but we didn’t believe things were going to get as bad as people said. My brother moved here in 1940. He warned us to get out too, but we said we didn’t want to uproot the boys.”
    Regina stopped and wiped a tear from her eye, “I am thankful we did not wait any longer because it is sure to get worse before it gets better.”
    Karlijna didn’t wish to pry, but she was curious, “What made you change your mind?”
    Regina didn’t seem to mind the question, “Erich was arrested. He was accused of something he didn’t do. While he was sitting in the cell, he heard two officers talking about where they were going to send him and that they would come and take us the next day. 
    “Erich was terrified.  How could he warn us to run, to hide as some of our friends had already done. To his surprise, they let him go, but as he was leaving one guard said, ‘See you soon.’
    “Erich tried to look confused, so they wouldn’t know he knew. Then he hurried home, got us and everything we could pull together quickly and got us out of the city. We sent news to Maurice that we were coming as soon as we could. While we waited, we hid in the country with some friends.”
    Karlijna didn’t have to ask why they didn’t stay longer with the friends. Hiding Jews was a dangerous undertaking.
    “We found out about the boat to come here and were getti ng ready to leave when the Nazis came to the house where we were staying. Our friends, Rose and Alex, sent us down to the cellar. The soldiers didn’t search the house. They just wanted food, but it was enough to scare us all. We didn’t even bother with our things. We told Rose and Alex to burn everything or sell it, just to get rid of the evidence.”
    “I’m sorry you had to leave everything,” Karlijna’s voice was sympathetic.
    Regina shook her head, “Not everything,” she nodded toward the two little cherubs in the field, “Everything I value is here with me – safe.”
    The ladies let the children play for more than an hour.
    “We should get back soon,” Regina looked at the sky. “Today is Friday, and Maurice observes the Sabbath very strictly.”
    Karlijna had known Jews in Belgium who did this, but had never been a part of the ritual.
    For some reason, she had thought it would be a somber affair, somber and tedious. It was not.  Reflecting on it Saturday night, Karlijna realized it was similar to their Sunday gatherings. The family ate together and visited quietly. There was a reading from a book; Karlijna wondered what it was, but hadn’t the courage to ask.
    Regina woke her the next morning while it was still dark, “Karlijna, there is a Gentile service today,” her voice was a mere whisper. “Would you like to go?”
    Karlijna was touched by Regina’s thoughtfulness, “Would it be offensive to your husband or brother?”
    The lady laughed, “No. They know you are not Jewish. They don’t expect to convert you this soon.”
    She ro se, “I have something for you. Wait here.”
    Karlijna stood to her feet and straightened the blanket on her mat.  She was reaching for her scarf when Regina reentered the room.
    “Rachel and I found – ” she stopped short, “Oh, Karlijna,” the woman reached out and touched the girl’s closely cropped hair.
    Karlijna quickly pulled her scarf over her head.
    Regina put the garment she was carrying over her arm and reached out to touch Karlijna’s head at the edge of the scarf.
    “ They did this to you?  The Nazis?”
    Karlijna gave a little smile, “Plea se don’t think about it Regina. I’m sorry you had to see it.”
    Regina made an attempt to do as she was told, “Rachel and I found an old dress of hers.  We cut it down a little so it might fit you.”
    Karlijna was delighted at the thought. It had been more than a week since Mrs. Polaski had washed her clothes, “A dress?  For me?”
    “Yes,” she held it up to Karlijna, “We weren’t sure about the size, but we wanted to