The Impossible Journey Read Online Free PDF Page A

Mrs. Zotov will never make blini or buy us presents.”
    I think Georgi nearly killed Mama with his words. Mama tried to explain. “Georgi, dear, Papa and I don’t want to be away. They are making us go away. The place they will send us is very far. It’s a journey of many days. I know you are disappointed about Christmas, but you are a big boy now. You will be very brave.”
    Georgi’s face was puckered, and I could see he was fighting his tears. In an angry voice he said, “I won’t be brave. I don’t want you to go away.”
    â€œGeorgi,” Mama said, “you’re breaking my heart. I would give anything to stay here with you.” She turned to me and, taking my hands in hers, said, “Marya, you are only a child, but now you must giveup being a child. You must take care of Georgi.”
    Georgi stamped his foot. “I don’t want Marya to take care of me. She’s too bossy.”
    Mama put her arms around Georgi and drew him to her. “Listen to me, Georgi. I depend on you to take care of Marya.” She looked up at me, giving me a secret smile.
    Georgi was quiet now. The idea of being in charge of me was pleasant to him. It almost made him forget that Mama and Papa were going away. He wiped his tears with his fist.
    â€œWhen can we see Papa?” he asked.
    At this Mama became very pale and still. After a moment she said, “Even I can’t see him, Georgi. Tonight, when you say your prayers, you must say one for Papa.”
    The door opened and the same woman strode in. A rough voice ordered us to leave. She reached out and took hold of Mama’s arm, but Mama pulled away. She hugged Georgi to her and then gathered mein her arms and whispered, “Marya, be patient with him—he is only a child.”
    A moment later she was gone. I wanted to run after her. There had not been time enough to say all that had to be said.
    The soldier who had given us the papers to fill out came to collect us. “You have to go now,” he ordered.
    The prison with its dark hallways and iron doors frightened me. Still, as long as Mama and Papa were there, I did not want to leave. Georgi slipped his hand into mine.
    â€œCome, Marya,” he said.
    I looked down at him. He was looking up at me, and on his face was a protective look. As we left the prison, the soldier called after us, “Be sure to tell Comrade Yakir when you see him that I carried out his orders.”

CHAPTER FOUR
THE BEAR
    When we returned to the apartment, Mrs. Zotov demanded to know where we had been. “I hope you have not made difficulties for us.”
    In a bold voice I said, “We have been to NKVD headquarters and to the Kresti Prison.” I could not keep a little pride out of my voice.
    She was horrified. “How could you do such a thing? It’s a wonder they did not keep you there. What were you thinking?” Her face was pale.
    I pretended that going to those places was the most natural thing in the world. “Everyone was very nice,” I lied, “and we saw Mama.”
    At that her face softened. “How is she, and what of your papa?”
    I told her of the visit. “But we didn’t see Papa. Even Mama hasn’t seen him.” I didn’t tell her I planned on returning to the prison.
    She was quiet, looking at us as if we were curious beetles to be examined for a moment and then stamped upon.
    â€œYou two will be nothing but trouble for us. Perhaps it would be best if you found another place to stay.”
    I did not want to stay with the Zotovs, but if we left, we would never receive Mama’s letter letting us know where she was. I did not dare say that such a letter was coming, for I knew that Mrs. Zotov wanted nothing more to do with my parents. They would think a letter from Mama a very dangerous thing. I took Georgi’s hand and headed for the door. Halfway there I turned and said, “Mama said you could have