“I brought my grandmother’s silver candlesticks from home. We can use those.”

“Perfect! Will you light the candles for us? The woman of the household has the honor of welcoming the Sabbath.”

“Yes, of course. Where will you get candles? And wine?”

“I’m going to ask permission to walk to Assen tomorrow.”

“Isn’t that a long way?”

“It is, but it’ll be worth it. And I might be able to hitch a ride with one of the supply vans.”

Abba’s enthusiasm for the idea surprised Miriam. He pushed money into Avi’s hand, offering to pay for the wine and candles. Two other families wanted to join them, along with three single men who lived in Avi’s dormitory. They got permission to pull a table aside in the dining hall for their Shabbat table, and Miriam decorated it with wildflowers and the silver candlesticks. She and Avi were adding the finishing touches when Abba rushed in, waving a letter and his dark-rimmed spectacles in the air. “Miriam! We got a letter from your mother!”

“How is she? What did she say?” Abba’s joy made her certain that Mother must be coming to join them. There was life in his gray face again and a sparkle in his hazel eyes.

“Here, you can read it. It’s to both of us.”

Miriam held her breath as she read, pushing against the anxiety she always felt when she thought of home. According to Mother, everything was the same. Saul was hobbling around on crutches now, but Mother said nothing about him playing his cello. She said nothing about joining them, either. Miriam wondered if the arguments around the dinner table were the same too, now that Abba was gone. Abba watched as she read, and when she finished and looked up at him, she still saw glee on his face. She hadn’t read anything in the letter that accounted for it.

“You’re pleased about something, Abba. What is it?”

“I received another letter today, as well. My labors to find a university position may finally be bearing fruit. The letter is from a colleague at Leiden University, right here in the Netherlands. We met at a conference in Berlin, and he remembers my work. He’s trying to arrange a position for me as a lecturer in physics. I may even be able to continue my research there.”

Miriam hugged him. “That’s wonderful, Abba!”

“Congratulations, Professor Jacobs,” Avi said. “I’m glad you and Miriam may be getting out of this place.” Avi was happy for them, Miriam could tell. But she heard regret in his voice and saw it in his eyes.

“It isn’t definite yet,” Abba said. “But my colleague will continue to lobby on my behalf. He thinks it looks very hopeful.”

Avi turned to her. “You can pursue your musical studies there.”