It occurred to Ans that Eloise might be able to battle her depression better if she had another enemy to fight. “Yes, of course I’m with you. But you’ll have to teach me what to do.”

“We won’t be the only ones. Others will fight back too. We —”

The telephone rang, interrupting her. Eloise raced to answer it. “Hello? . . . Herman! I’m so relieved! Are you all right, darling? Where are you? . . . When are you coming home? . . . I see . . . No, don’t put yourself in danger. We’re fine here . . . No, don’t worry about us . . . I love you, too, my darling . . . Yes, just a minute . . .” She put her hand over the receiver and turned to Ans. “Herman is still in Den Haag and can’t get out because of the fighting. He wants to talk to you.”

Ans took the receiver. “Hello, Professor Huizenga.”

“How is Eloise? Is she okay?”

“Yes, so far.” She decided not to worry him by mentioning their trip to the rooftop. Besides, Eloise was standing right beside her.

“Listen, Ans, I don’t know when I’ll be able to get home. Please keep Eloise in the house where it’s safe. And promise me you won’t let her out of your sight for a moment! Especially if she starts to spiral down.”

“Yes, I promise.”

“Promise what?” Eloise asked after Ans hung up.

“That we would both stay inside where it’s safe. I think that means no more trips to the roof.” They returned to the radio in the front room, but Ans was no longer listening to it.

She knew she had turned away from the church for the past few years, but she still believed in God. Would He even listen to her prayers now that she and the people she loved were in danger, or would He ignore her the way she’d been ignoring Him? Ans wanted to believe that Eloise was wrong and that God would hear her prayers.

Papa had read the Bible aloud after dinner for as long as Ans could recall, and the story that came to mind now was the Prodigal Son. The father who ran down the road to welcome his son home was God. He would forgive Ans and welcome her home if she told Him she was sorry. And she was sorry! She needed His help.

As the radio blathered on, Ans silently prayed for her country. For Papa and Erik. For her family. And she prayed that God would help her fulfill her promise to Professor Huizenga to keep Eloise safe.

CHAPTER 16