“I’m sure both things are entirely possible. Time will tell. But I think we can all agree that what the Nazis have done —invading a nation at peace, killing our young men, bombing and slaughtering innocent civilians —that these actions are wicked and evil. God asks in the words of the psalmist, ‘Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?’ Each of us must decide how we will respond.”

“Please be careful, Papa.”

He straightened and reached out to embrace her. “Don’t worry about me, Engelena. I must learn to fear God more than I fear men. He is the One I must answer to.”

CHAPTER 21

NOVEMBER 1940

Miriam found Ans and Eloise waiting at the café for her when she arrived. Ever since the Nazi invasion six months ago, Eloise’s emotional struggles meant she and Ans were unable to leave the town house to meet with Miriam as often. This lovely fall day seemed to be one of her better ones. Miriam savored the rich aroma of coffee as the waitress set the cup in front of her. “That smells wonderful,” she said, glad to be free of the nausea that had plagued her these past months.

Eloise poured tea from a little pot into her cup. “I wonder how much longer we’ll be able to enjoy such luxuries as coffee and tea. In the last war —”

“Let’s not spoil the day by talking about the war,” Ans interrupted. “We haven’t seen Miriam in weeks.”

“Yes, and I have exciting news to share,” Miriam hurried to say. “Avi and I are expecting a baby.”

Ans leaned close to hug her. “I’m so thrilled for you! When?”

“Sometime next year. In early March, I think.”

“You and Avi must be overjoyed,” Eloise said. “Naturally, you’ll need a bigger apartment. And we’ll need to go shopping with you for baby clothes and diapers and —”

“We’ll have plenty of time for all of that,” Miriam said, laughing. “Our current apartment fits us just fine for now. Our landlady, Mrs. Spielman, has become a second mother to me, teaching me how to cook and bake, and she would be heartbroken if we moved.”

“Have you heard from your mother or the rest of your family in Germany?” Eloise asked.

Miriam shook her head, looking down at her coffee as she blinked away tears. How quickly her moods bounced from joy to sorrow these days. She thought she understood how Eloise’s painful past could bring so many ups and downs.

“I understand that Avi has found work?” Ans asked.

“He’s doing odd jobs for Abba’s friend from the synagogue. It’s not ideal, but he’s glad to be working. And Abba is happy to be back in the classroom, lecturing to his students. He loves to teach.”