Mama kissed my cheek before going to our room to check on Zofia, so I gathered my belongings. Tata stood, put on his brown tweed jacket over the matching waistcoat, and donned his favorite fedora, gray with a blue Petersham ribbon. In the security of my mind, I begged him not to follow me, but he picked up his cane and dashed my hopes. If he wanted to speak to me alone after an argument, I had a feeling it meant punishment. Silence remained until we stepped out into the hall, then I seized my chance to argue my case.

“I’m sorry, Tata, but Zofia wouldn’t leave me alone, and she almost broke my—”

He cleared his throat, so I fell silent. It was worth an attempt. The wait was agonizing, but I stared past him and focused on the apartment door labeled FLORKOWSKI, our family name. At last he sighed.

“Well,” he said slowly, “I must say, you have impressive reflexes.”

The words conjured a sudden smile, and Tata chuckled while I nestled into his comforting embrace. He held me close. One hand cradled my head as if I were small, and I almost wished I could go back to those times. When I was small, there wasn’t a war. I didn’t have to keep so many secrets from my sister.

“You understand why you’ve been so busy these past months. Zofia doesn’t,” Tata murmured. “She can’t. All I ask is that you try to be more sensitive toward her feelings.”

I sighed. “That would be easier if I could tell her the truth. But I’ll do my best.”

“Would you rather I go to the convent for you today?”

“Did the thief who stole Mama’s handbag find your Kennkarten inside and return them?”

He chuckled. “No, but considering none of the information is accurate, I would have been impressed if he had. Our replacements should be ready in a few days, then we’ll be able to work again.” He kissed my forehead. “Be careful, my brave girl.”

Instead of loosening my grasp, I clung to him a moment longer. His familiar scent was laced with faint traces of wax and pine, evidence of the polish he’d used on his cane that morning. The combination was oddly appealing. At last I lifted my head, and Tata brushed his thumb across my cheek, tracing the remnants of a tear stain.

Once he disappeared into the apartment, I pushed the argument aside and bounded down the stairs. The convent visit was exactly what I needed to lift my spirits. Outside, sunshine kissed my cheeks and lent a golden tint to the beige stucco of our four-story building, but the beautiful day was marred by a disgusting sight.