Broken

LUKAS' POV

Two weeks had passed since Papa died. We rarely talked about it and Mama acted like everything was okay. We stayed inside now. Mama didn't think it was safe and it wasn't like we had school to attend. Hitler had taken that too. Hitler has taken almost everything from me. My Papa, my education, and now my home.

LUKAS RELIVES A MEMORY

At least I can read. I told myself, when I heard three loud raps at the door. “Go to your rooms and lock the door. Do not come out until I tell you.” Mama told me and Lena. Lena clutched my hand. We both knew who was at the door. It was the Stasi. They were Hitler’s men and they were dangerous. They killed innocent people. I shut the door and put my ear next to it. “You and your family are Jewish, correct.” “Yes sir.” Mama said with fear in her voice. “We are moving all Jewish citizens into a new home.” “We will come and get you when it is time to move.” “You have three days to pack. Only pack your necessities, nothing else.” And with that he left. I heard the door slam shut and I saw Mama sink to the floor “Why Lord, why us?” “Do you not love us?” she cried.

LENA'S POV

We leave today. "Where are we going?" I ask Lukas "I don't know Lena. None of us do." "How do you stay happy? How do you not feel broken?" I asked Lukas. "It is hard. But, I try thinking about the things I am grateful for." "But, what is there to be grateful for.?" I move my voice to a whisper "I mean Hitler has taken everything from us." I told him "Not everything. I still have you." he told me with a smile on his face. I let my head fall on his shoulder. BANG BANG BANG. They were here. "Grab your bags." Mama told us. I didn't have one. I lost everything I owned in the explosion. No, I'm grateful for a light move. I won't be so exhausted then. He was right. It kind of worked. "Hurry up, it is time to leave." the Stasi yelled at us. We walked out of the door and followed a group of people, all Jewish. They led us to a train. But something about it wasn't right. There were no seats. "It's a cargo train. They are not meant for people." Lukas told me. I could tell he was scared too. "Get in!" the man yelled and me while hitting me with the end of his rifle. I walked in and it was crowded. There was no room to sit down. They shut the door on us and the train started moving. I squeezed Lukas' hand and he squeezed back. "What is the bucket for?" I heard a kid say. "That is the restroom." the elder man told us. As I looked around I realized that there were some really skinny people in here too. And they were dirty and tired. "What is wrong?" I asked one of them "Where are we going?" "To a Death Camp."