Free The End of Days by Helen Sendyk Page B

Everyone was nervous and anxious. By five o'clock in the afternoon we had only reached Oswiecim. It was announced that the train was not going any further. I figured that from here I must make it on foot. When the sun started setting, I put all the muktsah [things one is not to use on the Sabbath] into the suitcase."
Papa managed a faint smile to show how pleased he was with Vrumek's behavior. "That is why the Almighty brought you home safely," Papa commented. "You will recite birkas hagomel [the benediction of gratitude] tomorrow in shul," he added.
We sat there till late at night, asking questions and thanking God for his divine guidance and deliverance of Vrumek back to the bosom of the family.
The next day was traumatic. People started leaving town. Whoever had relatives or even acquaintances out of town went to stay with them. People were frantically packing up anything they could haul along. They used cars, wagons, carts, anything on wheels. They left in haste without saying good-bye. Papa and Mama walked around the house, not daring to look each other in the eye. We all knew the sad truth. Where would we go? What would we do with Goldzia?
Aunt Esther came over on Saturday night. She did not sit, as usual, in the kitchen, beside Goldzia's bed. She went straight into the store, where Mama followed her. They agreed that we must all stay here in Chrzanow, and they talked about fortifying the house. Jacob was listening silently, but when Aunt Esther was getting ready to leave, he finally spoke up.

 

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"You all know I have a sister in Krakow. I want to take Blimcia there. I know she does not want to leave you here, but she is my wife, and it is my responsibility to protect her. Please, Blimcia, for the sake of our unborn child, you must listen to me."
Blimcia was still reluctant. It was Aunt Esther and Mama who suddenly insisted that Blimcia and Jacob leave. Mama even came up with the idea that they should take me along. After long discussion, Aunt Esther went home with nothing resolved.
Sunday morning, September 3, I was sent away to Mama's cousin, who lived on the outskirts of town. Safely away from the commotion of the town, I played with my second cousins until Nachcia appeared. She called me to come home with her immediately. There was not a moment to waste, not even time to notify my cousin that I was going. She instructed the other children to leave word. I wanted to finish our game, but Nachcia insisted. We ran home together. On the way I learned from my sister that Blimcia and Jacob were ready with their bundles of supplies and waiting for me to join them.
We passed scores of people going down Krakowska Street with loaded backpacks. The atmosphere was one of panic. There were wagons, bicycles, and even baby carriages loaded with bundles. Blimcia and Jacob were indeed waiting in front of the store. Blimcia wore her coat even though the weather was still warm. Jacob carried a backpack. Mama came out carrying my coat on her arm.
"Here, wear the coat and go with Blimcia," she said earnestly. She helped me with my coat and gave me a brief hug. Then she quickly disappeared into the house, choking back her tears. Nachcia followed Mama, but there in the doorway stood Papa, Nachcia's coat in his hand. He threw the coat over her shoulders, delicately pushing her ahead and saying, "You go too, my child."
"But why?" Nachcia pleaded.
"It is for the best," he said, leading her out of the door. Blimcia and Jacob were already walking ahead.

 

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"They are gone, Papa," Nachcia said, trying to come back into the house.
"Run after them!" Papa prodded her.
"I haven't even said good-bye to Mama," she cried.
"There is no time. I will say it for you, and anyway you will be back home soon."
Nachcia ran after Blimcia, holding on to my hand.
"Where are we going?" I demanded when we caught up with Blimcia and Jacob. "You are treating me like a baby," I said bitterly in an undertone.
They thought I did not understand the