That is the only thing I can think of: a prayer to G-d, to help us find Papa.  Mama and Freddy are frantic, and I am not far behind.

We have been walking many miles.  We have also been in hiding, hiding in secret places, hoping that the Nazis won't find us.  That may prove to be difficult to do because they are crawling everywhere.

We are closer to finding Papa; Mama says she can feel it in her bones, but I am scared that we will be discovered.  Then, when (and if) we are, we will be taken into custody and there's no telling what may happen to us down the road.

I keep trying to keep Freddy, my little brother, quiet, but not without much success.  Every time he sneezes, coughs, or clears his throat, I'm scared that they will hear us, the Nazis, and I'm scared that we will be treated most cruelly.

I have heard stories about how the Jews are treated.  The Jews are treated very badly, and I've also heard talk that people who are handicapped, homosexuals (whatever that means), and people who are "Gypsy" are treated just as badly as the Jews, if not even worse.

I don't know if the stories are true , but what I have heard is truly frightening.  It just makes me fear more for Papa and whether we will ever see him again ... alive.

The air is smelly.  It smells like fire and smoke hangs thick.  It is enough to make me nauseated.  I don't know what is going on, but I don't like it.  Why can't the Nazis just leave us alone and stop tormenting us day after day after day?  I'm afraid things are only going to get worse.

Much worse.

Like now.  I just felt a hand on my shoulder and the sensation of being lifted up off the ground.  I stare into the ugly, sneering face of a soldier.  A German soldier.  Worse, a Nazi.  I see that telltale Nazi swasticka on his uniform! That is the last thing I remember before he hit me with his heavy club and then, everything went black.

~To be continued.