Mutti’s gaze strayed through the window to the distant gum trees as she sought a way through the dilemma. “But I can’t let you go on like this, Liebling.”
I lifted a shaky hand and stroked her cheek. “I’ll get used to it …”
“Oh, Liebling. You’re still a child. You shouldn’t have to get used to it.”
I sighed. “But you did, in Ravensbrück. And you were younger than me.”
Mutti’s eyes closed and she gave me a gentle squeeze. “I know, Liebling. But that doesn’t mean you have to.”
“We have to keep going, Mutti.” I tried to keep my voice resolute. “We can’t risk betrayal.”
Another squeeze. “But …”
I shook the blanket off my shoulder and sat up. “No, Mutti. If we get this wrong, my father will come after us here, as the SS would have come after you in the camp.”
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