I sat up in bed as soon as I heard my name. I was used to falling asleep to Mama, Papa, and Uncle Friedrich talking about politics- but since when did they talk about me? I listened for other tidbits to piece together what they were saying. "Hiding...." "The Schmidt's are already gone.." and of course, "Hitler". That was all everybody talked about. I tiptoed out of bed silently, when suddenly Trudy rolled over in her sleep, making our shared bed creak loudly. I winced from the noise, but after a minute or so without anybody responding to the sound, I continued, sat down, and pressed my ear against the door. This was worse, if anything, than listening from the bed. All I heard was mumbling and pacing. Carefully, I opened the door and tiptoed to the top of the stairs, where my brothers were already positioned. I leaned my head on Domonic's shoulder, and listened. Courtesy to the candlelight, I could faintly see Mama, sitting, arms crossed, at the table, while Unlce Friedrich and Papa were both standing up, speaking over each other.
"Frau* Holländer," Uncle Friedrich said, "Just let us tell you the whole plan....".
"Rosa, we are all out of work, and Friedrich and I are both scheduled to go to Auschwitz-" Papa tried.
"Trudy can be dealt with...".
"Just let me explain it to you all together, please!" Papa said.
"Alright." Mama said, looking up at Papa.
"We will tell the children to pack. We'll explain everything to the older ones, and tell Trudy we are going on a trip. We will all go to Frau Kugler's house and hid in her cellar, except Annalise, who will go to Frau van Pel's apartment across the street, and pose as her daughter. Annalise will come to Frau Kugler's daily, to supposedly care for her because of an illness she will fake. She will never speak directly to us but will drop off food and supplies, which Frau Kugler cannot purchase without arousing suspicion She will also give updates on the outside world. It will work, I promise you!" Papa finished. I could tell Mama was thinking.
"Fine. I'll do it." she said.
"Oh, thank you ma'am!" Uncle Friedrich said, while Papa held her hand and smiled. I turned to look at my brothers who both looked surprised and worried. We were going into hiding from the Nazi's. I was to pose as the daughter of someone I barely knew. And the punishment if we were found? Most likely, Death.
*Frau means Mrs. in German
