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Thank You, Erika

 

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Dear Diary,
I don't know how I'm able to write after all that's happened so far. All I can say is that I'm terrified in a strange, numb, shocked way. I don't know exactly if what happened really has happened, it seems like such a blur now.. Let me review what I think happened, that might help me remember all of it.
Early this morning, maybe around three or four, Daddy woke me and my little sister Tamra, and told us to pack as many of our personal belongings as possible into our little suitcases. I was in a groggy daze, and I almost walked out without my diary. I stuck it down my shirt for lack of a better place, since my suitcase was packed full and shut. Tamra kept calling out for Mama, but Daddy told her that she was fine, and we were going to her. I hadn't the mind to ask any questions, but I was satisfied with Daddy's answer. As we were walking hurriedly down the darkened street, sirens blared out in front of us. Daddy swore, pushed us around, and told us to run the other way. The car behind us screeched to a stop, and several men with guns got out. Soldiers, I think, but I'm not sure. They spoke out harshly in German. I couldn't understand, being that I, of course, only speak Polish.

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My Daddy could speak German, though. And he tried explaining something and they kept yelling back. Suddenly, a shot rang out. A bright light. I saw blood, my Daddy fell. All I can remember is that both Tamra and I screamed. She buried her face in my skirt, wailing. The man who shot Daddy ordered some other men with guns to get us, or something like that. I can't be sure. I remember they aimed at us, and I pushed little Tamra behind me. Another shot rang out. I fell to my knees feeling a sharp, burning pain in my thigh. Still I protected Tamra with my body. I fought to keep my eyes open. I heard Tamra scream. The men ran to us, blurring and swirling, now a mass of lights in front of me. The pain was more than I could stand. The lights went red, then dimmed. I woke up in a dark, cold place. I could feel the road rushing by beneath me. I sat up straight and winced. The pain in my leg came back, stinging. The bullet was embedded deep in my flesh, and I couldn't move. I called out for Tamra. She whimpered in reply. My eyes adjusted to the dark and I saw she was close by. I dragged myself to her and took her in my arms. Her head was bleeding, a cut just above her left eye. I held her close for the rest of the night. I don't know what's going to happen to us now.