The Children’s Train

Karl Radley strode in, wearing his police uniform. He stomped into the lunchroom. The nauseating aroma of his cologne swirled around him.

Radley’s boots clicked to the front. “Attention, kinder! I have an announcement from the mayor of Berlin. Jewish children are no longer welcome in this school. They must leave, immediately!”

All the children turned and stared at Hans, Stephen, Peter, and Eva.

Radley turned on his heels and glared at them. “Now!”

The four banished children stood up. Otto looked at them, his eyes wide like a frightened animal not knowing which way to run from danger. Olga kept her eyes on her food.

“You may take nothing with you. Go,” Radley shouted. “Schnell!”

The Jewish children walked toward the door, looking back at the children who used to be their friends.

Otto suddenly stood up. Hans, Stephen, Peter, and Eva stopped and stared at him.

“Why do they have to go?” Otto said, his voice wavering. “They’re students here. We have known them all our lives.”

Radley glared at Otto and marched over to stand in front of him. “Because they are contaminating this school. Sit down, you idiot!” Radley spat out each word.

Otto glanced at his friends, and then slowly sat down, his allegiance chosen reluctantly by an unspoken threat of force.

The three boys, and Eva with tears in her eyes, turned back around. Their football friend could not help them today. With their heads down and shoulders slumped, they shuffled to the door, exiled from their school.