“I believe he’s grading stones for the diamond market,” Ari replied. “Mr. Behr was a respected gemologist, not only in Germany, but in several other countries, including the United States.”
“And, what happens to the gems when he’s done?”
“They’re sold on the diamond market, based on his evaluation. When merchants see his signature on the certificates, they know they can trust the rating.”
“Didn’t you say the Behr’s used to live in the United States?” Merrick asked.
“Yes, that’s where they lived when I started my case study,” Ari replied.
“But he’s a Hebrew. Why would he want to move his family from the safety of the United States to Germany, of all places?”
Ari acknowledged Merrick’s point. “Actually, Mr. Behr grew up in Germany. He learned the trade from his father, a respected gemologist with a very successful jewelry business. When the younger Mr. Behr completed his schooling, his father sent him to the United States to set up his own business and act as a liaison between the European and American diamond markets. Several years later, when Mr. Behr senior passed away, Adie’s father returned with his family to Berlin and assumed control of the family business. Sadly, Mr. Behr’s mother, Adie’s grandmother, died just a few years later.”
“So, Adie’s father had no idea what was coming?” Merrick asked, “...the Nazis, I mean.”
Ari shook his head. “The family arrived in 1934. The Nazi party was just starting its rise to power.”
> > >
The sequence ended in Adie’s bedroom, where pearl white walls combined with diffused window light to produce a delightfully cheery atmosphere. A canopy of white pleated draperies hung above the bed—its covering, a pale blue spread with intricate white embroidery.
# # #
“I just wanted you to see Adie’s room before we moved on,” Ari explained. “The other three bedrooms on this floor were set aside for visitors.”
“My word,” Merrick said. “I’ve seen enough Earth homes to know that this is about as good as it gets. I assume they did a lot of entertaining.”
“Yes, indeed! It was a big part of their life. With Mr. Behr being a prominent businessman and his wife a famous pianist, they were quite a social family. Of course, all that ended with the war.”
CHAPTER 7
> > >
In the small lounge on the first floor, Adie rested comfortably in her mother’s arms listening to her favorite of Grimm’s Fairy Tales: “Snow-White and Rose-Red.” Mrs. Behr had a wonderful gift for applying individuality to each character, and as always, Adie was captivated. She looked up at her mother as the story neared its end. Mrs. Behr paused for a moment to kiss her daughter’s forehead and then continued reading.
As they crossed the heath again on their way home, they surprised the dwarf, who had emptied out his bag of precious stones in a clean spot, and had not thought that anyone would come there so late. The evening sun shone upon the brilliant stones; they glittered and sparkled with all colours so beautifully that the children stood still and stared at them. ‘Why do you stand gaping there?’ cried the dwarf, and his ashen-gray face became copper-red with rage. He was still cursing when loud growling was heard, and the black bear came trotting towards them out of the forest. The dwarf sprang up in a fright, but he could not reach his cave, for the bear was already close. Then in the dread of his heart he cried: ‘Dear Mr. Bear, spare me, I will give you all my treasures; look, the beautiful jewels lying there: Grant me my life; what do you want with such a slender little fellow as I? You would not feel me between your teeth. Come, take these two wicked girls, they are tender morsels for you, fat as young quails; for mercy’s sake eat them!’ The bear took no heed of his words, but gave the wicked creature a single blow with his paw, and he did not move again.
The girls had run away, but the bear called to them: ‘Snow-white and Rose-red, do not be afraid; wait, I will come with you.’ Then they recognized his voice and waited, and when he came up to them suddenly his bearskin fell off, and he stood there a handsome man, clothed all in gold. ‘I am a king’s son,’ he said, ‘and I was bewitched by that wicked dwarf, who had stolen my treasures; I have had to run about the forest as a savage bear until I was freed by his death. Now he has got his well-deserved punishment.’
Snow-white was married to him, and Rose-red to his brother, and they divided between them the great treasure which the dwarf had gathered together in his cave.
When her mother finished the story, Adie asked, “Mama, do you think I will marry a prince?”
Mrs. Behr gave the question some thought, and said, “Well, my love, there just aren’t many princes to be had these days. But I hope you would marry out of love, and not because of the young man’s station in life.”
“Then, how will I know which one is the right one?”
“You will just know. You will feel it in your heart. But when the feeling does come, be sure you know the young man’s character. Is he worthy of your respect? Does he have a temper? Is he honest? Is he kind—happy—loyal? These are all things we have raised you to be. If you find someone with these qualities, I think you will have done everything you can to make a happy future. Just remember...marry for love, whether he’s a lawyer, a doctor, or even a handsome jeweler like your father.”
“Oh, Mama….”
# # #
“Adie is really quite charming,” Merrick commented. “What a joy she must have been for her family.”
Ari nodded in agreement. “She loved them dearly, especially her father.”
Merrick thought for a moment. “I wonder if she likes that story because the jewels remind her of her father.”
“You know, I never noticed that.”
“What an unusual story, though—I find it curious that a bear could speak.”
Ari smiled. “Well, it’s a fairy tale. You can do whatever you wish in a fairy tale.”
CHAPTER 8
“This next sequence happened later that same year during Hanukkah,” Ari said, “when Adie’s aunt and uncle visited from America.”
———————
Uncle Leonard was a large, barrel-chested man with rosy cheeks and a deep voice. His contagious laugh could light up a room and everyone in it. Aunt Joyce, by comparison, was kind-hearted, subdued, and very attentive to her children: five-year-old Max and his sister, Esther, a precocious eight.
> > >
The scene began a half hour before dinner. Uncle Leonard called all the children into the small lounge and suggested a game of Hide-and-Seek to work up an appetite for the “splendid” duck dinner.
“But Daddy, I’m too old for such things,” Esther pleaded. “Can’t I play the piano, instead?”
“Don’t be silly,” her father said. “Look at this grand house. Think of all the lovely hiding places. Come on now—let’s have some fun.” After laying down the ground-rules, Uncle Leonard dispatched the children to go look for hiding places, and covering his eyes, he started counting. Within a minute he was nearly finished. “—forty-eight, forty-nine, FIFTY!” he thundered. “Ready or not, here I come!” Uncle Leonard picked up a lounge pillow, balanced it on his head, and began making loud scary noises, like a monster. “Ha, ha, ha...Ho, ho, ho...I’m coming! I wonder where they are! I’m going to find you—look out!” His bellowing brought a whole new dimension to the game.
Adie took up a position under the skirt of the display table in the main lounge. Though she knew it was all a game, she trembled with excitement at the sound of her uncle’s deep, menacing voice. She laid down flat on the carpet and peeked out from under the table skirt just in time to see Uncle Leonard enter the room, still thundering loudly. Seeing the pillow on his head was more than she could take, and she started to giggle.
Uncle Leonard pretended not to hear and began to look around the room. He finally came to a stop in front of Adie’s hiding place, making sure both of his feet protruded under the table skirt. “I wonder where they are!” he cal
led out in a booming voice.
Adie was beside herself, holding her hand tightly over her mouth; her giggling, now out of control. To her amazement, Uncle Leonard turned and slowly plodded out of the room, still bellowing as he receded down the corridor toward the kitchen. Over the next several minutes, she heard screams from both cousins, causing her to tremble all the more.
Uncle Leonard quietly returned to the room where Adie was hiding, Max and Esther in tow. Leaving his children at the door to watch, he slowly approached the table, got on his knees and bent down. Then, with amazing speed, he lifted the skirt and yelled a bone-chilling, “BOO!”
Adie screamed as her uncle took hold of her, rolled over on his back, and pulled her close, making loud monster sounds as he rocked her back and forth. Adie was clearly having the time of her life. After a moment, Uncle Leonard stopped abruptly, and said, “I’m hungry, let’s eat.”
Everyone laughingly agreed, and following his lead, headed for the dining room.
# # #
“You know, when I saw that for the first time,” said Ari, “it reminded me of a Christmas Day on Marcova and some fun we had when our relatives came to visit.”
“Me too,” said Merrick, “You just don’t forget those days. I must admit, I’m beginning to wish I had a little sister.”
Ari smiled. “You may not have noticed, but I believe you have two. Anyway, I think you’d have a hard time convincing Claire and Jennie otherwise.”
“And you have no idea how much that means to me.”
Ari reached for his drink. “So, you getting tired? Want to call a halt?”
“Are you kidding?” Merrick protested. “Not in the least...this is a real treat.”
“Well, then...this next part took place the following evening, when the families returned home from ice skating. It was the first night of Hanukkah, the Hebrew Festival of Lights.”
CHAPTER 9
> > >
Walking through the door, Max couldn’t stop complaining about the cold. “Mommy, my hands hurt…. I can’t even feel my toes.”
“You’re not the only one,” Esther said. “Oh, the house feels lovely.”
Uncle Leonard brushed the snow from his coat. “Boy oh boy, it really turned cold out there! I thought my ears were going to freeze off! Adie, where did you learn to skate like that? You looked like a ballerina out there.”
“Mama taught me.”
Mrs. Behr smiled. “Lenny, don’t you remember—when we were children?” She struck a graceful pose.
“Oh, yes...my sister...queen of the ice rink,” Uncle Leonard replied.
Mr. Behr interrupted. “Not to change the subject, but I was wondering if anyone would be interested in a friendly game of Dreidel, tonight?” He retrieved his briefcase from the cloak closet and pulled out two net bags full of gold chocolate coins.
For the children, all thoughts of “discomfort” vanished, replaced by gleeful shouts.
“Well, I guess I have my answer,” Mr. Behr laughed. “Dreidel it is, then!”
“Why don’t you children go in the living room and warm up by the fire?” Mrs. Behr suggested. “I’ll go see if the cook’s ready to serve dinner?”
# # # One Hour Later > > >
“Well, children,” said Mr. Behr, “shall we say the prayer and light the first candle of Hanukkah?”
“Yes, yes!” little Max said with exuberance.
“Then let’s begin,” Mr. Behr said, striking a match and offering it to Adie. “Sweetheart, why don’t you light the candle?”
Everyone joined in reciting the traditional prayer in Hebrew. “Blessed are You, O Lord Our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah. Blessed are You, O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who made miracles for our forefathers in those days at this time. Blessed are You, O Lord Our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.”
With the first candle of Hanukkah lit, Mr. Behr carried the small menorah through the foyer and placed it in the window next to the front door. Returning, he said, “Now, how about that game of Dreidel?”
They all retired to the small lounge, and after taking seats at the card table, the game began.
Ari allowed the sequence to play for a time and then skipped forward to the end. Meanwhile, Adie had slowly accumulated the chocolate coins until they were all in her possession.
“Adie...you win!” Max declared.
After a hearty congratulations from everyone, Adie gave three coins to each of the other children, then scooped up the rest and stuffed them into the two large pockets of her sweater. After a moment, she excused herself to visit the bathroom.
Her mother offered a tentative nod. “All right, but hurry back. We have gifts to give you.”
Adie scurried off toward the entryway bathroom, but darted left and shot up the stairs. She ran across the second floor landing and down the hall to her cousins’ room. Emptying her pockets of the gold coins, she placing several under each of their pillows while keeping some for herself. She then dashed out and rejoined the others.
“Well, that didn’t take long,” Mrs. Behr said.
Adie grinned. “I couldn’t wait to see our presents.”
For gifts, the children received an assortment of hard candy and taffy, as well as some money to spend on whatever they wished. In addition, Adie’s father gave each child a check for ten marks, to be made out to the charity of their choice. As she had done the year before, Adie chose the orphanage near their synagogue.
# # #
Merrick eased back on the sofa. “I think you’ve done a great job selecting these events. Each one seems to give a little more insight into Adie’s character.”
Ari nodded. “I’m glad you’re seeing that. I just hope when we’re finished, I’ll have done her justice.”
“Oh, I have little doubt of that.”
Ari gestured toward the display. “These next sequences involve the births of Adie’s brothers, David and Gil. They were born one year apart.”
CHAPTER 10
> > >
The scene opened with Mr. Behr seated in the living room, his face buried in the local newspaper. As Adie and her very pregnant mother approached, Mrs. Behr had the look of a woman on mission. “Michael, if you have a moment, there is something I would like to discuss.”
Mr. Behr allowed the paper to flop down halfway. “Yes, yes, my dear, what is it?”
“I was wondering...what would you think of Adie attending the midwife when the time comes?”
Her words sank in, and the paper dropped to Mr. Behr’s lap. “Attending the mid...my word, Rina, she’s only eight years old. Do you think that’s wise? Is she ready for that kind of thing?”
“Well, she’s old enough to ask where babies come from.”
Mr. Behr looked at Adie and raised an eyebrow.
“Michael, think now, she may never have another chance to see such a miracle.”
Mr. Behr frowned and cleared his throat. “Obviously you have given this some thought…. I assume you told her what to expect.” With his wife’s nod, Mr. Behr turned to Adie. “Well, little one, are you sure this is something you want to do?”
Adie’s expression was unwavering. “Oh, yes, Papa.”
“You don’t think it’s going to be too scary for you?”
“No, Papa.”
Mr. Behr pondered for a moment. “Well, then you go ahead, but I’m going to be a chicken and wait outside, if that’s okay.”
Excited, Adie ran to her father, leaned in, and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Papa. I’ll be good. You’ll see.”
# # # Two Weeks Later > > >
Adie rushed through the reception hall toward the front entrance, while Mrs. Behr lagged behind, slowed by her condition. The door opened to a short woman in her mid-forties.
“Hello, my dear. I’m Mrs. Meinstein, the midwife. Is your mommy home?”
“Y
es, I’m coming,” Mrs. Behr answered, plodding through the foyer, “just moving a little slowly, I’m afraid. Please, come in.”
“That’s all right, take your time,” Mrs. Meinstein said. “Is this your daughter? Such a lovely little girl.”
Mrs. Behr arrived a little short of breath. “Oh, I’m sorry. This is Adie. Please go in and have a seat in the living room. We’ll be right with you.” Mrs. Behr waited until the midwife was out of hearing before quietly correcting her daughter. “Adie, dear, listen now...when someone introduces herself to you, it’s polite to return the favor. Let’s remember that in the future, all right?”
“Yes, Mama, I’ll remember,” Adie said, and they joined the midwife.
After some preliminary discussion, Mrs. Behr said, “If it’s all right with you, I’d like my daughter to be present during the birth.”
With an uncomfortable smile, Mrs. Meinstein said, “It’s a little unusual; however, if this is your wish….” She turned to Adie. “And how do you feel about this, my dear?”
“Oh, I think it would be wonderful,” Adie said with enthusiasm.
“Well, I admire your spirit and your courage, little one, but this isn’t like playing dolls with your friends. It isn’t like anything you have ever seen. Some people describe it as a miraculous event, though it is also very stressful and difficult—even shocking. I’ll tell you what, if it’s okay with your mommy, I’ll describe what to expect. You listen closely. Then, when I’m done, we’ll see if you still wish to do this.”
Mrs. Behr nodded her approval, and Adie offered her full attention.
“So here we go,” Mrs. Meinstein said, looking Adie squarely in the eye. “Now, when it comes time for the baby to be born, your mommy will start to feel a tightness in her tummy, which will come and go, maybe every ten minutes or so. We call these contractions. She will tell your daddy, and they will call me on the telephone. Later, when the contractions become stronger and happen more often, they will call me again, and I will come. When I arrive, we will go into your parents’ room and prepare the bed. I will lay out some things and get a large basin of warm water. You will notice that I am calm at all times. This will help your mommy. Soon, the contractions will get closer together and much stronger. The baby is surrounded with water in mommy’s tummy, and before the baby can come out, this water must come out. So that will happen next. The contractions will continue and get even stronger and closer together. Your mommy may cry out, because there is much pain. She will be sweating and need her head wiped, and of course she will need encouragement. Next, the baby will start to drop down a little and get ready to be born. Then the contractions will come very close together and will be strong and painful. Your mommy may start shaking, crying out, and yelling that she wants it to stop. You may even hear a few bad words. Just remember, by this time, your mommy is in such pain, she really doesn’t know what she is saying. Before long, we should see the top of the baby’s head, and we will tell mommy to try to push some. Once the head is out, if everything looks all right, we will tell mommy to push hard. And very soon, the baby will come out. Then I will take the baby and put it on your mommy’s tummy. Next the placenta will come out. That’s the part that has been inside of mommy’s tummy keeping the baby alive. Anyway, the baby will be attached to the placenta by a cord and will need to be separated. So I will clamp the cord close to the baby’s tummy, cut it with a special pair of scissors, and tie the cord with thread, like a tourniquet. After all this, I will give the baby to your mommy, and everyone can celebrate the new arrival.” Mrs. Meinstein paused briefly, and said, “Well, little one, what do you think? Still want to go in with us?”