Page 238 - LEIBY

238 Leiby – Border Smuggler

to keep to the rules for their safety. “Never leave the building
alone, you must always be accompanied by at least two adults.
At night, all shutters must be closed and above all, be alert at all
times for any suspicious or irregular activity.”

One bright, sunny afternoon, Sandy wanted to go out to breathe
some fresh air in the municipal park just two streets away. He
waited at the entrance of the building for two adults who’d agree
to accompany him, when he noticed a young man approaching.
His brisk, carefree strides, his fair hair, and the shining boots
that he wore gave him the appearance of a typical Polish sheigetz
and Sandy feared that he was coming with nefarious intentions
– perhaps to throw stones at the windows, or worse. He wanted
to run and alert the orphanage staff, but the youth was already
opening the gate. He waved and called “Sandy!”

“Leiby!”

Sandy stared at him in amazement, speechless. It was Leiby,
his dear friend from the forest. What was he doing here? He
opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. He saw
boundless emotion in Leiby’s eyes, but also sadness.

“We don’t have much time, Sandy. Where’s your room?”

Sandy was embarrassed to show Leiby his room. The crucifix,
the pictures… Leiby wouldn’t understand why he hadn’t torn
them down, and he was ashamed to tell him how afraid he was
of Pavel and his fists. A partisan should never be afraid, but he
was terrified. He just wanted to get away from the orphanage
and his despicable roommate.

“Let’s go outside, we’ll walk around the city a little,” Sandy
suggested.

“No, Sandy, there’s no time,” Leiby refused. “Sit here with me
and tell me about the orphanage and the dorm mother. Who is
she? Is she a communist?”

“No, I don’t think so,” Sandy replied doubtfully. “She lights
candles in her room every Friday night, and she goes by the
name of Sarah Zeinoviev. Surely if she was a communist she’d