Page 64 - Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen

THE FOREST WAS NOW BOILING WITH PEOPLE, FOR THE VIOSK
villagers had come behind the klezmer to greet Shmuel
and his friends. Hannah hung back. More people meant
more greetings and more excuses. It was worse than
any family party at home.
At home\ The skin on her face suddenly felt stretched
tight across her cheekbones and her eyes began to prick-
le with tears. Where was her home? She forced herself
to recall the house in New Rochelle. with its borders of
flowers and the flagstone walk. But the image seemed
to be fading, especially when compared with the forest
full of villagers and the tiny house and horse barn she'd
left just hours before.
A hand on her arm riveted her to the moment.
"Come, Chaya," Gitl said. "Come and meet your
new aunt-to-be." Pulling Hannah past the noisy cele-
brants, Gitl led her to the one wagon facing the rest,
where the men were busy at work encouraging the two
strong workhorses to turn around.

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