Page 45 - Images Literary Magazine 2016 - 2017.pdf

I obeyed Medusa and walked into the chilly November air. Outside of the church, Brest was a city of
Soviet flags, tanks, and propaganda. As I was walking, I felt a tug on my ripped dress and I spun around,
ready to smack whatever foolish boy was behind me.
"Valentina! You scared me!? I squealed when Valentina?s sly grin met me on the side of the road.

?I?m coming with you Katka! Sister Tatiana surprisingly gave me permission when she said, ?The less of
you, the better? so I just walked out and here I am! Darius and Lex are still sleeping.? Valentina explained,
looking like a ragdoll with her messed up hair and dirty face.
Before the war started, Valentina was the jewel of our family. She had luscious blonde locks and blue
eyes as clear as the morning sky. I wish I was as beautiful as her, but my mother always told me it's
wrong to be jealous of someone that was younger than you.

?Ok then, let?s go the market,? I happily offered, taking Vali?s hand into mine and we strolled into the
nearby marketplace where the linens were sold.

?Katka?? Valentina asked.

?What is it, Vali?? I replied. Her voice was higher than usual.
Valentina then started intensely crying, her tears dripping to the ground. I looked to where she was
looking to, and my face dropped and my eyes glittered with tears as well.

In the middle of the square, a wooden frame stood with a Soviet flag waving in the wind next to it.
Four nooses hung around them, and around the nooses were the heads of screaming young men,
begging to live.
?Valentina! Valentina TURN AROUND!? I firmly ordered my frightened sister, who buried her head into
my stomach.

I turned us around, with the z?oty, and ran back up the steps of the church. Tears flowed down my face
as I realized what would probably happen to my family, and all the Polish children here if the Soviets
continued to occupy our home. Death would only follow us, like a shadow follows its body in daylight,
hidden but visible. Sister Tatiana was there in the hallway, an angry grimace on her putrid complexion.

?WHERE IS WHAT I ASKED FOR?? she screeched loudly.

?Sister Tatiana, please understand that I couldn?t-? I almost choked on my words. The thought of what
their fate was to be made me shiver. ?I could
not get the linens when men are hanging in the Art by Sarah Corsi, Grade 8
streets for all to see.? I managed, as Valentina
quivered.

?You dumb, pathetic, ignorant-? the nun
insulted until a hidden bravery was unleashed
within me.

?YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE A WOMAN OF
THE LORD! How can you speak to someone in
this way in a House of God, a holy place for
anyone to feel safe! This is enough!? I fought
back.