Christmastime 1942 by Linda Mahkovec

Author:Linda Mahkovec [Mahkovec, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bublish, Inc.

Chapter 8

*

“Where do all these people come from?” Lillian asked her neighbor, Mrs. Wilson, as they entered Mancetti’s crowded grocery store.

“I think our neighborhood has doubled in size,” said Mrs. Wilson. “And, of course, the ration coupons and lines slow everything down.”

They heard snippets of conversations, all concerning the war. Mr. Mancetti was waving around a newspaper, denouncing Il Duce as a pompous fool, more concerned with his appearance than with the welfare of his people.

Others were discussing the recent North African invasion, with differing views. “With us in North Africa now,” said one man, “it’s just a matter of time before we lick ’em.”

“Don’t be so sure about that,” countered an older man. “We’re not prepared. Our artillery is old and inadequate. I hear the boys over there refer to our tanks as Ronsons – one piece of shrapnel and they blaze up like a cigarette lighter. They’re no match for Hitler’s panzers.”

Others added their opinions, the conversation vacillating between bravado and doubt, confidence and cautious skepticism.

Tommy and Gabriel stopped in front of the comic book stand while Lillian and Mrs. Wilson went to the deli counter in the back. Lillian noticed yet another new young man behind the meat and cheese case. It seemed that just as she got used to one, he was called off to serve, and another filled the position. They were getting younger and younger.

Tommy suddenly felt Gabriel’s elbow in his side and was about to yell at him, when Gabriel whispered, “Be bold!”

Tommy snapped to attention; there was Amy entering the store.

“Don’t forget, you have to report back to Gino,” Gabriel said.

Tommy stood immobile, eyes fixed on the Superman comic book in front of him. He swallowed, trying to think of the various stages of Gino’s plan, but forgetting which point he was at – had he progressed to Point Two? And what was it? A present?

“Hi, Gabriel,” said Amy. “Hi, Tommy.” She gave a gasp of delight and reached for a Captain Marvel comic book. “Oh, my gosh! You have to get this one, Tommy. It’s so good. Billy Batson finds out that he has a sister! His long-lost twin Mary. And just like Billy, when she says ‘Shazam!’ she becomes amazingly strong and powerful and can do anything!” She handed the comic to Tommy to look at, and twisted her shoulders side to side. “But her powers come from the goddesses. Cause she’s a girl.”

Tommy unknotted a bit and studied the cover, nodding. “It sounds good. I think I’ll get it.”

“Read it and then tell me what you think,” said Amy. “You should read it too, Gabriel.”

“Okay. When Tommy’s done with it, he can give it to me.” Gabriel stared at Tommy, waiting for him to say something.

Afraid that Gabriel was going to elbow him again, Tommy turned to Amy. “How’s your book drive going?”

“Not bad. We have about twenty books or so. At first it was kind of hard to ask people, but after a while it gets easy and they’re happy to help out.

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