Rachel's Secret by Shelly Sanders

Author:Shelly Sanders
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: pograms, Jewish, History, Russia
Publisher: Second Story Press
Published: 2012-02-07T05:00:00+00:00

The voice on the roof grew weak. Rachel could tell that the man was unable to keep fighting for himself. There was a big thump, the crowd cheered, and Rachel stared at Nucia in horror. The man had fallen off the roof.

Rachel listened for Sergei’s voice, but only wailing, shattering glass, heavy footsteps, and loud bangs filled the tiny outhouse, making it seem smaller and smaller until the walls closed in on them. Her body was cramped from being in one position for so long. She shook her tingling foot. The rioting went on and on as Rachel listened, tense with fear. At any moment, the unlocked door might open. She sniffed the air. Smoke was beginning to seep into the outhouse.

Feeling like she would suffocate, Rachel hugged herself tightly and recited the Eighteen Benedictions in her head, over and over, trying to soothe her fear with familiar Hebrew words.

As the black night darkened the outhouse, the noise subsided. Rachel listened as the crowd dispersed, a low murmur fading away. Her eyes met Nucia’s, then her mother’s. Nobody in the outhouse moved or spoke. The Grienschpoun boys had fallen into a restless sleep, cradled in their mother’s arms. Rachel sank back against the wall, afraid to make a sound, afraid of what awaited all of them outside.

Sergei rushed into his father’s office and found him busy receiving a telegraph. He watched impatiently as his father tapped a reply, tugging at his whiskers as he sent the message. He glanced up at Sergei when he was finished and frowned.

“Papa, have you seen what’s going on? A mob of people has descended on lower Kishinev and is attacking Jews, and the police are doing nothing.”

His father stared at him. “Why are you so concerned about lower Kishinev, hmm?”

“I know someone there. A friend. She was Mikhail’s friend too. I know he would want me to help her.” His father’s face tightened as Sergei continued speaking. “You have to order the officers to stop the attacks.”

Sergei’s father narrowed his eyes so that his brows came together in a V. “I can’t give special treatment to someone, just because she’s your friend. There are three infantry companies and two cavalry squadrons in place, and I will have extra officers on duty all night.”

“All night! You think this violence will be going on all night?”

“It’s possible.”

Sergei smelled alcohol on his breath. “But you can stop it now. You have enough officers.”

“We have to wait for orders from the governor.” Sergei’s father put on his cap and buttoned up his coat.

“What are you talking about?”

“I have to leave now. You’re to go home and stay there with your mother and sister. Do you hear me?” He waved his finger in Sergei’s face.

“But why do you have to wait for orders?”

“Did you hear me?”

“But—”

“Go. Now!” Sergei’s father pointed to the door.

Sergei left, but he didn’t go home. Intent on finding Rachel, he started back to lower Kishinev.

By the time Sergei reached Gostinnii Street, he felt as if he was in a completely different city, the damage was so extensive.

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