When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary

by Alice Hoffman

“Once upon a time,” Anne said, “there were two sisters. One was beautiful and one was not.” Margot laughed. “No, that’s not the way the story goes.” “How does it go?” Their voices were soft so that no one else could hear them. “Once upon a time, there were two sisters who would do anything for each other,” Margot began. “What would they do?” Anne’s voice was softer than usual. She didn’t feel very grown up now. “They would protect each other and they would always believe in each other.” “No matter what?” Anne asked. “No matter what,” Margot told her. “Then that’s what I wish,” Anne said. “You don’t have to wish.” Margot’s eyes were closed now too. “It’s already true.” When her sister had fallen asleep, Anne crept from her bed to look out into the darkness in the courtyard. She wanted to believe they could protect each other, but they were living in wolf time, a time of shadows. Most people told themselves that all would be well, but if they stayed up late, if they really thought about it, they would know that no matter who loved you, no matter who tried to protect you, nothing was fine and nothing was the same, and by the end of May, all the rabbits were gone.