Between Shades of Gray

by Ruta Sepetys

“The crown jewel from the train car princess,” I whispered, smiling. He nodded with a laugh. I picked it up to roll back to him. “No, you keep it,” said Andrius.

“My point is that we’re dealing with two devils who both want to rule hell.”

We tried to keep our voices down, but excitement percolated through the packed crowd.

The floorboards creaked, complaining of Papa’s pacing.

Ulyushka rose from her pallet. She barked at Mother. “Stop yelling. We’re leaving,” I told her. She began handing Mother potatoes, beets, and other food she had stored. She handed Jonas a thick animal hide to put in his suitcase. She gave me a pencil. I couldn’t believe it. Why was she giving us food? Mother tried to hug her. They barely embraced. Ulyushka pushed her away and stomped out.

Andrius turned. His eyes found mine. “I’ll see you,” he said. My face didn’t wrinkle. I didn’t utter a sound. But for the first time in months, I cried. Tears popped from their dry sockets and sailed down my cheeks in one quick stream. I looked away. The NKVD called the bald man’s name. “Look at me,” whispered Andrius, moving close. “I’ll see you,” he said. “Just think about that. Just think about me bringing you your drawings. Picture it, because I’ll be there.”