Julius Rosenthal will make candy no more and other short stories by Nicholas Russell (young adult books to read .txt) 📗

The young man paused and let the question hang in the air between them for a moment “In case I need to make a report of the matter.”

The officer stopped and turned. His face was the bright red of fury and his chest began to heave with deep breaths. “If it were not for your father, I would have you executed in the streets, for all the cowards and pacifists to see. You will not question my orders, BOY.”

The officer turned and stalked to the Sedan. Heinrich jumped from the front seat to open door, then raised his arm in salute and awaited his charge. The officer stepped to the door and looked back to the young man. He looked at him for a moment and then at Julius who had not moved from his seat at the side of the house. The man nodded to Heinrich and took a seat in the sedan. He closed the door and turned to open his, but once it was open he paused and looked to the young man standing on the porch, his eyes still downcast. Heinrich smiled and looked to Julius as he nodded and mouthed something Julius was too far away to make out. He entered the sedan and pulled away without another look.

The sun had begun to set before the young man moved; he stood still on the porch. Julius was not sure what he was waiting for or where they were supposed to go, but it was beginning to get cold. Just as the sun dipped below the horizon the young man turned to Julius. “We should get going.”

Julius nodded and started to stand. There was a creak from the door and Hans’ wife stepped out. She was older than Hans and had never befriended Julius. She held out a small wicker basket and a heavy wool jacket. “Here is some supper and a jacket for the Jew. No reason to let him freeze to death. It would be just one more mess his kind can make in this town.”

The young man looked as if he wanted to say something, but instead he thanked her for her generosity and handed the coat to Julius. He stepped from the porch and started to walk across the yard. Julius looked to the woman and started to thank her, but she cut him off “Don’t come back here, Jew; you people have done enough to Germany.”

Without saying anything, Julius turned and followed the young officer. The two slowly made the trek across town eventually arriving at the old train station. Rabbi Addleman’s body had been moved but the blood-soaked snow still remained, and as he walked past Julius could not help but stare. They entered the station; most of the windows were broken and the place had been looted for what little of value could be found. The main room was clear except for a few pieces of paper and an old service poster or two, and in the room’s center was a stone fountain. The fountain had been a gift to the town years ago the only reason no one had destroyed it was that it was too heavy to be of any use. The fountain had a small bench that ran along its outer edge. Julius walked over and sat down. He tried to stop a yawn but failed. The young Gestapo officer looked at him, holding his gaze for a moment before looking away.

As he sat down now, Julius realized how sore his feet were. He had needed new shoes but had not had the money to get them choosing instead to purchase supplies for the shop. He rubbed his feet but was quickly overcome by the cold. He had one of his shoes back on when the young man spoke. “What is your name?”

The question threw Julius off kilter. He had been asked his name by a Gestapo before, but unlike now it had always been in an official capacity. The tone of the young man’s voice seemed more like it was a question of curiosity and not one of inquisition, but curiosity aside he still wore the uniform of a Gestapo officer. Julius slipped his other shoe on and looked to the boy. “My name is Julius Rosenthal, I was a candy maker.”

The young man smiled; it was a peaceful smile. “Candy maker; I imagine that is a nice job. My grandfather was a baker, and I had wanted to do that but my father insisted I join the military. He said I should follow in his footsteps.”

Julius looked to the young man and was reminded of Albert. Though Albert had not wanted to make candy he had hoped to see the world as a soldier. Julius nodded “Fathers have a funny way of wanting their children to see the world as they see it.”

Julius set his book down and as he did his over coat shuffled in such a way that the dull gold star on his shirt became visible. The young man looked at Julius, his eyes fixed the Star of David on his shirt. Julius pulled the jacket over it and the two stayed for a moment in an awkward silence. “I am sorry for that.”

Julius looked to his chest and back to the young man before him. He was confused and for a moment wondered if this officer- he must remember that he was an officer- was trying in some way to trick him. “What is your name?”

The question was quiet and tentative; Julius was feeling the young man out seeing how he would respond. His response was as surprising as his demeanor he crossed the room quickly offering his hand to Julius. “I am Fredrick,”

His voice was