Five Brothers and a War

Swedish Relief Efforts

The Germans announced that each person would be getting 800 grams (1.75 lbs.) of white bread and 125 grams (.25 lb.) of margarine. Children under the age of 14 could also get 250 grams (.5 lb.) of other groceries. These rare treats were to be picked up at designated stores from 8 o’clock in the morning until 5 o’clock in the afternoon. Bertus was the one chosen to pick up the items. Bertus had decided to get there early. A great thought but when he got to the store, there was a long line many blocks long. The Germans had allowed only three days for the distribution, so Bertus decided to just wait in line and hope for the best. It would be the slowest and most boring day in his life. People weren’t very talkative because most of them looked like “death warmed-over” and could barely stand on their feet. Finally, there were only two people in line ahead of him, but it was 5 o’clock. The store clerk promptly closed the shop, leaving everyone in line with nothing. In the best of times, Bertus had a short fuse, but this really upset him. He was still seething when he got home, but his parents, while consoling him still insisted he would have to go again the next day. So he went back at 7 o’clock, and was forced to stand in another long line. By around mid day he was handed eight beautiful loaves of white bread and some margarine. It all tasted unbelievably good. The wait was worth it.

van Pelt

Five Brothers and a War

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