Janie And The Jews

• Hannah Whitehead, Grade 8
• Short Story
• 2015

It happened as fast as it was over, Janie barely knew what was happening. They barged through the door like they owned the place wearing dark blue army suits, and holding pistols by their side, it made Janie feel like she was some juvenile. They grabbed at her family, fighting
desperately to get away. Holding guns to her father’s head, prying her little sister Lily from her mother’s arms. Janie jumps up as they snatch at her clothes to capture and torture her as well. Screams from her family ring in her ears, it is feels like a title wave is hitting her heart, and breaking it away piece by piece. She glances over at her dads raging face, veins popping from his forehead,
“Janie, run” he howls over the already rampaging noise of voices. Janie can only stare blankly at him, how could he say that? Doesn’t he want her to help him?
“Save yourself,” her mum roars as Lily is finally pulled from her grip. Lily squeals at the top of her lungs, as she’s dragged from the house. Watching her parents struggle brings tears to her eyes, but Janie knows she can’t beat the soldiers. With her heart, falling into a black abyss she scurries off the ground, getting her footing before bolting through the house. Janie just runs, leaving everything behind. Reaching for the back door and making her way out to the street, it’s a dim and starless night, the only light being provided by a half moon sitting in the sky. Looking around Janie see’s she’s not the only one, people are being shot down around her. Janie
doesn’t know where to run. Her brain is muddled, she doesn’t know what to do,
“Get the Jews, get the Jews” far off voices shriek. Janie had learnt about Hitler in school and knew what he was capable of, but she never thought he would ever take it this far. Janie turns her head left and right, trying to think fast. As she jogs on, someone grabs at her arm, an icy hand gripping so tightly his knuckles turn white. Janie turns in surprise, but keeps running. Pumping her legs harder than before, the soldier pulling her back with great force
“Help” she wails knowing she won’t be heard over this ruckus, but still determined to get away. Spinning herself around to lie on her stomach she starts throwing random punches to defend herself. Slowly giving up Janie suddenly feels another pull, she looks up to see another guy, but he isn’t dressed in one of those suits. Another one appears behind him and starts tackling the soldier, getting up Janie brakes into a dash following the man who had pulled on her. In the distance, she hears the loud boom of jets and her sprits lift, a helicopter full of people that have also been saved. She’s hustled onto the chopper before taking one last glance at her old life, ready to start a new.