In the Shadows

Sofia, Bulgaria, 1933

Cairo, Egypt, 1936

December, 1941

ten

M

INNIE UPENDED THE ENTIRE JUG OF SWEATER ONTO

CORA'S HEAD. As her sister sputtered, Minnie put her

hands on her hips and said, “Well, now you’re wet,

anyway. May as well swim.”

Cora shrieked in rage and stood, chasing Minnie down the

rocky beach. Minnie darted left, into the breaking waves, sure

she’d be free. To her shock and delight, Cora followed, plunging

into the water after her. Minnie “tripped,” falling forward in front

of Cora, who pushed Minnie’s head under an obliging wave before

helping her to her feet. They were both chest-deep now, the water

bitingly cold.

Cora’s eyes blazed with rage, but then turned up at the corner,

and before she could catch herself, she was laughing. Minnie threw

her arms around her sister’s waist, using the water’s buoyancy to

lift her up in a hug.

“Race you to the rocks!”

Cora hesitated, turning back toward the shore where the boys

looked on, bemused, dry and comfortable if a bit too hot. Then

she reached down, pulled off her shoes, and flung them onto the

beach. One hit Thomas’s shin, and Minnie thought he looked

decidedly pleased.

Without warning, Cora dove forward, pulling herself through

the waves with the strong strokes their father taught them.

“Cheater!” Minnie laughed, taking off after her but knowing

she’d never catch up. She didn’t mind.