“Listen to me Mrs. Philipov.” Commisar Danilov’s eyes pierced the dusty air. Mother Philipov stood silent as he approached her. “You must listen to me. This is very difficult to understand.”

Mother Philipov’s eyes grew to watering as she sat on a wooden ammunitions crate. “What is it?” She asked. “Is it about my Sacha? Where is my Sacha?” Her eyes locked with Commisar Danilov’s.

“Sacha isn’t coming back.”, Danilov announced. “He’s joined with the Germans. He’s betrayed us and is never coming back.” Danilov’s eyes steeled as his words permeated the thick atmosphere.

“Oh,” Mother Philipov cried, unable to control her tears. “Oh, my silly, foolish boy. What have you done?”

“We must get you aboards the boats, Mrs. Philipov. Now.” Commisar Danilov advanced upon the mother and ushered her to her belongings. “Pack what you must. Take not what you cannot carry and what isn’t necessary.”

“Perhaps it’s best,” Mother Philopov admitted. “If the Germans win the war, he’ll be safe.”