Life is beautiful②: The story of Lukas, a German boy

(In the Lunchroom)

"So, what do you think a 'Jew' is?"

This was our favorite topic at the table.

"I think it's an animal of some sort," said 6-year-old Ernst, "I've seen a sign on a door of a shop saying 'No dogs, Jews allowed'. Maybe 'Jew' is another name for a cat or something."

"Nah, I don't think so," said Adolf, "I mean, why would all the adults hate cats so much? It doesn't make sense."

"Hmm..." We all tilted our heads, completely puzzled.

"Oh! I know!" cried Hermann, "Maybe it's a..."

"Thank you."

All of our heads turned to Hermann.

"What did you just say?" I asked him stunned.

"I said maybe it's a weapon," answered Hermann.

"No, that's not it. You said something else. Something that didn't even sound German..."

"Oh... Well that wasn't me then."

"Then, who was it...?"

All of our heads turned to the boy sitting next to Hermann. I didn't recognize his face. When did he get here?

"Was it you who spoke?" I asked, but he just kept his mouth shut, his eyes big and round, as if he had said something he wasn't supposed to.

"Do you know what a 'Jew' is? If you do, you have to tell us! We've been trying to find out for ages!"

The boy held his silence.

"What's wrong with you!?" Adolf blurted out, "We just want..."

"THANK YOU!"

"Huh?"

It wasn't the mysterious, silent boy who spoke, but a waiter.

"THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!"

"What a weird waiter," observed Ernst, "Is he speaking German?"

"No I don't think so. But maybe it's a clue. A clue that will help us figure out what a 'Jew' is! Come on! We've got to memorize it before 'Bulldog' stops this crazy waiter!" Adolf cried out in excitement.

We started repeating the words "thank you" committing it to our memories. "Thank you... thank you... thank you..."

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING!? Did I not tell you to stay away from the children? Shut up and get back to work!" shrieked 'Bulldog'.

The waiter just stood there smiling.

"DID YOU NOT HEAR ME!? I said get back to work, you stupid Jew!"

We all looked at each other in the eyes.

"Did you hear that?" whispered Adolf in my ear, "'Jew' is the crazy waiter's name!"

I nodded, "Hey, you know how we were planning to eavesdrop on 'Bulldog' tonight for T.U.I.? Why don't we change our plans and try to find Mr. Jew to see if we can find out more?"

"Alright."

I don't think I've ever been so excited for the day to end.

(To be continued...)