LEAH'S TRAIN

Leah is twelve. Leah’s family has a chance to flee from Russia, but before they can depart, Leah must roam the country alone by train to find her nephew and younger brother. In the midst of her harrowing journey, she imagines what it would be like to reunite with them.
LEAH
 
Borukh. My train was freezing. Bumpy. Filthy and dark. So slow I could have walked. We rode through woods and burnt towns, around and around and around. The guards yelled, “Inspection,” and I would lie in a ditch all night. I hate dirt.
 
Once I got back on the train and my legs were crawly with worms. An hour journey took a day, a day journey took a week, and in this way I looked for you a month. But now it’s over. Little brother. Come into my arms and rest.

(LEAH holds out her arms and closes her eyes. She opens them and checks her bag.)

Yosele, I slap you for taking him away. I beat your face with a stick.

Crack! For your sneaky ways. Crack! For Rivke’s tears. Crack crack crack for taking my brother and leaving me behind.

No, Leah.

Yosele. Borukh. Such a miracle to see you both. No stories of the train, no. My suffering was for the family’s good. Let us sit still and recall my generous ways.

God if you let me find them I’ll make any sacrifice you say. I won’t go to America, I’ll stay behind. Well I’ll go, but I’ll do a lot of good there. Please let them be in Simferopol. Please let them be in Simferopol. Please…