Number the Stars

Introducing Annemarie and Her Family

Once upon a time in Copenhagen, Denmark, during World War II, lived a girl named Annemarie Johansen. She was just like any other girl you might know, with dreams in her eyes and adventures waiting in her footsteps. Her family was her rock, always there with open arms and warm smiles. Together, they shared laughter, love, and lots of stories, making their home a cozy haven in a world that was changing too fast.

Annemarie’s Best Friend, Ellen

In the heart of this changing world, Annemarie had a best friend, Ellen, who was Jewish. Now, you might wonder why that mattered, but during those times, being Jewish meant you were not treated nicely by many, including the soldiers who had come to their city. But did that stop Annemarie and Ellen from being friends? Not one bit! Their friendship was as strong as a mighty oak, unshaken by the storm of prejudice swirling around them.

Sharing Secrets and Stories

Annemarie and Ellen had a secret world of their own, filled with whispered secrets and shared stories. They would giggle under the stars, swap tales of daring and dreams, and in doing so, they wove a bond stronger than the strongest spider’s web. This special connection was their escape, a way to sprinkle a bit of magic into their lives when things around them seemed a bit too dark.

The Arrival of Kirsti and Lottie

One day, two new faces appeared at Annemarie’s doorstep, Kirsti and Lottie. These weren’t just any guests; they were part of the Danish Resistance, brave souls working in shadows to make things right. They had a mission, and now, so did Annemarie and Ellen. Together, they would embark on an adventure, not just of the imagination but one that could change their lives forever.

The German Soldiers Arrive

With the arrival of German soldiers in Copenhagen, a cloud of fear settled over the city. Annemarie watched as soldiers patrolled the streets, their boots echoing on the cobblestones. Ellen gripped her hand tighter whenever they passed a soldier. “We’ll stick together, no matter what,” Annemarie whispered to her, trying to sound braver than she felt. At night, conversations around the dinner table grew more hushed as Annemarie’s parents discussed the changes, their words heavy with worry.

The Resistance Acts

Kirsti and Lottie quickly became more than just guests in Annemarie’s home; they were now part of a secret that could endanger them all. They revealed to Annemarie and Ellen that they were members of the Danish Resistance, dedicated to helping Jews escape to Sweden. “But how can we help?” Annemarie asked, her curiosity piqued. “We’re just kids.” Kirsti smiled. “Sometimes, the smallest acts of courage can make the biggest difference.” From that day on, Annemarie saw her city, her life, through new eyes, knowing she had a role to play in this fight.

The Risk of Discovery

Hiding Kirsti and Lottie was risky, but exposing Ellen to the soldiers carried an even greater danger. Annemarie learned to walk the streets with a casual air, as if she hadn’t a care in the world, even when her heart pounded with fear. She and Ellen developed a silent language of glances and small gestures, communicating without words to avoid drawing attention. Every knock on the door made them freeze, every new face on the street was a potential threat. Yet, in the safety of Annemarie’s room, they allowed themselves to be just girls again, sharing dreams for a future without war.

The Fateful Day

Then came the day everything changed. A neighbor, breathless with urgency, brought word that the Germans were planning a raid. “They’re coming tonight,” she whispered, her eyes darting around as if the very walls could listen. Annemarie felt a chill run down her spine. They had to act, and fast. Plans were hastily made, whispered instructions passed along with trembling hands. As dusk fell, Annemarie looked at Ellen, her best friend, her sister in all but blood. “We’ll get through this,” she said, her voice steady. Together, they stepped into the gathering darkness, ready to face whatever came.

The Escape Plan

In the dead of night, whispers filled Annemarie’s room as she and Ellen huddled close, their eyes wide with fear and determination. Kirsti and Lottie had laid out a daring plan, one that required stealth, silence, and a bit of luck. “We’ll take the forest path,” whispered Kirsti, her voice barely audible. “Less chance of running into soldiers.” Ellen nodded, her hand tight in Annemarie’s. Their journey to freedom was about to begin, and with each heartbeat, the weight of their decision pressed upon them. They knew this was their only chance to escape the clutches of war and reach the safety of Sweden’s shores.

The Journey

Before dawn’s first light, Annemarie, Ellen, Kirsti, and Lottie crept from the safety of the Johansen home. Wrapped in dark cloaks, they vanished into the shadowy forest, the world around them hushed and watchful. Each step was measured, each breath caught in their throats as they navigated through the dense woods. The moon, a sliver of silver in the sky, was their guide, casting a faint glow on the path ahead.

Danger lurked at every turn. Once, they froze, hearts pounding, as distant footsteps echoed through the trees. Hiding behind a thick copse of bushes, they waited, breathless, until the danger passed. Another time, a sudden rustle nearby sent them into a silent panic, only to discover it was a small, curious fox, its eyes glinting in the moonlight.

Despite the fear, there was beauty in their journey. Stars, like scattered diamonds, watched over them, and the gentle rustle of leaves whispered secrets of courage and hope. In those moments, Annemarie and Ellen’s friendship shone brighter than ever, a beacon of light in the darkest of times.

The Reunion

At last, after what seemed like an eternity, the first light of dawn broke across the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold. Ahead, the silhouette of Sweden welcomed them, a promise of safety, of freedom. Tears streamed down their faces as they stepped onto Swedish soil, their bodies weary but spirits lifted high. There, awaiting their arrival, were familiar faces, eyes shining with relief and joy. Embraces were shared, each hug a story of survival and hope. Yet, amid the joy, there was a pang of sorrow for those they had left behind, a silent vow to never forget the journey that had brought them here.

The Power of Friendship

Annemarie’s tale, woven through the fabric of war and peace, is a testament to the unyielding strength of friendship. In the face of fear, it was their bond that illuminated the darkness, guiding them toward a future where courage and love triumphed. Their story, a beacon of hope during the bleakest of times, reminds us that even in the darkest hours, friendship’s light never fades.