Hero by martha attema Page B

attic room opened. Izaak moved away from his mother’s arms. On his knees, he waited for the dresser to slide back, so he and Mama could crawl out of their hiding place.
    â€œIt’s safe now.” Mrs. Water man breathed with heavy gulps. She leaned on the dresser. Her bottom lip trembled. Her white curly hair lay damp against her forehead.
    â€œIt’s too dangerous,” she said. “You can’t stay here any longer.”
    â€œBut,” Mama placed her hand over her mouth, “where will we go?”
    â€œI don’t know yet.” Mrs. Waterman looked at Izaak and at Mama.
    Izaak grabbed Mama’s hand. He looked at her pale face.
    â€œI don’t know yet,” Mrs. Waterman repeated.

Els
    Izaak and Mama were alone in the attic room.
    Izaak’s hands balled into fists. He stared at Mama’s colorless face. “I’m not going without you, Mama!” he said.
    â€œI know. This is hard.” Mama swallowed.
    Izaak’s voice rose. “No, it isn’t, because I’m not going!” He couldn’t believe it. First, Papa and Sarah had to hide somewhere else. Now, Mama wanted to send him far away.
    â€œIt is for the best,” Mama said.
    â€œNo!” Izaak stamped his feet.
    â€œSh.” His mother grabbed his shoulders. “Sh, Izaak, we can’t make noise. I don’t want Mrs. Waterman to hear us. And I especially don’t want the neighbors to hear us.”
    Izaak slumped against Mama. Tears pricked his eyes. He didn’t want to cry. He was too mad.
    â€œI don’t even know these people. Where is this far away place called Friesland? And where will you go, Mama?”
    â€œDon’t worry about me, Izaak.” She stroked his hair. “I will find a good hiding place too. But you will have the best place. Friesland is a province up north, a place of small villages and towns, but mainly farmland. You will go to one of the farms.” Mama paused. “The farms in Friesland have enough food to feed you.” Mama looked away. “There’s no food left in Amsterdam. You’re so skinny. You need good food while you’re still growing.”
    His eyes caught Mama’s. “How will you eat then?”
    â€œI will be looked after, Izaak.”
    Anger welled up in Izaak’s chest. He wanted to strike out at Hitler and his mean soldiers. He wanted to hit Mama for sending him to Friesland.
    â€œOut in the country, the soldiers will never find you. You’ll be able to go to school and play outside, instead of being cooped up in the attic day after day. There will be children for you to play with.”
    Mama rattled on and on. Izaak didn’t want to know. He’d never been on a farm. He’d never been outside the city. The only farm animal he’d ever seen was the milkman’s horse.
    â€œYou will have a new name.” Mama’s voice was soft now.
    â€œA new name!” Izaak’s mouth fell open. “I don’t want a new name! I’m Izaak!”
    â€œYou will always be Izaak.” Mama looked straight at him now. “But, in Friesland with your new family, you will be called Jan. It will only be forthe time while you’re there. As soon as the war is over, you can be Izaak again.” Mama smiled weakly.
    â€œWhy can’t we stay if the war will be over soon? You said that the southern part of the country has already been liberated.”
    â€œIt will be so good for you.” Mama couldn’t stop talking about him going away.
    â€œIf it’s so good, why aren’t you coming with me?” He looked at her with dark eyes.
    â€œIt’s too dangerous for me to travel. The soldiers will recognize me.”
    â€œWhy isn’t it dangerous for me?” Izaak persisted.
    â€œYou’ll be traveling with a woman. People will think you’re her child.”
    Izaak pulled free from his mother’s grip. “I’m not going with a strange