Table of contents
August 1945
At the beginning of the month Bronek returns from the camp. His parents are relieved to notice that their son’s health has improved. The boy also caught up with school work because during the camp children attended school classes. It is most likely that he will be able to jump straight to the third grade in September.
In the meantime, Bronek makes the most of the summer and together with Mariola and other kids spends time outdoors. They run, play hare and hounds or rag ball using a ball sewn by his mum. Despite their parents’ warnings, they often play among the rubble of destroyed buildings. Their parents’ concern is justified – the press regularly reports on accidents happening to unsupervised children.
August 1945
Janina often goes to the first open library in Święty Marcin Street. It does not lend books for an outside use, but one can consult them on site in the reading room. Bronek, on the other hand, discovers Świerszczyk, a magazine addressed to children his age.
When they are hungry, they go to the bakery where Bronek’s grandpa, Teofil, works. Here they sometimes get a slice of bread, whereas grandpa can keep an eye on his grandchildren in the absence of their parents.
August 1945
Jadwiga begins the preparatory course for future teachers. Zenon spends long hours in the factory. Cegielski Company is still in the process of renovating factory floors damaged during the battle for the city as well as gathering equipment. Despite the challenges, already since February the factory has been producing new railway engines. Zenon works on the assembly line.
At the end of the month the thing that the family has been waiting for for a long time finally arrives – they receive a parcel as part of UNRRA aid programme. Inside they find clothes, hygiene items and food. What brings Janina and Bronek most joy is condensed milk – a sweet treat they have a chance to try for the first time in their lives.