I thought hard before answering. Id never had to do much around my parents house except clean and mend. Sometimes I cooked, but rarely. My mother commanded the kitchen. I can sew, I finally replied.
Not enough money. And work here would be scarce. All Berchtesgaden women know how to sew, probably much better than you.
My aunts lack of confidence in me stung. However, her tactic was succeeding. I sank into my chair and questioned my own lack of initiative. My parents had never forced me to work and I assumed that the small jobs I did around the house paid for my keep. Perhaps I was wrong.
What good are you to the Reich? My aunt placed her hands on her hips and stared at me. Every citizen must be productive. You should be ashamed and so should your parents for raising such a worthless girl. Perhaps it would have been better if youd stayed in Berlin. Your father is such a worrywart. She shook a finger at me.
Whatever fondness I held for my aunt was rapidly diminishing. We had spent little time together and the prospect of more than a few days portended disaster.
I will look for work after breakfast, I said.
My aunts eyes brightened. Thats a good girl. There must be something you can do.
I was not convinced.
I helped my aunt with the dishes, then took a bath and unpacked the remainder of my things, although I felt no certainty about staying. Wanting to look smart, I picked out my best dress. I hadnt applied for a job in several years and felt woefully unprepared. My aunt presented me with a writing pad and pen, both covered in swastikas.
The clouds had cleared overnight and the suns rays bore down in full spring strength; still it was cool enough to wear a jacket. The mountain air and dazzling light quickened my step after the unpleasant conversation with my aunt. I looked to my right and was thrilled to see the Watzmann, whose beautiful serrated peaks loomed over the valley like sharks teeth protruding from the earth. The white snows of winter still clung to the heights of its rocky face. Everywhere I looked there were forest and mountains. Berchtesgaden was so different from Berlin, where everyone felt on edge.
I wandered down the street, past shops with empty windows. Many were shuttered or boarded up completely. I even stopped to read a local broadsheet for employment news, but no jobs were listed. How did my aunt expect me to get a position with so many shops out of business or selling only rationed goods and services? No window signs seeking job hunters were visible, except for the butchers next to my aunt and uncles. A few measly bird carcasses hung on hooks behind
the counter. The butcher wanted a helper with strong shoulders, to help clean and lift. I couldnt see myself gutting birds or cleaning up bloody messes. Besides, it only made sense that the shop owner would want a man who could haul heavy slabs of beef, as scarce as they might be.
My parents had given me a few Reichsmark to pay for necessities. They expected my aunt and uncle would feed and house me at no cost. That, of course, was wishful thinking and only partially true. I guessed it was my uncle Willy, the head of the house, who allowed me to come to Berchtesgaden over the objections of my aunt.
I stopped at a restaurant and looked at the menu. Sausages, which probably came from the local butcher shop, looked good to me. The savory meat was a special treat and was hard to get anywhere now. I sat at an outdoor table and wondered whether I should use my parents hard-earned money for such an extravagance. I needed something to cheer me up, so it didnt take me long to decide. The owner took my order for one sausage and fried potatoes. The sausage was served bubbling in its own juices on a warm plate. The smell of the fried potatoes reminded me of the way my mother used to cook.
After I ate, I was unsure what to do. In two hours, I had scoured most of the town with no luck. I walked aimlessly for a while, enjoying the scenery until I saw my uncle walking toward me.
Have you eaten? he asked, and rubbed his belly.
I pointed to the restaurant where Id had lunch. The sausage was excellent.
He pulled me aside into the shade of a shops awning. I talked to your aunt after you left. He frowned. Dont pay attention to her. She can be gruff at times. Shes trying hard to protect us from the war.
I nodded. Im grateful for what youve done. Otherwise, I would have no place to go.
He lifted a finger as if he were about to lecture me. Ive called upon a few people this morning. Being a policeman and a Party member opens doors. Apply at the Reichsbund and Ill take it from there. He tilted his head toward a building down the block draped with Nazi flags. Dont be shy. Go on. Ill work my magic. He gave me a peck on the cheek.
I left him, smiling, and walked to the Reichsbund, an office of the civilian service. I stared into a window crowded with books, banners, placards and Nazi publications.
Beyond the window, a woman dressed in a gray uniform sat at a desk. She looked up from her work as if shed sensed my presence. Uncle Willys courage bolstered me. I stepped inside to see what positions might be available. The womans blond hair was pinned back in a rather strict style, but she was otherwise pretty, with high cheekbones, blue eyes and a thin nose. She was the kind of person you wanted to like. I supposed that was why she was in her position.