I inquired and she asked me to take a seat in an oak chair in front of her desk.
Im from Berlin living here with my aunt and uncle, but I need work. I blushed at my inadequacy.
She stopped writing in her book, placed her pen in its center and closed the cover. May I see your identification papers? Are you a Party member?
I wondered why I had not joined the Party long ago. If I thought about my loyalties, I fell in line with my father, who was non-committal at best, a silent critic at worst. Still, I needed work or I might be forced to return to Berlin. My papers are at home with my aunt and uncle. Im not a Party member.
She eyed me rather suspiciously, but then, sizing me up, she must have judged I was no threat to Nazi politics. Who are your aunt and uncle?
Willy and Reina Ritter. They are Party members and live near here.
She clasped my hands like a schoolgirl chum. I know them very well. Theyre fine upstanding people, a credit to all loyal Germans. Whats your name?
I told her and she listened raptly to my history. As I talked she took out another book, making notations on what I said. When I was through, she asked me to stand in front of a black screen near the back of the room. She took several pictures of me with a flash camera. These, she said, would go to her superior when they were developed.
Is there anything I can do that I would be qualified for? I asked.
Theres nothing in this district, she said. Youre not qualified as a bookkeeper, or as a gardener, for construction, or a locomotive engineer. Many women already serve the Reich, so positions are limited.
I sighed. Reina would not be pleased.
The woman saw my frown and said, But that doesnt mean this interview was for nothing. The Reich always has work for its people whether or not you are a Party member. She looked at me like a patient teacher. If you were as supportive as your aunt and uncle, we could look upon you more favorably.
I rose
from my seat. Where can I join? I asked as sincerely as I could, yet something inside me rebelled at the thought of being a Nazi. My mother had once admonished my father for not being stronger, a man who thought more like the Party leadership. In order to get a job, I would have to adopt my mothers thinking.
She pointed to a desk across the room. Herr Messer will be here Saturday. Come see him.
I walked out of the Reichsbund somewhat encouraged, although I didnt want to face my aunt, because I still had no job prospects.
Reina was in the kitchen when I arrived, so I sneaked up the stairs to my room and put my feet up rather than face her.
About forty-five minutes later, I heard my uncle open the door and greet my aunt.
I found them sitting in the living room. Reina was shocked that I was home, but greeted me with a smile. Willy told me the news. Im sure something good will come of your interview.
Uncle Willy lit a cigarette, exhaled and said, Im certain of it.
That night at dinner, we talked of my aunts childhood in Spain and how she and my uncle had met at a hostel in the Italian Alps. Willy had lodged there for a political gathering; Reina was staying overnight with a group of hiking friends. They saw something in each other that members of my family couldnt see.
The conversation died the same time as the fire and we went to bed about ten. I spent several hours worrying about work until I finally fell asleep. The next morning I went out again, but found nothing. Again, I dreaded coming home with no job. When I arrived, I found my aunt and told her the bad news.
She stood with her hands clasped in front of her, oddly calm considering her fervor for my search. The Reichsbund called this afternoon. They want you to report in the morning. Apparently, they have a job for you. She hugged me and kissed me on the cheek with her cold lips. Later, I asked Willy if he knew what the position was, but he shook his head.
That evening, we celebrated with wine. My aunt allowed me to call my parents to give them the good news. Frau Horst and my parents shared a phone in the building. My mother seemed pleased. I couldnt tell what my father was thinking. I told them I was planning to join the Party. My father replied, Do what you must to survive.
His words cast a pall over my celebration.
I wasnt a fortune-teller, but I wondered how dire my circumstances might become as a worker in the Reich.
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