THE LIVING FLAME 

By Tessa Harvey


    When school ended, Ernst had lingered to talk to his teacher, Ms. Stein. A couple of boys had sniggered, nudging each other with their elbows on their way out of the classroom. 
    "Teacher's pet," one whispered. The other had not lowered his voice. "Freak!" he hissed, quite unexpectedly. "Jew boy!"
    "Go home, Baum!" ordered his teacher dismissively. Puzzled and distracted, Ernst had hurried out of school and down a narrow alleyway, a shortcut to home.
    Near the exit, two large boys blocked his way. When he turned to retreat, another waited, menacingly waving a thick stick around.
    "Heard you is a murderer," hissed one, the leader. "And a little Jew. We need to check, don't we boys?"
    "But," stammered Ernst, "I was doing my duty!" For some reason, his accusers found this annoying. It's our duty to teach you a lesson, innit guys?" This from another.
    Suddenly as they loomed closer, a hail of small hard objects pattered violently and accurately on their shaven heads. The oldest said quickly, "Justice coming on him, boys. Let's leave him to the missiles" It was a smart move to imply the boy was the real target as they rushed away laughing among the street rubbish.


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