There it was. The bomb dropped from the sky, ripping Marta from the world she created in her mind. The reality. She knew everything Ezra was saying was the truth, she is just on the other side of the mirror. Her point of view is skewed and backwards, and even though she caught a glimpse of what it was like on this side today, she was still completely clueless. The things she refused to think about being said right to her face. The things she hears on the radio, or whispered in the halls of her school. The fact that people like Ezra aren’t safe. And how people like her, did nothing to change that or made it worse.

As Ezra continued, going on about his attack, Marta felt angry tears falling from her eyes. The anger was not directed towards Ezra, but the men who did that to him. How could one man create so much hate in this world? How could he justify his actions, and so many people using his actions as excuses to act upon their own? If they were truly Christians, how is attacking an innocent man not a sin? Marta is not a vindictive person, but at this moment, she wished terrible things on the men who shattered Ezra’s life. 

She watched as he stood up, instantly feeling empty not having him near. She saw him go over and hold up the phone. Ezra was done. He was closing his book, this chapter of his life complete. And what was worse, he believed his story would have a very quick ending. But Marta couldn’t accept it, but what could she do? She couldn’t protect him from those men who would undoubtedly attack him, especially if they see him out in public with her. Marta was helpless in this moment, and she hated it. Truly hated it. Even her stubbornness couldn’t help her now. 

She slowly stood up, walking over to the counter next to Ezra. She was too ashamed to look him in the eyes anymore. Marta was a pathetic person, letting her naivety blind her from so much. She let herself believe, until this very moment, that love would conquer all. But this wasn’t the fairy tale books her father read her. This was life. 

With a shaky hand, she picked up the receiver of the phone. She put her finger into the hole of the dial wheel, but couldn’t get herself to call the operator. There was still a tiny glimmer of hope left in her, buried deep in her heart, that was saying don’t call yet. 

She put the receiver back down, and looked at Ezra. A fierce look was in her eyes, a look so serious that the next words that came out of her mouth could not be doubted as anything but the truth.

“Who is your rabbi? Can he help me learn more about how to convert to Judaism?”

Marta didn’t falter on her words, her tone serious and straightforward. She wanted to learn more about Ezra’s religion. She wanted it to not be a barrier between them anymore. Faith is strong weapon, but Marta has her own faith. Faith in love. And besides, maybe she will agree with the ways of Judaism more than Christianity. Marta wasn’t given the choice of her religion, she was just raised as a Christian and did not know any better. If she was to learn more about this world, why not start with faith?