Marta looked at Edith, her eyes shining with excitement. "So what will happen when I meet with Rabbi Lincoln?"

"He is aware of your desire to convert to Judaism, but after some thought he has thought it best that he does not allow it. He is happy to meet with you and discuss his reasoning, but it is what he chosen. I am sorry dear."

Marta felt her stomach drop. What did that mean? She couldn't become Jewish? Just because one man says so? And how does he have the right to deny it to her? Marta felt frustrated and very defeated. She wanted this, not just for the sake of being able to be with Ezra without hiding, but because so far the things she has learned about Judaism align with her thoughts and beliefs. What was wrong with wanting to be a part of a religion that has such good values? She turned back to the carrots, unsure of what to say or do now. 

"Marta," said Edith, getting the girl's attention, "I understand you are upset dear, but it is what it is. Abe and I have discussed, we know you are very important to our son, which is why we have allowed you to stay. You two may do as you please behind these doors. But outside, you two cannot be seen together anymore. Abe and I have to go on a trip tonight and will be gone for week, if not more. We trust you two to accept and follow our conditions. Be with my son how you wish, but only in this house."

Marta wanted to scream. It was like she was just handed a giant lollipop, but couldn't eat it. Just stare at it and maybe smell it a little. She wanted this life, all of it, but it was being denied to her in so many ways. Her optimism which returned only minutes ago, was washed away again. She would not leave Ezra, and having him in this way was better than not at all, but it hurt. Marta suddenly felt very lost. She just nodded her head to let Edith know she heard and understood. 

Once dinner was ready, and Abe brought Ezra out, they gathered around the table and ate dinner. There was no talking, a stiff silence in the air. Marta would occasionally reach under the table to hold Ezra's hand for a moment, to keep her grounded. Because inside she felt everything spinning, and her chest ached. Once dinner was over, Marta did as she was told. After Ezra said his goodbyes to his parents, Marta carefully walked him back into the bedroom and onto the bed.

This was the first time they would be truly alone. Of course they have been alone in the past, but there was always a lurking eye, or the knowledge that any minute his parents would walk in, so it was an odd feeling. Once she knew Ezra was comfortable, Marta remembered her suitcases. 

"Ezra I left my belongings downstairs, I will be right back." She turned and went down the stairs and into the alley where her suitcases were. She hadn't had a chance to look through them, so she didn't know what her parents left for her. Once she was back upstairs, she went back into the bedroom, putting the suitcases down. She couldn't bring herself to open them. What if they were empty inside, what if they didn't give her anything? In less than 24 hours, Marta lost her parents, her dream of becoming Jewish, and hope that one day her and Ezra could truly be together. She sat on the edge of the bed, her back to Ezra as silent tears fell from her eyes. She did not say anything to Ezra. What was she suppose to say?