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A quick listener note, this episode contains sexual situations and depictions of violence.

Imagine.

You scurry down the train station platform as fast as your 10-year-old legs can carry you.

Your mother drags you by the hand, grandmother shuffles behind.

It's crowded on the railroad platform. There's a sea of faces, solemn and anxious.

Mothers and grandmothers and children. Like you.

You hug your booby, that's the Yiddish word for grandmother.

She pushes your hair out of your eyes with her crooked fingers. Do you have your dolly?

Yes, booby. And my washcloth. And my chocolates.

Don't eat them all at once.

How old?

Your mother leans over you.

You spot a tear rolling down her cheek. For just a second.

Before she wipes it away.

Now remember what I told you young lady?

Yes, mama. I will eat whatever they give me and do what they tell me.

Good girl. And study hard.

Yes, mama.

Your mother kisses you on the forehead.

You take a deep breath. You can smell her hair.

It smells like fresh, cut flowers.

...