Anne could hardly wait for her father to return home from work. Because of the anti-Jewish rules, father had to walk on foot. Today was June 12; Anne's 13th birthday. Would father be bringing her present along? And if so, what would it be? Oh, Anne couldn't wait! And she could only imagine the possibilities of what it might be. Finally, Otto Frank returned home. "Daddy!" Greeted Anne. "Hello, Anne." He said before he greeted the other members of his family, his wife Edith, and his eldest daughter Margot. "Hello, Edith. Hello Margot." The excitement that flowed and filled Anne didn't allow any hesitation. "Oh, daddy! Can I open my present? Daddy, please?" "I do have your present, Anne. And yes, I guess there's no harm in giving it to you now." He said. After gratefully receiving the gift from friends at father's work, she was given the gift from her family; a diary. To Anne, it was a wonderful gift. It wasn't much of a surprise as well. A few weeks earlier, it was a diary that had caught Anne's eye in a store, by which she pointed out her interest in it. It was only within time that this item, which was first just a blank book, would be on a tremendous ride, and tell a tremendous story long after the stain of tragedy had been spilled.
'Freedom'... what a strange word… Anne had some time of freedom in her life, yes. From 1933, when she moved from Germany to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. But the reason behind the move was because they weren't free, or at least not in Germany. 1933 was the year when people were stupid enough to think that Hitler was the right person for power… they were also stupid enough to believe his lies… come to think of it, the world would be a much better place if Hitler and his group of Nazi commerades went and jumped off the world's tallest cliff… From 1933 up until the Nazi invasion in 1940, Otto and Edith Frank got to watch with delight as their two daughters, Margot and Anne, lived like normal children… but when the 1940 invasion arrived… that carefree lifestyle changed… it was on that day, where all Jews, and other persecuted races and religions lost the word 'freedom' and 'free'... including that of Anne Frank. But regardless, Anne still held on to the rope. Hoping that one day, freedom will shine over her and many others who are on wrath's end, once again.
That star… that damned yellow star… those damned restrictions and regulations… those damn Nazis… Anne stared at her reflection in the mirror. Stitched upon her clothing, was a yellow star that bore the word 'Jew' in the center. That was it… that was the roots… it was simply because she, like so many others, were Jewish. But they couldn't help it! That was just the way that they were! That was just the religion they were born into… and apparently, this was all their fault… in Hitler's mind, it was their fault for being Jewish… that selfish bastard… he could take a long walk off a short pier and DIE for all Anne cared! Jews had to go to segregated schools, Jews could not ride the trams or any street cars, nor were they allowed to keep even their own bicycles. They were not allowed in many stores as well. No theaters. No cinemas. Not even basic things such as a simple radio! Nor could they be out past 8 pm! Jews were prone to lose their citizenship… they had to have special ID cards, which the Nazis made difficult to obtain. If they couldn't prove their citizenship… they'd be deported. It wasn't until 1942 that the yellow star rule was forced upon in the Netherlands. These thoughts floated around in Anne's mind, but she was then pulled back into reality when Anne's mother, Edith, poked her head into her youngest daughter's room. "Anne, it's time for school. Margot is downstairs by the door waiting for you." She said. "Okay, mother. I'll be down in a minute." Nodding, Edith proceeded to leave. Grabbing her school bag, Anne took one last small glance at herself in the mirror before she proceeded to exit her room to meet her older sister, Margot, who she walks to school with.
Anne didn't like the Jewish Lyceum. Just like what the name stated, it was a segregated school for Jewish children… or at least Jewish children who had not yet been deported. Although Anne and her family did happen to be Jewish, they were what was known as "'Liberal Jews' , meaning they did not observe all customs and traditions of Judaism. But that didn't seem to form a difference to Hitler. If you were Jewish… then you were Jewish… if you were Jewish… you were thought of as an enemy… Despite being at a segregated school, Anne did enjoy learning, and she was glad to have her friends such as Hanneli Goslar or "Lies" as she was called. She was also happy to have her in the same class. Anne had a school reputation for being a chatterbox. In fact, her teacher would assign her extra homework sorely because of that fact. He would say, "Anne do a report on this," or "Anne write about that," all because she couldn't convince her mouth to stay shut. But despite this, Anne enjoyed school, and she was a pretty girl. The same went for her older sister, Margot, who was incredibly smart, especially when it came to math and science and all that stuff. While Anne was outspoken, Margot was a bit more reserved, and didn't quite speak her mind like her younger counterpart did. But nonetheless, both girls were sweet.
Anne was walking home with a few friends, or at least a few that were Jewish like her. As it turned out, Jews were not allowed to interact with non - Jewish people, meaning both Margot and Anne had to cut ties with certain friends. "By the way, Lies, what were you and Anne talking about in Algebra today? You made her practically explode!" Said Susanne Leadermann, also known as "Sanne". "Oh, I was telling her about how everyone thinks she's in love with Harry Goldman!" Lies replied. "Really?!" Sanne replied back, a chuckle escaping her. "Yeah, I told her how he prefers her because she's his alarm clock!" Lies said, a smile across her face. Sanne burst out laughing "I am not!" Anne defended. "Like I told you in class, we're just friends!" "You know, Lies, you may be wrong! After all, Anne has eyes for Peter Schiff!" Sanne said. All Anne could do was blush and look away. But she couldn't deny that the fact was true, she even admitted it in her diary. Peter Schiff was Jewish as well. He met Anne when his family and he moved to Amsterdam, and the two instantly grew to become close friends. Anne remained quiet as her other two friends laughed, chuckled, and chatted. Partly ignoring the chatting from besides her, Anne looked around at the outdoor surroundings. With summer just around the corner, as well as Anne's 13 birthday, nature was already growing well into being beautiful, which Anne loved. But from within all that beauty, there was something else, something that wasn't so beautiful. The soldiers, the gestapo, the anti Jeiwsh decrees… they were all like thorns that poked at the beauty of a delicate flower, and in this case, that delicate flower can be called 'living a normal life'. "I'm so excited for summer, aren't you guys?" Said Lies. "Totally, but there aren't really many things we're allowed to do, if you know what I mean." Said Sanne, breaking some of the happiness. "Yeah, but I'm positive we can make our own fun!" Lies replied. "Right, Anne?" She then asked. "Huh?" Anne then said, popping back into reality. "I said that I was positive that we can find some fun during the summer." Lies repeated. "Oh, yeah." "She's probably lost in her mind thinking about her one true love!" Sanne joked, bringing up the subject of Peter once again. In response, Lies and Sanne laughed once more, as Anne's face went red for a second time.
June went by like normal, and when July came… the life of the Frank family would forever be changed. It all started with a knock at the door. "Hang on, I'm coming!" Said Edith. Upon opening the door, there was a man. Held in his grasp was a piece of paper, of which he gave to her. "It's a labor camp call up notice for Margot Frank." He said before turning and leaving. All Edith could do was close the door and wonder in horror of why her children had to be thrusted into a cruel world such as this one. At the moment, Margot Frank happened to come, posed at the top of the stairs. "What is it, Mother?" She asked. All Edith could do was look up at her eldest child with a look of both sadness, fear, and horror. "Is it for me?" Margot asked, although she didn't need a verbal reply to understand. "Oh no! No, no!" She said in horror. It was that same night when the people who would soon become their helpers came to the house to discuss matters on what the next move was. It was decided by Anne's father, Otto Frank, that they would immediately go into hiding the next day. ¨Margot received a call up to go to a labor camp in Germany, we all know what that means. Margot, who is just 16, is scared out of her mind. Should we let her go? Of course, we won´t let her go. Daddy says that we will be going into hiding the very next day.¨ While mother, and father talk to the four that would soon become their helpers, Anne and Margot sat upstairs, equally worried and scared. A terrible known fact was that you couldn't just ignore it when you would receive a call up notice for deportation, as by the next day, if you didn't show up, you would unexpectedly meet some unexpected guests or so and practically be forced out of your own home. What was the future going to be? How would it unfold? Would it ever? Only time would tell. But how long would the time be? Weeks? Months? Years? Was this truly how Anne would spend her early teenage years, meanwhile it being the mid to late teenage years for Margot. Anne felt a small sheet of sadness cover her when she would think of how the upcoming night would be the last night that Anne's bed would be occupied by her sleeping form. The upcoming night would be the last night where it would be occupied by the presence and sounds of people. Come tomorrow, those presences and those sounds would be all but a silent memory, and for how long, no one knew. These were things that a normal, as well as free, person wouldn't give too much thought to, but it could grow to be the opposite when you aren't free…
The rain fell down on that early July morning. It was half to 8, and the Franks had to get on the move. Margot had just left with Miep Gies. It was decided that she would be the first one to be led into the hiding place. Anne, her father, and her mother would all follow together, leaving at about 8am. Anne was wearing multiple layers of clothing. After all, no Jew were to walk out with a suitcase full of clothes in their situation… too much of a risk… and Moortje, who was the family pet… Anne could do nothing but leave the beloved feline behind. "I've left a note for the neighbors, saying goodbye, and to make sure to take care of him in our absence, so don't worry." Said her father. The Franks made a staging in their own house, making as if they had made a quick move to Switzerland, where they did happen to have family. "Come on, Anne, we have to get a move on." Her mother said. The three exited their house, closing the front door behind them. "Early morning people on their way to work looked at us with pity-the yellow star spoke for itself. We wanted nothing more than to get away from the world and arrive safely at our hiding place." Wrote Anne. It was about an hour later when the three arrived, and when they did, Otto Frank nodded at Miep. It was a sign that he, Edith and Anne had arrived safely. They were led upstairs by Meip to what would be their hiding place, where they were met by a waiting Margot. "So this is the hiding place?" Asked Anne. "That's right, Anne. When we received Margot's call up notice, we realized that we would have to take immediate action, that's why everything isn't quite all set up." Explained her father. It was explained that they had to be quiet. They could not do things such as looking out of the windows, lest they be seen. "I'll be doing the shopping each day, and I'll be bringing everything up just after midday, when the employees leave for lunch." Miep explained. She soon had to leave, as the warehouse workers were to arrive soon, and they must know nothing about the Jews hiding just above them. Because of this, she said that it would be best to wait until noon or that night to unpack everything. "Goodbye for now." She said, closing the door behind her as her footsteps led further out of hearing.
About 3 days later, Anne found herself in what was her and Margot's room, which held a small writing desk. She described what had happened on her journey to where she was sitting now, which will soon be called 'The Secret Annex'. "There's a wooden staircase from the downstairs hallway to the third floor. A landing sits at the top of the stairs, with doors on both sides. The door on the left leads you to the spice storage area, attic and loft, which is in the front part of the house, where there also is a typically Dutch, ankle twisting, and very deep flight of stairs which takes you to another door that goes to the streets outside. Through the door on the landing's right, you'll be taken to the Secret Annex, which sits at the back of the house. No one would ever suspect that number of rooms behind that plain grey door. There's just one small step outside and then you're inside. You'll find a steep flight of stairs straight ahead of you, which leads upstairs, and to the left of the stairs, there is a room that serves as mother and father's room. The next door, which is smaller, leads to the study and bedroom of Margot and I, which has the small door to a windowless washroom, which also loops around towards the entrance."
About a week later, on July 13, there came another Jewish family, which was a family of three, who were already known friends of the Franks, who are known as the Van Pels. Hermann Van Pels was a work partner of Otto. With him was his wife, Auguste, and their only child, Peter, who was just about the same age as Margot. They took occupancy in the upstairs part of the Annex. "Hello, Otto." Greeted Mr. Van Pels. "We're most grateful to you for allowing us to stay here." He said. "It's no trouble at all." Otto replied. "We have plenty of room, so make yourself at home." Held inside a small basket, which was in the arms of Peter, was a cat named Mouschi. A cat?! How could they bring a cat into the Secret Annex?! And why could Peter Van Pels bring his cat when Anne had to leave hers behind?! "You brought a cat?!" Exclaimed Anne. "Don't worry, dear. Peter will take care of him." Said Mrs. Van Pels. "The problem is that he has to be fed, he might dirty things. He could come close to giving us all away!" Said Anne. "He won't be a bother to you, rest assured." Said Mrs. Van Pels. "Anne, I'm sure Mouschi will be your friend in due time, but for now, be sure to welcome the Van Pels." Said her father. "Hello." Anne replied, a sad and blunt tone in her voice. "The Van Pels' son, Peter, who is just 15, is somewhat of a sky, gawky kind of boy. Can't expect much from his company." Wrote Anne. Though despite this, it wasn't long before the seven grew as if they were one big family.
The days continued to progress, as well as the weeks, and even the months. "I can't tell you how terrible it is to never be able to go out doors. Not even the simple act of looking out the window is permitted, as it can be too risky. I'm afraid we'll be discovered and shot, which is not a very pleasant prospect." Anne wrote.
"Friday, October 9, 1942
Dear Kitty, I'm afraid there's no good news. Our helpers, such as Miep, inform us about the outdoor world, as well as the radio we have, and the news isn't very pleasant. Many of our Jewish friends and acquaintances have been taken away and deported to camps, such as Westerbork, which is where many, if not all, are then taken to terrible camps like Auschwitz. Miep told us about one who managed to escape. It must be terrible there in Westerbork. People get practically nothing to eat, much less than water, as the water is only on for one hour a day. Women and Children often have their heads shaved. Escape from such a place is next to impossible. We've heard tell that many of them are murdered, as the radio speaks of gassing. If it's this bad here, then what is it like there where they're sent away?"
Come November 1942, the seven Jews were still in hiding, but it wasn't long before Miep came to Otto with some news. "Mr. Frank, I've been in contact with Mr. Pfeffer recently. He would like to know if we could welcome him into hiding." Fritz Pfeffer, was a German dentist, more so Miep's dentist, and an acquaintance of the Franks, but Miep wasn't so sure if she could hide him, as there wasn't much room left. As far as she knew, all beds were occupied, however, it wasn't long before Otto Frank replied. "Miep, where seven eat, eight can eat, too. Go tell Pfeffer that we have a place for him." The new arrangement was that Pfeffer would take Margot's bed, while Margot herself would sleep with mother and father. At first, Pfeffer was confused when he saw that he wasn't the only one, especially when he saw the Franks, as he had been sure they had already taken off for Switzerland, but was grateful nonetheless. However, with the noticing frictions between the two families, it was hard to get along sometimes. And in the case of Pfeffer and Anne, there were quarles often. Fritz Pfeffer was a strict man, as well as a strict father. He had been married twice, but was divorced from his first wife, which was a relationship that brought upon a young boy, who was currently away and safe in England. His second marriage was to a woman named Charlotte, who was Catholic. Despite the fact that Fritz was very heavy in the Jewish religion and traditions, the religious difference of his lover was no problem, as what mattered is that they loved each other. It was this strict depth that tended to annoy young Anne. She would write about how every Sunday he would do his prayers, and it would feel like it would go on forever in Anne's case. Pfeffer was equally annoyed by Anne. He often commented on Anne's behavior, as well as passing everything on to her mother. In Anne's room, by the end of her bed, was a small writing table that Anne now had to share. While Anne would use the desk for her writing, Pfeffer used it to study things such as Spanish, as well as letters to Charlotte, which were sent to and fro by Miep. Pfeffer dreamed of starting a new life with Charlotte in South America after the war. Meanwhile, Anne used the desk for her writing. Not only was Pfeffer the Annex's only dentist, he was also the only one who had any medical knowledge on doctor terms, as he happened to have taken all his instruments and tools with him into hiding.
Although each day in the Secret Annex was different from the last, there was a certain rhythm that brought along the same routine. At 6:45 am, the alarm belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Van Pels went off. At this time, Mr. Van Pels would get up and put the kettle on, then proceed to the bathroom. It would be 15 minutes until the bathroom was free, and Pfeffer would be the second person to occupy it, while Anne got up and removed the black out screens from the windows. All occupants took turns using the bathroom. When 8:30 rolled around, all must be silent in the Annex, as the warehouse workers below were starting their day, although the helpers had not yet arrived. As the warehouse was right below, and the workers had no clue of those in hiding, any noise within this half hour was dangerous. The workers, who were Miep, Bep, Klieman, and Kuglar, arrived and started their work at 9:00 am. Upon their arrival, those in hiding still had to be quiet, but could lessen up the silence, as they were free to chat-as long as they made sure to keep their voices down-, and move around-although lightly-as sounds from above sounded less suspicious with the helpers around. At 12:30, the workers would all leave for lunch, and it was about 12:45 when the time came for the helpers to check on their hidden friends, with a few of them staying in the Secret Annex for lunch. It was usually Miep who stayed in the office below, watching over things. At 1 pm, the radio was switched on for the daily tune in of the BBC, and at 1:15, the hiders had their own lunch, with the helpers returning to work at 1:45 pm. When the afternoon rolled around, and the Annex occupants had cleared everything away, most took afternoon naps. At 4 pm, they had coffee, and started preparations for dinner. The warehouse workers went home at 5:30, and at this time, it was usual for helper Bep to visit, asking the group if they needed anything. When she went home herself at about a quarter to 6 pm, those in hiding were no longer restricted to the Annex, and were free to move about the rest of the building. The building that the Secret Annex was in was above the office of what was once Otto Frank's job, Opekta, which was a dutch jam making company. When laws were put into place against the Jews, Otto Frank could not keep the business and had to hand over the position to Victor Kuglar, who was a dear friend, and a kind helper, as Jews were not allowed to run their own business. In the evening, Mr. Van Pels looked through the post, as Peter went down to the office to fetch the bread that had been left for them. Anne and Margot did chores, while Otto typed business letters on the typewriter, and Edith and Mrs. Van Pels took care of the cooking. After dinner, they took it upon themselves to read, talk, or listen to the radio. At around 9 pm, they started the preparations for bed, as there was always the task of furniture needing to be moved. Turns for the bathroom were the same in the evening as they were in the morning, and once the sun went down, black out screen had to cover the windows, so light coming from inside won't cause suspicion. After that, everyone went off to bed, and each morning, the alarm would go off at 6:45 am, except for Sundays, which were completely different from all the other days. On Sundays, the first one to get up was Pfeffer, waking up at 8 am. Being the first up, he was the first to use the bathroom, with the Van Pels following after, and from 10:15 on, it was the Frank's turn. One of Anne's Sunday 'ordeals' was watching Pfeffer pray for 15 minutes. On Sundays, breakfast did not begin until 11:30 am, and after three quarters of an hour, everyone went to work, doing things such as making the beds, cleaning the carpets, and doing the laundry. It was only after a quick radio listening break, that the continuation of the cleaning went on until about 2 pm. After a second round of radio news, as well as a few other programs, it was time for what was called 'an extended siesta', as they would all return to bed at 2pm after the countless cleaning. To Anne, she never understood why the adults always needed to sleep. For Anne herself, Sunday was her least favorite day of the week, she believed it to be the most miserable day out of all seven days of the week, it wasn't just the cleaning, it was all the walking that had to be done-wandering from one room to the next, down and up the stairs-like a wingless bird getting banged up against the wall of its cage in the darkness, as the fresh air and laughter that lives on the outside world goes to waste, which is a voice inside her that she doesn't even bother answering to anymore. It was Sundays when they listened to a concert on the radio before dinner, and it was only after dinner and the washing of dishes were done, that Anne felt overjoyed, as that signaled to her that the long and boring Sunday was finally over.