Wednesday, July 1, 1941

Dear Betya,

Your [last] letter utterly shocked us. Please understand, my dear child, we just as passionately wish that you were here with us, but this is impossible, at least for the near future. You understand very well that we are beside ourselves in your absence, but we’re trying to be strong and we’re happy that if you can’t be here with us that at least you’re there. If we could, we’d come too… you should consider yourself lucky that you’re with your own flesh and blood, with people who love you. You must try not to upset them. On the contrary, you must cheer them up and keep them in goods spirits. I understand what you’re going through very well, but I consider you to be an adult, not some child who’s so stubborn as to keep asking for the impossible. So, I hope you’ve understood me and will no longer upset yourself or your grandparents with all this talk of going home. Your anxiety and mood swings deeply upset them (cont.next page)