All of Them

The interpreter faltered, then stopped. Ana nudged for her father to tell her the words in English. But his eyes were locked on the speaker – a small man in a too-large suit – who continued with stumbling dignity. Some women with braids, like in the Old Country, began to rock back and forth, covering their faces. A young man stood. “All of them?” he shouted. “All dead?” The speaker stopped. He took something from inside his coat. Held it aloft – a torn shoe – and broke into dreadful tears. Ana’s father covered his face. Ana felt a stone close up her throat.