795
1944
On the second anniversary of their internment inside the abandoned Anqing College, Sugar gazed at the book collection that had been harvested from the international prisoners, pulled down a first edition of her favorite book and began reading it to the class.
“Scarlett O’Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it when caught by her charm as the Tarleton twins were,” she began.
Then a Japanese soldier swung open the classroom door.
“We’re in class, leave us alone,” Sugar said sternly.
Sugar picked up her son David, who was sobbing loudly.
“You. Come,” the soldier demanded. “Your husband dying.”