Mr. Frank’s Diary Entry:
Date: November 12, 1942
Today brought a new chapter in our lives here in the Secret Annex. Mr. Dussel has arrived, and I must admit, his presence is a mixed blessing. On one hand, it is good to have another person with us; the silence can be stifling at times, and the weight of our predicament often feels unbearable. On the other hand, I worry about the strain this new arrangement will place on our already delicate situation.
Mr. Dussel, a dentist by trade, comes with his own burdens and fears. I can see how anxious he is—his eyes carry the weight of the world outside, the terrors of the Nazi regime creeping closer. We welcomed him into our home, but the reality of our lives forces us to tread carefully. I must remind myself that we are all trying to survive, each in our own way.
The children, especially Anne, were intrigued by him initially. She seems to find amusement in everything, even amid the grimness of our confinement. I can sense her eagerness to engage him in conversation, to find some spark of normalcy in the chaos around us. Perhaps she sees in him a kind of new friend, someone to distract her from the weight of her confinement.
For now, we must learn to coexist. Our days of secretive whispers and tense moments are growing increasingly complex. I hope Mr. Dussel will adapt well to our circumstances, for we must remain united and strong. Each of us carries our burdens, but perhaps together we can lighten the load just a bit.
As I close my diary tonight, I pray for peace and safety—for us, and for all those trapped in this terrible war. We must hold onto hope, even when the world outside so desperately tries to snuff it out.
Otto Frank
31 answers