Paula's Flight by Anne Frank

Paula had been working for some time when the cabaret announced one evening that in two weeks' time it was going to hold a big dance show, exclusively for the convalescent soldiers who had recently been discharged from various hospitals. On this special night, Paula was to have a big part in the performance. There were lots of rehearsals, and when she got home late at night, she was so tired that she could barely drag herself out of bed at seven o'clock the next morning. Her one and only source of comfort in this period was Erich. Their friendship had grown so much that Paula no longer knew how she could ever manage without him. When the big night finally arrived, Paula had stage fright for the first time in her life. Dancing for a roomful of men was decidedly unnerving. Still, all she could do was try, and with the thought of the extra money she'd earn, she was able to keep going.

The evening went well, and afterwards Paula joined Erich in the foyer. All of a sudden she froze, because not far from her, talking to another soldier, was her father. With a cry of joy, she rushed over and threw herself in his arms. Her father, who had aged quite a lot, looked amazed, since he hadn't recognized his daughter, either on or off stage. She actually had to introduce herself!