Number the Stars: Chapters 5-7

The Soldiers' Visit

• Soldiers questioned the family, focusing distrustfully on Ellen's dark hair.
• Ellen initially identifies as Lise Johansen.
• Papa quickly grabs the family photo album.
• He tears out baby pictures of each of his daughters.
• The photos have names and dates on them to prove their identities.
• Lise's baby picture showed dark hair, which matched Ellen.
• The officer tears Ellen's photo and leaves with his men.
• Annemarie clutches Ellen's Star of David necklace, imprinting the star into her palm.

Aftermath and Escape

• Papa acknowledges the soldiers are now suspicious of the family.
• Ellen is upset that her dark hair made them suspicious.
• Mama reassures Ellen that her hair is beautiful and they were lucky Papa quickly thought of the pictures.
• The family realizes it was fortunate Lise had dark hair as a baby.
• It was the first time Mama and Papa had spoken of Lise in three years.
• Mama and the girls will go to Henrik's (Mama's brother).
• Papa says that he will stay behind, but Mama says that it would be suspicious
• Papa tells Henrik on the phone that Inge (Mama) is bringing him a carton of cigarettes.
• Papa implied others will also be bringing cigarettes.
• Annemarie realizes Papa is speaking in code, and that Ellen is the package.

The Train Journey

• They take a train north along the Danish coast.
• Annemarie reminisces about past trips to her grandparents' home.
• Ellen admires the seaside homes, farms, and villages.
• At Klampenborg, Annemarie wishes to stop at the Deer Park.
• German soldiers board the train and begin questioning passengers.
• A soldier asks where they are traveling.
• Mama calmly states they are visiting her brother in Gilleleje.
• The soldier asks if they're visiting for the New Year, confusing Mama.
• Kirsti almost reveals Ellen's New Year celebration but instead talks about her new shoes.
• The soldiers move on.

Arrival at Gilleleje

• The air smells of salt and fish.
• Mama wonders if Henrik will be back from fishing yet.
• They take a path through the woods which is a shortcut to Henrik's house.
• Kirsti talks about Kronborg Castle, wishing they could visit the Kings and Queens.
• Mama smiles, reminiscing about her own childhood dreams.
• Mama shares memories of her childhood in the village and the dog she named Trofast ('Faithful').
• Trofast would always wait for her at the end of the path.
• Today, the path is empty.

Henrik's House by the Sea

• Ellen is in awe of the beauty surrounding Henrik's house.
• The house's chimney is crooked and the windows are tilted.
• A bird's nest is hidden by the roof.
• A gnarled apple tree stands nearby.
• The girls run through the meadow towards the sea.
• A gray kitten accompanies them.
• Ellen expresses amazement at seeing the open sea.
• The girls sit on a rock, taking off their shoes to touch the water.
• Annemarie points out Sweden across the water, suggesting a leaf could float there.
• Annemarie says Uncle Henrik's boat is named "Ingeborg" for Mama.

Warnings and Preparations

• Mama warns the girls to avoid contact with people.

• She says it could be dangerous to explain who Ellen is.

• Ellen asks if there are soldiers there.

• Mama confirms soldiers are everywhere, making it a bad time.

• Mama says she is going to make applesauce for supper and that Henrik will bring fish.

• The girls sleep in Mama's old bedroom.

• Ellen asks about her necklace.

• Annemarie says she is holding onto it until it is safe for Ellen to wear it again.

• Ellen shares that Papa gave her the necklace when she was small.

• Ellen says that she wishes she knew where her parents were.

• Downstairs, Mama and Uncle Henrik are talking.

Morning Brings Ominous News

• Mama makes oatmeal with cream and butter, a rare treat.

• Mama says it is from Blossom and that Henrik made sure to save some.

• Mama jokes that the soldiers would relocate the butter given the chance.

• Kirsti names the kitten Thor.

• Ellen appears and is given oatmeal.

• The girls play outdoors all day. Ellen is introduced to Blossom.

• Mama cleans the house, complaining about Henrik's untidiness and that he needs a wife.

• Uncle Henrik arrives home.

• Mama jokes about him needing to get married and the two laugh together.

• Mama mentions that she opened all the windows to get fresh air and sunlight.

• Henrik responds that tomorrow will be a good day for fishing.

• Mama asks if the weather is right and Henrik says he is going back to his boat after supper.

• Uncle Henrik asks if Mama prepared the living room.

• Mama says that she did and moved the furniture

• Henrik says that Great-aunt Birte has died and will be resting in the living room before she is buried tomorrow.

• Kirsti is fascinated.

• Annemarie is confused as she has never heard of a Great-aunt Birte.

• She is certain Great-aunt Birte does not exist.