When The World Was Ours

Content Warning: This section contains descriptions of antisemitism and the Holocaust, including human rights violations, severe abuse, violence, and gruesome death.

It is Leo’s ninth birthday. He now sits atop the Riesenrad Ferris wheel in Vienna with his two best friends, Max and Elsa, and his papa, Mr. Grunberg. Leo feels like he can see the whole world. He has been counting down the days until his birthday. He and Max feel like kings who have the city all to themselves; they and Elsa are deeply enjoying the moment. They all met two years ago when they were seated together at the beginning of school. Now, Elsa jokes that she will become queen and marry both of the boys. When the ride stops at the top, Leo’s papa suggests a photograph. As a professional photographer, he is eager to capture the moment and is skilled at getting the children to laugh and smile. He teases and tickles them until Leo trips over one of the other riders. He apologizes, and Leo’s papa soon strikes a conversation with the couple, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart. When the ride ends, he suggests that they all go around again.