Zlata's Diary

Shelling continues in August. The family receives word that Zlata’s mother’s brother is doing well working for the press in Otes. Zlata remains inside and plays with her new kitten, Cici. When summer school starts, she is allowed to cross the 200 feet to the community center. Her father walks her so she is not alone. She joins the drama and the literature club and is excited to recite poetry with her classmates.

Residents must now walk and wait in line to fetch water, and when Zlata’s father suffers a hernia, he can no longer carry water for the household. Zlata’s mother must take on the additional task. School becomes a refuge from the war. Zlata reflects on how much her classmates and teacher mean to her and how much they brighten her time. She even dresses up for school because it is something to look forward to, though she hopes that she does not seem conceited.

Many birthdays occur in September, including Zlata’s mother’s. Zlata reflects on the neighbors and friends who still exchange gifts and bake cakes to forget the war and assert a sense of normalcy. Though many feel celebrations help them, Zlata worries that they are only imitating life.