Naked truth - Chapter 14 - Echoes of Childhood: A Story of Longing and Laughter

Childhood connections

Photo by Donnie Ray Crisp on Unsplash

Play is an essential part of every child's life. It's through play that children begin to interact with others, discover the world around them, and learn to navigate the small yet important things—from sharing toys to negotiating meals and time spent with different family members.

What Martha longed for more than anything was to have brothers and sisters. It was her most cherished wish, and she vividly recalls moments when she hoped so deeply that it might come true, even though a part of her understood that the relationship between her parents was toxic. There is nothing like wishful thinking!

She remembers the Ferret once telling her that she could have had two brothers—one 11 years older and the other just a year younger. But both times, her mother had abortions. The second time, the antiabortion law in place, and Ferret shared that it had been a disturbing experience and all had to be done illegally it must have been terribly traumatic and risky! . Martha felt a deep sadness when she heard this, but she didn’t know how to process such heavy information. Even as a child, the Ferret often volunteered details far beyond what Martha could fully understand, and yet she absorbed it all, trying to make sense of it in her own way.

The loneliness Martha felt when she returned home from school was overwhelming. On a few occasions, she brought some children who lived on the same staircase into the flat to play, but the neighbors reported this, and Martha was reprimanded. Undeterred, she continued to invite the children, though this time, they played outside on the mezzanine, with the door left open. They sat on blankets on the cold, grey concrete in front of the door on the third floor. Once again, she was scolded.

Desperate for connection, Martha pleaded with the Ferret many times to let her have children to play with. But the Ferret would always tell her there was nothing she could do—she couldn’t just "bring children from her hat." The sting of that rejection was something Martha could never quite understand or come to terms with.

If only she could have had brothers and sisters! If only!

A few years later, Martha developed close friendships with two boys her age who lived on the same floor, Andrei and Stefan. During summer holidays, the three of them would take the bus to the local cinema, a routine that became one of the true joys of her childhood.

SANDOKAN THE TIGER OF MALAYSIA

One of the first movies forever imprinted in Martha’s happy childhood memories is “Sandokan, the Tiger of Malaysia”, which she watched with her two friends. The soundtrack still lingers vividly in her mind, and recently, she felt an urge to find the movie again—and she did! Hearing that familiar music transported her back to a hot summer day, savoring ice cream, with their three pairs of eyes glued to the big screen. She recalls sitting on those dark red cushioned seats, embraced by the cool air of the theater. When she discovered the movie was released in 1977, she realized she must have been about eight when she first saw it.

Their summer trips to the movies became a beloved tradition that lasted several years. And when Andrei or Stefan were away visiting family in the countryside, Martha would go alone, finding comfort in the world of films and books. These small escapes filled her summers with joy and a sense of adventure.

PIEDONE - BUD SPENCER

Suddenly, Bud Spencer—”Piedone”— and his comedies came to mind, bringing a huge smile to Martha’s face. These were her favourite comedies, and she could almost hear again he laughter echoing through the cinema halls, so genuine and heartfelt. It was as if the very walls were laughing along with the audience in those days.

Years later, Martha watched those films on TV with her father—one of those rare moments when they could share something special and laugh until their cheeks hurt. These times came mostly when the Ferret was away in Russia, allowing Martha and her father to fully enjoy each other’s company. Her father had a wonderful sense of humor, often laughing so hard that tears rolled down his face, his laughter matching Martha's own. Though such moments were rare, they remain forever in her heart, treasured like diamonds.

SATURDAY WAS WORK DAY - HALF

The work culture of the time required people to work on Saturdays, typically for half days. Gradually, as the early 1980s approached, changes began to take hold, and for some, the Saturday work requirement shifted to every other week, allowing for more family time and rest. Children, too, attended school on Saturdays, often for a lighter schedule, spending their Saturday mornings in classrooms before enjoying the rest of the weekend. This system was a reflection of the era’s dedication to productivity and structure, but it also marked a slower, emerging shift toward a more balanced work-life rhythm.

All children wore uniforms, fostering a sense of equality and unity among students. From first through fourth grade, every school across Romania had the same style of uniform, creating a shared identity for younger students. In grades five through eight, the uniform design changed slightly, though it remained identical nationwide, distinguished only by each school’s emblem. These uniforms were affordable and practical, reinforcing the idea of school as a space dedicated to learning, free from competition over clothing or outward displays of status—a contrast to the no dress code that emerged after the revolution.

It’s strange how no memories of movie trips with her parents come to Martha’s mind. As an adult, Martha once dared to tell The Ferret how much she would have enjoyed going to the cinema with her and her father. The Ferret replied, “But we went together when you were three. Don’t you remember? It was called “The Drowning of Japan”—with buildings collapsing, tsunami, huge earthquakes, and fault lines splitting the earth! How could you not remember?”

End of chapter 14

Until next time be well!

One of my dreams is to write a novel, inspired by real events but with a touch of fiction in it. Will it happen? I don’t know! Writing as and when I find the energy and time while navigating the choppy waters of life.

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