School, first classes
The early school years of Luba remain largely unremarkable. The photographs capture a young girl donning a white apron and an oversized white bow, with her most striking feature being her immense brown eyes. Despite her cheerful nature, Luba felt a sense of otherness in relation to others, although she did not experience anti-Semitism directly. She sensed that she was somehow different, and this feeling was most acutely felt within her own family.
Nina Zakharovna, Luba's mother, had three sisters, and when they gathered with their children, Luba sensed a subtle note of neglect and insignificance directed at her. Despite these feelings, Nina Zakharovna provided Luba with all that she needed, and she was always immaculate and well-groomed.
However, in moments of anger or frustration, Nina Zakharovna's words betrayed a different attitude towards her daughter. She would call Luba by the name "Sarah Markovna," a term that carried a sense of insult and disrespect. At times, the word "Zidovka" would also slip from her lips, a term that was similarly hurtful and insensitive.
