Jacob Comes Home
by William Kozlenko

In a home in Berlin, a Jewish family fearfully awaits the return of their Jacob from a Nazi prison.

They talk of how he will look, and what they will say to him.

They will sing, but softly, so that he won't hear and think they are too happy.

The tension is almost unbearable as they hear footsteps on the stairs -- but a strange man stands there, asking stern questions.

He delivers a small parcel -- the ashes of Magda's husband.

Jacob has come home.

Written with rare artistry and restraint.