Teresa Nasfeter

A story of a young schoolboy who, with his classmates, has pledged to defend his country. In September of 1939 he goes to war on his own in the spirit of cadets during the insurrection of 1831. He is trying to protect his classmate, a 12-year old girl, in search of her mother during the war confusion.

In an idyllic working class community, 13 year old Anka grows up, going through stages of adolescence, dreaming, first love and gossiping with girlfriends. Roughly disturbed by the shame and disgrace of alcoholism - leaves unwashable stains upon the community, that tries to cope with abuse and depression, and the system (including school teachers) who try to avoid the subject. This story was aimed at parents, to give them morally an insight into what happens when a young girl has to deal with the disgrace of an alcoholic father and a mentally instable mother.

Karol is a newcomer to the class and instantly called "sissy". He tries to make friends with class bully called Balon, and eventually succeeds. The group uses him to steal lollipops and later for an assault on a small child. The victim's mother seeks out the responsible and Karol is identified. He eventually confesses to his mother and names his accomplices. Branded now as a "squealer" he is avoided by his former friends.

A boy awaits the return of his long-absent emigre father but is disappointed when they finally meet.