Literary Las Vegas: Bill Kuncewicki
Recent Henderson transplant Bill Kuncewicki drew from his parents’ experiences surviving the terror in Eastern Europe during World War II to write the romantic novella “One Day One Moment One Breath.” The story follows Izak and Lea, young almost-newlyweds separated by war and forced to fight for survival — Izak as a member of the Polish Infantry Rifle Division and Lea on the run through the countryside with their toddler by her side. As a child, Kuncewicki knew little of his parents’ and older brother’s harrowing past. It wasn’t until he reached adulthood that he sought answers. “I never knew that I had an author brewing inside of me,” he said.
Excerpt:
Lea soon received an identity card from the Polish military that signified her husband was an infantryman. She would be able to use the card for food and water as her husband was in the military. It would also be used as an identification card to help her move around the country. Lea sewed the card into her left vest pocket nearest to her heart.
Packing what little belongings she could carry, Lea and her young son walked from the home she and Izak shared for such a short time. A satchel in one hand and a two year old in the other, her steps took her to an uncertain future. She and Ephraim boarded a train for Pinsk. There could be no planning for the future. As children Lea and her sister had endured WWI. Lea was a mere child then as her son now was. They survived that war never having to leave their home. She hoped for the same this day.
Izak had told her not to forget their pact.
“No matter what may happen do not look back, do not turn back, and survival at all costs.” These words Izak spoke to her before they departed.
