the golden knob Bobby 1164 survived born-witness She would take hold of and twist on the door guide me as we descended steep stairs into her basement together. When arrived at final platform My extend arm reach up to tug a string that illuminated simple lightbulb exposed pipes hanging above. I followed path one sewing machines my grandmother present chosen cloth. With white rectangular chalk squeezed between fingers she began mark imagine. Using seamstress measuring tape against body assured me down millimeter was center custom-made dreams. Each pushpin drawn from plump cushion keep idea in place bind new connection. Then concert began. The rhythmic sounds pedal pressed by foot powerful joust hand spun wheel side. Her quickly returned meditatively fabric through needles hidden metal hovering above table other poking out world below. pause assess. Sometimes process connections were deemed acceptable line stiches begin. Other times critical eye determined them imprecise unleashed bursting sound ripping thread. After loose strings removed repositioned start forward. blue inked number forearm moved with both speed measure. mind’s concentration whole invested this effort. 164th human be tattooed after arriving first transport Jewish women Auschwitz . As dress drew its form chime searched for exact round cookie boxes housing hundreds buttons snaps closures zippers considering how best adorn secure developing creation. finished garment hard appreciate until moment it magically folded turned right side in. formation no longer visible yet having knew stitches seams remained inside. Always ironing board which sat hot ready pace forward back emerge perfectly smoothed granddaughter clothe myself expertise go live.