Number the Stars: Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

As Ellen, Annemarie, and Mama approach Uncle Henrik’s house, Ellen is stunned by how beautiful the farmhouse and surrounding meadow are. Mama and Kirsti go in to rest, but Annemarie and Ellen enjoy a run through the meadow and a walk down to the shore. Ellen says she’s never been so close to the “real” ocean before, as her mother is afraid of the sea. Annemarie points out across the water at the “misty shoreline” of Sweden. Soon, Mama calls them both into the house, and asks Annemarie if she or Ellen saw or talked to anybody. Annemarie says they did not. Mama warns them that while they’re here, they must stay away from people, even though the neighborhood is small and quiet. Ellen asks if there are soldiers here, and Mama replies sadly that there are soldiers “everywhere.”

After dinner that evening, Ellen and Annemarie head up to the bedroom they’re sharing—the same bedroom that once belonged to Mama when she was a girl. Ellen asks where Annemarie has put her necklace. Annemarie assures her that it is hidden in a secret place—and will stay there until it is safe for Ellen to wear it once again. Ellen sits down on the edge of the bed and laments that she doesn’t know where her parents are, or how they’re doing. Annemarie comforts Ellen, and as the girls get into bed, Annemarie listens to the sounds of her mother’s conversation with Uncle Henrik wafting up from downstairs. Normally, when the two are together, they are constantly laughing and joking. Tonight, though, there is “no laughter at all.”