You are an enemy of the state,
my teacher, Comrade Novak, told me flatly. We were in a classroom at the Prague 5 Elementary School, a large, new building on the hill above Hlubocepy Village that stood as a showcase of the Communist regime. Teachers there were selected for their loyalty. I was 13 years old and about to complete my eight years of compulsory education. When my comrade teacher had asked me to stay behind in the classroom, I’d expected to be praised for my good exam results. Instead, I stood before him, stunned by his unexpected outburst and transfixed by his face, which was suddenly contorted with hate. I was so scared that I went rigid, unable to respond. Children were taught that the regime was ruthless to its enemies - of which, it seemed, I was now one.