“

‘It was the fourth of August. It was quiet in the office. We were working and I happened to look up. The door opened and a small man entered. He pointed the revolver in his hand at me and said 'Stay seated! Don't move!' Of course I was frozen with fear. He closed the door and left again. I couldn't see or hear what happened after that because I was ordered to stay at my desk. Later I heard everyone coming downstairs, very slowly. They had been able to pack in the meantime. I wasn't allowed to go to the window, I had to stay in my seat. And I did that. Afterwards, Bep and I went upstairs to the Franks’ bedroom. And there we saw Anne's diary lying on the ground. 'Let's pick it up', I said, because Bep stood there looking in a daze. I said 'Pick it up, pick it up, let's get out of here!', because we were so frightened! We went downstairs and there we were, Bep and I. 'Now what, Bep?' Then she said: 'You're the oldest. You should keep it.' That seemed right.’