In the tense atmosphere of the hidden sanctuary, episode 4 of A Small Light opens with a chilling scenario. Miep's heart pounds as she frantically searches for the Jewish families hidden within the office space, including the Franks and the other families. To her horror, they are all gone, and the cluttered items strewn across the floor suggest a Nazi intrusion, leaving her with the ominous feeling that someone might have discovered their hiding place.
Just when it seems all is lost, a ray of hope shines through as Miep stumbles upon them concealed in the attic. The entrance to this secret refuge remains a constant concern for Miep and her trusted compatriots, Kulgar and Kleiman. They devise a clever plan to camouflage the doorway with a bookshelf, doubling as a discreet entrance, masking their sanctuary from any unsuspecting eyes.
However, the tranquility is disrupted when Jan declares his intention to visit his brother, refusing to spend the holiday with Miep. Suspicious, Miep decides to tail him, witnessing him heading in the opposite direction and entering a church. Hurt and betrayed, she feels abandoned by her non-religious partner, prioritizing his time with Jesus over her. She vents her emotions to her close friend, Tess.
Tess, however, remains unaffected by Jan's actions, seeing it as a positive sign. She then reveals a shocking secret to Miep, informing her that her mother is suffering from cancer and is nearing her end. Tess explains that only her partner has the means to save her mother's life by funding her treatment, leaving Miep feeling a deep sense of sorrow for her friend.
Despite her heavy heart, Tess brightens the mood by inviting Miep to an ice skating party. Recognizing that her role in hiding the Franks and the other Jewish families has taken precedence over her social life, Miep agrees to attend, promising to join Tess. The promise brings a smile to Tess's face, offering a momentary respite from the tense realities they both face.
On the fateful day when Christmas and Hanukkah converged, the Franks and the other Jewish families in hiding were grappling with the absence of food and other necessities to make the celebrations meaningful. Their frustration mounted as they struggled to maintain their spirits amidst the deprivation. Meanwhile, Dr. Pfeffer, unable to be with his beloved child and wife, Lotte, was also growing increasingly impatient.
Lotte arrived at the office complex, bearing a basket laden with snacks intended for her partner. She entrusted Miep with the task of delivering the basket to Pfeffer during her visit. Miep promised to fulfill her request and arranged for Pfeffer to stand near a vent so he could hear his wife's voice.
As Lotte's tender words of love and devotion poured through the vent, Pfeffer's heart melted. Overwhelmed by her sentiments, he expressed his gratitude to Miep.
Miep, however, felt conflicted about attending Tess's party, given the Jews' inability to celebrate Hanukkah. Despite her reluctance, Edith and Van Pel's partner insisted on dressing her up, adorning her with a stunning cape and gown.
At the party, Miep and her partner mingled with the crowd. Suddenly, Jan noticed Tess's boyfriend wearing the Nazi insignia. He whispered the shocking revelation to his partner and urged her to leave the event as soon as possible.
Upon discovering the truth about Tess's boyfriend, Miep's composure shattered. But Jan quickly intervened, ushering his wife out of the house and warning her to exercise caution. He cautioned her against publicly expressing her anger towards the Nazis, knowing that discretion was key in their precarious situation.
Miep and Jan exited the festive party, eager to embark on their journey to the clandestine location where they would commemorate Hanukkah with the Franks and other Jewish families. As they gathered, Otto's gaze fell upon the necklace adorning Miep's neck, a gift from her friend Tess. Intrigued, he inquired about its provenance, and Miep candidly disclosed that it was a token of friendship from her companion.
Little did she know, however, that the necklace—a cherished Jewish symbol—had once been stolen by the ruthless Nazis. The revelation ignited a fury within Miep, shattering her trust in her closest friend. Jan, sensing her distress, attempted to soothe her, assuring her that Tess must be unaware of the necklace's tainted history.
Miep's anger refused to dissipate, and she even cast doubts on Jan, questioning his trustworthiness. Jan firmly assured her that he had never been involved in any church activities and had always followed in her footsteps. He didn't reveal too many details, but hinted that he, like many others, was secretly fighting against the Nazis.
Within the serene walls of the church, Jan encountered a priest who had valiantly served in the resistance. It transpired that the priest was harboring a Jewish family, whose son Jan had previously aided. The anxious Jewish parents yearned to see their beloved child, and Jan sensed the urgency of their plight. He realized that the situation for the innocent Jews was deteriorating with each passing moment, and he firmly believed that the resistance movement must intensify their efforts.
Deep in conversation with Willem, Jan voiced his concerns and discussed the dire situation. Willem revealed that they were not just assisting Jews in hiding, but were also preparing for battle, armed with a formidable arsenal of weapons. Together, they strived to safeguard the lives of the oppressed and uphold the values of justice and freedom, fighting valiantly against the oppressive forces that threatened their way of life.
