The Cuckoo's Cage

Chapter Twenty-Four

Anna was trying her best not to cry as she packed up her things. She didn't want to go. She'd spent all night tossing and turning, desperately trying to think of a way out of it. Or at least a way to say goodbye to Elli. She knew that kicking up a fuss in front of Ernst would do nothing. He'd simply force her into leaving and then punish her when they reached their destination. She could create a public storm, but that would only get them both arrested or worse, killed. It wouldn't bring her back to Elli. If she could drive, she would have stolen the car and taken herself to Elli. But it was all hopeless. She stopped in front of her dresser, catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Ernst had told her to dress simply and comfortably. Their journey to safety would likely strip them of comfort. She looked like the old Anna; the one she had tried so hard to hide and protect. She chose plain trousers, and blouse and a plain cardigan. Her hair was loose, her feet stuffed into the heavy winter boots that Ernst had bought her. She wore no makeup, her glasses sliding down her nose. Hopefully, she'd blend in with the crowd. She patted her trouser pocket, ensuring all of her photographs were safely tucked away. Then, she began to sort through her jewellery, throwing it all into a wash bag when she stopped. She pulled out Hans' engagement ring. She stared at it for the longest time. She didn't want to just throw it in with everything else; it was his mother's, after all. She needed to give it back to him. Or did she want to keep it? For the first time since he had left, she really wondered if they would ever return to how they used to be. Not because he wouldn't come for her. She knew that Karl would never give up on her, that he and Hans would work together to get back to her. But she had been without him for so many months. Even if she knew in her heart that she loved him, he had betrayed her. Out of everyone in her life, he had caused her the most pain. Seeing Elli had reminded her what it felt like to love someone unconditionally; could she say the same for him anymore? She picked a necklace with a delicate chain, removing the pendant and slipping on the ring in its place. She fastened it around her neck, hiding it beneath her shirt. Even if she no longer wanted him as her lover, she respected him enough not to lose something so precious.

With her bags now packed, she carried them downstairs. Ernst's were already there, waiting. He was about to brief all the senior officers of his departure and prepping the dining room for their arrival. When he heard her, he came out to see her. It seemed odd to see him in civilian clothes. He never wore them. He came and wrapped his arms around her, Anna still unable to smile at him. It was all she could do to let herself be close to him.

"Please don't look so sad my darling," he urged. "I know it hurts now, but the distance will ease that." She managed a faint flicker of a smile as the front door opened. It was Freddie, with Doctor Grüber. Anna tried not to react as Grüber made his way over to her.

"Anna," he said, taking her hand. "It's been so many weeks since I last saw you. How are you?"

"Just fine," she returned. "And yourself?"

"Yes, fine. But Anna, I don't just mean..."

"As I said, I'm perfectly fine," snapped Anna, withdrawing her hand.

"Of course," said Grüber, understanding that she didn't want to talk about anything that had transpired in the weeks prior. Her eyes flicked up to Freddie, whose expression was hard and serious. Ernst had briefed Freddie this morning.

"The others were just behind us, Herr Commandant," said Freddie, Ernst nodding. Sure enough, the other officers began to pile in. Ernst kissed Anna, stroking her cheek.

"This won't take too long," he assured her. "Five minutes, or so. Then we can get ready to go." Anna just nodded, Freddie coming and standing by her as the other officers made their way into the dining room. As the door closed, and Ernst began speaking, Freddie grabbed her arm. Without a word, he tugged her to the front door. Keeping his finger to his lips, he opened it quietly, allowing her to grab her coat before herding her out. She said nothing but watched as he gestured to the car. She ran towards it, Freddie closing the door quietly, then joining her. They both clambered in, Freddie starting it immediately, then driving carefully off the driveway.