The Cuckoo's Cage

Chapter Twenty Five

It was a bizarre feeling, waking up in her old bunk. Considering how little time she had spent in the camp, Anna remembered it so well. Yet now, her hope was restored. Because nestled in her arms, was her sister. As long as they stayed together, Anna knew she would be able to make sure they survived. Ernst's decision to place her with Keller was not surprising. If anything, it might be the thing that saved them. She'd just have to focus his attention on her. She was what he wanted, after all. But it still frightened her. Keller had become so unhinged since she had first met him; everything had clearly taken its toll on his mind. If she played him the wrong way, he could kill them both. She was going to have to be cunning.

Anna roused Elli gently, helping her to climb out of the bunk. She showed Elli where the water was, the other women letting her lap it up desperately. Miriam came to stand beside her, squeezing her hand as they watched Elli thank each of the women in turn.

"Such a sweet little thing," she whispered to Anna, who grasped her hand just as tightly.

Anna had been so glad to see Miriam when the work force had all returned to the bunk house. Hers was the only face she recognised. The inmates kept here had severely dwindled. Now, there was no more than a dozen working in the entire area. Even Margot was gone; she'd been taken away when she became ill only a month ago. Miriam was saddened to see Anna. She had heard from the guard's gossip that Anna had not left with Hans. When Anna explained herself though, she understood.

"Promise me you'll look out for her if Keller takes it too far," Anna murmured. Miriam nodded, not bothering to argue with her. They both knew what he could be like.

They were soon collected for their duties. They didn't line up anymore; Keller just pushed them towards particular jobs. He seemed in high spirits as he ordered them about. Anna could guess why and tried not to dwell on what his plans for her might be. He pushed Anna and Elli towards the same work hut she had always been assigned to, both of them getting to work. Elli sat close to her sister, Anna making sure to reach out and touch her hand every so often. They were not given a midday walk as before, simply left to the same monotonous searching. Anna noted how there were so few suitcases left. Were there no more trains arriving? How long had it been since the last one? Was it simply a coincidence, or were Hans' predictions for the camp's fate coming to fruition? Keller spent the day coming in and out of the hut. He did not speak to her or touch her. He just sat and watched, making sure he was always in her eyeline. It was disturbing.

As the workday drew to a close, Anna heard male voices drift in from outside. The guard watching them ran outside, so Anna took a chance to sneak a peek out of the window. Freddie was here. She pressed her hand to the glass, desperate to see her friend. But she couldn't run to him; she'd get into trouble. She had to lie low.

"I told you, no!" echoed Keller's voice.

"I'm not even allowed to see her?" protested Freddie.

"My sector, my rules."

"Are you so threatened that you're going to stop me from checking if she's alive?"

"Get your priorities in order, Rottenführer," warned Keller. "Why should the life of an inmate matter to you?"

"I could ask you the same question," countered Freddie. Anna was breathing heavily. She sank back from the glass, her back sliding down the wall as she sat and listened to them. "It doesn't matter anymore, Keller. There's no authority here, there's no structure. We're alone. Just let me see her!" There was a long silence, Anna hoping desperately that Keller might give in.

"Strauss," said Keller. "Help me escort the Rottenführer back to the barracks. He's entirely delusional." Anna sighed in frustration. She shouldn't have let hope get the better of her.