The Cuckoo's Cage

Chapter Thirty-One

The sisters had been in this camp for five days now. March had ended and brought Anna's birthday with it. Perhaps she should have been happy to survive one more year, but she simply couldn't conjure the sentiment. She was so tired. They had at least been fed once since being here. It was old and a little mouldy, but at least it was something. She gave most of it to Elli, of course.

Elli was struggling not having anything to do. She had nothing to distract her from the interminable waiting, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to soothe her. At least Margot had been kinder. Slowly, she had been ingratiating the two of them with the other women. Anna was still tentative about allowing Elli too much time with them. As she'd explained to Margot, she really didn't want Elli to lose anyone else. But the other women did certainly distract her. They'd tell her stories of their life, and she was so keen to listen. They seemed to like it too. So few of them had even seen a child in the past few years; she was the breath of fresh air they had needed for so long.

They were making conversation with Anna, also; Margot had clearly told them the full truth of Anna's imprisonment, and they seemed to be warming to her. They realised now, that she was not a threat, and that her involvement with the guards was all for Elli's sake. Except Hans. Some of them still didn't understand her love for him, even when Margot tried to explain all the good he had done. Anna couldn't leap to his defence anymore. No matter how much she missed him, she was still so angry at him. It was horribly conflicting.

Anna had at least slept better. There had been another heavy rainfall the previous night, and the constant drumming had soothed her. It had also filled the troughs to the brim, so there was a lot more water to go around. She looked up at the heavy rain clouds now. Hopefully, it would be the same again tonight, then they could drink their fill and still know that there was more to come.

            In the distance, a car rumbled up the road. All the women watched as it arrived. New guards must be here to relieve the two on guard by the front gate. To their surprise, there was only one, and he got out and said something to the two on duty. Nodding, they unlocked the front gate.

"LINE UP!" one of them barked, all of the women doing so.

"What are you doing?" asked the other as he took out his gun.

"We can't leave them here so that they can talk!" explained the first.

Anna took a deep breath and pulled Elli in as he began shooting the women down the line, the shots ringing out through the silent and still forest. Anna glanced at Margot, who was looking at her. She reached out her hand to her as well and gripped it. Then they both stared forward, wincing with each new shot. Anna closed her eyes, not wanting to know when it was her turn. Her heart was pounding. It had all led to this... at least this death would be quick. Then the clicking of an empty gun resounded.

"Why are you bothering?" asked the third guard who had driven to them. "Save your bullets for the men! The women will die quickly any way." Anna opened her eyes and looked around her. Ten of the women lay dead further up the line, their bodies collapsed neatly in a row.

"With water? You reckon so?" snapped the first guard. The third guard pushed through the women who cowered away from him. He began to kick over the water troughs, shooting holes into all of them. Anna was breathing heavily, trying desperately to stop the frantic panic from escaping her.

"There, happy?" he asked the first who just shrugged and tucked his gun away. They marched out of the gate, locking it again to make sure it was secure. Then, they climbed in the car, and hurried down the track.

            Panic descended the minute they left. Women fell to the floor to cradle the bodies of their lost friends; others ran to try to pull the gate open or get the last of the water from the troughs. Anna knelt down to Elli. She was in shock, just staring blankly forward.