The Cuckoo's Song

Chapter Three

Anna lay in her bunk as Elli snored softly beside her. She couldn't sleep. Her mind churned over everything that had happened. Today had been so surreal, so overwhelming. The torment was over; they were never going to suffer at the Nazi's hands again. And yet, here she was, in the same bunk as the night before.

When they had been locked back into the camp, and the town's people had left, she and the American medic had treated the other inmates. The rich food had been too much for many of them, and a lot of them vomited profusely. Margot, in particular, was in a very bad way. Her illness had become so much worse since the SS guards had left and lack of water did not help the cough that was trying to claim her.

Anna had tended to her as best she could, finally settling her down in her bed again. She explained to Margot that she would be leaving with the Americans.

"That doesn't surprise me," sighed Margot. "Make sure you catch every single bastard that kept us here."

"I will, don't you worry. Anyway, you'll be out in no time."

"God, I hope so," breathed Margot, but she coughed violently again.

Anna moved to fetch her a cup of water.

Margot sipped it slowly, Anna helping her. She was so frail. "We did it, Anna," she managed, her voice weak. "We made it!"

"Yes we did."

"I can't wait to leave this dump," Margot mumbled sleepily. "Get back out into the real world."

Anna stroked her hair gently. "Neither can I."

"Do you think that American with the moustache is single?" 

Anna laughed a little. "I think you've got more important things to concentrate on right now. Get some rest."

All of the Americans had been so helpful, even if two of them kept glaring at her. That would be Hollywood, and the one they called Frenchie. The medic's name was Ewie, and the blonde man that often helped him was Samuel. Abraham in particular kept checking on her and Elli as often as he could. Anything that was asked of him, he did, including carrying Margot to her bed when Anna had approached him. You could tell how close the five of them were. They had clearly been through a lot together. They had pitched their tents at Anna's end of the camp and set a fire going. Only when all the inmates were asleep, did they retire to their makeshift campsite.

Anna could hear the Americans chatting outside now as the fire crackled away. She could make out Abraham's voice easily. It had a delightful twang to it. She felt drawn to them; being around new people was so refreshing.

Making sure Elli was out for the count, Anna tucked her in further, and ventured outside. She walked over to them and the chatted paused.

"May I join you?" she asked.

"Of course!" said Abraham before anyone else could object.

He moved over, making room beside him. She sat down, nodding to him gratefully. There was an awkward silence. Hollywood and Frenchie exchanged a look, then went back to glowering at her.

"Thank you for your help today," said Ewie, cutting through the quiet.

"I should be thanking you," she replied.

"All in the job description. You seemed to know what you were doing."

"I have worked as a nurse before."

"Here?" asked Hollywood, staring at her over the fire. He was goading her again.

"No," she said firmly. "In the ghetto, before we were taken to the camps."