The Cuckoo's Song

Chapter Four

Anna awoke to the bustling of a busy campsite. She sat up groggily, rubbing her eyes desperately.

Then she remembered. They were saved!

It was a wonderful feeling. So often, she had woken only to remember the horrors of the previous day. Finally, she was allowed that warm wash of happiness. She woke Elli gently, who also sat up and smiled. They held each other close, both so happy that they had made it.

When they stepped outside, the glare of the sun made Anna squint. She could see that the American's tents were now packed away, a new white tent being set up her end of the camp. Frenchie was helping Sam with a table, taking it over to the tent. That must be for the Doctor.

"Good mornin'," said a warm voice. Anna looked up to see Abraham coming over to them. "How'd you sleep?"

Her heart pined for a moment. She felt guilty for just running away from him last night. But he seemed to be pretending it had never happened, for which she was very grateful. "Very well, thank you. And yourself?"

"I think I managed to catch a few hours," he said, clearly trying to hide how tired he was.

"Is that the Doctor?"

"Yeah, he arrived here about half an hour ago. He'll get you all sorted. Then, he's gonna make sure y' all get fed something proper."

"That is wonderful," she said, making sure to shoot an extra big smile his way.

He returned it whole heartedly. "We're gonna need to wake everyone up that ain't already. Do you think maybe you could give us a hand?"

"Of course!"

"I'll go wake Margot," said Elli as she ran off to her bunkhouse, leaving Anna and Abe alone.

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked again.

"Yes," she assured him. "Thank you."

Then Elli called out for Anna. Worried, Anna ran straight to the bunkhouse. Elli was standing in the doorway, her eyes filled with tears.

"Elli? What's wrong?"

"Margot," Elli managed.

Anna ducked into the hut and saw what she meant. The women were all crowded around Margot's bunk. Her eyes were open and vacant, her mouth covered in vomit and her face a strange shade of blue.

"We didn't hear her," stammered one of the women. "It must have been in the night."

Anna choked back her tears and just nodded. We have our medical checks now. Go and tell the others. I'll take care of her."

They did as she asked, each patting her arm in sympathy as they passed her. As they all left, Abe ducked in and saw what Anna was staring at.

"Elli," said Anna, "will you go and help the others, please?"

Elli seemed reluctant, but she nodded, running out passed Abe.

He came up to Anna, stooping in the low hut. "Anna, I'm so sorry."

Anna sniffed. "She was so excited to be free." Anna knelt down beside Margot and closed her eyes. "She was so close." Abe placed his hand on her shoulder, and she gripped his fingers lightly. She needed the support. "I should have stopped her eating so much..."

"Anna, you can't take responsibility for her. Be kind to yourself."

"Abe, I feel so bad. She deserved to go free. It is not fair."

There was a long, uncomfortable silence.

"Hey," said Abe softly. "It looks like she's smiling."

Anna looked at him, and then at Margot. "Does it?"