Beyond the Gates of Hell

"Venora, what is beyond the fence?"

"Freedom."

"I like to know what freedom feels like."

"We will in time, Marie."

Venora, a stocky yet beautiful girl, stood up to stretch. Her dark eyes matched almost exactly to her brown hair. Venora was a British spy; the plan she had, failed and resulting in her being punished, questioned and landing in the Warsaw Ghetto.

Marie, on the other hand, was a blond blue eyed six year old with a spunky curiosity-like personality. Her mother died of typhoid and her father had left them because he was "truly" German. Venora had taken her into care.

A soft knock came to the small apartment door. Venora opened it with a smile. "Hello Peter."

"Hello my dear Venora." He gave a small kiss to her. "I have brought something for you all."

"Oh boy, what is it?" Marie hopped up to Peter.

"Well here you go!" Peter ruffled Marie's hair.

"It's chocolate!" Marie exclaimed.

"For you my dear Venora." Peters eyes sparkled as he handed a beautiful blue colored bow to her.

Venora gasped, clasping her hands around the fabric of the bow. Peter whispered softly "To brighten your life a little."

Peter was a well built blonde, and blue eyes that were shadowed now and rarely ever bright. His work was for the Nazi's, and executing all who rebelled and controlled the "Disease in Europe." He was a lost man not knowing who to believe, only knowing it was probably best to leave Hitler's regime. That was another problem, there was the ever present fear of being considered a rebel, one word could get you sent to a prison camp. He also knew that loving Venora could get them both sent to one, yet it was a strangely good feeling for Peter to be in love with a prisoner. Just how could he escape with her? It would be so easy to just sneak her through the gate and sail to America in safety. His sister was already over there, what difference would it make?

Venora stood, marveling at this gift. It had been so long since she seen what beauty was still in the world. Stifling words flew from her mouth "T-t-thank y-you. You have no idea how long its been."

"I think we all forgot how long its been." Peter gave a sore look.

He didn't want to be in this rotting ghetto, neither did Venora. Marie hasn't really known any other way, as she sat oblivious to what was going on. Chocolate covered her lips, which was a sign of appreciation. "Peter, do you know what is outside the fence?"

"Trees, rivers, animals, and dirt. No different than here."

Venora cleared her throat in disapproval. "A lot different than here, Peter. Definitely more bright and cheery."

"I suppose you are right." He sighed. "There are more places like this, and maybe worse."

"Must you be so negative? Marie should hear the happiness, not the sorrow." Venora lightly scolded him.

"Then I'm sorry." Irritation was edging Peter's voice.

"No, don't fight!" Marie's eyes were wide in fear. "Mama and Papa always did, and I didn't like it".

"Oh, Marie dear. We didn't mean to startle you." Venora cooed.

"Alright Venora, I just don't like it when people fight. It always makes me feel sad." She spoke with concern for her friends.

"Right," Peter changed the subject. "I have come to notify you that the regime is deporting more Jews to concentration camps, it will be a horrid mass."