Inside the Camps | A World War Two Story

Inside the Camps - Part 8

// I changed my background on my phone to a Christmas theme. ;)

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After another week, the week of Christmas dawned upon us. Cade sewed Joan and herself a dress. She bought some of the fabric from a local market and the rest from the storage room. I had found new dress pants and a white button up shirt in the market, so I decided to buy it.

By the time Christmas day rolled around, the officers seemed cheerful towards us. I had noticed some of the workers exchanging gifts that were wrapped in cloth. Others protested outside of the barracks, demanding to have more food on count of the holidays. That night, we all sat around a large table as Cade brought steaming hot food to the center. Cade and Joan drank water. I intended on drinking it as well, but the officers insisted I have whiskey or rum. As they poured my glass full of the liquid, I shot a look towards Cade, as she simply looked away. She had on the navy blue dress she sewed together, and Joan had on a yellow long sleeved dress. The officers were dressed nice, as usual, and they all shared stories of their childhood back home, or what they would do with their families. Most of them said that they missed their wives and kids, and some grew sad when the word popped into their mind.

When the dinner was over, we all sat around the burning fire place. Cade sat in front of me, a wool blanket wrapped around her as she laughed. Her head leaned against my shoulder as I smiled. Joan sat beside her, giggling along. They both held mugs with hot chocolate. We continued sharing about our previous years in different places. The chief suddenly stood on his feet, walking towards the double doors. A guard talked with him softly before handing him a black item. I knew exactly what it was. I grabbed Joan and pulled her close. The officer walked down the stairs, soon becoming visible to the outside window. Only Cade, Joan and I looked. The others didn't seem to notice, or care for that matter. He walked into a hut as shots rang out, left and right. I covered Joan's ears as Cade tried to distract the men from the now crying child in my hands.

I hushed her, leading her away from the window. "It's okay, Joan. He didn't hurt anyone." I spoke softly, nodding to her. I'm lying to an eight year old and myself.. Great.

As I walked back into the room where officers surrounded the fire place, I spotted Cade talking up a storm and laughing. I forced a smile and sat beside her. Is she.. Actually.. Enjoying herself, here? I took the cup of hot coffee in my hands, sipping it.

The chief burst into the room, along with the commander beside him. I hadn't noticed the commander leaving. He must have when I was putting Joan to bed. The chief's booming laugh echoed through the large room. I heard his loud footsteps getting closer to me, as he rested a hand on my shoulder. "My boy, thank you for earlier. I'm glad you chose the right thing to do, and turn that lady in. You did what was right." I looked down, swallowing harshly, before nodding. "You're quite welcome, sir." He waved his hand dismissively, laughing softly. "Bah. Don't call me sir, call me Hans." He smiled, patting my shoulder. His hand gestures.. The way he speaks.. He reminds me of Herr Heinrich.. But yet, they're so different. I wonder where Herr Heinrich is now.. I seemed to have zoned out, but soon brought myself back to reality.

Cade leaned her head onto my shoulder as we continued to chat with the officers. They were nice, but it must have been only to us in the room. They had warm smiles, soothing voices, and some even talked about their loving parents or supporting wives and children. I wondered how their own child looked at them. Did they knew they were killers? Did they know they were starving and burning people without hesitation or a second thought? The thought pained me, but I shook it off and forced a laugh.

The taller one shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. ¨I'm worn out, some prisoners tried to escape earlier. I'm gonna head on to bed.¨ He patted the slightly smaller man's shoulder before giving us all a simple wave and standing to his feet.

After it was just Cade and I, we walked hand in hand to where Joan was sleeping. There were two extra single beds in each corner. I smiled at Cade and let go of her hand, watching her tuck Joan's covers up to her neck. I lowered my voice to a whisper. "I don't understand how we can be in such a place, but be happy.." I shook my head, adjusting my heavy coat that hung on my shoulders. She shrugged lightly, but continued to smile.