Out of the Ashes I: Surviving the Storm

Chapter 2

  I turned to face the deep voice. A man in uniform was approaching. A swastika displayed proudly on his chest.

  "What are you doing out here past curfew, Jew?"  The soldier said loudly. studying the strange 16 year old Jewish girl.

   "M-my c-cat got out s-sir. I was l-looking for her." I said frightened. after all I wasn't supposed to be outside, and it was close to 2:30 in the morning.

  His face softened a bit. "Continue your search. But make it quick." and came closer and lowered his voice "And between you and me, you should really be more careful when leaving your letters. Other guards won't be quick to show leniency." he winked and started to walk away.

"Thank you sir." I said gratefully." But why are you helping me?" I asked puzzled.

  walking close and looking around, he whispered "Just because I work for Hitler, does not mean I believe in what he is doing. Besides, the wall separated me from my lover  too." He replied with a sad glint in his eye.    "Again just between you and me. It's easier to destroy a target from the Inside"  he said, any trace of a german accent gone from his voice. my eyes grew wide and I gasped.

  "You're American!" I said trying to keep my voice down.

  "And you're quick child," he said without the accent "there are many of us here, in disguise. But I've already told you too much" he said with a chuckle. "I patrol here every night from midnight to 5am. that is when It is safe to leave your letters. No other times though. do you understand?" I nodded, "Now go inside, before we both get In trouble." he smiled as we said goodbye.

   Rushing up to my room, I put the letters in the box, and put the box away. Kneeling beside the bed, I said the traditional prayer, and then added my own, thanking God for protection, and apologizing for the lies I told. After I was done I slipped under the covers. Drifting off I realized how truly lucky I was that it was a friendly guard, and not of the many horrible ones. One that wouldn't have had a problem hurting me or taking advantage of the situation. I thought about his words. "It's easier to destroy a target from the Inside". Maybe there is hope for Germany.

  Looking back now, one thing is for sure. That was the calm before the storm. And the storm was one the world would remember forever.