From Russia to Family

Chapter 8 London

London Docks, England

1942, January

Masha stood there hugging herself. The air off the water seemed colder than the frozen fields of Russia. She looked around at the foreign land all around her. She could see the distinctive forms of a naval fleet not far off the coast. The man Leon had entrusted her with had abandoned her as soon as they had docked...She began wandering. She didn't dare touch anything. It was all very loud and frightening, she could hear cars and trucks, yelling, ship horns and boats creaking. She looked up as a squadron of Spitfires flew overhead, their engines seeming to drown out everything else. She'd heard of the Spitfire, even seen some at home. She'd been told what they meant to the British people, she smiled as the v disappeared in the clouds.

"Hello?"

Masha snapped her head around. A uniformed man stood looking at her. He looked like a sailor. He began walking towards her. She hesitated a few seconds before running backwards, only to realise the pier ended, it was too cold to jump into the water. Masha turned back around to stare at the man as he approached, though she noted how he was being slow, and even began crouching as he came up to her.

"What's your name?"

She just looked at him.

"English? Do you speak any English?"

She shook her head. He sighed and stood up, offering her his hand. She narrowed her eyes, hesitantly reaching forward.

A bell chimed as the door opened and the man led Masha inside.

"Sargent Wells!"

She heard loud footsteps grow closer, until a man appeared the desk. He held with him a notepad and a pencil. He looked down at her, then up at the man who had brought her here.

"Minimum age is 18, sailor."

"Sir she was alone at the docks. She needs somewhere."

Masha studied the new man's outfit. A broad brimmed helmet, large pouches and pockets adorning his dark green uniform. What she assumed to be his rifle was sat on the desk that separated the two groups.

"Son, you know all children are being sent outside the city, I'm aware Sir."

"So put her on a train to Melbourn."

"Sir."

The man grew noticeably impatient.

"Look, try the old orphanage, they're bound to take her there."

"Thank you sir."

The man just nodded.

............

Masha was led by the man across roads, past buildings and stands. There was too much for her to see in such short notice. She was overwhelmed by everything. The noises of the cars and buses passing by, the newspaper boys screaming of a German invasion. The fighters flying overhead. It didn't last very long though, it seemed the orphanage was just a few streets from the big man with the green uniform.

They pushed through the front doors and waited at a large desk. Her escort rang a bell on the desk, finally letting go of her hand. Masha removed her hat and backpack, letting her shoulder bruises rest for once. A woman walked down the hallway to her left and came up behind the desk.

"Hello sir."

"Good afternoon Ma'am...I found this one by the docks, she was alone an awfully scared."

The woman peered down at Masha.

"What's your name girl?"

Masha stared back at her.