635798

I was able to sneak in the barrack after hours. Whoever it was that let me borrow the collection of keys forgot to take the important ones off the chain. My boots were off as I made my way to 635798’s bunk. It was risky – what I was doing – and I didn’t need to attract the attention noise would bring me. I knelt in front of 635798’s bunk. A new occupant hadn’t taken Chaya’s spot yet. 635798 took up most of the space, and by the way her fists were clenching continuously I knew she was awake. I rested my hand on her head, causing her to jump. She curled herself into a tight ball and begun to shake. Little whimpers were coming out of her mouth. Seeing that I scared her, I quickly leaned down and engulfed her in my arms. I buried my face in her hair and kissed her everywhere I could. 635798 began to realize it was only me. She wrapped her hands around mine and squeezed.

No one was sharing this bunk with 635798. I slid my way into it, climbing on top of her. 635798 gasped. I was careful not to put all my weight on her fragile body. I set my lips on hers, and stayed. 635798’s breath hitched. I pulled away after a few seconds and turned our bodies over so 635798 was lying on top of me. She buried her face in the crook of my neck as I hugged her closer.

“It’ll be okay,” I whispered. “It’s all going to be okay.”

635798 shuddered at the same time I felt something wet on my neck.



I was able to get out of the barrack before the whistles were blown for roll call. Staying for this one wasn’t possible. I had to get to Jürgen’s to see how Aalyshah and Abbey were doing. Besides, I knew Jürgen needed help for tonight’s big dinner. My usual duty calls had to wait.

Shlomo was about to step inside the mansion when I arrived. His eyes widened at the sight of me, and he jumped aside so I could walk in first. I stood my ground. His strong build was shrinking and he had blisters on his hands. A cut was above his right eye, one I knew Jürgen would never make. I stuck my hand out towards the door. After contemplating this for a few seconds, Shlomo shuffled in.

Jürgen was drinking coffee at the dining room table. When he looked up, he made no indication that he was surprised to see me. Instead, he smiled and patted the chair next to him. I sat down.

“Six seems a little depressed,” Jürgen said.

“She already came in?”

He nodded.

“The little girl she’s always with died last night,” I said. “She was sick for a while. It was only a matter of time.”

“I’m sure it was.”

635798 walked in at that moment. She kept her eyes down. A plate of scrambled eggs was set in front of Jürgen. Before eating, he tapped 635798 and pointed at me. Her eyes lit up, causing me to smile. She ran back in the kitchen. Within minutes she came back with another plate of scrambled eggs. Their scent flooded my nose when set in front of me, making my mouth water. The pepper tickled my nose and salt crunched as I took a bite.

“Haven’t had eggs in forever,” I said with my mouth full.

635798 giggled as she went back in the kitchen.

“She isn’t going to eat with us?” I asked, disappointed.

“There are things to do for tonight. You lovebirds can eat together later,” Jürgen said.

I felt myself blush. Jürgen’s laugh roared throughout the dining room.

“How are my sisters?” I asked.

“Mmmm. Not good. They won’t be able to sit for a while after that smacking dein Vater gave them,” Jürgen answered.

I flinched. “Right in front of you?”

“No. Upstairs. But I heard it.”

I sighed. “Are they here now?”

“Out again. They’ll be back before dinner.” Jürgen looked at the clock on the wall. “I suggest you get going now. Don’t want dein Vater being angry with you for missing your work.”



Many Nazis were gathered around the table that evening. Jürgen’s family was there also. Jürgen was at the head of the table and Vater and I sat next to him, across from each other. Abbey sat next to Vater with Mutter at her side. Aalyshah sat next to me, trying her hardest not to make eye contact with Vater. Even Lenz was here with Gretel. His brown eyes shot glares at me from the other side of the long table. I averted my eyes to the German shepherd family. Jonji and Germany sat straight and unmoving while the pups wrestled about. They were heard over the loud noise of about twenty other Nazis.

Jürgen tapped his filled wine glass with a fork, silencing everyone. He stood up and said, “A toast! Thank you Bruno Heilbronner for setting up this wonderful dinner. I salute you.”

All the Nazis – including myself – raised their right hands and screamed, “Heil Hitler!”

Once Jürgen sat down, three waiters came in along with a waitress. She was 635798, and Shlomo was one of the waiters. They set down appetizers on the table and stood back, waiting for orders. 635798 was behind Mutter and Abbey. Aalyshah studied her for a few seconds before grabbing a carrot.

Vater leaned towards Jürgen and whispered rather loudly, “She’s dirty again.”

Jürgen glanced at 635798. Then he shrugged.

Dinner was going by smoothly in the beginning. Our main course was passed out. I noticed one waiter lagging, due to old age. He was on 635798’s side, and she would help him when needed. Vater tensed whenever she walked by him. I noticed his gun leaning against his chair and my stomach churned. His fist wrapped around it whenever 635798 gave him food. Jürgen was tense about this as well.

Vater clapped his hands and rubbed them together. “So! Let’s stop the business talk. How is everybody doing?”

Replies flooded the room, undistinguishable.

“Lenz, my boy!” Vater exclaimed. “I heard you had news?”

Lenz and Gretel smiled at each other. “I asked Gretel to marry me.”

“And I said yes,” Gretel said.

An uproar of applause exploded throughout the room. The Jews were even clapping. Aalyshah and I clapped slowly. I didn’t know whether or not to be happy. My friend – was he my friend? – was getting married, but to the most dreadful woman I knew. What was I supposed to do if Lenz and I got together again? How was I supposed to act around Gretel? I disliked her, and I was sure her feelings about me were mutual.

“When will this lovely day be?” Mutter asked.

“As soon as the war is over. That may be a long time from now but we can wait,” Lenz said. He looked at me. “I would like Wolfgang to be my best man.”

I had to cover my mouth to keep from spitting out my food. Surely Lenz was joking. We barely even talked anymore and I had a feeling he was out to get me. Lenz had suspicion that I was in some sort of relationship with 635798. Why was he bothering to ask if he knew I was friends with the enemy? If he knew I was a Jew lover?

Everyone’s eyes were on me, making me feel pressured. I set my fork down and sat up straighter. I glanced at 635798 before glancing at Lenz.

“I’ll gladly be your best man,” I said dully.

Another uproar of cheers.

“This calls for a toast!” Vater exclaimed. He turned to the old Jew who had been serving drinks all night. “YOU! MORE WINE!”

“Must he scream?” Aalyshah whispered to me.

The old Jew shuffled his way over, nearly gasping for air. 635798’s body tensed and she was biting her lip. She shot me a worried look. The closer the old Jew got, the closer she inched her way to Vater. Aalyshah watched this, fascinated.

The old Jew began to pour wine into Vater’s glass. His hands were shaky, frightening me. I held my breath as the Jew poured. Vater was talking to Jürgen but Jürgen wasn’t listening. He seemed to be watching what I was watching too.

The Jew took the bottle away, not spilling anything. Jürgen, 635798, and I let out breaths we didn’t know we were holding. Aalyshah seemed to be relieved too. I was about to return to my food but I caught Abbey making contact with the old Jew. She was tapping his arm. He slowly turned around to greet her.

“Can I have some more grape juice, please?” Abbey asked quietly.

The old Jew nodded and began to shuffle away. He escaped just in time before Vater could push him. Vater went back to whatever he seemed to be bragging about. I continued to eat my steak as I watched the old Jew retrieve grape juice from a side table. He slowly made his way back to Abbey, his footsteps drowned out by the commotion around us. The old Jew slowly poured Abbey’s drink, obviously aware of his shaky hands. Unfortunately, as Abbey was moving herself back, she bumped the Jew’s arm and the grape juice spilled all over her pink dress.

“Hey!” she exclaimed.

Everyone faced her. The old Jew quickly put the juice on the table and grabbed the closest napkin he could find. He began to pat Abbey’s dress.

“I’m sorry. Let me clean this up for you,” he whispered.

“Bruno, did you see what he did?” a Nazi asked.

Vater had a hard glare on his face. He was about to grab his rifle before Jürgen stopped him.

“Don’t go killing one of my staff, especially in front of your family.”

“You saw very well what that Jew did, Jürgen!” Gretel exclaimed.

“And he apologized. Now shut up. I’m sure if one of you spilled the juice, none of you would be overreacting right now.” Jürgen’s voice was getting louder by the second.

Abbey gave me wide eyes. The old Jew patted out as much grape juice as he could before standing up. I held my breath when he picked up the juice. Suddenly, his shaky hands slipped, dropping it. The whole dining room gasped. It took only a second for 635798 to jump in. She caught the bottle, but she couldn’t stop nearly half the juice spilling onto Abbey’s lap. Abbey’s eyes filled with tears, knowing one of her favorite dresses was forever ruined.

“You stupid Jew!” Vater yelled, his face red.

He grabbed the old Jew, pushing 635798 along the way. The Nazis continued with their dinner as Vater dragged the Jew to the kitchen, continued as if nothing was happening. Once the Jew’s screams filled the kitchen, Mutter and my sisters began to look mortified. Abbey was nearly trembling in 635798’s arms as she patted her dress with another napkin. Jürgen’s face was in his hands. I sighed, getting up and going to Abbey.

“Wolfgang!” she cried, nearly jumping in my arms.

Mutter examined Abbey’s dress. Then she looked at 635798 and asked, “Can you help her get changed? Wolfgang will show you where her clothes are.”

635798 looked at Jürgen for approval. Once he nodded, Abbey grabbed her hand and brought her upstairs. I retrieved another dress – navy blue this time – and handed it to my sister. She walked in the bathroom, locking the door behind her.

I leaned against the banister, an arm around 635798. She was looking down and a tear slipped down her face. I wiped it away with my thumb.

“Another friend?” I asked.

She nodded slowly.

I pulled 635798 closer to my chest and held her there. She rested her head against me. I planted a kiss on the top of her head, freezing there. Abbey had opened the door, and she was peeking her head out. Her eyes widened.

“Wolfgang, are you courting?” she asked.

At this, 635798 jumped out of my arms. She quickly turned around to face my sister.

Abbey shrugged. “This dress has a zipper on its back. Can you zipper it for me?”

635798 nodded.

Abbey bolted out of the bathroom, holding her dress up. 635798 stooped down and began to do what Abbey asked. Footsteps sounded on the stairs. 635798 stopped and looked at me. I waved my hand for her to continue. I soon regretted it. My heart dropped to my knees when Vater was the one who reached the top of the stairs. He turned around the banister, almost missing what was going on.

“Wolfgang, we need – What is this?” His voice echoed through the second floor.

635798 froze mid-zip. Her mouth dropped at the sight of mein Vater. Her eyes widened slowly.

“I thought-” Vater grabbed the neck of 635798’s uniform and yanked her forward, making her gasp – “I told you fucking animals to stay away from my family? Now look. You’re with two of them.”

“Vater-”

“Shut up, Wolfgang.”

Vater pulled 635798 to the stairs. I quickly followed, keeping Abbey behind me. Vater didn’t have his rifle, meaning he would have to use other forms of punishment. He wasn’t one to lag in thinking of them. He was already half way down the stairs when Abbey and I reached the top. From there, Vater pushed 635798 down. Her scream hitched once she landed on the bottom with a loud plop. She let out a cry.

“Shut up,” Vater muttered when he reached her. He grabbed 635798 by the roots of her hair and dragged her away.

Abbey grabbed me, crying. “Wolfgang, he’s hurting her.”

She didn’t need to tell me more. I raced down the stairs, not bothering to let Abbey catch up. I made it to the kitchen just in time to watch Vater push 635798 to the floor in front of Jürgen. Abbey came, panting.

“You,” Vater growled, glaring a Jürgen. “You let this thing get near my family. I thought I told you those animals couldn’t get anywhere near them?”

“Bruno, I let it happen,” Mutter said. She stood up and walked closer. “I told her to help Abbey get a new dress.”

“Not now, Helga,” Vater said.

He grabbed the rifle that leaned against his chair. 635798 began to tremble on the floor. From the noises she made, I could tell she was crying. Vater turned the rifle around. Before I could hide Abbey behind me, Vater jammed the butt of the rifle onto 635798’s spine. She let out a loud shriek that made my blood boil. As Vater continued, Aalyshah and Mutter covered their faces with their hands and Abbey cried behind me.

“Why won’t Vater stop?” Abbey asked, hiccupping.

Before I could answer, Vater sent his final blow. He forced 635798 to sit up. 635798 bit her lip, probably hoping it would stop her from crying. She wasn’t straight, due to pain. Her frightened eyes followed Vater’s every move. He turned the rifle around and pointed it at her face. 635798 let a whimper slip out.

“Aw, c’mon Herr Heilbronner,” I heard Lenz say. “Your family is here. Can’t you wait until later to do that?”

The trigger clicked in response.

Abbey nearly screamed. She ran passed Vater and to Mutter. Mutter wrapped her tightly in her arms.

I stepped forward. “Vater, let’s listen to Lenz. We don’t want to scare the family, right?”

“Shut up and let me do my job!” Vater exclaimed.

He pushed his rifle forward so it touched 635798’s forehead. She cried, covering her face with her hands. Her lips moving indicated that she was praying. I didn’t know whether to get down and comfort her, blowing both our covers, or staying where I was and let her think I wasn’t doing anything. Either way, she wasn’t fearing alone.

“You. Fucking. Animal,” Vater growled.

Suddenly, Abbey jumped from her seat and nearly onto the gun. Everyone gasped, rising from their seats. This was just as Vater shot the gun. To a somewhat relief, the bullet went into 635798’s left shoulder instead of her forehead. She screamed, making the dogs jump. Aalyshah rushed over to 635798. She wrapped her arms around the screaming woman while a shocked Abbey stood off. Vater cursed under his breath.

“Look what you did, Abbey!” he shouted.

“Don’t yell at her!” I spat back.

Vater jabbed my stomach with the rifle, causing me to hurl over. 635798’s screams were stinging my ears. The fact that Aalyshah began to cry wasn’t helping at all.

“Let’s try this again with no interruptions.” Once again the rifle was put against 635798’s forehead. Aalyshah began to sob even more. Abbey couldn’t move. I sucked in a huge breath. I was about to jump in but the trigger clicked. I froze, waiting for a gunshot. For some reason, nothing happened.

“Goddamn it!” Vater screamed. He opened the rifle. After only a second of observing, he threw it on the floor, making everyone jump with the deafening sound. “No more bullets. Where do you keep ammunition in this place?”

“I hide some in the kitchen,” Jürgen said.

Vater stormed in there.

Jürgen ran over to me. “Quick. Get Six out of here and to the clinic. I left my keys in my jeep. Hurry though. It’ll only be a matter of time before dein Vater finds out I was lying.”

Ignoring the looks of the other diners, I gathered 635798 in my arms. She screamed as I made her wounded shoulder move. Aalyshah followed me out of the mansion. She climbed in the back which is where I put 635798 and held a cloth to the wound. I got in the driver’s seat, turned the jeep on, and drove off.

We reached the clinic in the women’s ward of Auschwitz in less than ten minutes. 635798’s screaming hadn’t calm down in the slightest and it seemed to be scaring Aalyshah. I cradled 635798 into the clinic, noticing many stares from the nurses.

“She has a bullet in her shoulder. She needs it out. Schnell!” I exclaimed.

A few nurses guided me to what I guessed was the operating room. I set 635798 on the bed. I tried to walk away but she squeezed my hand. Her frightened chocolate brown eyes were glistening with tears. Her gasping breaths made her body jerk upwards.

“I’ll be here when it’s done,” I whispered. I kissed her forehead and reluctantly let a nurse shoo me away.

It was nighttime by the time the operation was over. The whole camp was asleep, even Aalyshah in the chair next to me. All Kapos nurses were gone. The one who came up to me was an Aufseherin.

“She’s awake. You may see her now.”

After making sure Aalyshah was fast asleep, I slowly stood up. I walked through the eerie, dark hallways until I found 635798’s room. Only one nurse was in there. She was checking the bandages covering 635798’s wound. 635798 herself was in bed, staring at the ceiling. She gasped when the nurse handled the bandages too roughly. No apology was made which for some reason made my angry. They usually never did. I should be used to it by now. When the nurse was done, she exited the room without saying anything to 635798 or me.

I walked over to 635798’s bed. She turned her head towards me at the sound of my footsteps. I tried to smile, but once I saw the pain in 635798’s eyes, I couldn’t. It made me realize something. This was the third time I couldn’t stop 635798 from being hurt. This was my third strike.

As I sat down at 635798’s side, I felt tears gather in my eyes. I covered my fave with my hands so 635798 couldn’t hear me. She still understood what was happening though. She might’ve had some sort of mental disability, but she wasn’t stupid. I felt her hand grab my bicep. When I looked at her, a tear slipped down my face. 635798’s eyebrows creased in confusion. I leaned over her so our faces touched.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered. I kissed her mouth, lingered for a few seconds, then moved up to her forehead. “I’m so sorry.”