The Daughters of Marburg

by Terrance Williamson

  “But all the classes and even at the Society, they’ve mentioned how terrible the Jews are! I’m so torn inside. I know what you’re saying is right, but how can so many people be wrong?”

  “Because those who question it are shot like that family in the square.”

  “I suppose.” Edith looked away. “Can you give me the courtesy of thinking about this? I will help you with the major because of what he did to Papa, and I will turn a blind eye to Papa’s dealings, but whether I’m involved in your conspiracy, that I need to digest.”

  “Take all the time you need.” Lilly smiled politely.

  “I’ll be right back.” Edith began to trek down the stairs.

  “See if Wilhelm will go with you!” Lilly called out to Edith. “It’s not safe for you alone.”

  “You care about me, don’t you?” Edith paused and looked up at Lilly.

  “I do,” Lilly whispered. “I really do.”

  With a grin and a nod, Edith continued down the stairs and exited the house, leaving Lilly alone.

  Leaning on the balcony, Lilly took a deep breath in and out as she rested her head in her hands. It was the first moment that she had alone with her thoughts since her father had returned, and her mind dwelt on what could’ve happened.

  She knew how painful it was to lose a loved one, and she never wanted to experience that terror again. She recalled the final days of her mother and, as she stood in the hallway, felt so distant from her. The isolation began to swell and choke her, and Lilly fell to her knees as she sobbed.

  It wasn’t a sob of self-pity or any hateful loathing for her circumstances, but rather, the releasing of emotions that were bursting forth like a wave against the rocks. There was nothing on this earth which could hold back the tears, and Lilly wept alone, in the hallway, outside her father’s door.

  Eventually, Lilly began to calm down, and she took measured breaths to return to some semblance of dignity. She didn’t believe that she had the capacity to manage the emotional toll of what was yet to come, but she recognized that the choice had been stripped from her.

  She began to marvel at how much she had changed in only a short while. The girl that she was from Berlin, who was desperate to be in the inner circle and included in high society, was now actively involved in a resistance movement to, hopefully, tear the very fabric of the loathsome regime.

  With another deep breath in and out, Lilly listened to the wind gently blowing from the floor above as though it were reminding her of what lay upstairs. I should go read in the journal, she thought. I’m so tired, but I should probably keep an ear out for Papa in case he needs someone. I’ll go read for a moment while he’s sleeping, and then hopefully, I can get some rest as well.

  With a grunt, Lilly stood and walked upstairs, still feeling the weight of the previous week. To think that we’ve only been here a week. She shook her head in amazement. Feels like I’m in some fairy tale, yet not the sort that one would read in a Grimm novel.

  Arriving in the attic, which was brightly lit from the large windows, Lilly knelt and lifted the sheet where she had thrown the diary and held the book in her hands. Yet, when she stood upright, she got the sinking feeling that someone was watching her. Glancing around the attic, she looked at the white sheets covering the belongings. Holding her breath, she steadied herself for anything unusual.

  Twisted thoughts of the house being cursed swelled in her mind again, and Lilly believed that, perhaps, such imaginations weren’t as fictional as she had hoped.

  Suddenly, the edge of one of the sheets from further in the attic lifted and fell back down. Lilly couldn’t help a quick, short scream escaping as she held a hand to her chest and felt her heart pounding. Then, again, the edge of the sheet lifted and fell, but Lilly was petrified and unable to even scream, let alone flee.

  Eventually, a strong burst of wind rushed through the attic, and many of the edges lifted, revealing the culprit.

  Huffing in her frustration, Lilly walked over to the far end of the room and noticed that one of the windows had a slight gap in it. Whenever the wind blew through the crack, the edge of the sheets would lift.

  Nothing more than the wind! Lilly shook her head in her frustration. Still, she couldn’t rid herself of the nagging thought that she was being watched. Just read a little, and the sensation will dissipate. You’ll see.

  “Alright,” Lilly spoke aloud as she agreed with herself and sat on a wooden chair near the window. “Let’s see what else she has to say.”

  Mrs. Baumann has agreed to let us stay with her. They can only take two people at once in the ‘ferry’, as they’re calling it, so we’ll have to leave in pairs. Mama is going to go first as she is in poor health. Papa and I will go on the second trip. Sergeant Wolf mentioned that it is quite uncomfortable and it won’t be an easy journey, but it is better than staying here and being shot, or worse.

  We’ve heard stories of the camps out east. Papa tried to pacify my worries by stating that they were just retirement or relocation centers, but I know better. If the Nazi propaganda machine is stating that they’re nice, lovely settlements, then it is undoubtable that they are hell. How foolish do they think we are? We’ve heard of the ghettos. Why would they treat us worse than criminals in our own cities and then relocate us to retreats?

  It’s times like these that I need Horst more than ever, although I am comforted in thinking about my brother. He passed away some years ago, and it hurts to recall him. Especially since I can’t picture his face very well. I don’t know why that is. I can recall him in memories, but if I want to see his face, it’s blurred.

  Anyways, Mama and Papa never speak of him, and I understand why, but I’ve never felt all that distant from him. Even when he passed, for whatever reason, I didn’t feel all that sad. Mama was angry with me, and I couldn’t understand why at the time. Now that I’m older I can imagine I would be cross as well, but when he passed it didn’t hurt. I just figured I’d see him when it was my time to pass on, which hopefully won’t be for a while now. I still haven’t had my first kiss!

  I know it’s a little silly of me to be thinking so selfishly, and I truly hope no one reads this someday, but that’s how I feel. I should go, Papa is getting all worked up that we may have to leave suddenly. He says we’re staying at Mrs. Baumann’s which, if I’m honest, will be a nightmare. She’s the sweetest lady, but she just doesn’t stop talking. Hopefully soon this will be over and life can get back to normal.

  I suppose I should have this final entry carry some substance, and not be inundated with my egocentric concerns. I was reading, today, from one of the bard’s sonnets. My father doesn’t approve of me reading them since Shakespeare was English, but I won’t hold that against him. There was a line I’ll never forget, and I can’t fathom a more suitable final entry:

  “But if the while I think on thee, dear friend, all losses restor’d, and all sorrows end.”

  “That’s lovely.” Lilly allowed herself a moment to absorb the phrase.

  “That really was the last entry?” Lilly flipped through the rest of the journal, but the remaining pages were blank. “That’s all she had time to write?”

  I should get back down to Papa. Lilly stood. And maybe it would be right to destroy this journal now. No, it’s too important. I’ll keep it stored safely up here.

  But as Lilly was about to walk away, the nagging thought of being watched struck her again.

  Spinning around, Lilly looked out the small, circular window facing Mrs. Baumann’s house and caught the bright, blue eyes of Lilly. She was standing back from the window, and the white curtain was draped across, but still, with the light of the sun shining through, she was not as concealed as she clearly believed herself to be.

  Realizing that she was caught, the other Lilly stared wide-eyed back through the window. Lilly, also, didn’t know how to react and returned the wide-eyed stare. Then, slowly, Lilly raised her hand and gave a limp wave to the other Lilly. After a moment, the other Lilly als
o raised her hand slowly and waved back in the same fashion.

  Then, pinching her index finger and thumb together, Lilly slipped them across her lips, indicating that her mouth was sealed, and the other Lilly’s shoulders relaxed at the affirmation.

  Walking up to the window, Lilly wrote her name in the dust on the window and then pointed at her chest.

  Excitedly, the other Lilly nodded and pointed at her chest as well, then she began pointing at the floor before making a talking motion with her hand.

  What? Lilly frowned. Oh! Mrs. Baumann told her about me!

  Then, suddenly, the other Lilly disappeared. Watching through the window, Lilly couldn’t see her new friend anymore. The shadow of a man walked by, and Lilly understood that the other Lilly needed to hide. If her father knew she was speaking with anyone else, he would undoubtedly be cross.

  I should get downstairs before Edith returns anyways, Lilly thought. Glancing at the diary, Lilly understood that she should destroy it. Yet, holding it in her hands, she couldn’t bring herself to part with it. It felt so connected to the other Lilly that if she were to destroy it, she’d be destroying the other Lilly as well. She knew it was silly, but still, she threw it back under the white sheet before rushing back downstairs to inspect her father.

  ◆◆◆

  “Get changed,” Edith called out to Lilly as she slept, but she couldn’t stir herself awake.

  “C’mon,” Edith tapped Lilly’s shoulder.

  “What time is it?” Lilly pried her eyes open.

  Fortunately, the movers had placed the other bed in the girls’ room, and they were no longer forced to share a bed, though they still chose to share the room.

  “It’s nearly time for the meeting.” Edith quickly changed into her uniform.

  “Oh right.” Lilly ran her hand through her unbrushed hair that had mysteriously turned into one giant knot. “Do we have to go?”

  “Absolutely!” Edith spoke sharply. “We need to track the major’s movements. Also, we need to remain above suspicion. I can imagine it would give him a good shock to see us among the ranks after what he put our dear papa through.”

  “I shouldn’t have napped.” Lilly shook her head. “I feel lousy.”

  “You’ll be up all night, too.”

  “How are you still awake?” Lilly frowned at Edith. “You didn’t sleep last night, or was it the previous night? I can’t remember. It all seems like a blur.”

  “Shock will do that. Now, hurry, Wilhelm will be here any minute.”

  “How was he when you saw him earlier?”

  “He was fine! Get dressed!” Edith lost her patience, and Lilly rolled her eyes as she stood and slipped on the uniform.

  “What am I going to do about my hair?” Lilly glanced at herself in the mirror.

  “Not my problem,” Edith replied.

  “Edith”—Lilly gave her an unappreciative glance— “please, not now.”

  “Would you show some hustle?!” Edith continued.

  “What about Papa?” Lilly ran a brush through her hair briskly as it snagged on the knots.

  “Mrs. Baumann is coming over to watch him.”

  “He’ll love that!” Lilly laughed. “Especially in his condition.”

  A knock came to the main door, and Edith rushed out of the room and down the stairs.

  Thanks for waking me up with two minutes to spare! Lilly grumbled as she finished getting ready. I haven’t even eaten yet!

  “Lilly!” Edith shouted.

  “Coming!” Lilly shouted back and, as she was about to walk down the stairs, saw Mrs. Baumann coming up.

  “He’s in his room, then?” Mrs. Baumann asked politely, and Lilly thought that maybe she sounded a little gloomy.

  “Is everything alright?” Lilly asked.

  “Of course.” Mrs. Baumann tried to put on a brave smile, but even she knew it was unconvincing. “I haven’t slept in months, years maybe, my knees are throbbing because of all these damned stairs, Walter is as useless as a fly around the house, I’m worried sick about my children and grandchildren, and now I’m minding my neighbor who was taken from his own home and nearly beaten to death. Otherwise, I’m doing great.”

  “I’m really sorry.” Lilly looked at Mrs. Baumann apologetically.

  “It’s not your fault, love.” Mrs. Baumann squeezed past and waddled towards Mr. Sommer’s room. “It’s this horrible Nazi terror. I suppose I could stomach a bit of it if my knees weren’t nagging at me. Nothing like perpetual pain to weaken one’s resolve.”

  “Lilly! Hurry!” Edith shouted impatiently.

  “I should really get going.” Lilly felt terrible for leaving Mrs. Baumann as she took one step down the stairs.

  “It’s alright, love. I still have one pleasure left in this world.” She grew a cheeky grin.

  “What’s that?” Lilly frowned curiously.

  “The look on your father’s face when he realizes I’ll be talking to him all night long.” Mrs. Baumann laughed. “He can’t get away, either. He’ll have to sit there and be my company. It’s cruel, I know, but I saved his life. He owes me patient listening at the very least.”

  “We’ll be back in good time,” Lilly spoke as she began to walk down the stairs.

  “Not tonight, you won’t.” Mrs. Baumann gave a slight chuckle which Lilly found odd, but she was already in the room, and Edith was waiting impatiently.

  Not tonight? Lilly frowned, wondering what Mrs. Baumann meant by that statement, but didn’t allow herself another moment to ponder as she rushed down the stairs.

  “Good evening!” Wilhelm spoke cheerfully.

  “Hello?” Lilly looked suspiciously at Wilhelm for the cheer and then glanced at Edith who, she found even more curious, was also smiling. The two seemed to be sharing in some sort of secret.

  “Come on!” a voice shouted from the vehicle behind Wilhelm, and Lilly glanced behind him to see that Ursula and the other girls were already inside.

  “What’s going on?” Lilly looked warily between them.

  “We’ll tell you in the car.” Wilhelm nodded over his shoulder as he beckoned them to follow him.

  “Let’s go! Let’s go!” Ursula tapped the back of the seat excitedly as the sisters and Wilhelm climbed inside.

  “Tonight’s the night!” one of the other girls squealed.

  “For what?” Lilly asked as she squeezed in beside Wilhelm.

  “You don’t know?!” Ursula shot her head back in surprise.

  “I don’t!” Lilly grew annoyed. “Apparently, I’m the only one who is uninformed!”

  “Tonight,” Ursula inched forward as she began to whisper, “we’re going to…a dance!” She squealed.

  “A dance?” Lilly shook her head in confusion. “I thought we were going to a Society meeting?”

  “Oh, we are,” Wilhelm chimed in. “It’s after the meeting. The Hitler Youth and the Society have a semi-annual dance in the woods.”

  “I thought dances were illegal?” Lilly glanced at Edith.

  “They are,” Ursula giggled, “which makes it just that much more exciting!”

  “You hate dances,” Lilly whispered to Edith as the girls in the back were lost to giddy chatter. “What’s going on?”

  “I have a plan,” Edith whispered back, but smiled as she spoke.

  “A plan?” Lilly frowned.

  “We…” Edith paused as she glanced back quickly at the girls to make sure no one was listening. “We will go to the dance, then leave once everyone has had plenty to drink and won’t recall exactly what time we left. From there, we’ll track the major’s movements and then provide solid intel.”

  “Are you sure about this?” Lilly shook her head. “When did you come up with this plan?”

  “When Wilhelm and I went to the market.”

  “What are you two whispering about?” Ursula leaned forward and rested her chin on the back of the seat.

  “We’re trying to decide which of the Hitler Youth is the cutest,” Edith
replied, and Lilly shot her a surprised glance. Such a statement would entice further questioning, and Lilly didn’t know any of the boys apart from Wilhelm or Guenther.

  “Oh! My favorite subject! Tell me! Which ones do you know, and I’ll see if we have the same taste!” Ursula began climbing over the seat to sit in the front as well.

  “What on earth are you doing?!” Wilhelm barked as he tried to steer. “There’s not enough room up here!”

  “Ursula, you’re crazy!” One of the other girls in the back snorted as she laughed.

  “Come now, move over!” Ursula slunk down between the sisters.

  “I’m not that skinny!” Lilly grumbled as she moved closer to Wilhelm which, she secretly admitted, wasn’t entirely to her disliking.

  “There!” Ursula panted as she sat between Lilly and Edith while everyone’s shoulders were squished together. “Now, which boys?”

  “Well”—Lilly paused as she glanced over at Edith— “I only know two.”

  “Which two?” Ursula turned towards her quickly.

  “Well, Guenther,” Lilly recalled the horrible man, “and Wilhelm here.”

  “And?!” Ursula leaned in with a silly glance at Wilhelm.

  “And what?” Lilly shrugged.

  “Which one is cuter?”

  “Uh…” Lilly’s tongue suddenly turned dry. She couldn’t admit, openly, that she found Wilhelm attractive. But in the same breath, she would die of humiliation if she dared even suggest that she preferred Guenther.

  “There you have it, ladies, our little Lilly here is in love with Wilhelm!” Ursula threw her head back as she roared with laughter.

  “I am not!” Lilly frowned.

  “They’re just teasing,” Wilhelm spoke as he tried to calm her, yet Lilly noticed that he was blushing.

  “It’s either Guenther or Wilhelm.” Ursula lowered her gaze. “We all know the answer.” She glanced temptingly at Wilhelm, which did not please Lilly in the slightest.

  In response to Ursula’s lingering gaze, Lilly leaned into Wilhelm and put her arm through his as if to stake her claim. She didn’t know if she did, in fact, “love” Wilhelm, but the thought of Ursula having him was enough to put her over the edge.