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Thread: A Light in the Darkness (Madam Mim & Sync)

Abner nodded slowly when Gunther admitted that he wasn't on leave. When he met his gaze the boy's eyes were far older than they ought to be, and he recognized the look of a man who had seen too much and far too young. But when he protested that he didn't have to offer their home he shook his head and waved his hand dismissively. And leave you to the wolves? he scoffed. I've known you all your life, my lad. What sort of a friend and neighbor would I be if I didn't take you in when you had no other family and a tiger on your track, hm? A poor excuse for a man, that's what! Abner had to lean in when Gunther dropped his voice further, but when he spoke his face darkened. Don't tell the girls, he warned, but I've tried. I'm not stupid, Gunther I know that it isn't safe and as much as I will stay and die here, I won't suffer my family to do the same if I can help it. I have looked for visas for my wife and children. But the legal channels are all blocked and even the black market is proving to be a dead end. Short of leaving in the middle of the night, the six of us with two young boys and gentile customers who would notice us missing... He sighed and shook his head. There is no way we can leave together and stay together, and Shoshona won't go without me. Miri made enough noise to be noticed as she came through the second time. She set a folded set of linens on a side table and drew the curtains tightly, but not with undue haste. With a glance at Gunther but addressing neither man she set to work making up the couch as a bed, covering the cushions with a flat sheet then spreading out a sheet and blanket and setting a pillow at one end. Pretending not to have been eavesdropping, she perched on the end of the arm of the couch and folded her arms across her chest to join the conversation. Is everything put away, Miriam? Abner prompted, knowing her game. Yes, Papa. Why don't you fetch us some coffee then, hm? His look became stern when she sighed and rolled her eyes before flouncing off to start making coffee. It would be weak and not very good--even if they hadn't been Jews and therefore the last for any sort of ration, everyone was suffering from a lack of good coffee--but it was an excuse to get her out of the room so they could finish talking. Once he'd made sure she was gone and the dining room door had swung shut again, Abner turned back to the young man. So where do you plan on going after this?
Thread: A Light in the Darkness (Madam Mim & Sync)

There was no point in making any comment about Abners decision to give him some food and shelter, Gunther realised. Likewise, there was no point in making comment about the revelation that Abner had been making some effort to get his family out of Germany. That the man had failed was not overly surprising to the young man Abners family was German, but also Jewish the Jewish factor told Gunther all he needed to know about what would likely end up happening. He hoped beyond hope hed even pray, if it would help that he would be wrong about his fears, butGunther was not a man of Faith. All he could do was no his understanding and acknowledgement of what the elder of the house had revealed. He was also rather aware of Miriams proximity as Abner finished speaking he suspected that the young woman might be trying to listen in on their conversation, but he did not know how successful she might be. When Herr Heinz spoke with his daughter, Gunther felt his eyes drawn to the sudden center of attention. As he watched his friend stand and walk, he found himself reflecting on childhood memories of Mirir in happier times they had played together, laughed together, gone to school togetherhe had even once declared that hed someday marry Miriam, although theyd both laughed it away as a silly joke at the time. Now, thoughMiriam was lovely, but there was no chance theyd even be able to be together, not under the current circumstances. He pulled his attention back to Abner as the door closed. IIm not sure, Herr Heinz, he was forced to admit. Austria is closest, for certain, but thats no better than here from what little Ive heard. Italy might be okay. I was also thinking Switzerland, but that would mean making my way to the Schwarzwald first, and the journey would be long and filled with danger all the way. Perhaps my best bet is Italy, hiding in the mountains. I dont know. He sighed softly and stood up, moving to stand in front of but slightly away from the fire, his back to the flames. He kept his voice low as he continued speaking. I was a guard at the Dachau camp, Herr Heinz. The prisoners therethey are not treated well. They are worked had, for hours and hours a day, given few breaks, given little food and drinkthey are barely people. And yet I have heard stories of worse at some other camps. It is His voice trailed off to silence. He had nothing more to say, but the single tear that welled in the corner of his left eye told a story itself. A tear that was quickly wiped away, his expression hardening slightly, as the door opened to reveal Miriam with the requested coffees.
Thread: A Light in the Darkness (Madam Mim & Sync)

Gunther was at least partly relieved by Abners admission that hed tried and was trying to get his family out or Munich. The young deserter wasnt surprised that Shoshana didnt want to go, though but there was hope that the children would be safe if Herr Heinz was able to secure passage for them. Similarly, the young man was glad as much as he could be glad at the moment with Abners comment about Italy. He knew that Italy had long-since joined Germany in the war, which likely meant that country would also hold to Germanys general policy and attitudes towards Jews and non-Aryans that might not be entirely correct, but the Pact of Steel meant he wasnt about to test it. Hed largely decided, in his head, that his best hope lay in Switzerland, even though the journey would be almost two hundred miles Abner all-but confirmed that for him. Their conversation was cut off when Miriam dear, sweet Miriam returned with their coffee, and an apology of sorts. He shook his head quickly at the apology he was well aware that the best of most things was being redirected towards the army and Third Reich leadership. Dont worry about it, Miri, he replied warmly, although some of that warmth was, through no fault of anyone present, a little forced. He took his cup and added a teaspoon of sugar and a small splash of milk. It will taste like coffee, and its hot. Thats all I ask. He nodded, almost reluctantly, at Abners comment. Yes, just a few nights, enough for me to rest before I move on, he agreed, his tone becoming a little more quiet. I cant remain long, lest I invite suspicion upon this house. As to where Ill go? I dont know. West, I think, to the Schwarzwald initially. Its a long journey, I know. From thereI think Switzerland would be best. France is already dangerous, as is Italy. I dont expect it will be an easy journey, butI cant stay here, or even in my parents home next door. He thought Miriam looked disappointed maybe shocked? by his admission. He might have been misreading her, as he sipped from his cup and sighing softly as the heat coursed through his frame. Tell mewhat did you write in those letters, Miri? I never got them, as you know, but now Im here you can tell me yourself. He gave her a hopefully-friendly smile from behind his cup as he sipped from it again.
Thread: A Light in the Darkness (Madam Mim & Sync)

Miriam was indeed thoroughly disappointed by Gunther's decision to move on after a few nights. They could hide him here, couldn't they? It wasn't like he had anywhere else to go, and getting to Switzerland on foot would be far more dangerous than hiding in a friend's attic. But that was a conversation for after her parents went to bed. He asked her to recount the letters she had written to him and Miri frowned a little. It was mostly bad news, she sighed. Jews aren't allowed to own businesses anymore, so Papa boarded up the shop. He still runs it though he lets people in the back and sells what meat he can get. Our friends and neighbors are hungry, Abner shrugged. And I have a family of my own to provide for. A few of our friends have disappeared, Miri continued, and so have Onkel Josef and Tanta Anna, after they seized the mills. But Erik and Zhaklin made it to Paris, then to London. They've claimed to be visiting a family friend, but Erik said they might go on to Canada if things get too bad there, too. Nobody's willing to take refugees, but they've got the money to travel on visitor's visas. But they left months ago Zhaklin said she saw the same warning signs as from the pogroms and insisted on leaving. Abner's cousin Erik had been more of an avuncular figure to his children, and his wife was a Russian refugee from the Bolshevik revolution whose family had managed to escape the persecution of the pogroms. As such Zhaklin had been very uneasy once Hitler had come to power and convinced her husband to visit friends abroad nearly a year ago. His parents had owned a steel corporation which had produced nearly thirty percent of the steel in Germany, but the state had since taken over the business and neither Josef nor Anna had been heard from. They've tightened ration restrictions again, Miri continued after some thought, gesturing lamely to the coffee, and the tailor I work for--the one who gave me a job after Herr Goetz fired me from the firm--was taken over by the state, but we're still allowed to work. I uh...have to sew uniforms for them. The jackets of the Nazi uniforms were still draped over the back of a wooden chair in the corner, one with an armband half-stitched and several other armbands on the seat of the chair. Oh! But there's good news though! She perked up visibly and grinned, glancing at the dining room door. Reinhardt finally proposed! Esther's getting married in May! We've been very busy with preparations, and whenever there's a lull in new work we work on her dress at the shop. There's always a little bit of light, even in the darkest of nights, Abner mused with a small smile, puffing on his pipe. May God bless them in all they undertake together.
Thread: A Light in the Darkness (Madam Mim & Sync)

Listening to Miri speak, with some additional comment from Abner, as he slowly sipped from his cup of passable coffee made Gunther realise that it was not really much better for those outside of Dachau and other such camps, he presumed. Or maybe it was. At the very least, those still living in society, outside the camps, were living under restrictions, with the spectre of gloom only a step or two behind them. If you were known to be Jewish, you were watched closely, and were likely only one step from being taken away, and it didnt seem to matter whether you were a German Jew or an immigrant Jew if you were known to be a Jewish sympathiser, or suspected of being such, you could expect to be closely watched for an excuse to be taken away with those you were friendly towards and if you were an immigrant, such as Polish or Romanian you were still regarded as being a potential enemy of the state. Nothing good would come of the path Germany was taking, Gunther knew, yet it was pointless to try and speak of such things with those who had the power to make changesthey firmly believed in the path before them. He shook as best he could the thoughts from his head and took another sip from his cup, managed a smile at the only really bit of good news Miriam had for him. He flicked a quick glance towards the chair, taking in the coats and SS armbands, before returning his gaze to the young woman next to him. It was going to be very difficult to not be constantly reminded of the things hed seen. That is a bit of good news, indeed, he agreed sincerely. Its good to know that some things can still flourish in these times. He paused to take another small sip from his cup. Ill make a point of giving Esther my best wishes before Ibefore I take my leave. He didnt particularly want to go the scant couple of hours that had passed since hed appeared on Abners doorstep had been the best hours hed really had since hed joined the army, but he knew he couldnt remain. But it at least meant he got to spend a few more days with Miriam, even if they might be his last with his good friend and one-time crush. I wish I could provide some good news of my own, he observed thoughtfully as he stared into the fireplace. Sadly, though, all news I bring isdisheartening. Life in the army was tolerable, while I was stationed around Munich and Stuttgart and Hamburg and Berlin I will not soil this house with news of what Dachau has become. Dachau was once a peaceful town with a thriving munitions factory now it isnot. He shook his head slightly, then drained his cup and cradled it in his hands before looking up to Miriam again, his eyes moving from Miri to Abner and back as he spoke. I will say this, though it is good to see you all again. For a timeI wasnt sure I would have the chance. He paused, then looked down almost helplessly at the now-empty cup in his hands. I just wish I could add more to the conversation right now
Thread: A Light in the Darkness (Madam Mim & Sync)

Miri frowned as Gunther described what Dachau had become, and shook her head when he expressed the wish to be able to add more to the conversation. The only news is bad news anymore, she admitted sadly, and the only conversations are sad ones. I don't blame you. Abner glanced at the clock and at the dining room door. Esther and Shoshona must have gone up the back stairs. Well, perhaps things will look better in the light of day, hm? he suggested, slapping his hands on his thighs and getting to his feet. You always say that, Miri complained, knowing that this was her cue but not wanting to go. Her father had, indeed, said that nearly every night since the world had started growing so dark. And just think if we wake up and it's true, he suggested with a grim smile. A miracle of God. But for now? Sleep. It was a gentle assertion, but not a suggestion. With a sigh Miriam stood and bid Gunther goodnight and followed hr father upstairs. You should find out all you can from him. Esther slid her nightgown on over her head and braided up her hair in the darkness before sliding into bed. I'm not going to pester him about things he doesn't want to talk about, Miri insisted, letting her hair fall from its pinned bun. Well then pester him about things that he does want to talk about! Esther, like her father, had noticed the noticing between the neighbor boy and her little sister as they'd grown up together and had nearly always encouraged it. Like what? Go find out! Couldn't sleep, Miri whispered as she crept back down the stairs where a candle was still lit in the living room, not mentioning that she hadn't made much of an effort of trying. She smiled sheepishly and perched on the edge of her father's chair across from Gunther. She watched his face for a moment and frowned. Are you alright, Gunn?
Thread: A Light in the Darkness (Madam Mim & Sync)

Abners suggestion about getting sleep was not a bad one. Gunthers only problem with that, though, was that it had been a long time since hed actually slept. Being on the run, hiding, meant he often slept lightly, and was nearly always sleeping on the ground or in a tree. Real sleep was something hed not had in some time, and knowing that one wrong visitor could spell doom for him and this whole family wasnt going to make sleeping easier. But he nodded his agreement. Good night, to both of you, he offered as they took their leave, getting to his feet when they both did. And, againthank you. He offered his hand to Abner, and was relieved when the elder of the house took it firmly. Then the pair were gone, ascending the stairs to sleep themselves. He pulled his heavy boots off and left them by the side of the couch, removed his heavy woollen pants and his jacket and his shift that left him in shorts and a t-shirt to sleep in. At least the couch was reasonably comfortable, and Shoshana had made sure to leave a few thick blankets for him. He arranged them as neatly as he could, grabbed the throw cushions and arranged them into a makeshift pillow, then curled up on the couch and pulled the blankets up over him. It wasnt the most comfortable thing hed slept on, but it was far superior to the ground and he would never complain about the generosity being shown him, not now. Miri was an attractive young woman now, he mused as he settled. He remembered those days long ago, when they were both young and innocent, how theyd played together. Had they been more than friends, once? Maybe. But for now, friendship was the best he could ask for in a few days hed be gone, likely to never see this family again if he made it to Switzerland, hed probably stay there. And Mirihopefully Abner would be able to get the family away before the state came for them. In a camp, Gunther knew, Miris fate would not be a kind one. He sighed softly, closed his eyes and relaxedbut his ears were open. Had he slept at all? Maybe he had lightly, perhaps, possibly dozing, buthe was sure he hadnt been aware the entire time. Whatever it had been, the gentle creaking of the stairs had pulled him into wakefulness if the creaking of the stairs hadnt done it, the slow and subtle changing of the light would have as the candle and its bearer approached. His eyes were open and watching Miri before she lowered herself into Abners chair. He didnt really believe she was having trouble sleeping, but it wouldnt be polite to query her. He pushed himself up into a sitting position, pulled the blankets around him for warmth. Am I? Im fine, he lied unconvincingly, keeping his voice low and quiet as she had done. JustI havent slept well much of late. Running and hiding every dayit takes its toll. He paused, took a deep breath, let it out slowly. It seemed to help. What about you? Iare you and the family doing all right? I know what your father says, but
Thread: A Light in the Darkness (Madam Mim & Sync)

We're getting by, Miriam insisted with a grim smile. She set her candle on a side table and carefully pulled the chair around to face him so that they sat almost knee-to-knee, he in his shorts and t-shirt and she in her nightgown, dark hair looking like spilled ink across bright paper in the dim light as it fell over her shoulders. She looked over her childhood friend for a long few moments, taking all of him in. It almost didn't seem like the same young man who had left six or eight months ago for his compulsory military service. The corners of Miri's lips pressed into a small frown as she reached forward. You look different, she said at last, placing a hand gently on his bicep. Certainly he hadn't been scrawny before he'd left, but his arms were larger, more toned than she remembered. You look like a soldier. Miri wasn't certain whether or not this was a good thing, and she had deliberately avoided telling him that he looked like a Nazi...but that was precisely what he looked like. She sighed and dropped her hand to his wrist, taking one of his hands between both of hers. Tell me what's wrong, Gunther, she pleaded, and tell me what I can do to help.
Thread: A Light in the Darkness (Madam Mim & Sync)

For a long moment Gunther was silent as he regarded Miri and mulled over her words. That dark hair looked good on her, spilling over her shoulder as it did to him, it made her look more womanly, less girly. Yes, she was the same age as him, almost, being younger than him by no more than two months, but shed always managed to look younger than her age the long tresses took care of that. It hadnt been that long, really, since hed last seen her, but it seemed a lifetime ago to himand someone elses life, at that. The life hed been living since joining the army didnt feel like his own. All the memoriesthey felt more like hed been watching himself do and say those things, instead of him actually doing and saying them. Even being here in the house of his childhood neighbours didnt feel quite real. I am a soldier, he agreed at last, his voice still pitched low for her ears alone. His gaze flicked to where her hand rested on his arm, the months of army training and duty having toned the muscle all of his muscles, really nicely. OrI was. IIm a deserter, now, Miri. If the army found me, likely Id be shot on sight. ButI couldnt stay there. I couldnt be a part of what theyre doing, of what theyre allowing to be done. His raised his eyes to meet hers, and he quickly found that he couldnt hold her gaze. His eyes soon dropped to the floor, almost guiltily, as he continued speaking. Dachau is aits a place where things are very wrong, Miri. Prisoners are brought in, separated into groups and identified by coloured badges according to their group Jews, political prisoners, Romani, Poles, dissidentstheyre labelled and put to work. Fourteen, sixteen hours a day they work, fed little more than mouldy bread and a water-like broth, six hours sleep a night in cramped and filthy conditions if theyre luckyand Dachau is a gentle camp. Ive heard stories of other camps, like Auschwitz and Treblinka in Poland, where prisoners go to be killed. Its not right, Miri. Theres no way it can be right. He paused for a moment and sniffed back a couple of tears he realised this had been the first time hed actually spoken to anyone about what hed seenand he knew hed seen very little. The best thing you can do, Miriis not get taken. The women are treated no better than men, but they can sometimes save themselvesat the cost of themselves. I justI dont know how youre going to He sighed softly. He knew Abner was right, and that the family was likely trapped here in Munich and a fate worse than death awaiting them. But what could he do?
Thread: A Light in the Darkness (Madam Mim & Sync)

Gunther insisted that he was a soldier, and she shook her head. No, you aren't, Miri rebutted gently. You're not a killer, and you're not a soldier like they want you to be. You're better than that. It went without saying that she had never held a very high opinion of soldiers, though she hadn't mentioned that when Gunther had made the decision to obey his conscription notice. But he didn't have it in him to be a true and proper soldier his heart was too good for that. He didn't meet her eyes, couldn't she supposed, as he told her about Dachau. Slowly her eyes widened and she put a hand over her mouth as he described some of the horrors he had seen. She was sure it was even worse to watch than to hear about, and that he was being sparing with detail. She had heard horror stories about the camps, but she hadn't dared to believe that they could be true, that anyone could be so brutal and soulless as to watch while these people were tortured and starved and not do anything about it. What sort of a madman even thought of such things? He bowed his head and sniffled, and Miriam realized that he must have been crying. It had been years since she had seen him cry, and that disturbed her. Moving from the chair, she sat next to him on the couch and put her arms around him, hugging him to her and leaning her head on his and not caring whether it were overly-familiar of her. At length he lifted his head, advising her to somehow save herself. She didn't know how to do that either, not any more than her father did. Miri sighed and leaned her head against his, fingers idly stroking Gunther's hair as they sat together and mourned and thought. Her father couldn't get legal passports or even forgeries...but Gunther hadn't needed papers to get into the city, had he? Certainly it would be no easy task, sneaking in and out, but it was better than being sitting ducks. Take me with you, she suggested at last. She looked at him, a seriousness in her large eyes and determination in the way she set her mouth. When you leave here, take me with you. We'll find a way together to Switzerland, then we'll come back for them, for my family. I won't just sit here and wait for fate to take me where it wills.