The days that followed Hannah's death were quiet again.

Fischer and Weber seemed content for now and Keller was barely around. Supposedly, the new Sturmbannführer kept him busy. He only came to check on them periodically at the beginning and end of each day. Anna was glad of Keller's absence. She simply couldn't bear the looks he gave her nowadays. He had broken the boundary of contact outside of inspection, and now whenever he was around her, he seemed incapable of passing her without a brush of his fingertip or blocking her path to loom over her. She felt suffocated, as if his every step closer pressed down further on her chest.

It was worse in the bunk house too. Margot was determined to blame Anna that the guards had chosen Hannah over her. Now the others had begun to distance themselves from her, as though she were a bad omen, or that being associated with her would mean they would share the same fate. All except Miriam, but even she seemed strange. Anna supposed this was because she thought Anna doomed and didn't want to get too attached, but she could never really be sure.

Anna was particularly miserable, though, because she hadn't heard the cello music since that awful day. Every night since then, she had hoped that it would return, and yet her world remained silent. She fell asleep that night hoping that Elli was somewhere listening to it as well; that she too was reminded of their father and hadn't lost hope that they would be reunited one day. Daydreaming about her cellist was the only thing that got Anna through her workday. She had made up characters as to who it might be. She had settled finally on the belief he was an old man in a nearby village, playing for his grandchildren to help them sleep. She couldn't face the reality that it was an officer here in the camp.

Her head was in this pleasant place one afternoon as she worked through the small suitcase she had been given. As she opened it, her thoughts suddenly plunged into darkness. She recognised the contents of the case.

It was Elli's.

Anna's whole body felt heavy. With trembling hands, she emptied the little case onto the floor. She picked through the items slowly, looking at the last connection she had to her sister. Grabbing one of the cardigans, she held it to her nose. Tears spilt down her cheeks as she inhaled deeply. It still smelled so much of her. Anna loved Elli in it. It was a heavy knit in a dark green and worn through so badly that it was patched at the elbows and fraying at the cuffs. She clung to it, holding it close as though it was Elli in her arms.

'What are you doing?' barked Strauss from behind her.

She knew she should drop it, but she simply couldn't.

He pulled her to her feet. 'What is this?' He tried to pull it from her. 'Are you stealing?'

'No, sir,' she said, her words choked as she held on tight.

'Give it to me.'

'Please! I'm not stealing.'

He marched her outside, shouting to another nearby guard. 'Watch them!'

Fischer stood in the middle. 'Is Keller's little Cuckoo causing trouble again?'

'She's stealing,' Strauss replied.

'Stealing?'

'No, I promise, I'm...' began Anna but Strauss struck her on the back of her head to silence her.

'Better run and get Keller,' said Fischer. 'He'll want to deal with it himself.'

'But he's in a meeting with the Sturmbannführer.'

Fischer checked his watch. 'It'll be coming to an end soon. You know this Sturmbannführer doesn't take meetings after six.'

Strauss nodded and dashed off. Anna was left standing in front of Fischer and Weber.

Fischer lit a cigarette. 'You really are a silly girl.'

Anna said nothing.

'Anyone would think you like the attention.'

At that her eyes snapped upwards and met his. Anger surged through her, and it was all she could do not to strike him. Unnerved by her boldness, he didn't have Keller's authority. Clearly a weaker man, he preyed on those who didn't fight back. He was never as well put together as the other officers; his light brown hair always looked dishevelled when he removed his cap, and his collar was usually undone. He fancied himself a brute, Anna thought, lacking the wit or cunning to do anything more than inflict physical pain. Though, given what he did to Hannah, she supposed it was enough.

Fischer blew smoke at her as he walked around her to survey her from every angle. Anna followed him with her gaze and caught Margot across the courtyard. She seemed to be waiting for something to happen and even when another guard hurried her along, she kept glancing back.

'Wish I hadn't made that bet now,' said Fischer after a time. Anna refocused on him. 'But I suppose I'll get a go when Keller's bored with you.'

'If she survives it,' said Weber.

'Good point.' Fischer stepped close, stubbing out his cigarette. 'You hate me, don't you? For the platform.' Anna still said nothing, trying not to falter, even at the mention of her mother's death. 'I liked doing it, you know...' Weber laughed a little as Anna's fists clenched tighter. 'Just as I liked what we did to your little friend the other day.'

Anna was shaking, her breathing quick and strained. But still, she said nothing. She had seen how much worse it could be. And she needed to survive Keller at all costs.

Fischer went to speak again but the gate squeaked open. He stepped back as Keller strode up to Anna, her gaze now on her shoes.

Keller stood in front of her, looming over her as everyone around them watched with bated breath. He held out his hand. 'Give it to me.'

Still, she hesitated.

'You told me you wouldn't be kicking up a fuss. Give it to me.'

Reluctantly, she handed it over. It felt like she had just handed over a part of herself to him.

'This is what it was about?' Keller said, almost laughing. 'A jumper?'

'There must be valuables in it,' said Strauss.

'Strauss, you fool. If she had found something of value to take, it would be easier to conceal without this.' He stared at her. 'Look at me.' She did so obediently. 'Why did you take this?'

'I didn't take it...' she protested.

'Chirp, chirp, chirp. What did I say about that?'

'It's my sister's.'

'You don't have a sister here.' He tossed the cardigan onto a pile of suitcases behind him. 'And whatever that belonged to is likely dead.' He watched for her reaction, but she gave him none. 'Back to work.' He nodded to the hut.

She went to run, but Fischer caught her arm. 'You're not going to punish her?'

'Not immediately. But to make sure nothing else happens, I'll stay here.'

As Fischer let Anna go, she scurried off so quickly, that she didn't notice the two men exchange a look.

'Today's the day?' asked Fischer.

Keller's mouth twitched into a small smile. 'The Sturmbannführer made it clear that he didn't want to be disturbed this evening, so he won't be disturbing us.'

'I'll keep an eye out nevertheless.'

'Good man.' Keller checked his watch so that he could count down the minutes until the workday ended.

***

Anna's thoughts were only with Elli as she continued her work. Normally, she was so good at distracting herself and only thought of Elli when she was alone. But that very real pull of Elli's smell had been too much. Her head spun into thoughts of Elli's torment; of her possible suffering and anguish. It seemed impossible that she had survived. How could she have when her possessions were right there in front of her? Then again, Anna also had no possessions. Just the clothes on her back. She resolved yet again, to tell herself that Elli was alive. She had to; without hope Anna doubted she would be able to find any reason to carry on.

As the end of the day arrived, Anna found it difficult to get to her feet. She knew that Margot would be ready and waiting to taunt her about Keller's lack of punishment. After a day of such strain, she wasn't sure she'd be able to handle it with any grace.

As they lined up, Keller appeared in the doorway. Surprisingly though, it was Strauss that did the inspection. Keller just watched. It was a welcome reprieve. Strauss stood by the door when he finished, ordering them all out. As they began to file out, he grabbed Anna and pulled her to one side.

Keller stood opposite them, the single file procession passing between them. He watched Anna, waiting for the moment of realisation. It hit her like a wave, her stomach churning as her eyes brimmed with tears. She blinked them away, her hands balled into fists so that she might be prepared. Miriam passed by her and glanced up. There was only pity in her eyes, as she left the hut and Anna behind.

When the last woman had left, Strauss let go of her and disappeared after them. The door shut behind him, the thud descending the hut into silence. He said nothing at first, letting the wait consume her.

'Come here,' he said finally, his voice soft.

Anna stepped towards Keller, not looking him in the eye. She simply couldn't bear it. He was so close that she could feel his breath on her face, a dank anticipation lingering in the pit of her stomach. She had known it was coming and yet was so unprepared for what was about to happen. As he watched her, she couldn't help but remember Hannah's face as she was dragged across the floor and that blank glassy stare.

'Let down your hair,' he said softly.

She obeyed but her hands trembled. It fell over her face, a curtain for her to hide behind. He reached out and brushed the hair from her eyes, her whole body jolting under his touch. He lifted her head to look at him. There was no smile on his face. His eyes seemed wider, wilder. It was a strange, unhinged intensity that she hadn't seen before. Usually so poised, this new found freedom scared her.

'Are you frightened of me?' he asked, the words barely escaping as his jaw was clenched so tightly. He didn't appear nervous. He was excited. Anna could only nod. He ran his thumb over her lips, seemingly enjoying her silence. 'Will you behave?' he asked. She nodded again.

It was an odd sensation; to hope that he would enjoy her so much he would keep her and not throw her to the other, lingering wolves. His fingers wound through her hair and pulled her tight against him so that their faces touched. His breathing was quick and hers matched. Anna froze, unsure of how to react.

Keller still stared at her, as if to take in every part of her. He then looked around the room, trying to find the most appropriate spot. 'Over there.' He released her and pushed her towards the window.

Anna stumbled a little, catching a glimpse of the others outside the hut. None of them were looking over.

Not even Miriam.

'Here?' she asked quietly.

'I want to see your face.' He took off his jacket. The short silence between them was palpable. Anna stood still, expecting him to grab her again. She didn't know how it would happen. 'Lie down.'

'Please,' she began quietly.

'Behave,' he ordered, 'and lie down.'

Doing as she was told, Anna stared up into the fading sunlight that glared through the window. Keller bent down over her, and she could scarcely breathe. She tried so hard to hold back tears as he loosened her trousers and pulled them down. He took his time, assured that she would obey. Undoing his belt, he watched her the entire time.

Anna's eyes screwed shut as she braced herself. She felt him climb on top and it was though her breath was stuck in her throat. As he pressed down on her, she felt his face touch hers again.

'Open your eyes.' His cold unfeeling gaze met hers.

As he finally started, she let out a cry, the pain unbearable.

He caught one of her squirming arms, pinning it down. 'Quiet!'

Anna tried her best to stay still, tears welled in her eyes in the humiliation that she could let someone do this to her. Her mother and father would be ashamed that she hadn't fought. But she was too frightened; too frightened of being a corpse dragged across the floor for all to see. As he quickened, she cried out again, her anguish bubbling to the surface.

'No,' he said urgently, angrily.

'Sorry,' she spluttered, but she couldn't stop. The tears were coming thick and fast, and she couldn't hide them.

Irritated, he shoved his hand over her mouth to quiet her, her crying all but silenced. Now all she could hear was his breathing and the sound her head made as it knocked against the wall. It was even worse. She felt sick, and panicky, and began to struggle, against her better judgement.

When out of nowhere, she heard the cello play again. She listened, her body becoming still. She had always loved Bach, and somehow this piece of beautiful humanity cut through her terror and took her somewhere else. She listened only to the music, thinking of her cellist and the freedom they enjoyed. Her eyes watched the dust particles dance in the dying light, as if they too were mesmerized by the beautiful pull of the strings. It helped her so much that she barely seemed to notice as Keller's pace quickened, her compliance making his twisted fantasy a reality.

Pulling away from her, he let out a sharp, satisfied gasp. He slumped down beside her for a moment, allowing himself time to enjoy it for as long as possible. Anna said nothing; did nothing. Only the strings filled her head. As the music ended that the horror finally set in. Without his hand over her mouth, she was afraid her terror would seep out again. Instead, she just lay there in a state of shock, unsure of how to react. The spark of a lighter pulled her to her senses. Sitting up, she slid her trousers back on hurriedly. Keller watched her attempt to stand with interest. She clumsily fell down again, her whole body too overcome with tremors. Unable to do anything else, she st against the wall next to him to steady herself, her knees pulled tight to her chest.

'Here.' He handed her a cigarette.

Tentatively, she took a long drag from it as he lit himself another. She coughed and spluttered before she took another.

'Don't you smoke?'

'It's been a long time since I had one,' she said, surprised at her clear voice.

He sighed contentedly, at ease and relaxed. 'I've not done anything like that before.' He finally looked at her fully.

Anna returned his gaze. 'Why? The others do it.'

He wrinkled his nose in disgust. 'I'm not lowering myself to that. You're something of a commodity, Anna.' She stayed quiet, but he continued. 'I thought maybe it was just the Jewish thing, so I planned to try something with a Polish girl. But that disgusted me too.'

Anna watched him take another long drag of his smoke. She couldn't understand how someone so beautiful could be so vile. 'Is that why you picked me?'

'I also love dark hair. And blue eyes. That's why I wanted to see your face. You're very pretty. Too plump for my taste, but your eyes make up for that.'

Anna was so repulsed. This man was foul; a creature from the depths of hell. She wanted to tell him, the words burning in her throat. Yet, she said nothing. Because despite everything, she realised there was still something that frightened her more. 'So, does that mean you won't give me to the others?' she asked her voice shaking before she took another drag on her cigarette to calm herself.

He stubbed out his smoke and stroked her face again as he had before. Not tenderly like a lover, but as someone covets a prize possession. 'We'll see.' She let out a short breath of shock, which seemed to amuse him. He took her cigarette from her and stubbed it out too. 'Good thing that music started again.' He clambered up. 'I thought you were going to put up a fight.'

'As did I,' she said trying to get to her feet. The pain rang through her as she stood, and she tried not to show it. But he could see.

'It gets easier.' As they walked to the door, he held it open. 'Or so the others make it seem.'

Anna tried to walk normally, the pain and humiliation nearly too much as they made their way across the courtyard toward her bunkhouse. The other guards watched her as they approached, all sneering as they strode closer.

All except Müller. He looked sorrowful as he opened the gate for her.

'Make sure to give her extra rations,' Keller said to him, as he let her through the gate. 'She's certainly earned them.'

The others all erupted into laughter and jeering, as Anna was handed an extra-large bowl of soup and bread. She wanted to throw it at him, to scream and kick and punch. Yet all she could say was 'thank you.'

Anna hobbled away from them, retreating into the bunkhouse, aware that Müller's gaze followed her to the last second. She crawled into her cold bunk, Miriam climbing down from hers to sit beside her. Anna handed her the soup.

'Don't you want it?'

Anna rolled over. 'I'm not hungry.'

'It's over now.' Miriam placed a hand on her shoulder, which Anna shrugged off. Miriam huffed, giving her a final pat before she left her alone.

Anna curled tighter into a ball as her cheeks burned hot with shame. Her throat ached with the need to cry again.

The cello music began drifting through the camp. Her cellist seemed to know when she needed him, as though he played for her and only her. Determined to sleep, Anna closed her eyes and listened only to her beloved cellist, praying that he might find her again the next time she and Keller were alone together.