Anna awoke to the bustling of a busy campsite. She sat up groggily, rubbing her eyes desperately.

Then she remembered. They were saved!

It was a wonderful feeling. So often, she had woken only to remember the horrors of the previous day. Finally, she was allowed that warm wash of happiness. She woke Elli gently, who also sat up and smiled. They held each other close, both so happy that they had made it.

When they stepped outside, the glare of the sun made Anna squint. She could see that the American's tents were now packed away, a new white tent being set up her end of the camp. Frenchie was helping Sam with a table, taking it over to the tent. That must be for the Doctor.

"Good mornin'," said a warm voice. Anna looked up to see Abraham coming over to them. "How'd you sleep?"

Her heart pined for a moment. She felt guilty for just running away from him last night. But he seemed to be pretending it had never happened, for which she was very grateful. "Very well, thank you. And yourself?"

"I think I managed to catch a few hours," he said, clearly trying to hide how tired he was.

"Is that the Doctor?"

"Yeah, he arrived here about half an hour ago. He'll get you all sorted. Then, he's gonna make sure y' all get fed something proper."

"That is wonderful," she said, making sure to shoot an extra big smile his way.

He returned it whole heartedly. "We're gonna need to wake everyone up that ain't already. Do you think maybe you could give us a hand?"

"Of course!"

"I'll go wake Margot," said Elli as she ran off to her bunkhouse, leaving Anna and Abe alone.

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked again.

"Yes," she assured him. "Thank you."

Then Elli called out for Anna. Worried, Anna ran straight to the bunkhouse. Elli was standing in the doorway, her eyes filled with tears.

"Elli? What's wrong?"

"Margot," Elli managed.

Anna ducked into the hut and saw what she meant. The women were all crowded around Margot's bunk. Her eyes were open and vacant, her mouth covered in vomit and her face a strange shade of blue.

"We didn't hear her," stammered one of the women. "It must have been in the night."

Anna choked back her tears and just nodded. We have our medical checks now. Go and tell the others. I'll take care of her."

They did as she asked, each patting her arm in sympathy as they passed her. As they all left, Abe ducked in and saw what Anna was staring at.

"Elli," said Anna, "will you go and help the others, please?"

Elli seemed reluctant, but she nodded, running out passed Abe.

He came up to Anna, stooping in the low hut. "Anna, I'm so sorry."

Anna sniffed. "She was so excited to be free." Anna knelt down beside Margot and closed her eyes. "She was so close." Abe placed his hand on her shoulder, and she gripped his fingers lightly. She needed the support. "I should have stopped her eating so much..."

"Anna, you can't take responsibility for her. Be kind to yourself."

"Abe, I feel so bad. She deserved to go free. It is not fair."

There was a long, uncomfortable silence.

"Hey," said Abe softly. "It looks like she's smiling."

Anna looked at him, and then at Margot. "Does it?"

"Yeah," he assured her, crouching down beside her. "I always think that if they die smiling, then they're happier where they are now. It's what we all say when one of the boys goes down grinning."

Anna sniffed again, looking at him. "Thank you, Abe."

"Come with me," he said, slowly helping her to her feet. "I'll make sure she's looked after."

Anna did as she was bid, going outside to focus on the others. She heard wailing from the other huts too. Clearly, Margot was not the only one.

***

Anna helped to line everyone up, reassuring them the entire time. Several Red Cross nurses came to remove the women that didn't make it through the night. Anna didn't watch as Margot's body was removed; she couldn't bear it. Ewie, the medic, helped Anna set the women at ease. Both explained to all of them that it was good that they were being examined and that it would all be over soon. The line moved slowly, all of the women's hearts filled with something different.

Abe stayed with Elli in the line, chatting to the little girl. She was clearly happy to have someone to take her mind off things. It delighted Anna to hear Elli laughing and see her play silly games with him. Anna hadn't seen her so at ease in a long time. All of the Americans came over to talk to Elli, even Hollywood, who seemed to only have anger in his heart for Anna. He kept doing funny voices to entertain Elli, which she seemed to really enjoy. As long as they were good to her sister, Anna would learn to keep her mouth shut around them.

Anna kept herself busy; she didn't want to focus on what was about to happen. She made sure that she and Elli would go last. Neither of them wanted to be examined. When it finally came to Elli's turn, Anna dashed over to them.

"You're gonna be fine, Elli," Abe reassured her. "I promise." Elli hugged him, Abe letting out a throaty laugh as he patted her gently on the back.

Anna smiled gratefully at him. "Thank you, Abe." Then she led Elli in to see the Doctor.

Anna didn't know how to explain to Abe Elli's experiences with Doctor Grüber. She knew that would be what was causing Elli's panic.

The Doctor was still young, perhaps in his mid-thirties. With him was a nurse who was probably only Anna's age. He smiled reassuringly as he saw them enter the tent, even if his eyes did grow wide at the sight of Elli. The nurse came forward to take Elli, who immediately hid behind Anna.

The Doctor noticed her reverence and gestured for the nurse to step back. "Hello," he said, Anna appreciating that he spoke to them in German. "I am Doctor Lewis. And what is your name, young lady?"

"Elli Cohen."

"And who is this with you?"

"My sister, Anna Lehman."

"Well, Faruline Cohen. I need to make sure that you are not really sick. Can you sit up on the table here for me?"

Elli didn't move, her eyes growing watery. "Anna, I don't want to," she said, her words trembling.

Anna rubbed her back soothingly. "It's going to be fine, sweet girl. This man is nothing like the other doctor."

"How do you know?"

"Because most doctors are not like that man. Look at Papa?" Elli still wasn't sure. "I promise you! I'm right here with you, okay? Trust me!"

Reluctantly, Elli allowed Anna to guide her forward, and with the Doctor's help, she sat up on the table. Anna let Elli squeeze her hand as the Doctor began.

After running through all of the general checks, he began writing on his clipboard. "Other than still recovering from dehydration and being underfed, you are quite healthy, Faruline Cohen," he assured her, Anna breathing a sigh of relief. "Do you have any injuries I need to check over?"

Elli glanced at Anna, who nodded, and helped her pull her sleeve up. He looked at the cigarette burn, his brow furrowed.

Doctor Lewis looked alarmed but was very much trying to hide it. "It is healing very well. But it will leave a scar, I am afraid." Elli nodded, and he tried to smile at her again. "You are one brave girl, Frauline Cohen."

"Thank you," she said quietly as Anna helped her down from the table.

The Doctor's gaze fell on Anna.

"I believe, it is your turn, Frauline Lehman."

"Do you mind if I settle Elli outside? I won't be a moment."

"You are my last patient, so take all the time you need."

Anna nodded gratefully before she led Elli outside.

"I'll stay with you!" said Elli.

"That's all right, Elli," she said quickly. She didn't want Elli to see that she was nervous; it would only alarm her.

They walked straight into Abe who was clearly keen to make sure that they were okay. "What's the verdict, El?" he asked, his voice light as possible.

"I am very good," said Elli.

Abe grinned. "That's fantastic! And you, Anna?"

"I am just about to have my turn," said Anna. "Is it all right if you look after Elli whilst I am in there?"

Abe seemed unsure. "Hey, Sam," called Abe, Sam running over. "Can you look after Elli for a moment?"

"Sure thing, Sarge." Sam held out his hand out to Elli. She hugged Anna quickly, then did as she was told.

When it was just the two of them, Abe turned back to Anna. "Y'all right?" he asked, his eyes scanning her face. "You seem nervous."

"I suppose I am, a little," she admitted.

He stepped closer to her. "I'll be right outside," he promised. "You holler if you need me."

"Holler?" she questioned, not knowing the word.

"Shout," he corrected himself.

Anna couldn't stifle a chuckle. "I will make sure to 'holler'," she said, smiling at him before she went back inside the tent.

            Her heart was pounding. She wasn't sure why she was so nervous. She had done nothing wrong. But even if it was for a good reason, she was about to have her personal space invaded again.

Doctor Lewis held out his hand to her, trying to calm her. She took it tentatively, and he helped her to sit on the table. "I promise, everything is going to be all right," he assured her.

Anna nodded, taking a deep breath in.

"I am going to check your heart first," he explained, getting out his stethoscope.

Anna nodded again, undoing her first few shirt buttons.

But as his hand touched her lightly, she flinched. "It is all right," he said again.

"Sorry," she mumbled. He went to try again, but she pulled away from him again. She felt so sick and panicky, trying desperately to quell her tears.

"Sally can hold your hand." He gestured at the nurse.

"Please, I really don't want to do this."

"I am afraid you have to," he said, his voice apologetic.

"Abraham!" called Anna, the word strangled.

Abe immediately crashed into the tent and barged the doctor out of the way. "Anna, what's the matter?"

"I do not think I can do this," said Anna, a lump in her throat.

"Hey now," said Abe gently, wiping away a tear that fell down her cheek. "Don't be silly. You can do anything! Anyways, I'm right outside!"

"Can you stay with me?" she begged, clutching at his arm desperately. Without Margot or Elli, he was the nearest she had to a familiar face.

"I don't know that it's appropriate," ventured the Nurse, her British accent strange.

Abe glared at her, resolute in his choice. "Try and stop me," he said to her, standing firmly beside Anna. He took Anna's hand in his, their fingers entwining. His hand was so big that it engulfed hers. It felt warm and reassuring to the touch. "Go on Doc," he said. "She won't bite."

Doctor Lewis nodded, reaching out to place the stethoscope pad on Anna's chest. She flinched again but squeezed Abe's hand.

Doctor Lewis carried out his checks as quickly and as carefully as possible. Writing his findings on his clipboard, he then turned back to her. "You are just fine, Miss Lehman, same as your sister," he said, now speaking in English for Abe's benefit. Doctor Lewis was also British, his accent now shining through. "I can see you have a few scars on your face, which all seem to be healing well. Have you any other injuries that need checking over?"

Anna stared at her shoes, not answering him.

"Anna, sweetheart," encouraged Abe gently. "He's tryna help."

Anna nodded slowly. "On my back," she said, her voice throaty.

"I'll need you to remove your shirt so that I can examine them," said the Doctor.

Anna undid her buttons, grateful that Abe looked away respectfully. She dropped her shirt, the Doctor moving around to stand behind her. He reached out, his fingertips touching her back, lightly. Anna gasped. Almost instinctively, Abe looked round to check on her.

His eyes widened; his nostrils flared as he saw the belt marks on her back. There were so many of them, the bruising around them a strange red and yellow. There was still an odd lingering yellowish tint to her chest and stomach as well; bruises that had clearly faded now. He'd clearly never seen anything like it. He glanced down at Anna. She was humiliated, her eyes now downcast and pointed at the floor. Without saying anything, Abe took her hand again. Anna looked up at him again and gripped his hand in thanks, her own shaking a little.

Seemingly not knowing how else to reassure her, he drew her hand to his lips and kissed it very lightly, his thumb rubbing her palm.

"Unfortunately, there is very little I can do for them," said the Doctor, both of their focus snapping back. "Some of the scabs have clearly reopened. Given how old the bruising is, I'd say you were doing something too strenuous and it reopened them."

Anna pulled her shirt back on, Abe looking over all the dried blood on her white shirt.

"Try not to move too much, and they should continue to heal nicely."

"Thank you, Doctor," said Anna, doing up her buttons. Then it occurred to her. "Doctor," she said, "I am supposed to be on my period, yet it hasn't come."

Abe watched them, curious as to why she had switched to German.

"That is likely from stress, dehydration and malnourishment," he reassured her, but looked at her directly. "Has one of the soldiers been inappropriate with you? Is that why you are speaking in German? I can call someone..."

"No," she assured him. "It was one of the SS officers; the one that did these." She gestured to her back, Abe watching her without knowing what was happening.

"He forced himself on you?" asked Doctor Lewis.

She nodded slowly.

"How long ago?"

"Many times. And there was another man before him. But this time, three weeks ago, he actually..." She wasn't sure how to phrase it.

The Doctor sighed heavily. "It depends when in your cycle this particular incident fell," he explained. "But given the ordeal you've suffered; I'd say it's very unlikely."

"Are you sure? I was pregnant before..."

"When?"

"I lost the baby in January."

He surveyed her closely. "Naturally or by force?"

"Force," she managed. Abe could see the Doctor's horrified expression, Anna's face screwed up as she held back her tears.

"Anna, are you all right?" he asked gently.

She nodded, not looking at him this time.

"Then given the physical trauma your body experienced, I'd say it's even more unlikely. I doubt your body would be able to cope with it." Doctor Lewis waited a beat, then continued. "I would prepare yourself for the fact that your body might never fully recover from that. It might have permanently damaged your reproductive system."

Anna's heart jolted. Of course, she felt more reassured that she was unlikely to be carrying Keller's child. But to know she might never have another really hurt. She sniffed, tears escaping her eyes.

"What did you say to her?" demanded Abe.

Doctor Lewis didn't respond to him."I'm so sorry, Miss Lehman. But that's not definite. There's always hope."

"Thank you, Doctor Lewis," she said, so that Abe stopped worrying.

"It would be best if I took a look, for signs of venereal infection," said Doctor Lewis. Anna felt queasy. She nodded, clearly terrified. "If you can just lie back." Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she undid her trousers with shaking hands. She did as she was told and lay down on the table.

Abe was alarmed by what was happening. "Anna, what's going on?"

"Please come and be with me," she begged him.

He did as she asked, crouching down so that he was at her level. She turned her head to face him, their faces close together. He smiled at her, clearly trying to comfort her. Her hand held in his, his thumb rubbed hers soothingly. As the Doctor moved around into position, Anna grew increasingly scared. Her breathing quickened, her eyes screwing shut.

Abe didn't watch as she opened her legs. Now he knew now what they were looking for. "Tell me, then. What did your Momma study? There's a lot going on in ancient history... did she have a favourite?"

"Yes," said Anna, focusing on Abe as the Doctor began his checks. "She specialised in the Egyptians."

"Oh like the pyramids?"

"No, more the New Kingdom."

"Ain't that the pyramids?"

"No," said Anna, unable to stop herself from smiling at him briefly. He was such a large man and yet had the most naive and innocent expression when he wanted to. "The pyramids are of the Old Kingdom. The New Kingdom was thousands of years later. The time of Tutankhamun."

"Oh that rich King they found in the twenties?" he asked, Anna stiffening as the Doctor's hands had to invade further. She nodded quickly. "So, was that the same time as Cleopatra then?"

"No, she was the last ruler of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, and that was another two thousand years after Tutankhamun."

"That's crazy!" he laughed. "How d'you know all that?"

"I find it interesting. Mama used to tell me about it when I was small, and then I started to read about it myself."

"Oh I ain't no reader. But I like stories. Maybe you can tell me them some time?"

"I would really like that," she murmured, squeezing his hand tightly.

"All done," said the Doctor, Anna sitting up hurriedly. "You're all clear from what I can see, Miss Lehman."

"Thank you."

"Well done, darlin'," said Abe softly.

Anna took a deep calming breath, then rose from the table. "Can I go now?"

Doctor Lewis nodded, and she hurried away.

Abe waited a moment. "Doc, please," said Abe imploringly. "Is she all right?"

"Yes," he assured him. "There's no sign of disease or infection. As long as she takes things carefully, she'll recover from her injuries very soon."

"Then what was all that about?"

The Doctor began to pack up all of his things. Heshot a quick glance at the nurse who was watching Abe closely. "That's not my place to tell you."

"Doc, I just wanna make sure she's okay. She seems so shaken! I just..."

"It's not my place!" he repeated.

"Fine," sighed Abe, heading out of the tent huffily.

He saw that Anna had gone straight to sit with Elli. Sam came over to Abe, both of them watching the sisters.

"All clear?" he asked Abe.

"Yeah."

"That's good though, right?" Sam said. "That means they'll be able to come with us?"

"She said something to the Doctor, in German. It really upset her."

"She's clearly been through a lot. She'll be okay, Abe. She's one tough cookie."

Abe just nodded lightly, unable to shake the image of Anna's scars from his head. How could anyone do that to her? And why? If she was as willing as everyone made her out to be, then why did they beat her? Sam was right... she had clearly been forced. It sickened him to his core. How much had she really suffered?

The Doctor soon emerged from the tent and made his way over to Hollywood to tell him what he'd found.

The nurse headed straight for Abe. "You don't speak German, do you?"

Abe raised an eyebrow. "That obvious, huh?"

"Look," levelled the nurse, "normally, I wouldn't do this. But I know that that poor woman is going to be with you lot for a while, and she clearly trusts you." She stepped closer to him, her gaze stern. "She was worried that she was pregnant."

"Pregnant?" whispered Abe.

The nurse nodded. "She said the one who had left her with the back full of scars had also forced himself on her. She is scared that it had resulted in a pregnancy, or worse."

"What the fuck-"

"And it wouldn't be the first time something has happened to her. She said that she had been pregnant recently, but implied that someone had beaten her so badly she'd lost it. That's what the Doctor believes the marks on her front were."

Abe's eyes were glassy, his fists clenched as he breathed deeply.

The nurse stepped closer. "All of the other women here were starved, dehydrated, neglected, some diseased... but she was the only one that had marks like that on her."

He swore under his breath again, Sam looking equally appalled.

"I am telling you this," urged the nurse, "so that you know she has to be treated gently. I've heard the other men making remarks about her. I don't believe she wanted anything to do with these Nazi monsters. You need to look out for her."

Abe's gaze fixed on her. "I'll make sure she'll never hurt again."

"Good," she sighed, hearing her name being called by Doctor Lewis. "I'll pray for her," said the nurse, turning away. "God knows, she needs it." Then she hurried off.

Abe glanced at Anna again. He felt completely sick, and full of anger.

"Poor Anna," said Sam.

Abe tried desperately to quell his temper.

"We'll look out for her Abe, don't worry." At that, Hollywood came over to them, Sam sighing. "Don't lose your shit, Abe. Remember, he doesn't know."

Abe gave a slight nod, turning to Hollywood.

"Doc says Anna and Elli are all clear to leave with us," Hollywood informed them.

"Good to hear," managed Abe.

"Y'all 'right?" questioned Hollywood.

"Not really," Abe replied. "You've gotta promise me you and the boys will be nice to her."

"Abe, we're trying!" insisted Hollywood. "But you've seen what happens to other girls that have fucked Nazis! Nobody likes them..."

"One of those fuckers beat her half to death," spat Abe, Hollywood pausing. "She has belt marks down her god damned back."

"Belt marks?"

"She's got bruises all over her fucking body! I ain't never seen nothing like it!" Abe snapped, Hollywood looking contrite. "You still wanna believe she's whoring herself out to these men when shit like that happens?"

"I 'spose not," replied Hollywood. He sighed heavily. "I'm sorry, Abe."

"You shouldn't be apologisin' to me!" insisted Abe, all of them looking at Anna.

"Yeah, you're right, big fella," Hollywood sighed, slapping him on the back. "Now would you calm down. You shouldn't look so pissed off when you give her the good news."

"It's hardly good news," Abe pointed out.

"They're getting out!"

"On the proviso that she helps to identify collaborators."

"Either way, best say it without the fucking tone," scolded Hollywood. "Y'all need to hurry up. These women will all be moved to the Red Cross camp they're setting up. That means Anna and Elli will leave with us now."

Abe nodded, sorting himself out. Sam slapped him on the back, then ran off to the Jeep that was waiting. When he was calm again, he made his way over to Anna and Elli. "Y'all ready to get out of here?" he smiled.

Elli's eyes grew wide. "We're leaving now?"

"That's right! Looks like you'll be with us Americans for a while."

Elli cheered, Anna kissing her cheek. He looked at Anna, who smiled at him. He held out his hand to Elli who jumped up, then to Anna, who clambered to her feet slowly.

"I'm going to say goodbye to the others," said Elli, and scampered off as best she could to the other women.

"She's a little firecracker," grinned Abe. "How she's got all that energy, I'll never know."

"Neither do I," said Anna. There was a small pause between them, both looking at one another awkwardly. "Thank you for looking after me a moment ago," she said.

"You're welcome."

"I am sorry you had to see that... the scars..."

"Scars are just a reminder that we survived," he encouraged. "Hell, I have a fair few of 'em myself." She smiled at him, and he at her. "Anything you ever need, you come to me."

"Thank you, I will."

"Are you sure that helping us out ain't gonna be too much?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. "I mean, you've been through so much..."

"It is the least I can do, given that you liberated us."

"All we did was hold open the door, you did the rest."

Anna's heart flooded with warmth. "Thank you, Abe." She took in a deep breath. "What did that nurse say to you?"

"That she'd pray for you," he said quickly.

Anna studied him. "She speaks German," she deduced. "She told you what I said."

Abe looked guilty. "Only me and Sam know," he promised. "And he won't say a damn thing. And he doesn't know about that last check. I won't say nothing, I promise."

She looked glum. "What must you think of me-"

"Anna, that's enough right there," he scolded, holding her shoulders lightly. "No one should have to suffer what you have. And to know you did it all to save your sister... it's honestly the bravest damn thing I ever heard."

"Really?"

"Really," he confirmed. "I'm mighty proud of you, and I barely know you."

Surprising both of them, she surged forward and wrapped her arms around his waist. She squeezed him as he enclosed her lightly in a returned embrace. Anna was so used to being the brave one, the strong one. To have someone recognise that meant more to her than anything else. Especially when it was someone as kind and as genuine as him. She pulled away quickly, acting as though it had never happened.

He did the same, looking up to the other Americans who were all calling for them. "Come on," he said, clearing his throat. "Let's leave." He guided her towards the gates, Anna going to collect Elli from the other women. Elli let Abe scoop her up in his arms.

"Goodbye," Anna said to them. "Good luck."

"And to you, Anna," said the older inmate who had said the prayers for the dead. "I hope you find peace."

"You too," said Anna, both she and Elli waving at them.

Anna then turned and stared up at the gates. She was about to walk out, and never look back. Her heart fluttered, a hard lump lodged in her throat.

"Anna," said Abe gently, catching her gaze. He held out his elbow for her to take, and she tucked her arm into his.

Slowly he led her forward, taking her and Elli to a Jeep where Sam, Ewie and Frenchie were in the back, Hollywood sat beside the driver. Abe set Elli down in the back, sitting her beside Ewie. Abe helped Anna clamber up, then jumped in and shut the back of the cab with a defining thud. He sat opposite Anna, beside Sam, watching her as she stared back at the camp.

Her eyes brimmed with tears as the Jeep pulled away, her bottom lip trembling as it rumbled down the winding dirt track. She stared at the camp until it had completely disappeared from view.

Anna tucked Elli into her arms, kissing the top of her head, her face buried there for a moment.

They were free.