Anna stared up at the clock of Grand Central Station. It was a famous landmark, Sam said; completely synonymous with New York. She couldn't help but smile. She had enjoyed her time here, but she was definitely ready to go home.

When the ship had docked in New York, they were met with huge crowds, heralding them home. Sam had been quick to steer them away from it all and off in the right direction. Eventually they managed to hail a cab and began their journey to his apartment. The girls were in awe of New York. They'd never seen a city so tall. Abe was just glad to be on dry land again, already complaining that he was hungry, just as Anna had predicted. The apartment was huge, Sam clearly embarrassed by the amount of wealth he came from. But he was happy to share it with his friends until they all left in a few days' time. This apartment was only used for business purposes when visiting New York; Sam's real home was in Connecticut. So the next few days were filled with sightseeing and fun, all of them enjoying the hum of city life.

Anna turned around, surveying the rest of Grand Central Station. Sam was preparing to head for a different train. The girls hugged Sam goodbye, begging him to come and visit soon, which he promised faithfully to do. Then the boys stared at one another.

"Well, it's been good, bud," said Sam, proffering his hand.

Abe laughed, taking it, and tugging him into an embrace, slapping him on the back.

"See, that's what I was trying to avoid," coughed Sam. "You don't know your own strength."

"I'll miss you too, Sam."

"Don't worry, I'll be down to bother you all soon enough," he promised.

"Best had do," smiled Abe.

They hugged again, clearly struggling to let go. The strange reality of their situation dawned on them the same as it had for Anna when she said goodbye to Maria. They had been each other's closest friend through a horrific and turbulent few years. Such extreme circumstances had a way of cementing relationships far quicker than everyday life, and to suddenly be without that person seemed earth shattering.

"We gotta go," said Abe, finally pulling back and taking Anna and Elli's hands. "See you soon, Sam."

"I promise you will," vowed Sam, and then turned, and ran for his train.

*

The journey to Missouri was long and tiring. Home was in the Southern half of the state, and they had to catch several trains to even get to the nearest city, Charleston. Abe promised they would be driving the rest of the way. His sister lived in the city and had been looking after his truck for him whilst he was away.

They spent the days of travelling practicing Abe's German with him. He was determined that he would be fluent, so that their new home would feel much like their old one. Elli enjoyed teaching him, even helping him to write the harder letters that Americans didn't use.

It was nearing eleven at night when they finally arrived at his sister's house. They had to get a bus there, and Elli was very grumpy and sleepy. Abe was having to carry her everywhere, which was exhausting him, and Anna certainly had no idea where they were going. But soon enough, they were outside, Abe wasting no time before he went and banged on the front door.

"Abe!" hissed Anna, but he just grinned at her, depositing Elli into her care.

They could hear someone muttering irritably on the other side of the door, loud footsteps coming hurriedly down a set of stairs. "This better be life or death!" warned an irritable female voice.

"I'd say it's pretty important," replied Abe, the sound of the chain unhooking rattling against the door before it swung open. "Hey Vera," he began but she had already thrown her arms around him.

She was tiny but plump, her hair the same colour as her brother's. "I have been waiting for you to turn up ever since they announced an end to the fightin' in Europe!" she breathed. "What's taken you so long?!"

"I was part of the occupation," he explained, pulling back. "And I couldn't leave without these two." He stepped to the side, Anna and Elli looking up at her sheepishly.

"Oh my!" she exclaimed. "Momma said you'd met a lady, but I didn't actually believe her!"

"This is my wife, Anna. And her sister, my baby, Elli," he said proudly, inviting the girls into his embrace.

"You're married!" shrieked Vera. "Momma is gonna kill you for not tellin' her!"

"Bit hard to send an announcement all the way from Germany!" he sighed.

Vera ignored her brother and reached her hand out to Anna. "Bless you two. You look frozen! Come in, I'll fix ya somethin' to eat."

"What about me?" said Abe.

"Shut up Abey, I don't have that much food in!" she hushed. "Y'all best get your bags!" She left Abe to get their things as she led the girls through to their kitchen.

Soon two boys ran down the stairs, a sleepy older man in tow.

"Uncle Abe!" they cried, both leaping at him so that he caught them.

"There's my boys!" Abe said as they hung on his arms. He chatted away to them, answering all their incessant questions as best he could.

Vera rolled her eyes and sat the girls down at the table. "Boys," she muttered. "Do you speak English?" she ventured, suddenly aware that they might not.

"Yes, we do," smiled Anna. "And your brother's German is coming along splendidly too."

"Do you hear that Dicky?" she said to her husband who also came and sat at the table. "He's learnin' German!"

"You must be very patient," teased Dick with a small smile.

"So then, little sleepy Miss," said Vera to Elli, "can I get you some warm milk?"

Elli nodded.

The smile on Vera's face was so warm and genuine, just like her brother's. "And I've got some ham in... y'all want a sandwich?"

"Elli doesn't eat pork," said Anna awkwardly. "She's Jewish."

Vera's eyes widened, clearly trying not to react too much. "That's gonna be weird runnin' a hog farm then," she managed.

"Yes, that had occurred to us," Anna said with a small smile.

Vera returned it, clearly relieved that she had caused no offence.

"Can I not try it?" asked Elli suddenly, looking up at Anna.

Anna took a deep breath. Her parent's might not have been very religious, but they did always stick to that custom. Anna only ever ate pork at Karl's... and never told her parents about it. But she was Elli's parent now.

"If you want to, of course you can," said Anna.

Elli nodded excitedly at Vera.

"Alrighty then," grinned Vera, busying herself with fixing it for her.

Abe finally came and sat beside his wife, kissing her forehead lightly. His hair was overly tousled now, his cheeks reddened through the effort of throwing the boys around. It suited him. Anything homely suited Abe. His nephews came and stood in front of the three of them. "Girls, these are my nephews," said Abe. "Older one is Riley, and little'n is Will. Boys, this is your Aunty Anna, and your new cousin Elli."

"It's so nice to meet you," said Anna warmly, Elli tucking herself a little into Anna. It was so unlike her to be shy. Perhaps she was just overwhelmed.

"How old are you Elli?" asked Riley.

"Eleven," she managed.

"Yes!" cheered Riley. "Same as me!"

"No fair!" whined Will.

All the adults tittered. Children could be completely magical. It was times like this that Anna's hope felt fully restored.

"Elli, do you wanna see our trucks? We have loads!"

There was a small pause as Elli mustered her courage. Anna squeezed Elli a little to encourage her.

"You can play with the fire truck... that's my favourite one! But I don't mind sharing!" babbled Riley.

Elli nodded, getting to her feet. Each of the boys took one of her hands, and they all ran away together. Anna listened to them giggle and her heart swelled, Abe's arm winding around her shoulders.

"Such sweet boys," said Anna as Vera joined them at the table with Elli's sandwich.

"They can be," she laughed. "They've been begging Abe for a cousin for years."

"I delivered!" protested Abe.

Vera looked at the plate in her hands. "Guess you'd better have this one then," she sighed, offering it to him. He took it appreciatively and began stuffing his face. "Anything I can get for you besides a coffee?" she asked Anna.

"I'm fine, thank you," promised Anna.

"So," said Vera, sitting back. "You two are German, then."

"Yes," said Anna. "Abe met us whilst stationed there."

"And you're Jewish?" she asked.

Anna took a deep breath. She knew she'd have to explain it all at some point. They were her family now, and she wanted them to see her as that. "No, Elli is Jewish. Just like our parents."

Vera looked confused.

"They adopted me when I was small," mumbled Anna.

"Oh my goodness," cried Vera. "I'm so sorry to pry."

"It's perfectly fine," assured Anna.

"Yeah calm down Vera," garbled Abe with a mouth full of sandwich.

Vera kicked him under the table.

"Must have been a difficult time for your family," ventured Dick, his voice soft. "We read some absolutely awful things in the papers... about camps and..."

Abe cleared his throat loudly to shut him up, both of them looking sheepish.

But Anna touched his arm lightly. "They're all true," said Anna gravely. "We lost our parents to them."

Vera looked queasy. "I'm so sorry." She reached out and took Anna's hand.

Quelling the tears in her eyes, Anna gave a small smile in appreciation. "It's been an awful few years," sighed Anna, but looked up at Abe. "That's why it was so amazing to find your brother."

"This guy?" teased Vera, the tense mood lifting.

"Hey," said Abe, his mouth full of food again. "I'm a catch."

"You're a pain in the ass," laughed Vera. "But it's so good to have you back."

They talked for another few hours, all of them ignoring the late hour and to just enjoy being together. Anna felt so relieved and so welcomed by Vera and Dick. Though, Vera kept glancing at her with pity in her eyes. She'd probably guessed that Anna and Elli had experienced the camps but didn't want to draw attention to it. Anna was grateful that she didn't. She didn't want everyone knowing about it.

Around two in the morning, Abe made a push for them to leave. It was still a good few hours' drive to the farm, and he wanted to get home and sleep in a proper bed. They bid everyone good bye, the boys begging Elli to come back and play soon. The three of them climbed up into the cab of the pickup truck, Abe happy to be back behind the wheel again.

"Let's go home," he said, Anna and Elli cuddling in beside him, as they began their final leg of their journey.

***

The truck grumbled to a stop, Abe turning off the ignition. He looked out at his home, taking a deep breath. The air smelled just as he remembered it, the quiet of the early morning still hitting him just the same. The sun was only now beginning to rise, the farm still cloaked in darkness as the animals stayed silent and asleep. He had missed it so much.

Abe grinned down at his two girls. They were nestled into one another, both fast asleep.

"Hey sleepy heads," he said gently, cuddling into Anna to kiss her cheek.

"Hmm?" she managed, sitting up sleepily. Elli groaned and hid behind her hands. "What happened?"

"You fell asleep," he said.

Her eyes opened. "Oh Abe! I'm so sorry... I tried my best to stay up with you-"

"Hey now, enough of that," he smiled. "You were only out for half an hour."

Anna kissed him tenderly, then realised where they must be. "We're home?"

Abe nuzzled her cheek with his nose. "We sure are. Come on, I'll get little'n." He jumped out of the cab, shutting the door quietly as he trudged across the crisp ground to get to their side. He scooped Elli up, letting her cuddle into him as he helped Anna down too.

Her eyes were wide as she looked around her, desperate to see more. It was exactly how she had pictured it. A white wood house with a veranda complete with an outside rocking chair.

"I'll take you on a tour when the sun's up," he promised, taking her hand, and leading her towards the house.

"Our bags-"

"We'll get them later. I need to sit down," he said, with a yawn that affirmed how tired he was.

She kissed his hand, gripping it tight as they went up to the house. They didn't head for the front of the house where the veranda was, instead going up a couple of rickety steps to a back door. They stepped into a tiny kitchen, a little old table thrust up to one side. Everything in it looked dated, but well cared for. There were many cast-iron pans hanging on the wall, along with several large knives and a plethora of wooden spoons.

Anna glanced up at her husband. He seemed to be taking it all in, a huge, dopey grin on his face. She loved that smile. It meant he was truly happy.

There came a bark from the other room, Elli finally waking up with a jolt.

"Oh God, Tammy!" said Abe as something ran towards them. A fluffy Collie bounded over, it's tongue hanging out as it sniffed at the three of them excitedly. "Don't worry," assured Abe, "she's the world's worst guard dog. Ain't ya, Tam Tam?" She barked enthusiastically, Abe setting a groggy Elli down on the kitchen table as he sat on the floor with the dog. She was so thrilled to see him, leaping up at him and trying desperately to lick his face.

"A dog!" said Elli happily, as Anna rubbed her back to try and wake her further.

"You wanna say hi?" asked Abe.

Elli nodded eagerly, sliding off the table as Tammy jumped up at her. Elli giggled as Tammy tried to lick her as well, Anna scratching the sweet pup behind her ears.

In all the excitement, they didn't hear someone else come slyly down the stairs. But they did hear the gun cock in the doorway. "What the hell y'all doin' on my property?" came a stern voice from behind them, all of them turning to look at it. A short, plump woman stood there in her night gown, her greying blonde hair set in pin curls.

Tammy ran over to her, running round her feet and yapping.

"Not now Tammy, ya silly mutt," she snapped, aiming the gun at Abe as he stood up with his hands in the air. She had the same twang to her voice as her son.

"Ma," he sighed, "would you put your damn glasses on?"

The woman gasped, throwing the gun to the floor as she rummaged in the pocket for her glasses.

"Ma! Don't just chuck it-"

"Damn thing ain't even loaded!" she snapped, pulling her glasses on. Her bottom lip wobbled, tears spilling down her cheeks as she looked at her son. "My Abey baby," she managed as he came over to her and wrapped his arms around her.

"Momma," he breathed.

Elli squeezed her sister's hand. Anna knew why. It made them miss their own parents so much.

Then his mother pulled away from Abe and cuffed him around the head. "Ow!" he cried, rubbing it. "What was that for?"

"You've been in Europe over a year and you only wrote me once?!" she scolded, then her eyes settled on the girls, Elli hiding tentatively behind her sister.

"Hello," said Anna politely, giving a hesitant wave.

"Oh my word," she said, looking at her. "You're even prettier in person!"

"Momma," said Abe, holding his hand out to them both and pulling them close. "This is my wife, Anna."

"Wife-" she whispered.

"And our little'n, Elli," he said, Elli just about poking her head out between them to stare up at her.

"Ours?" questioned his mother.

"I've adopted Elli... she's my baby-" Before he could finish, Ma struck is arm again. "Stop hitting me, woman!"

"You mean to tell me I have a daughter in law and a grand baby, and you ain't said a damn thing to me?" she shrieked, glaring at her son.

Abe looked incredibly sheepish all of a sudden. "We've been busy-"

Ma had already pulled both girls into a huge bear hug, both of them standing awkwardly as this woman they had never met squeezed them. "I'm so pleased to meet you!" she said, now drawing back to look at them.

Anna tried to stay composed, but Elli was shocked. As affectionate as they were with their own family, they were raised very differently. This wasn't the kind of introduction they were used to, but it certainly explained why Abe was the way he was. Anna had been completely terrified to meet the woman that raised such a perfect man. She knew she had a lot to love up to. Abe utterly adored his mother, and it made Anna wonder if Ma might be over protective of her son and shun her. She felt so guilty seeing how welcoming she was now.

"Look at you!" Ma said, getting to her knees in front of Elli so she could be more on her level. "You can call me Meema, or Ma... or whatever you like! Everyone calls me Ma, you see-"

Elli's eyes were wide as she just nodded slowly.

"Are y'all hungry? Should I make you something?"

"Momma, you're scarin' her," said Abe putting his arm around Elli's shoulders.

"Oh right!" she said, getting to her feet with difficulty. Anna reached out and took her arm, helping her, Ma smiling at her. "You sweet thing," she cooed, linking her arm through hers. Anna looked at Abe who stifled another smile. "Are you hungry? Heavens, I ain't cooked for my boy in so long... you look so skinny!"

"I do not," insisted Abe, patting his belly. "But I think we need to sleep... well, I need to sleep."

"Of course!" she said, looking at Anna. "And you my darlin'? Do you need to sleep?"

Anna just about managed to nod. Her head was ringing, overwhelmed by this wonderful, bubbly woman.

"Well, y'all best head upstairs! I ain't touched your room 'cept for cleanin'," Ma said, patting Anna's hand as she led her upstairs.

Anna followed obediently, smiling back at her husband.

He was looking down at Elli, stroking her hair. "Y'all right El?"

"She's nice... but very loud," said Elli.

Abe's booming laugh rattled the entire kitchen. "Yep, that's my Momma. Come on then," he sighed, scooping Elli back up and carrying her upstairs.

Ma led Anna upstairs and down the corridor, a faded rug covering the floor boards. Anna couldn't help but look around, so keen to know everything about where her husband had come from.

"It ain't much," said Ma, "but it's always been home."

"It's wonderful," assured Anna with a smile, Ma smiling back. She soon opened the final door, and Anna stepped into her husband's room.

There was a small, metal, double bed with faded flowery sheets spread over it and a beaten-up baseball bat mounted on the wall above it. A small chest of drawers sat in the corner, and beside that a wooden rocking chair. There was a pile of laundered clothes on it, a pair of huge, tattered boots sitting in front of it. The room looked lived in, as if he truly had only been here yesterday. Anna inhaled deeply. This was his smell; his smell before the war. She loved it.

Abe soon barged in with Elli, setting her down on the bed. Anna went and fawned over her as Abe hugged his mother again, kissing her cheek. "Thanks Momma."

Ma patted his chest happily. "I'll leave ya to rest," she murmured. "I need to get cookin' anyhow." Tammy was barking from downstairs, Ma rolling her eyes. "I'm comin'! No need to yell!" She bustled out, the door shutting behind her and her footsteps dying away.

Abe kicked his shoes off, pulling his outer layers off. The girls followed suit, all three of them climbing into the small bed. Anna smiled at his feet hanging off the end, the bed creaking loudly as they all cuddled in together. Abe pulled Anna as close as he could, Elli snuggling in between them.

"My head is swimmin'," he mumbled.

Anna held Elli close as she watched him. "You're tired," she whispered. "But it's all right. You can go to sleep now. We're here."

His eyes were closed already, but he couldn't help but smile. "I love you, girls," he murmured.

"We love you too," returned Elli, her voice muffled into his chest. All of them exhausted, they soon drifted into sleep, safe in the knowledge that finally, they were home.

***

Anna was so frustrated. Since her reunion with Abe, her nightmares had all but stopped. Why they should return here, of all places, she had no idea. But no matter how hard she tried to rouse herself, she was stuck.

She was standing at the outer most check point to the camp, watching the car drive away from her. She was screaming, begging them to come back to her, knowing that they never would. Knowing that she would never say goodbye. Freddie wasn't there, holding her. She was alone. Alone and screaming out, begging someone to hear her cries...

"Baby," urged Abe, shaking her. "Baby, it's all right, I've gotcha."

Anna opened her eyes, her breathing quick and laboured. She clung to him, burying her nose in his chest. She breathed in his smell, calming herself as he soothed her.

"I'm here, baby."

"I feel so stupid," she mumbled.

"Don't feel stupid," he said, rubbing her back. "You're still gonna be shaky."

She finally looked up at him, but then worry crossed her face once more. "Elli," she whispered, rocketing out of bed.

Elli was nowhere to be seen.

"Anna, it's okay-" began Abe, but Anna was already charging down the stairs.

Anna was frantic. She didn't know why. Why did she need to see her sister when she knew she must be close? Abe ran after her, calling out for her as she followed the laughter in the kitchen. As she rounded the door, she stopped in her tracks.

Elli was sat up on the kitchen counter top, helping Ma to stir something in a big bowl. She looked up at her sister and grinned, Ma looking round also. "Anna!" said Elli brightly.

"Elli," whispered Anna, going straight to her, and cupping her cheek. "Where did you go?"

"I couldn't sleep anymore, so I went to see Tammy, and Ma asked if I wanted to help make pancakes!"

Ma watched Anna with a furrowed brow, touching Anna lightly on the arm. "She's perfectly safe."

Anna nodded but was still shaken. Elli knew not to run off, why would she do it? Did this count as running off? Anna couldn't keep her head straight.

Abe ran into the kitchen, looking at his mother. Ma looked at him, confused. She clearly didn't understand what was wrong with Anna, why she was so scared for Elli to be out of her sight. She had no idea what they had been through. What if Ma was judging her?

"Anna baby," said Abe softly, pulling her back from them. "It's okay. See? She's cooking-"

"I'm sorry," whispered Anna, embarrassed.

"Why don't we let them cook up some breakfast?" he suggested, taking her hand. "I've got somethin' I wanna show you anyways."

She just nodded and followed him into the front room. They pulled their shoes and coats on and headed outside.

It was exceedingly bright outside, Anna squinting a little at the frosty morning. Abe wrapped his arm around her, rubbing her arm as he guided her down a path away from the house. Anna looked out at the different paddocks they were passing, her face lifting to a smile as she could hear all of the pigs snorting in their pens as they passed it.

Abe grinned down at her. "I promise I'll take you to meet 'em all later," he said, Anna nuzzling into him.

"So, that's not what you wanted to show me?"

"Nope. It's a surprise."

They were quiet for a moment, Anna tucking herself into Abe's embrace. She let out a long huff. He always knew how to calm her down.

"What got you so scared baby? You've been fine bein' away from El over the past few months."

"I don't know," she admitted. "I just... panicked. Perhaps it's just being in a new place."

"I promise you, she is so safe here. Especially with Ma. She's always wanted a granddaughter, and she'll do anythin' to protect her babies."

"I don't doubt it," sighed Anna. "I'm sure I'll be fine once I've settled in."

He kissed the top of her head, his nose buried in her hair.

"Are you happy to be back?" she asked.

"I can't quite believe that I am," he admitted with a chuckle. "It's surreal, you know?"

"I certainly do," she said.

When he suddenly brought them to a stop, Anna looked around them. They were far past the farm now, nothing around them but frosty fields. "Why have we stopped?"

"This is what I wanted to show you," he said, looking at an empty space by the perimeter fence.

"It's very beautiful," Anna ventured, but was still entirely confused.

Abe laughed, standing behind her now and winding his arms around her waist. "I've always seen potential in this bit of land here." He rested his cheek against her head. "I always promised myself that, one day, I'd make it my home."

Anna's heart thudded in her chest, her breath caught in her throat.

"I've been picturing the house I wanted to build here for years, but when I met you and little'n, it gave me a new sense of purpose-"

"You want to build us a house?" she whispered, turning to look up at him.

He was grinning from ear to ear. "Yep! I can see a white wood house, with a veranda, and at least three bedrooms and-"

Anna cut him off, leaping up and throwing her arms around his neck. She kissed him deeply, her mind a whirlwind as Abe smiled against her mouth. A house. A home. He literally wanted to build them one; something that was just theirs. A little pocket of joy stolen from the cruelty of the world. A place they could steal into and just be content.

"It'll keep me busy for a fair few months, mind. So you'll need to help out on the farm-"

"Abraham Coleman," she managed, tears in her eyes. "How do you keep getting better?"

"It's only a house, baby. It ain't gonna be a castle."

"Abe, you're building us a house!" she insisted, covering him in a flurry of kisses. "You're actually going to build a house?!"

"Well yeah," he laughed. "You know I did construction on the side to make extra money."

"Yes, but this-" she said, now looking back at the space.

"It's why I've been saving all my money from the war," he said. "I didn't wanna waste any time."

"I don't deserve you," she mumbled.

"You deserve a great deal more than me," he said, Anna glaring at him so that he laughed. As he stopped, he pulled her closer to him, his hand cupping her cheek. "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you, baby," he murmured, his nose brushing her cheek. "I'm grateful for you every day."

"As I am you," she returned, kissing him deeply, her heart and head full with the deep, unwavering love that she had for him.