Anna continued to call, fighting the pain that threatened to overcome her. She longed to rub her sore eyes but the only body part she could easily move was her head.
The rescuers continued to collect the dead bodies. It reminded Anna of sweeping the house clean. She shivered although she felt satanically hot.
With relief, she discerned a savior’s voice. “Finally, I see you. We’ll get you out as soon as we can. We just have to wait for more equipment. Can you hold on?”
Anna could just make out the rescuer, covered in dirt with a tattered plaid shirt and overalls, more apparition than man.
“Yes.” She had no choice. At least it wouldn’t be dark for hours. She strained her voice, “There’s a man trapped nearby.”
“Don’t worry. We can’t see him but we can hear him. We’ll get him out. Keep talking to each other. It will pass the time.”
Anna bit her lip hard enough to draw blood when the emergency workers moved away.
* * *
The evening dragged on and Anna’s terror reduced the pain to a dull presence. She continued to converse with the trapped man. She learned his name was Daniel. He had the pleasant accent of one of the brave and perennially polite Canadians.
“Even if I’d had time to put my gas mask on, it wouldn’t have helped with all this soot and dust. I feel like I’m going to suffocate. At least we’re not covered in glass. It can do terrible damage.”
Anna cried out. “A shard just missed my left arm, which hurts like crazy. It’s probably broken.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you. With me, it’s my shoulder. It’s filled with shrapnel but that happened before…on D-Day. I’m ‘getting a Blighty one.’”
Anna knew the term. While Daniel may not have life-threatening injuries, he had been hurt badly enough not to be sent back to the front line. “War is hell. Do you think poorly of me?”
She’d heard similar words from Charles. Men all wanted to be considered brave, but fear was a human condition.
“Of course not, you’re just being honest. I’d feel the same. Anna started to cough and found she couldn’t stop.
When her coughing finally subsided, Daniel continued as if there’d been no interruption. “Now I’m damned miserable and craving a cigarette so bad I fear I might die.”
His voice sounded raspy, the result of either cigarettes or the rubble? She suspected it was a combination of both.
“And I’d like a cup of tea. Thank God that’s one pleasure Hitler hasn’t been able to take away from us. We would lose the war for sure without tea.”
Daniel’s voice revealed he was only a foot or two away and she found this proximity made for a special intimacy. “Tell me about yourself, Anna.”
She excluded little. She talked of her love of art, her work at the factory, and her family. In spite of the conditions Anna found she enjoyed talking to the man. He seemed to be genuinely interested in what she had to say.
Daniel reciprocated by describing his life in Canada. He lived in a vast country on a vast piece of property. If she escaped this rubble she vowed to find a book about Canada.
He rambled on about army life. “I hate all the rules. Yet, somehow we need them. I commanded a tank and have the rank to go with it.”
Did she detect pride in his voice? No, she didn’t think so. Instead she sensed the heavy mantle of responsibility.
Daniel groaned. “I can’t wait to get back to the farm. It’s my life. Funny, I don’t share my private thoughts with most people. You’re a special lady, Miss Anna.”
Anna’s eyes watered. She didn’t know if it was from the debris or because no man had ever felt worthy of her confidences before.
Daniel’s voice grew faint. Anna strained to catch the words. She silently prayed, Dear God, don’t let him die. Not like this.
Fortunately, his next words were stronger. “My parents are extremely religious and established a church. It’s almost cult-like. Mom and Dad are pacifists. Yet, despite the hell I’ve gone through, I think I did right by enlisting. Hitler is probably the most evil man ever born and there have been some bad ones.”
“I agree. For one thing he’s attempting to annihilate the entire Jewish nation.” Anna moaned at the sight of three very small bodies pulled from the rubble. The war they’d just agreed needed to be fought was more terrible than words could convey.
Daniel began to cough violently.
Anna held her breath, waiting for the fit to subside. He couldn’t die. He just couldn’t.
As if reading her thoughts, he continued, “I survived D-Day in a destroyed tank and now I’m trapped in rubble. I lost all my company. Why can’t I die?”
“Daniel, you said I’m special. You’re the special one. I can tell you’re a kind man.”
* * *
Their rescue worker from earlier finally returned. Anna recognized his torn red shirt. The news wasn’t good. It would be at least another thirty minutes before they could free Anna and Daniel.
Anna was comforted by Daniel’s voice. “You sound young and pretty. What do you look like? You English girls all have such beautiful skin.”
Anna softly sighed. Everyone wanted a pretty girl. “I’m not pretty. My nose is too long and my face is too thin. Actually, I’m too thin everywhere. My sister got the looks. I’m an old maid but a fussy old maid.” Anna explained about Charles, his lack of love, his selfishness. Trauma must begat honesty, she decided.
Daniel’s situation was similar. His parents wanted him to marry Nancy, a woman devoted to religion. “I don’t love her. I don’t even like her. She’s a hypocrite. She’s constantly spouting love and compassion, but I saw her kick a cat for no reason. Besides that, she’s plain as mud. Who wants a woman who is neither pretty nor kind?”
Anna gasped as more dead bodies were pulled from the rubble. She’d never before been so close to death. Perhaps she and Daniel were speaking too intimately. Who might be listening? She pushed the thought away; she had to keep speaking with him. It was the only thing keeping her from hysterics.
Daniel’s desire to continue their conversation appeared equally strong. “I don’t believe in my parents’ fire and brimstone religion but I do like the idea of purity. You, Anna, are pure, and I don’t just mean because you’ve told me you’re a virgin. You have a purity of spirit, so different from me because I have seen such atrocities of war.”
Anna struggled to smile. Could she be falling in love? With a voice, was it possible?
* * *
Just before dark, the necessary equipment arrived and worked its magic. Anna and Daniel were released from the rubble.
They freed Anna first. She held her left arm steady while they helped her climb out of the rubble. Free at last, she took a deep breath and found the untainted, crisp air the sweetest thing in the world. Her stiff limbs moved slowly and awkwardly at first, then they gained strength and she could move freely. Thank God. I made it. I’m alive.
She was just telling the rescuers about a trapped Canadian soldier when a man who must be Daniel appeared from the debris. He clutched his shoulder. She knew he was a young man, yet at the moment he looked at least eighty. Ash covered him and his eyes were red orbs.
She caught glimpses of a tall, strong, athletic body through the ripped and torn uniform. Somehow, even in that condition Anna found him attractive.
Daniel walked stiff-legged to where Anna stood and grinned.
“We’re to go to the hospital with the other wounded.”
She followed the direction of Daniel’s gaze and looked down. Her jumper and trousers were torn and gaping open. She clutched the jumper closed and Daniel averted his gaze. She found it had been easier responding to a disembodied voice.
Daniel did not seem to suffer from the same condition. He gathered Anna close with his good arm, careful of her injury. She leaned into him, he felt wonderful, all strength and muscle.
“We made it! I know this isn’t exactly the right time or place but will you see me
again? I’d like to take you dancing.”
Chapter 3
The ringing of the phone sent a spike of excitement through Anna. “I’ll get it. It’s probably Daniel.” She almost collided with Margaret as she rushed to answer the strident summons. Anna ignored Margaret’s, “Be careful. Or you’ll break the other arm.”
“Hello.” She’d caught it on the second ring. She beamed. It was Daniel.
It took four days before the air raids let up enough to allow Daniel and Anna to go dancing. Even while she chaffed at the delay, Anna cherished those days. Daniel phoned every evening. Thank God. He’d committed her number to memory despite the fact he had no pencil or paper. She connected with Daniel in a totally different way than anyone else, including her parents.
Margaret hovered in the background, supposedly dusting or cooking, but shamelessly eavesdropping.
* * *
On a warm, sunny Friday evening, Anna anticipated spending time with Daniel when they would be able to do more than talk. She pressed her hand against her heart where it throbbed with excitement against her fingers. Margaret aided Anna as she dressed, which was a big help because of Anna’s broken arm. However, the fracture came with a benefit. Anna could avoid the factory until her arm healed.
Margaret zipped Anna into her almost new outfit. “This dress suits you. I’m reminded of a daisy, all bright and fresh. Thank God, you’re safe. We almost died of fright the day you didn’t come home.”
Margaret hurriedly changed the subject. “Are you sure there’s no future with Charles? I’ve always liked him.”
“No. He’s already taking me for granted. I can’t understand why he’s still hanging around. I don’t encourage him.”
“It’s simple. He’s in love.” Margaret sounded like she was just about to devour a chocolate, all happy with anticipation.
“He’s not in love with anyone but himself. I’d rather die a lonely old woman than marry Charles.”
Margaret blushed. “But you’re dating a Canadian. Canada is a barren wilderness. It’s very cold and primitive and they have mountains of snow. I’m sure you wouldn’t be happy there. And remember, you’d never see England again.”
Anna winced because Margaret hit a nerve. She cherished fresh, green, quaint, charming England. If she moved to Canada, she would miss her home.
Yet, how silly. After today, she’d probably never see Daniel again. She could only guess what he looked like. She remembered he was tall and well-built, but his features and colouring were a mystery. And since she was no looker, he might take one glimpse and scatter.
Anna thoughts were interrupted by a loud bang on the door. Was Daniel here already? She’d finished dressing so she rushed to answer it.
To her dismay, the open door revealed Charles. He blew smoke through his nose. “Aren’t you going to let me in?”
“Yes, of course.” Before Anna had time to adjust to Charles’ presence, he lunged at her. She managed to duck behind the door and chastised herself for not slapping his face.
“You don’t have to act like a frightened rabbit. I heard about the rubble and just wanted to see if you are okay. I see, except for a broken arm, you are.”
Anna broke into a toothy smirk. “I’ve a date with a Canadian soldier. I really like him.” She hoped the news would send Charles scurrying.
Charles looked aghast. “Canada is a wasteland and Canadians are all hick farmers. I’d be a soldier in a fancy uniform, if it weren’t for this heart problem.”
Anna saw her mother standing, mouth agape, arms crossed over her chest. She shook her head back and forth.
“It’s not the uniform I’m attracted to. Daniel understands me.” Anna spoke in thundering tones.
You’re talking nonsense. I’m the man for you.” Charles took a couple of steps towards her. Anna cringed away before she could stop herself.
She silently prayed for courage and found it. She raised her head. “Leave now. And don’t ever come back.” She fixed him with what she hoped was a steely stare and pointed at the door. To her relief, Charles turned on his heel and left, slamming the door behind him.
* * *
Charles had only been gone a few moments when there was a tap, tentative and undemanding, on the door. With shaking hands, she answered it. The gorgeous man with beautiful hazel eyes looked down at her. Anna’s breath caught in her throat, the strong masculine features were capped with thick dark wavy hair. How could someone who looked so darned good be interested in her?
However, the handsome face appeared anguished. She’d encountered the look many times in the expressions of returning soldiers.
“You’re right. You’re not pretty.” His voice was playful. Anna sighed. Of course, she wasn’t attractive enough for the magnificent Daniel. Daniel smiled. “You’re beautiful, very beautiful, in a fresh, clean, wholesome way. You have the best kind of beauty.”
Daniel fumbled in his pocket and extracted a package wrapped in gold paper and tied with a white bow. “I got you something.” He held it out to her.
Anna’s hands shook as she extracted the gift. She hadn’t had a wrapped present in years. It was a small, perfect bottle of Chanel No. 5 perfume. Surprise and happiness at the unexpected gift flooded through her. Impulsively, she reached out and clasped his right hand. Big, strong and warm, she doubted she’d ever want to let it go. “Thank you. Thank you. I will cherish your gift forever.”
* * *
The evening was perfect. By the time they left the house and walked the three blocks to the underground, the sun began to set.
Daniel said, “I’ve never seen a more beautiful sunset.”
Anna pranced like a race horse. This handsome, empathic man thought her beautiful and noticed sunsets. Anna had a picture of a sunset she’d painted and decided she would give it to Daniel.
They both hastened their pace when they passed the rubble of the movie house; a mass of boulders and ashes and old traces of blood. She shivered although the night was warm.
Anna said, “I never heard how many people died. There were so many bodies. It makes me scared all over again. But we both survived. It’s like we were meant to meet.”
Daniel didn’t speak but reached for Anna’s hand and gently squeezed it. He moved cautiously and his eyes picked up every movement. Was it because of the rubble, or his experiences in the war? She suspected the latter.
* * *
At the underground station they left the beauty of the evening for the hot, stuffy tube. The training was bursting, so they had to sit close together. Daniel’s broad shoulder touched her own. Excitement thrilled through her. How could she find Charles repulsive and yet think Daniel heavenly?
They didn’t speak but sat in comfortable silence. Many of the passengers were dressed elegantly so perhaps they were also going to the dance. The scent of Chanel No. 5 infused the air.
Anna inhaled Daniel’s sensuous, uniquely masculine scent. On him, even the smell of stale cigarettes was attractive.
Outside again, Daniel spoke softly as if he didn’t want to alert the Germans to their presence. “It’s another few blocks. I hope you don’t mind the walk. We’ll have to move slowly. It’s getting dark.”
“Actually, I love walking. It calms me.” She appreciated the sliver of moonlight shining the dark sky.
“I like walking too, but in Canada we go everywhere by car. There are a lot of things about England I’ll miss.”
Anna flipped a strand of hair off her face. “Tell me about Canada.”
“Well, the prairies where I’m from, are as different from England as white is to black. We rarely get drenched and in winter we sometimes get walloped with snow. The wind blows loud and ferocious.
“I miss Canada, but on the farm we don’t have indoor plumbing or electricity or a telephone. But, we’ve got plenty to eat and the prairies are spacious and beautiful. I’m trying to be accurate.”
“I think I’m starting to get the picture. I’m waiting to receive a copy of a book on Can
ada from the library.”
“I’d like to read it too, if that’s alright?”
Anna heaved a sigh of joy, revelling in the pleasure of having a man friend. In the past, Anna had mostly just gone out with groups of friends. She’d only rarely paired off with anyone.
* * *
Daniel led Anna into the crowded, smoky, dimly lit hall. They soaked up the energizing atmosphere. She’d never been to a dance hall before. She gaped at the 8-piece band, all attired in black suits with gleaming white shirts and black ties.
A singer wearing a clingy, white dress crooned a slow, sultry blues number in a breathy sexy voice. Except for breasts, she was built like a man and epitomized 1940’s fashion. Anna frowned in distaste. She didn’t like the singer, or the blues. She preferred happy songs.
The singer left the stage and the band played “In the Mood.” Myriad dancers crowded the floor. There was much changing of partners and some women boogied with each other. Anna smiled. Everyone looked happy. Despite the war, people still needed pleasure in their lives.
Daniel took Anna’s hand and steered her past empty tables until he came to one occupied by another couple. Several women ogled Daniel. He held out a chair for Anna. Such manners.
The music halted while the band took a break. Daniel introduced Reg and Julie. Reg looked handsome in his Canadian uniform. Anna warmed to his wide grin and offered her hand in greeting. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Were you in the tank with Daniel?”
Reg stared at Daniel and started to choke. Anna was aghast at her faux pas and stared at Daniel. His face had lost its colour. What did she say wrong?
Till The Wind Blows Silent Page 3
